USMA Gray Cards

USMA2016

Appointee - Class of 2016
5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2010
Messages
518
Looks like the first batch of forms for appointees has been released on the portal! There's one for uniform size, points of contact, personal information, and travel information.

I have a question on two of them.

For the uniform size, should we fill this out now? I hesitate to do so because maybe some of the sizes could change due to unexpected growth before R-Day. Is this a legitimate concern?

For the travel information, I'm not interested in hotel/bus package, but my family does want to get government-reimbursed travel through Carlson Wagonlit. How can this be denoted on the form?
 
uniform size

My son just did these forms and we were discussing the same issue re uniform size.

My thought is that West Point has been at this for a long time and is well aware that their candidates are working out like crazy and bulking up- so I think they'll do fine with the current info. And if I understand correctly- they will fit you for everything on or shortly after R-Day so I think they are just collecting the info for their own planning purposes.
 
They are collecting information for planning purposes. Your son will be fitted for his clothes after he arrives.
 
They are collecting information for planning purposes. Your son will be fitted for his clothes after he arrives.

BigNick is correct, the forms are purely to help West Point to determine approximations of how much of each size they'll need. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Fill out the forms just as some point before you are required to turn them in.

Also, during BEAST you will have a brief about being reimbursed for travel. Just make sure to keep copies of your travel forms with you.
 
If my parents and I are driving up, is it still necessary to fill out the form? What should be filled out, etc?
 
Based on past experience, if you drive, you will be reimbursed for mileage to West Point based on your home address. The money goes into the cadet account - not sent home - so if your parents need or are expecting the money, you will have to send them a check. This is the only time travel is subsidized so make sure you get all the paper work in when they ask for it. The federal mileage rate is pretty good if you're traveling from a decent distance, my son enjoyed the extra cash :smile: We did not fill out the Carlson forms - no need to because we drove - but there may be a box to check off somewhere to say you don't need the Carlson services.
 
one more thing. "Points of contact" basically are your parents' information i'm guessing? Formalities as far as paperwork is concerned?
 
As mentioned previously, keep all receipts even if you drive. We were reimbursed our mileage at the government rate to travel to West Point and the cadet was also reimbursed for most of the hotel bill for the night before R-Day. However, if you do NOT present receipts, don't expect to be reimbursed. The others are correct that the money is deposited into the cadet's school account.
 
Gray cards showed on DS's portal this morning when he accepted his appointment. They don't show up there this afternoon?
 
Gray cards showed on DS's portal this morning when he accepted his appointment. They don't show up there this afternoon?

USMA Admissions continues to update/improve portal and things come and go. I know Grey Cards were up about 3-4 weeks ago, disappeared, and re-appeared earlier this week. I am sure they will come back up soon -- "hurry up and wait" is what tends to happen!

By the way, congrats on your DS Accpetance!! :thumb:
 
Just a question for clarification: If you accept the appointment on the candidate portal do you still have to mail in the gray "West Point Appointment Acceptance" card?
 
Just a question for clarification: If you accept the appointment on the candidate portal do you still have to mail in the gray "West Point Appointment Acceptance" card?


It can't hurt to do both. That's what I ended up doing. I've got a hard copy of the screen where I accepted the appt online, and dropped the postcard in the mail. That way, you've got full accountability, and there's no way that admissions will miss that you've accepted the appt. :thumb: Why take chances, right?
 
It can't hurt to do both. That's what I ended up doing. I've got a hard copy of the screen where I accepted the appt online, and dropped the postcard in the mail. That way, you've got full accountability, and there's no way that admissions will miss that you've accepted the appt. :thumb: Why take chances, right?

Haha good idea. Thanks man. :thumb:
 
well I can no longer see the gray cards in my portal... is this across the board for everyone?
 
Grey cards

DS received his in the mail in October...the forms are up on the portal but we've not been back to check if there is anything else in January...Is there a deadline for info on the portal? As we are coming from overseas and moving at the same time, it is hard to know when I will have information on DS's travel arrangements...Is it for the 2nd of July?
 
Once you accept your appointment, get in the habit of checking your portal regularly. Things will continue to appear that need your attention, and toward the end, there is a lot of stuff to do and chase down. Don't leave anything to the last minute. Keep good records and copies of what you have mailed and when they were sent. Not everything will be done online.
 
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