CVW and NASS

I received an email recently from USNA to attend CVW. From what I've read it seems as though only those who didn't attend NASS are asked. I did the summer seminar and was also asked to do this as well. Is this common? I plan on attending because I love the place and wanna see what the academic life is like. I've already received my offer of appointment BTW.

Ds also attended NASS and has BFE. Her said he received an email inviting him to cvw. I was thinking maybe it was because he hadn't accepted his appointment yet. (Just because he's been tied up with finals and hasn't had a chance to do the accompanying paper work yet).

Traditionally, attending one does not void attending the other. I believe that is myth. They have different purposes. The CVW is to provide a no-pressure opportunity for candidates perceived as viable and desirable to get a candid glimpse of day-to-day life at USNA. Unsolicited invitation to participate should be seen as a positive indicator of how USNA is viewing one's candidacy.

However, one should not view it as assurance of anything beyond "Hey, we think you're 'pretty cool', so let's go on a date. We're having a PJ party/sleepover in Bancroft with my 150 best friends, and then you can watch me perform in calculus and chem." "Did I mention we're going Dutch?"

Enjoy!

Whistle Pig said:

"Hey, we think you're 'pretty cool', so let's go on a date. We're having a PJ party/sleepover in Bancroft with my 150 best friends, and then you can watch me perform in calculus and chem." "Did I mention we're going Dutch?"

Enjoy!

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Seriously Whistle Pig-a chuckle to start off my Friday morning. Thanks for helping me enjoy my cup of coffee.

The purpose of the CVW at this point, especially for those who have received an appointment like the two above, is simply to help them make a final decision about attending (or not) USNA. Think of it as just another college visit, although to a very special college.

Our son recently received an appointment, and earlier this week received an invitation for a CVW. Would it look bad on his part if he didn't attend the CVW? It would be very difficult to schedule a CVW with his sports, jazz band, and extra-curricular schedule.

No. However, I would think long and hard about passing this opportunity up because of ECAs. This decision will affect at least 9 years of your son's life (presuming he accepts the appointment and eventually a commission). Missing 1-2 days of ECAs will not be the end of the world and it could help with a decision either yay or nay. There are many reasons it may not be feasible to attend and the point of CVW is for the candidate, not Admissions --- thus it doesn't look "bad" if one doesn't attend --- however, I would suggest weighing the benefits of attending vs. missing a few days of ECAs; I think most coaches would understand the implications of the decision to attend a SA.

usnabgo08 said:

No. However, I would think long and hard about passing this opportunity up because of ECAs. This decision will affect at least 9 years of your son's life (presuming he accepts the appointment and eventually a commission). Missing 1-2 days of ECAs will not be the end of the world and it could help with a decision either yay or nay. There are many reasons it may not be feasible to attend and the point of CVW is for the candidate, not Admissions --- thus it doesn't look "bad" if one doesn't attend --- however, I would suggest weighing the benefits of attending vs. missing a few days of ECAs; I think most coaches would understand the implications of the decision to attend a SA.

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Very much agree! Until our DD did a CVW, USNA was her 4th choice, and that was even after she had received an LOA from them. (She had already visited her top 3 choices, we basically had to "force" her to go to the CVW.) By noon of the next day, she had already texted us to pay close attention to the school, because that was where she was going to college! It just felt right.
She was swimming and involved in all AP and CIS classes, but talked to all her coaches/teachers and they were very willing to work with her so she wouldn't miss out on anything.
So unless you haven't visited, definitely try to, because you never know Plus, Annapolis is a lot of fun and you'll get a chance to visit Maryland's #1 tourist attraction!

I would drop everything and attend as well. It's always possible your son may find out its not for him and would have been well worth missing a couple days of other events in exchange for avoiding a 9 year commitment. This is one of the most important decisions he will make in his life. It's worth the time and effort.

Good counsel, and allow a caveat.

IF he has had some exposure to USNA, perhaps via NASS, I'd not be so quick to dump ECA for a CVW. Is he decided on USNA? Is his team counting on him?

I may see this a bit differently. When one chooses to participate in certain type of "team" ECAs, one makes a sort of covenant or contract, i.e. that he will be there. Period. Thru thick and thin. If he's the lone harpist in the school orchestra and they're having a concert? The star point guard on the bball team? The potential swing weight class in a monster match?

You get my drift.

USNA makes no judgement AGAINST candidates choosing NOT to attend a CVW. It is simply for the candidate's edification and experience.

But ... I'd not be surprised if you could shift the date, if it's an event that is preventing.

In sum, I'm not so inclined to concur with my fellow posters that THE answer is "YES, drop all, and go." I say, "it depends. Fulfill your primary obligations and commitments. "

It's that kind of focus, commitment, and honoring one's 'mates that got you the invite to begin with.And it's the very same qualities and decision-making that will make you a great leader that can be fully trusted to do exactly what you say you will do.

If he's the lone harpist in the school orchestra and they're having a concert? The star point guard on the bball team? The potential swing weight class in a monster match?

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Better find someone who can replace him....single points of failure aren't good.

I would agree about seeing if there are alternate dates available.

I think one can miss a "regular" season game/performance to attend a CVW. CVWs and NASS are not equivalent and a CVW gets you one-on-one perspective about the day-to-day USNA life than NASS. If I was going to accept any obligation which would consume almost a decade of my life, I would want to try and get to know/understand what I am getting myself into so I could be make an informed decision before I committed. I know each of us has our own comfort level of deciding, but I wouldn't place a one-to-two time sporting event/ECA in front of it. Barring any super important events, the band and/or team should understand one's absence.

