Naval Academy Inspire Program

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batman55

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Mar 14, 2024
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I visited USNA a few weeks prior and went on a tour and really enjoyed my time there. I recently was sent an email that said I was invited to the Naval Academy Inspire Program, and I have until March 18, 2024 to register. I have a few questions about the inspire program that I hope you guys could help me with.

1. What is the main difference between going on a tour at the USNA versus being there for 3 days during the inspire program besides shadowing a Midshipmen?
2. Would it be a mistake to not register for the program even if I have the SAT and multiple AP exams in those coming weeks, and I would have to miss 2 days of school to go to USNA with the Inspire Program?
3. Is there any differences between the Inspire Program, and a Candidate visit weekend?

Thanks a lot y'all!
 
My understanding is that the Inspire program is sponsored. You and a parent/guardian. An immersion program with USNA will give you a first hand look at being a Midshipman (along with direct one on one exposure to Midshipmen). I suspect it’s quite similar to a CVW (which isn’t sponsored). You will live, eat, got to class, and experience life as a Mid. Both a CVW and Inspire experience would be way different than visiting USNA on your own, and touring.

I personally would go, if you can! Especially since it’s funded (at least it used to be). I wouldn’t say either are important if you are set on USNA.
 
batman55 said:
I visited USNA a few weeks prior and went on a tour and really enjoyed my time there. I recently was sent an email that said I was invited to the Naval Academy Inspire Program, and I have until March 18, 2024 to register. I have a few questions about the inspire program that I hope you guys could help me with.

1. What is the main difference between going on a tour at the USNA versus being there for 3 days during the inspire program besides shadowing a Midshipmen?
2. Would it be a mistake to not register for the program even if I have the SAT and multiple AP exams in those coming weeks, and I would have to miss 2 days of school to go to USNA with the Inspire Program?
3. Is there any differences between the Inspire Program, and a Candidate visit weekend?

Thanks a lot y'all!
Click to expand...
I went to it in October, feel free to PM me and I’ll give you my whole experience! Oh, I also had to schedule my MOC interview online because I was there at USNA, and I ended up getting nominations to both USAFA and USNA from that MOC! So in short I think it was definitely worth going
 
Wait I think you need a couple more messages first. I’ll just say my experience on here
 
I was invited to apply for the INSPIRE program in September of last year. I was somewhat skeptical just because it came from a gmail account. But I looked on here and it seemed legit. So I applied for it and answered a couple of pretty basic questions, I then didn’t hear back for awhile and was surprised that I got in! The main difference for INSPIRE and CVW, is that all expenses are paid for INSPIRE for you and a parent, whereas CVW is not. I’m also from CO, so flights to MD and everything is super expensive so I was super thankful to have been accepted into that program. I went there and was able to meet the dean of admissions as well as the brigade commander and some individuals on the admissions board, which I think differs from CVW (don’t quote me on that). One of the admission board members (naval officer) held a brief for all the parents, (I wasn’t there, I was shadowing my plebe) and he was asked about this program and how the selection process goes. He told everyone that this isn’t a random selection process and most individuals who attend inspire get a USNA appointment. He couldn’t guarantee of course, but he said the admissions board looks at your app before offering you an inspire spot. Moral of what he said, is that if you get into INSPIRE, it’s a very good indicator for you. They also had several really fancy dinners and my mom and I had a super fun time just being able to walk around and learn more about the town and the academy. My mom was sold on the naval academy from that visit, and so was I, as I was actually able to experience life as a mid for two days. I would definitely recommend applying/signing up for it if you can! Great experience!!
 
jrpoint21 said:
I was invited to apply for the INSPIRE program in September of last year. I was somewhat skeptical just because it came from a gmail account. But I looked on here and it seemed legit. So I applied for it and answered a couple of pretty basic questions, I then didn’t hear back for awhile and was surprised that I got in! The main difference for INSPIRE and CVW, is that all expenses are paid for INSPIRE for you and a parent, whereas CVW is not. I’m also from CO, so flights to MD and everything is super expensive so I was super thankful to have been accepted into that program. I went there and was able to meet the dean of admissions as well as the brigade commander and some individuals on the admissions board, which I think differs from CVW (don’t quote me on that). One of the admission board members (naval officer) held a brief for all the parents, (I wasn’t there, I was shadowing my plebe) and he was asked about this program and how the selection process goes. He told everyone that this isn’t a random selection process and most individuals who attend inspire get a USNA appointment. He couldn’t guarantee of course, but he said the admissions board looks at your app before offering you an inspire spot. Moral of what he said, is that if you get into INSPIRE, it’s a very good indicator for you. They also had several really fancy dinners and my mom and I had a super fun time just being able to walk around and learn more about the town and the academy. My mom was sold on the naval academy from that visit, and so was I, as I was actually able to experience life as a mid for two days. I would definitely recommend applying/signing up for it if you can! Great experience!!
Click to expand...
Thanks for the response! Did you get into the Summer Seminar for USNA or USAFA? I'm still waiting to hear back from USNA about the Summer Seminar and was wondering if this had anything to do with that as well.
 
