Are USMA Admission Information Meetings useful?

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KTusma

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There is a USMA admissions information happening in my state this weekend. The problem is that it is just under 4 hours away from where I live and would take up much of my and my dad's time. is there anything that I wouldn't be able to find elsewhere?
 
The information provided is not anything you can find online if you do diligent research.

What those in-person admissions events do provide is an opportunity to meet and speak with your Regional Commander, who will be the one to ultimately decide whether or not to push your application forward. It is not necessary, but in this world it never hurts to get your face in front of those who make decisions on your future.
 
KTusma said:
There is a USMA admissions information happening in my state this weekend. The problem is that it is just under 4 hours away from where I live and would take up much of my and my dad's time. is there anything that I wouldn't be able to find elsewhere?
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As @prospective2019 pointed out, you will get to meet with your Regional Commander, he will be in charge of your application. It is a good idea to that he gets to at least put a mental picture to your file. Ultimately, that personal connect can set you apart from other applicants.
 
YES.

My family drove to two different events in our state -- one was 2 hours away, the other was about 3 hours away. They were both multi-service events (USMA, USNA, USAFA, USCG, and USMMA) and although both meetings were similar in content, the presenters were different. That alone gave each event a slightly different perspective on the academies. At our second meeting, the local MOC and her staff were present too -- which was an outstanding way to make an personal introduction.

Ultimately, DS did secure and interview + nomination for USMA. He's 2028 and counting the days!

(bottom line: Go :) Connections are made in human-to-human contact. Not email, text, or TikTok)
 
Agreed. DD and I have seen the same presentation you will see three times. You always learn something, and as pointed out above, you have the opportunity to meet and talk with the FFR that will be your contact. Make sure to reach out and introduce yourself (cadet candidate, not parent)! Come up with questions to ask in a one on one conversation and wait around to have the conversation. Blessings on your journey!!
 
JackRussellRacing said:
YES.

My family drove to two different events in our state -- one was 2 hours away, the other was about 3 hours away. They were both multi-service events (USMA, USNA, USAFA, USCG, and USMMA) and although both meetings were similar in content, the presenters were different. That alone gave each event a slightly different perspective on the academies. At our second meeting, the local MOC and her staff were present too -- which was an outstanding way to make an personal introduction.

Ultimately, DS did secure and interview + nomination for USMA. He's 2028 and counting the days!

(bottom line: Go :) Connections are made in human-to-human contact. Not email, text, or TikTok)
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Thanks for the info. Do you happen to remember what kind of attire was expected at the events? there isn't any info about it on the invitation. Thanks
 
My son is currently at USMA. We traveled out of state to attend a West Point admissions brief when my son was a sophomore in high school. It was helpful and he left thinking that he had a real shot at being appointed. First, I think West Point does factor in demonstrated interest, and signing up for the brief and making the trip would certainly demonstrate interest. Second, my son had a question about whether being on the Raider team in JROTC would "count" as his sport. The Regional Commander asked if he would receive a letter for that participation and the answer was no. The RC then said my son would be better off playing a sport that gave a letter and earning the letter. As a result, my son was able to plan out his participation in sports to beef up his application.

So, I think the brief can be beneficial especially if you have specific questions you would like answering, plus it does demonstrate interest. I would recommend going. Best of luck to you--and if you have questions make sure you ask and not your parent--I saw so many parents driving the conversation with the RC and it is not a good look since West Point is looking for leaders.
 
KTusma said:
Thanks for the info. Do you happen to remember what kind of attire was expected at the events? there isn't any info about it on the invitation. Thanks
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You will see all different kinds of attire on display. DS attended the All Academies Day event 3 or 4 times and always wore a suit. The face to face contact with the SA and MOC individuals is invaluable imo. This was never a “chance me” for DS but great Q&A as well as guidance on what they are looking for in Candidates. Your Candidate will also have the opportunity to speak with Cadets or Mid from the Academies and gather information about “life” at the SA regarding sports, academics, EC, daily routine, etc…
Don’t be afraid to ask questions as a parent. The representatives from each SA and ROTC are more than happy to speak with you. I volunteered in the past and enjoyed sharing our experiences navigating the application process as well as the SA experience as a parent.
 
