trying to set up an overnight visit

navy2016

5-Year Member
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Dec 30, 2009
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I am trying to set up an overnight visit to KP. A few questions:

Which NYC airport has the cheaper taxi fare service to KP?

Are there any buses that can take me there? How long will a taxi/bus ride be?

What would I need to bring?

(I never been that far north nor visited the NYC area in my life.)

I feel like I need some information before actually scheduling one. It is financially unrealistic for my parents to take a little vacation up to KP. They realize attending a SA is really a 9 year commitment and I need to make sure I make the right choice. They are willing to let me travel to KP individually.
 
The visit last year sealed the deal for my son as he balanced a decision between the same academy's you list along with coast guard.

Laguardia airport is nearby and has reasonable taxi rates.

The only thing that I would recommend is concentrating on nominations and ACT/SAT scores at this time. If you need a visit in order to rank your nomination requests for nomination submission then I see your thought process. But dont rank academies based on who has the nicest campus etc. Decide on what you want as a career and which academy gives you the best chance at reaching your dream and the most options if you change your mind or you find your dream job out of reach. The answer to these questions dont require a visit.
 
The visit last year sealed the deal for my son as he balanced a decision between the same academy's you list along with coast guard.

Laguardia airport is nearby and has reasonable taxi rates.

The only thing that I would recommend is concentrating on nominations and ACT/SAT scores at this time. If you need a visit in order to rank your nomination requests for nomination submission then I see your thought process. But dont rank academies based on who has the nicest campus etc. Decide on what you want as a career and which academy gives you the best chance at reaching your dream and the most options if you change your mind or you find your dream job out of reach. The answer to these questions dont require a visit.

Nomination ranking order is my concern.
ACT's= done
nominations= editing essay, otherwise done (If USMMA becomes my second choice, I will need to change my essay a little)

I listed USMMA as third for these reasons (USNA and AFA as the first two) :
small school
limited majors
yet again, it allows the greatest range of career options

In all reality, I may bump USMMA up to 2. Based on pictures, WP has the nicest campus but I already terminated that application (5th choice SA= not likely to get a nom anyways, plus my lack of interest in the Army).

If I was to get only a shot at only one academy for a nomination, I want to make sure it is my number 1 choice.
 
My DS applied to all five Service Academies, visited each of them, and attended the USAFA summer seminar. He chose the academy, USMMA, that he felt was where he belonged, was most comfortable, and gave him the best career choice. He felt that the visits were very important to do as he eliminated two choices in his final decision.
 
You should call Admissions with a list of all your questions, that's what they are there for.
 
When you call admissions also ask about taking a "taxi" or "car service"..................there is a big difference in pricing....a taxi goes into different bouroughs and charges more. When we were at the airport I called Admissions and they explained this to me.

We just did the car service and it was fine!!
 
Also if you are interested in an athletic sport, contact the coach. They will usually arrange to have someone pick you up at the airport. Also, you will be able to meet the coach and players (if available) as well which is very nice!
 
DS had that experience and he was hosted by a future teammate. His overnight visit to KP made him realize that is was his number one choice. He went two days before parents weekend last year so imagine things looked pretty good. He also remained in contact with the coaches and teammates he met throughout the year. That really seemed to keep him locked on throughout the process. I can't believe it has been an entire year and now we are going to visit him for Parents Weekend! WOO HOO!
Dang pollen,,,,,,,,,

That is parent code for "pass the tissues".
 
Unfortunately for me, I only did soccer this past year and will probably end up playing intramural If I eventually make it to KP. Now If I was to get accepted, I am interested in trying out a sport that isn't offered in my area (rowing in particular).

My parents told me not to worry about money (I am still trying to save as much money as possible on flights) but rather get the visit in the first week of high school (first week= less work missed).

I realize I might have put USAFA more for prestige of the institution versus my own goals. I am hoping to get a visit to both schools before a nomination interview.
 
Would I be allowed to give plebes snacks? I was going to bring 2 packages of cookies but don't want to get them in trouble.
 
It would be a really nice gesture, but I think it would come off a little to strong to me, what day are you touring?
 
Navy2016 let us know your impressions after your stay. And thank you for posting questions and thoughts. This place was starting to look like a ghost town! Sheesh, where is everybody? The waterfront will seduce you! You may be really glad you are not intending the usual (boring) varsity sports! There, did I say that right Depsea? Lol. Seriously! Well here in the flat land of no water the whole waterfront thing is pretty exotic!:thumb:
 
It would be a really nice gesture, but I think it would come off a little to strong to me, what day are you touring?

Wednesday-Thursday (overnight and shadowing)
That's why I felt it would be appropriate to bring a gift. From what I see posted, I heard the food and dorms are horrible. Personally, I think I can eat anything and sleep on rock; it probably will not be much of a deciding factor.
 
Wednesday-Thursday (overnight and shadowing)
That's why I felt it would be appropriate to bring a gift. From what I see posted, I heard the food and dorms are horrible. Personally, I think I can eat anything and sleep on rock; it probably will not be much of a deciding factor.

PM'd
 
Not cookies

Plebe candidates can get cookies.

If you want to bring something for your sponsor bring him a car magazine or a book on something cool. 5 hr enery drink would be better apprecited than cookies.

My ds doesnt complain about the food. He is more bumbed that the AC is busted.

Enjoy your stay. And do post your impressions afterwards.
 
My DS (class of 2014), visited on his own as it was not financially possible for us to go. He also reported for Indoctrination on his own. The first, and only, time we have seen Kings Point was for parent's weekend. He used Friendly Cab from La Guardia for Indoc but did get a ride to Kings Point on the first visit from a soccer coach. Make sure you have a copy of the newest visitor policies before booking a flight. Among that is "no Friday visits" which, I think, makes it hard for kids who don't want to miss school. Other posts have mentioned that you want to know your goals before your decision. A nephew, (class of 2009) knew he wanted to fly helicopters. He decided that the best way to get there would be through the USMMA as another academy would have many more who had this same goal and he may not get selected. He was selected for Naval pilot training and is now flying helicopters. Very smart kid to figure out the best path to his goals was through USMMA!!
 
prestigious

Navy 2016, it's prestigious to get in to ANY of the Academies. Last year, over 7,400 applied to USMMA, and only 292 got in. I think if you would ask the current student population, USMMA was their top choice in Academies. Make sure to understand the options and opportunities that each academy gives, or doesn't give. good luck to you. Hope your overnight is everything you hoped it would be. :wink:
 
Navy 2016, it's prestigious to get in to ANY of the Academies. Last year, over 7,400 applied to USMMA, and only 292 got in.

Actually 7,405 inquired about admission.

The actual data for USMMA was:

2,076 applications submitted.
1,631 candidates obtained nominations.
639 met appointment qualification (3Q + nom).
412 appointments offered.
285 reported.

KP is still the best kept secret of all the service academies. A prestigious education, an almost guaranteed high paying job upon graduation or the choice of entering any military service branch as an officer.

(Go Bears, Beat KP). :wink:
 
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