justdoit19 said:
My understanding is that the Inspire program is sponsored. You and a parent/guardian. An immersion program with USNA will give you a first hand look at being a Midshipman (along with direct one on one exposure to Midshipmen). I suspect it’s quite similar to a CVW (which isn’t sponsored). You will live, eat, got to class, and experience life as a Mid. Both a CVW and Inspire experience would be way different than visiting USNA on your own, and touring.

I personally would go, if you can! Especially since it’s funded (at least it used to be). I wouldn’t say either are important if you are set on USNA.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the response! I am filling out the application for the Inspire Program right now.
 
batman55 said:
Thanks for the response! Did you get into the Summer Seminar for USNA or USAFA? I'm still waiting to hear back from USNA about the Summer Seminar and was wondering if this had anything to do with that as well.
Click to expand...
No, i didn't go to NASS, or USAFA summer seminar, but a lot of kids who I went to INSPIRE with went to NASS
 
Hello, I was also invited to the INSPIRE program in September and visited in October and it was such a great experience, I honestly liked in more than NASS because I was able to shadow a Mid and go to their classes, have meals with them, and even sleep in Bancroft. I think it is a great opportunity that you shouldn't pass up because not everyone is invited and there was so much information given and I found out so much about the academy that I didn't know. I missed school for the event, they gave us an excuse letter on the last day to give to our schools, and it was so worth it.
 
Great program. Glad you are applying. Here are some recommendations and a packing list I provide to my students heading to Inspire and/or CVW . . .
1. Bring homework (or SAT prep) so you don’t annoy your Plebe when s/he has to study.
2. Dress so you don’t stand out. No logos or bright colors. Khakis & collar shirt for arrival and class. Good walking shoes to walk quickly from place to place. Avoid NAVY gear! (as it attracts unwanted upperclassmen comments, etc.)
3. Be prepared - pack gym clothes, swimsuit, layers for weather and varying indoor/outdoor temps.
4. Bring a good attitude, have fun, ask (good) questions and make a good impression (but don't try too hard) ... you might bring some cool snacks to share with your hosts and other Plebes
5. Don't be offended by any nicknames, as the mids will refer to you as "a drag" or "their drag" or similar.
6. TRAFFIC is ugly around USNA so anticipate issues arriving on time and plan accordingly!
7. Pack light . . . Avoid bringing a large suitcase as lugging it up the stairs of Bancroft is a pain. Use a backpack that is easy to carry. Here's a suggest list of items to bring:
- One khaki pants (or similar) for arrival and class wear
- One collared shirt (or similar blouse) for arrival and class wear
- One cotton T-shirt for when you get tired of the collared shirt
- Two pairs of shorts, one for exercise, one for sleepwear
- Two dry fit T-shirts, one for exercise, one for sleepwear
- Three pairs of socks and underwear, just in case
- A sweater or sweatshirt, and wear a jacket for layers
- One pair of running/tennis shoes
- One pair of Crocs/sandals for room and shower wear
. . . For bedding, just bring one small bedsheet and a small sleeping bag. You will sleep on cots. You can do without a pillow for two nights.

I hope you get to go -- and have fun!
 
Academician said:
Great program. Glad you are applying. Here are some recommendations and a packing list I provide to my students heading to Inspire and/or CVW . . .
1. Bring homework (or SAT prep) so you don’t annoy your Plebe when s/he has to study.
2. Dress so you don’t stand out. No logos or bright colors. Khakis & collar shirt for arrival and class. Good walking shoes to walk quickly from place to place. Avoid NAVY gear! (as it attracts unwanted upperclassmen comments, etc.)
3. Be prepared - pack gym clothes, swimsuit, layers for weather and varying indoor/outdoor temps.
4. Bring a good attitude, have fun, ask (good) questions and make a good impression (but don't try too hard) ... you might bring some cool snacks to share with your hosts and other Plebes
5. Don't be offended by any nicknames, as the mids will refer to you as "a drag" or "their drag" or similar.
6. TRAFFIC is ugly around USNA so anticipate issues arriving on time and plan accordingly!
7. Pack light . . . Avoid bringing a large suitcase as lugging it up the stairs of Bancroft is a pain. Use a backpack that is easy to carry. Here's a suggest list of items to bring:
- One khaki pants (or similar) for arrival and class wear
- One collared shirt (or similar blouse) for arrival and class wear
- One cotton T-shirt for when you get tired of the collared shirt
- Two pairs of shorts, one for exercise, one for sleepwear
- Two dry fit T-shirts, one for exercise, one for sleepwear
- Three pairs of socks and underwear, just in case
- A sweater or sweatshirt, and wear a jacket for layers
- One pair of running/tennis shoes
- One pair of Crocs/sandals for room and shower wear
. . . For bedding, just bring one small bedsheet and a small sleeping bag. You will sleep on cots. You can do without a pillow for two nights.