My two cents. Attend. Face time with a Regional Commander, interaction with Cadets and FFRs, and possibly folks affiliated with your MOC can be invaluable and provide insights that just cannot be gained by reading. At some point during the application process, the additional information and contact may prove helpful. And, you and dad can fight over what music to listen to on the drive. :)
 
KTusma said:
Thanks for the info. Do you happen to remember what kind of attire was expected at the events? there isn't any info about it on the invitation. Thanks
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I go to and participate at some of these every year. While I won't dismiss the experiences of those above
who recommended a suit and tie, I will tell you that from the standpoint of a service academy rep, I would
recommend a collared shirt and regular pants. Avoid T shirts, shorts and sandals. Go up to the Service
Academy reps afterward with questions or just to introduce yourself. Don't be afraid to visit with different
academies or ROTC programs (if they're there) as the reps expect it and will not be upset to see it.
 
KTusma said:
Thanks for the info. Do you happen to remember what kind of attire was expected at the events? there isn't any info about it on the invitation. Thanks
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100% recommend attending an info brief. And it is always a good idea to "dress for success."
 
Here's my opinion.
I agree with everyone here. You CAN find all the info you need online, yet you will find new info every time you go. With that said, it is always good to go and build face-to-face connections. Showing face is always a great sign of your commitment and they can judge your character.
When you go, "dress for success", overdressing is better than undressing in my opinion. Do not chew gum, sit up straight, firmly shake hands, make eye contact, speak clearly, use "ma'am/sir", but don't hide who you are, still be authentic.
Go get 'em and best of luck.
 
Thank you for all the responses. I will be taking all of this into consideration for when I attend.
 
I recommend going. My son went to several and we learned that there is a list of who attended and this goes into your file. Attending expresses interest in the school and the school looks favorably on that. It's also where he met the Field Force rep who was very helpful during the application process.
 
KTusma said:
Thanks for the info. Do you happen to remember what kind of attire was expected at the events? there isn't any info about it on the invitation. Thanks
Click to expand...
My DS always wore a polo shirt and khaki slacks to everything and always felt comfortable and appropriate. He did wear a suit and tie for his MOC interview.
 
1000% yes! We drive 4 hours to an out of state info session and my DS was able to have a 1:1 meeting with his RC. It was invaluable.
 
KTusma said:
There is a USMA admissions information happening in my state this weekend. The problem is that it is just under 4 hours away from where I live and would take up much of my and my dad's time. is there anything that I wouldn't be able to find elsewhere?
Click to expand...
A follow-up on my experience.

I recommend it to anyone who has the chance. Even though the info can be found online, it is nice to be able to ask questions in person. Furthermore, this allows candidates to meet 1:1 with their RC, which is incredibly valuable. Unfortunately, mine was not present so I will have to attend another meeting or connect with them in another way. In terms of clothing, as other posts have mentioned, I wore a button-down and dress pants with a belt and tie. I agree dressing to impress is important, however, the meeting was not super formal in tone and the speakers were often joking with the audience.

In conclusion, I recommend all candidates go to one of the meetings if they have the opportunity, and I wouldn't beat yourself up about it if you can't make it.
 
KTusma said:
A follow-up on my experience.

I recommend it to anyone who has the chance. Even though the info can be found online, it is nice to be able to ask questions in person. Furthermore, this allows candidates to meet 1:1 with their RC, which is incredibly valuable. Unfortunately, mine was not present so I will have to attend another meeting or connect with them in another way. In terms of clothing, as other posts have mentioned, I wore a button-down and dress pants with a belt and tie. I agree dressing to impress is important, however, the meeting was not super formal in tone and the speakers were often joking with the audience.

In conclusion, I recommend all candidates go to one of the meetings if they have the opportunity, and I wouldn't beat yourself up about it if you can't make it.
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You have a good lead-in to send your RC an email and introduce yourself.
 
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