We differ on this one, in our views.

When you make a commitment. It's just that. There may be some extenuating circumstances, but if my commitment and involvement is significant and my school advisor/coach sees it as rightly so ... Well, life is all about choices, sometimes tough ones.

What is the over-riding lesson to be learned.

This discussion need not morph into a do-or-die, passionate discussion. I'm not persuaded the CVW merits such for most candidates. Great experience but not life changing for most, imo.

Choices

No experience here so keep that in mind, but...

1. Try and switch the date

2. If he cannot, let your son decided.

It has been pounded into my head here on this board (thankfully, as I can be a helicopter parent!) that if our kids go to an academy, they are going as young men and women who are joining the service. Might as well let him make a tough decision now. Help him weigh the pros and cons. Help him with the calls or letters that have to follow. Give him your 2 cents if he wants it....but let him decide.

If he is not on this board, you might have him read the replies of the many helpful folks who are on here who have experience with this whole system and factor that in with his call.

S

p.s. IF he chooses to go, know that if he were sick or there were a family emergeny, the concert and bball games and wrestling match, etc. would go on. They would have to. Coaches and teachers are use to having to adapt. IF he chooses not to go, know that (going by what other say) it will not be held against him at USNA. It will be okay, but as a parent I know we want everything to work out just right for our kids...but sometimes that simply is not possible.

another POV:

This discussion mirrors a current discussion in our house. DS is extremely motivated to attend USNA (BFE already arrived). His plan is to fill out the paperwork for appointment over Xmas break. He just finished finals on Friday so was tied up in that. He is so motivated to attend USNA that he never did finish any other applications. (No worries though- I am making him finish filling out plan B app TODAY in case of injury).

He got the email about CVW. He chose not to do a cvw. Here is why-He is a goalie and on a nationally ranked team. There are many kids on the team trying to get drafted on professional teams, Jr teams, or are playing in front of scouts for college scholarships-so they NEED their goalies, and though the other goalie on his team is very excellent, missing games is not an option. (he had to arrive a day late to an out of town tourney due to MOC interview and that was nerve wracking) -Goalies get kicked out of games frequently. (Once you get kicked out of a game you MUST also sit out AT LEAST the next game as well, if not the next three-depending on offense). And –believe it or not goalies do get injured. Also even the best of goalies can have an off night and need to be pulled- in other words at this level-you cant play these games and tourney’s with one in the net and none on the bench. He is also in Canada and all over the Midwest for hockey the next few months. The team’s season (God willing) can go to past the last date offered for the CVW . (The hockey season is the longest season of any sport from end of August to End of April). Though my son is squared away for next yr for school MOST of the kids on his team are working on transitioning and there are scouts there. If he was another forward or defensemen it would be easier for him to bail but as a goalie it just doesn't work that way. He also really likes these kids and wants them to end up in good spots. Something that cant happen if they have to call up a goalie from a lower team.

One additional point, DS said that he got very excellent/realistic advice from his Nass detailer, admissions field officer, and Blue and Gold Officer and he says he knows all of the negatives-they did not sugar coat. He said he was 1.) sure he wanted to go 2.) sure he would hate it plebe year and want to go home 3.) sure he would love it in the end.

Of course, I have been second guessing myself as I keep reading how important a cvw is. I also have never been there and would love to see the place that he will soon call home (again God willing) but he is 18, squared away, and he has been the captain of this entire ride so far.

While I've shared my personal position, let me sum up how I'd sum up your son's POV.
1. He visited and engaged USNA as part of NASS. Different than a CVW, and a very nice opportunity to gain a bit of a feel, if not the real deal.

2. He liked his time at USNA, applied, and has been provided LOA, nomination, and consequent offer of appointment.

3. He has announced his sole plan to accept said offer. In fact, to date, has not even applied to a plan B institution.

4. Beyond being "good," stay diligent in studying, and not getting seriously injured or sick, nothing more to be done. It's both Christmas Eve in the world, and similarly so for I Day, 2013. The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, filled with a BFE and a response sheet to be mailed.

5. He is "contracted" and playing a key role with high level team and 'mates and school depending (or unit) upon him. He implicitly or explicitly determined that he wanted to be part of that group, acknowledging that he could be counted on to be at every practice, match, etc. He's a man of his word.

6. He has indicated that a CVW, while nice and informative, will not change his heart nor his mind. In terms of his decision, it will make no difference.

7. However, missing a key game or two might well make a big difference for his mates and his relationship with his team and coach going forward. This is too important to treat with out careful consideration, as just another game. It's not from the sounds of it.

8. He's been driving the ship up to this point in fine fashion, making good decisions. I'd let him continue doing so.

9. As for Mama visiting Naptown? That will come very soon, with a rush of opportunities over the coming years. It's not going away. Still lots of shops with lots of stuff to shop for.

10. Most candidates do not attend a CVW. They matriculate, survive, and thrive. This is the no-brainer of all-time. I'd say, it's time to play hockey! And make sure he wears his mask, eye protection, etc.

Whistle Pig said:

I've shared my personal position,

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Thank you for that Whistle Pig,
and have a blessed Christmas Eve.

Vista123

Hey ... that's what I said!

Blushing.

But seriously, on this quiet, Holy Night, may God bless us, EVERY one! And especially all those young men and women aspiring to serve and lead in our Armed Forces. And we pray that God will watch over all those who are serving in harm's way this night. Like those shepherds serving in the field, watching over their flocks by night, may the angel of the Lord come upon them, and assure them that their efforts to preserve and save our freedom are not in vane. Keep them safe, let there be peace on earth.And good will toward all men and women!