Overnight Visit
- Thread starter AMYmom
- Start date
Observe. Many candidates get enamored with West Point, so failed to realize the implication of what they observe. Cadet room should be organized and clean. How is their room right now. Cadet host should be getting up around 0530 hours, what time do you get up? Professors seems to nice - how much homework is given out?
ca2midwestmom
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Oct 23, 2013
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- 1,335
You are going during the dark, gloomy period at WP -- cold, snowy, cloudy. Depending on where you live, this several month period may be a shock to anyone used to sunny & 75 deg most of the year. But I guarantee the weather does get better and WP is beautiful in all seasons. You/she may hear cadets grumbling about it. For some it is harder than others, but they do get through it.
Cadets are now in their 2nd week of the semester. Definitely ask about the Thayer Method of learning -- it is likely very different from what your DD is used to. It just takes a lot of self-discipline and commitment to stay on top of coursework. Classes are small and help is always available, but cadets need to be proactive.
One last thing -- WP is full of traditions. Cadets may find some more pleasurable than others, but there is a distinct pride among the cadets. She should ask other cadets what they like, don't like. Likely she'll get a variety of answers.
I hope she enjoys her visit. Ultimately she should choose the SA (if given an appointment) based on what she wants to do and where she wants to serve.
(Ok, one more thing -- WP is very hilly. And they run a lot. Is she a runner? If not, and she receives an appointment and chooses WP, make sure she runs A LOT before Beast. Did I mention they run up hill a lot?
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Dixieland
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2010
- Messages
- 1,281
Take warm winter clothing and gloves. Take homework or something to do while the plebe studies. Take a small "thank you" for the hosting plebe--for example, packets of hot chocolate, a few homemade cookies, nuts, fun size candy bars or M&Ms, etc. Nothing huge or ridiculously expensive or elaborate, just a small token of your appreciation.
DS has his visit next week. Let us know how it goes.
You are going during the dark, gloomy period at WP -- cold, snowy, cloudy. Depending on where you live, this several month period may be a shock to anyone used to sunny & 75 deg most of the year. But I guarantee the weather does get better and WP is beautiful in all seasons. You/she may hear cadets grumbling about it. For some it is harder than others, but they do get through it.
Cadets are now in their 2nd week of the semester. Definitely ask about the Thayer Method of learning -- it is likely very different from what your DD is used to. It just takes a lot of self-discipline and commitment to stay on top of coursework. Classes are small and help is always available, but cadets need to be proactive.
One last thing -- WP is full of traditions. Cadets may find some more pleasurable than others, but there is a distinct pride among the cadets. She should ask other cadets what they like, don't like. Likely she'll get a variety of answers.
I hope she enjoys her visit. Ultimately she should choose the SA (if given an appointment) based on what she wants to do and where she wants to serve.
(Ok, one more thing -- WP is very hilly. And they run a lot. Is she a runner? If not, and she receives an appointment and chooses WP, make sure she runs A LOT before Beast. Did I mention they run up hill a lot?
We are used to the cold, live about 300 miles north of West Point in New York. She is there now, she texted that all was well. We are staying at Thayer, got a wonderful suite! I can't wait to hear all about her visit. My husband and I ate dinner at a restaurant a short way outside the gate. It was good, called The Park for anyone who may come to visit.
Being from Texas, it's very costly to go on a visit, I already know it's the place for me and have accepted my appointment but I still don't know whether I should go or not? Suggestions, was it really that helpful? I've already visited and went to SLE, would it be worth the expenses?
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Depends, do you consider the next 4 years of your life important? If so, then go! If it's not the place for you, the decision can be made now, I you love it all power to you- you will be even more motivated! I say go for it.
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I went on an overnight in October, and I thought it was great. It's entirely different from SLE, and it'll give you a better understanding of what your plebe year will be like. My cadet host and I are still in contact, and we can't wait to see each other at school. If cost is not too much of an issue, I definitely recommend that you visit.
ca2midwestmom
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Oct 23, 2013
- Messages
- 1,335
If you already went to SLE, then you should have a lot of questions answered / have an idea of what to expect. My DS went to SLE and never made an additional overnight trip. There were no surprises once he reported on R-Day. It's up to you -- if you can afford to go, go; if not (as you are likely visiting other SAs or college campuses), hopefully you have enough information to make the best decision for you.
Natural to have doubts, but if you already accepted your appointment do you think the visit will change your mind?
My DS did an overnight in late November. We were lucky enough to stay over an extra night and watch the Army/Fordham game. My DS has two LOE's and was "thinking" that West Point was his first choice but wanted to make sure. After his visit, he was 100% sure that West Point was the place for me...now he is just waiting for nominations and hopefully an appointment. This entire process is incredibly nerve-wracking for the entire family. All of his friends know where they are going to college and he appears to be in a holding pattern. He has some great back-up plans in place but wants to wait it out for West Point. Good luck on your overnight and your DD will know if this is the place for her.