Excellent experiences and advice given here. No need for me to comment to the parents.But I would like to say something to the applicants; whether soon to be or those with or hoping still for an appointment.
Let your parents decide if they can come to the academy or not. Whether it's "I" day; "A" day; "Parent's weekend"; or any other time. You might think this is "All about you" and that it's your life, but it's not. You might be all excited about starting your "New life", but you can't just dismiss your "Old Life". You are still part of your family; and your leaving is a lot more difficult on your parents, than you can imagine, and probably harder than it is on you.
By asking them to NOT COME, you're basically saying: "I don't need you any longer". If your parents can't afford to come, they'll let you know. But if they express any desire to come to "I" day, "A" day, and most importantly "Parent's Weekend", then most definitely let them. "Trust me. You'll be glad you did". Especially when you find that one or two new cadets who have no support from their family at all. And there are some in every class. When my son started 3 years ago, there was one cadet who's parents were so again him going to the academy, that they told him he was on his own now. I don't know about 3 months ago, but I know he wasn't even welcomed home at Christmas or summer breaks. He spent that time with friend.
I speak from experience. When I joined the air force, I didn't let my parents even take me to the air port. I had them just drop me off at the train station about 5 miles from town. I just wanted out. I was very selfish. While things are OK now; I can honestly say that there were issues between myself and my mom for a few years. Found out later, from my younger sister, that my mom was really hurt. She got the impression that I was basically saying: "Hey, I don't need you anymore. Bye".
Anyway; all I'm saying is that you're going to have the majority of the next 4 years to yourself away from your parents. You'll then have all of the following 5 years minimum where your life is totally at your discretion. For the few times that your parents might want to be involved; "LET THEM". Remember; as much as you might want to believe that "YOU" accomplished all those things on your application to the academy; you did NOT do it all on your own. You had the support of your parents. Maybe they came to your sporting events. The times they drove you to practice. When they seemed mean by forcing you to get your homework done. Believe what you want, but you wouldn't be where you are today, applying or accepting an appointment, if it wasn't for your parents. So, if they mention wanting to come to "I" day, "A" day and/or "parent's weekend"..... LET THEM!!! And be excited about it. When you see the look on some of the cadet's on "A" day who don't have any family there because they just couldn't afford it or couldn't get away, you'll know what I'm talking about. On parent's weekend, when you see the cadets who don't have anyone there visiting them and going through their classes with them; you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.
Just trust me on this one. IF your parents have the means of coming to the academy, and they want to come, then welcome them. Your parents are adults. Don't think for them. If they can't afford it, they'll let you know. But if they express a desire to be there, let them. Best of luck to all. Mike....