Academy Day Question

bandad

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We are taking our son to a local USNA Academy Day on Saturday. Does it make sense for him to bring a resume? He has visited USNA, attended STEM, and sent ACT scores to USNA. Thanks!
 
From what I've been told, academy days are primarily information sessions. But I'm sure that the Academy rep will be more than happy to look at your son's resume, if only to tell him what he can do to improve his chances.
 
We are taking our son to a local USNA Academy Day on Saturday. Does it make sense for him to bring a resume? He has visited USNA, attended STEM, and sent ACT scores to USNA. Thanks!

What year is he? Junior I presume?

I agree with the above poster. These are informational sessions for kids and parents; they're generally not counseling, interviewing or recruiting sessions. If there is an opportune moment to pull out the resume (and there may not be), your DS should do so in the manner described above -- here's what I have, anything I can "improve upon" this year. Vs. -- look at what a great candidate I am.:smile:

Don't be afraid to ask questions. In arenas such as this, there really are no stupid questions.
 
1985 - I agree completely. My son is currently a HS junior and I believe he has solid grades, test scores, sports, and service. He has leadership roles but this is probably an area where he is lacking, but as I told him on a couple of occasions, he has long ago surpassed my high school accomplishments. It would be helpful to get an unbiased assessment of his resume. Thanks.
 
One more note about Academy Days hosted by MOC.....we went when son was a jr....he wore khakis, dress shirt, tie. Without exception, every other youth there was in shorts or jeans. Few polos, mostly t-shirts. Most with some saying on the shirt. There were current students from several academies as well as ALO and members of Congressman's staff and evaluation committee. We had the opportunity to chat with all those folks and I was grateful son was appropriately attired. I can't say it strongly enough, attend these things looking like you want the job!!
 
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I'd say to bring it - I just attended ours last Saturday and ended up doing 2 impromptu interview with candidates that weren't even on my radar and it was hard to do with nothing in front of me that I would normally have from the WP database. Plus I had a lot of candidates (juniors or younger) introduce themselves to me but it was so crazy that I probably don't remember most of them a week later. I gave them all my card and asked them to follow up with me but so far none have. So I'd recommend that you have several copies to give to people who ask and might be able to help you directly or forward the info to the right person. And...if someone asks you to send them information or get in touch with them - DO! :thumb: Even though some of these candidates were more interested in another academy, I certainly know the state BGO/ALO's and could have gotten them to the right people, plus would have been willing to give them some input on their resumes or stats had they asked.
 
I second Jennyp!! DS went to academy night last week- he was the only out of 50+kids dressed in a button down and khakis, He looked like he was taking the process seriously and and his BGO who had interviewed him already said he was dressed to impress and did! He also had resumes with him and offered one to the congressional aide in charge of SA appointments. She gladly took it and said she was impressed he was prepared. She also mentioned his was the only resume she was offered all evening. When we walked away I saw her writing something down on it. Can't imagine it was anything other than a positive note about him.
 
DD was there in her HS team warm-ups for a game later that morning. I don't think anyone was bothered.

She had the chance to talk at length with a 1/C which was very valuable. We left before the actual info session began.

One bonus: Mr. Larry Mullen, the DoDMERB Saint, was there and was able to pull up her records and give her the good news; 100% GTG. :thumb:
 
Well my HS Junior son and I visited the local Academy night. He dressed in khakis and a polo. We had a great time, all five academies were represented, and our local congressman kicked off the meeting. There were students dressed in coat/tie, slacks/polos, and t shirts/shorts. I agree that your dress makes an impression - good or bad. There was a good turn out at the meeting.

As information, my son approached the big 3 (WP, USNA, AFA) about how he could improve his resume. The responses were: good but you are lacking in leadership, your resume looks strong, and let me take it and I will get back to you. I will let you guess who said what :smile:.

Thanks for the help!
 
From what I've been told, academy days are primarily information sessions. But I'm sure that the Academy rep will be more than happy to look at your son's resume, if only to tell him what he can do to improve his chances.

It is a great opportunity to get a read on core stats & EC's, associate a face with the name, etc.

It can also be a head start. DS was placed into NASS based on a casual contact at an event. What started as information dialog turned into a detailed Q&A on his resume, and ended with instructions on how to apply to NASS and that she would approve his application that night.

Same for congressional staffers, the ones we encountered will happily provide input on resume, process, etc.

DS figured out one of his MALO/BGO/ALO interviews took place at one of the events.

Dress, and more importantly, grooming do make a difference. You won't get points for being overdressed. But show up in bed-head and PJ's or athletic shorts & torn T-shirt, and it will likely work against you.

The way to think of this is potentially being a job interview. Even if you are just stopping to pick up a brochure, you don't want to make a bad impression. And the connections you may make at events absolutely make a difference!
 
The responses were: good but you are lacking in leadership, your resume looks strong, and let me take it and I will get back to you.

DS had similar input at his first Academy day as a rising Junior, but with Athletics identified as a potential gap.

He took the input to heart, focused on that some. Rocked the CFA to remove any question about capability, etc. And ended up being a very strong candidate for the four academies he was interested in. And is doing well in one of them as a class of 2015 cadet now.

So keep getting the reads. Ask for how to improve even if you get a good read.
 
DD was there in her HS team warm-ups for a game later that morning. I don't think anyone was bothered.

She had the chance to talk at length with a 1/C which was very valuable. We left before the actual info session began.

One bonus: Mr. Larry Mullen, the DoDMERB Saint, was there and was able to pull up her records and give her the good news; 100% GTG. :thumb:

Somebody told me that Larry Mullen had retired.
 
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