Another thing a lot of people don't realize is that there are hills at West Point. The first time my roommate saw West Point was on R-Day. If this is you or someone you know, make sure you can make it up a hill running.
Definitely agree with Titan! I had no idea I would miss the little things so much. I miss my truck, dog and family- not in that order. Appreciate everything and like he said, don't bother with the count down.
Two things that were allowed in my beast (which if I were you I would try and bring) are one disposable camera and small bungee cords. You have NO idea how many times you will be trying to build a shelter for yourself with a poncho, twigs, and maybe some shoe laces in a torrential down pour at night. You will actually appreciate both items in this situation as long as used appropriately and under approval from higher sources.
The thing I wish I knew is that the packing list is not exactly the final word. You can bring your own personal hygiene items like facial cleaner or deoderant. one small 5x7 picture frame/picture. a small fan. your own red-lens flashlight (highly reccommended!! you can't see very far with the ones they issue you! my roommate brought a red light head lamp version which I was SO jealous of!) duct tape, don't bring envelopes and paper but bring a bunch of stamps, maybe white athletic tape (with moleskin for blisters- mine were at LEAST the size of a quarter on both feet).
If you feel uncomfortable bringing any of this, trust me you ARE allowed to have it mailed to you. They can't really take something away that you are authorized to have like socks, stamps, etc. Be careful because they will take away anything that you are not supposed to have mailed to you, and whatever you get in the mail will be opened in front of your squad leader so either pack a box yourself for someone else to mail or leave your parents with strict instructions.
I am not trying to get anyone in trouble or anything like that, but as far as preparing for beast goes, I was way too scared to deviate off of the packing list one bit but my somewhat riskier roommate had luxuries that I wish I had and most of the time needed during beast. And if you are too nervous to bring or have mailed to you anything not on the packing list, you will be afforded the opportunity to go to the c-store (cadet store) so bring $$ with you to beast.