Overnight Visit Question

Katherine

5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2010
Messages
29
I am visiting WP overnight in February and have a question about airfare.

Will West Point pay for it? My sources are contradicting each other on this question. If not, we will just fund my transportation like we had originally planned. But if so, should I contact my regional coordinator to work it out?

Thanks for any assistance.
 
In general, the academies do not pay for airfare for candidates unless you are a recruited athlete or being targeted as a "diversity candidate". Even in both of these cases, they may not always pay for the airfare - it would depend on the situation. Usually both of these programs are offered separately and you would be informed of that when offered. If you just set up the visit on your own, I wouldn't plan on them paying for it. But, it can never hurt to ask! :wink:
 
I was about to start a topic about overnight visits myself. I am going up this week for an overnight stay on Thursday. I am wondering, what am I supposed to bring? What would be best to wear on campus so as not to draw a lot of unwanted attention to myself? If that makes sense. Just wear sneakers, or what should I wear? Should I dress up?
And I was thinking about bringing a "care package" for the plebe I will be staying with. Is this a lame idea? If not, what would a plebe be happy to receive?
 
My son's going out to Navy this Thursday for a CVW (visit weekend). We read a lot of old posts and the general guideline for there at least seems to be the khaki/polo shirt level. Since it's a bit cold (and he hates sweaters), he'll wear a long sleeve t-shirt under a dress shirt (he has a ton of those, but no long sleeve polos), but no tie. Going to wear dress shoes for the day he's attending classes, etc., but will probably stick with tennis shoes for the arrival day and departure day.

Seems like everyone on the Navy boards recommends bringing some kind of treat for your cadet, so definitely not a lame idea! My son will bring a small box of homemade cookies (he's just traveling with a carryon, so not too much room). When he went to AF (and if he likes his mid this time), we sent a care package by mail after he got back - just misc. junk food of all sorts - figured anything he didn't want, he could find someone who did! I'd probably stick with something edible rather than worry about what plebes are/aren't allowed to have. Sounds like homemade is great if you can do it (at least meaning cookies you cooked yourself, even if from a package, rather than Oreos!).

Have a great visit!
 
I was about to start a topic about overnight visits myself. I am going up this week for an overnight stay on Thursday. I am wondering, what am I supposed to bring? What would be best to wear on campus so as not to draw a lot of unwanted attention to myself? If that makes sense. Just wear sneakers, or what should I wear? Should I dress up?
And I was thinking about bringing a "care package" for the plebe I will be staying with. Is this a lame idea? If not, what would a plebe be happy to receive?

Most people come in casual going out clothes like something you might wear to church. I suggest gym clothes as your Plebe will probably have a gym class and also a book you can read while your Plebe does her schoolwork.

I have escorted quite a bit of candidates and some bring some snacks while others mail me a care package with a thank you note afterwards.
 
Alright, thanks for the replies. I will probably just wear some khakis then since I don't wanna wear a dress or anything.
And maybe I will just bring them some snacks or something. I guess anything will be better than nothing!
 
My daughter went up in mid september for a visit. Being from the Jersey Shore, she brought salt water taffy for her host cadet, which was a huge hit! She wore Khaki's and button down dress shirts. While she did see others dressed in jeans and t-shirts, she did say that she was much happier wearing what she did, as it looked much more professional. Flat shoes are a definate must. She was a recruited athlete, so she did bring athletic gear to work out. The visit definately sealed the deal for her that USMA was where she belonged. She just recieved her "formal" appointment letter this past week, and immediately accepted. Ask questions and enjoy!!
 
I also had a few questions about overnight visits.

I will be flying up by myself sometime in the next month or two by myself. What is the best place to fly in, and get transportation to WP? I heard before to fly into LaGuardia, take the train to Garrison, then cab across the river, but am looking for verification...

Also, I would have to stay in a hotel, because there's no way I'm getting a flight that will get in early enough for me to make it on campus by 9:00. Any recommendations?
 
I'm also going to be making an overnight visit up there by myself as well in a month or so. I was asking my RD about it and he said the best airport was Newark. I'm also wondering about a hotel.
 
If you are flying up alone, the easiest airport to use to get to/from West Point is Stewart in Newburgh. It is an easy half hour taxi ride from West Point. It is aften a bit more expensive to fly into, but if it is possible for you it would simplify things greatly.
 
Honestly, the hotel depends on funding. If you have deep pockets, go with the Thayer for convenience. If you have military connections, go with the 5 star on post. Otherwise, you want to be close so you need to stay in Highland Falls...and that would be either the Econo Lodge or the West Point Motel.
 
:eek: I got a hotel in newburgh. That will be ok right?
 
Newburgh is about 30 minutes north of WP, but it's an easy drive ... and beautiful, especially around the mountain!
 
It is 13 miles from Stewart Airport to West Point, according to my GPS last trip. It's a very pretty, historic drive. If you get into Newburgh early enough, be sure to visit Orange County Choppers!
 
I am visiting WP overnight in February and have a question about airfare.

Will West Point pay for it? My sources are contradicting each other on this question. If not, we will just fund my transportation like we had originally planned. But if so, should I contact my regional coordinator to work it out?

Thanks for any assistance.

I am here now, as my son is on an overnight visit. The Army did not pay for the trip. Other posters have mentioned that there are exceptions for those recruited for varsity teams as well as a few other special catagories.

One bit of "Hot off the press" news. The admissions office is NOT collecting the $20.45 for meals any more. A decision was made to stop asking for payment for the meals... so there is some good news on the payment front. This is a case were your candidate's welcome packet will say "Bring $20.45 in exact change", but has been superceeded by a policy change.

The parent tour is great. Try to tour the gym if you come up. The BOD (Briefing Officer of the Day) will take you there if you ask.. It is quite a facility.

It was a beautiful cool (mid 30's) sunny day on the Hudson. No wind, so it was downright warm as long as I stayed in the sun.
 
It was a beautiful cool (mid 30's) sunny day on the Hudson. No wind, so it was downright warm as long as I stayed in the sun.

LOL. "mid 30's." Where I live, it usually doesn't even get that cold in the dead of winter. I have a hard time of seeing that as warm. :yllol:
 
Thats super warm.. lol its gets to like -20 here in minnesota... haha :)
 
I stayed overnight Thursday, and I had such a great experience. It definitely sealed the deal for me. The cadet I was staying with was very nice and had not a negative thing to say about the school. I cannot wait until June 28th now!
 
Back
Top