Rates for Summer Seminar

Weathergirl12

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Mar 12, 2019
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I keep reading where people who have been to the UNSA summer seminar say they had to memorize rates. What exactly are those?

Also, for the closing ceremony, is it encouraged that parents attend?
 
I keep reading where people who have been to the UNSA summer seminar say they had to memorize rates. What exactly are those?

Also, for the closing ceremony, is it encouraged that parents attend?
I can't speak to memorizing rates as my DS has never mentioned anything like that but I can tell you as a parent, the closing ceremony was a treat to see some of what my DS experienced. I am so glad I went to pick him up.
 
Rates are pieces of knowledge such as rank, the mission statement, and other pieces of information that need to be memorized. At summer seminar, they will give you a paper with multiple different rates that should be memorized throughout the week, and you will be tested on them throughout the week and at the mock Indoc by your squad leaders. I would suggest memorizing them to the best of you ability so you don’t get absolutely smoked haha
 
You will have to memorize a lot during Plebe summer and SS is designed to give you a taste of what it will be like. Sort of, I don't think anyone cries at SS even when they yell at them.
 
I still have the rates sheet I got from last year's summer seminar. If you want, I could send you a picture of it.
 
Rates are a rite of passage. It’s information of various type, usage and relevance. But all part of Navy life, whether practical or merely lore. Don’t try to “get ahead” by memorizing now. It’s all part of the “pretend plebe” process that gives you a taste of mid life. Share the pain — and fun — with your fellow NASSers.
 
I attended the ceremony and was so glad i did. I flew in and help DS drive home which was good because after he talked nonstop for 1 hour he slept for 4 LOL
 
There is absolutely no reason to try to memorize rates before NASS, or Plebe Summer. The one useful bit of advice on the subject that I saw here in the past is that it couldn't hurt to at least familiarize yourself with Navy/Military ranks, Misson Statement, basic information about USNA before attending. That way it isn't absolutely Greek to you when you see if for the first time and have to memorize something. Beyond that, relax, and soak up the experience. If you get admitted, you will get plenty of opportunity to memorize rates -- and if you arrive to Plebe Summer overly prepared, your Plebe Summer cadre will have plenty of other ways to make the summer stressful. :)
 
My DD was at NASS last summer. Our family has no military background so she had no idea what to expect. She enjoyed the challenge of the memorization. Some items were expected to be remembered throughout the week. Some new items given in the evenings and expected to be parroted the next morning. Some were funny, some were important. It was all in good fun. She had no idea going in of the memorization expectation . My advice...embrace the unknown and uncertainty and have fun.
 
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