I hope you get to go -- and have fun!
Click to expand...
 
Academician said:
Great program. Glad you are applying. Here are some recommendations and a packing list I provide to my students heading to Inspire and/or CVW . . .
1. Bring homework (or SAT prep) so you don’t annoy your Plebe when s/he has to study.
2. Dress so you don’t stand out. No logos or bright colors. Khakis & collar shirt for arrival and class. Good walking shoes to walk quickly from place to place. Avoid NAVY gear! (as it attracts unwanted upperclassmen comments, etc.)
3. Be prepared - pack gym clothes, swimsuit, layers for weather and varying indoor/outdoor temps.
4. Bring a good attitude, have fun, ask (good) questions and make a good impression (but don't try too hard) ... you might bring some cool snacks to share with your hosts and other Plebes
5. Don't be offended by any nicknames, as the mids will refer to you as "a drag" or "their drag" or similar.
6. TRAFFIC is ugly around USNA so anticipate issues arriving on time and plan accordingly!
7. Pack light . . . Avoid bringing a large suitcase as lugging it up the stairs of Bancroft is a pain. Use a backpack that is easy to carry. Here's a suggest list of items to bring:
- One khaki pants (or similar) for arrival and class wear
- One collared shirt (or similar blouse) for arrival and class wear
- One cotton T-shirt for when you get tired of the collared shirt
- Two pairs of shorts, one for exercise, one for sleepwear
- Two dry fit T-shirts, one for exercise, one for sleepwear
- Three pairs of socks and underwear, just in case
- A sweater or sweatshirt, and wear a jacket for layers
- One pair of running/tennis shoes
- One pair of Crocs/sandals for room and shower wear
. . . For bedding, just bring one small bedsheet and a small sleeping bag. You will sleep on cots. You can do without a pillow for two nights.

I hope you get to go -- and have fun!
Click to expand...

So would you be doing all the activities the plebe is doing? I also just recently got this email about INSPIRE and immediately applied for it. What is the percent acceptance rate?
 
jrpoint21 said:
I was invited to apply for the INSPIRE program in September of last year. I was somewhat skeptical just because it came from a gmail account. But I looked on here and it seemed legit. So I applied for it and answered a couple of pretty basic questions, I then didn’t hear back for awhile and was surprised that I got in! The main difference for INSPIRE and CVW, is that all expenses are paid for INSPIRE for you and a parent, whereas CVW is not. I’m also from CO, so flights to MD and everything is super expensive so I was super thankful to have been accepted into that program. I went there and was able to meet the dean of admissions as well as the brigade commander and some individuals on the admissions board, which I think differs from CVW (don’t quote me on that). One of the admission board members (naval officer) held a brief for all the parents, (I wasn’t there, I was shadowing my plebe) and he was asked about this program and how the selection process goes. He told everyone that this isn’t a random selection process and most individuals who attend inspire get a USNA appointment. He couldn’t guarantee of course, but he said the admissions board looks at your app before offering you an inspire spot. Moral of what he said, is that if you get into INSPIRE, it’s a very good indicator for you. They also had several really fancy dinners and my mom and I had a super fun time just being able to walk around and learn more about the town and the academy. My mom was sold on the naval academy from that visit, and so was I, as I was actually able to experience life as a mid for two days. I would definitely recommend applying/signing up for it if you can! Great experience!!
Click to expand...
Hello, I am a junior in high school currently and accepted to NASS and INSPIRE, I'm going to INSPIRE next month, did they send you a list of things to bring or anything regarding hotel information?

I already submitted the form for me and my mother for travel expenses, but I haven't received anything regarding what to bring or anything about hotel accommodations

Thank you!
 
Alias444 said:
Hello, I am a junior in high school currently and accepted to NASS and INSPIRE, I'm going to INSPIRE next month, did they send you a list of things to bring or anything regarding hotel information?

I already submitted the form for me and my mother for travel expenses, but I haven't received anything regarding what to bring or anything about hotel accommodations

Thank you!
Click to expand...
Yes they send out a packing list. I didn't get an email regarding hotel information but they had it all set up once we arrived. Have fun!
 
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