1st Service Academy event this weekend - tips please

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snowieWI3

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Hello again! Thank you all who responded to my original question of if it's worth the trip to go even though my kid is a year away from applying. Your thoughts allowed us to firm up our plans to head to our first event this upcoming Saturday morning.

With that being said - my daughter is a bundle of nerves about it. She keeps asking me questions (that I can't answer) and is starting to worry big time that she will look foolish if she does something wrong....so I asked her to write down her questions and I'll ask in this forum.

1. Will there be recruiters there trying to get me to go straight in because I don't want that - I want to go to an academy so I can earn a college degree and then serve.

2. Am I supposed to go up to the two senators and talk to them even though I'm not applying until next year?

3. Is it like a college fair or an interview?

4. Do I have to salute anyone...because dad told me yes (he was Navy) but what if I do it wrong...isn't that disrespectful?

5. Will they laugh if I tell them I'm interested in machinery/welding/ocean engineering if I'm female?

6. Should I mention that I'm very interested in continuing with my music (percussion-drum corps) or should I keep quiet?



Thank you to anyone taking the time to shed some light on some of her questions.
 
I am assuming this is a MOC's "Academy Day." They are all different, and I don't know about yours, but these are my general thoughts:


1. Will there be recruiters there trying to get me to go straight in because I don't want that - I want to go to an academy so I can earn a college degree and then serve.

I doubt it, but just politely decline eilistment, But it doesn't hurt to discuss ROTC.

2. Am I supposed to go up to the two senators and talk to them even though I'm not applying until next year?

They may not even be there. If they are there, you don't have to talk to them. They likely have committees that do their interviews.

3. Is it like a college fair or an interview?

College fair

4. Do I have to salute anyone...because dad told me yes (he was Navy) but what if I do it wrong...isn't that disrespectful?

If you are a civilian, not in uniform, you don't salute persons. A handshake is appropriate. Also, you would not salute the Flag during the national anthem unless in uniform.

5. Will they laugh if I tell them I'm interested in machinery/welding/ocean engineering if I'm female?

Of course not. That is great!

6. Should I mention that I'm very interested in continuing with my music (percussion-drum corps) or should I keep quiet?

Couldn't hurt, but it is more like a college fair than an interview.
 
Last edited:
snowieWI3 said:
6. Should I mention that I'm very interested in continuing with my music (percussion-drum corps) or should I keep quiet?
Click to expand...
Watch this video and you can decide if they would be interested in your musical skills and experience. :D
 
I think you will get more out of it going a year early.
By the time my DS attended his all his applications were already submitted. It was still worth going but at that point most of his lingering questions were already answered.
 
Her being nervous just means it is important to her, that's a good thing! Our DS has attended them since his 8th grade year. Sometimes the MOC is there, and when they were he did politely introduce himself with direct eye contact and firm handshake. He thanked them for hosting the event. He listened to the presentations, sometimes current SA students are present and speak. He spoke with them regarding specific questions he had, they have always had great info. He meets each of the representatives for the SA's that are present. Some are active duty, some are retired, they usually have tables set up with packets and information. I stand back and watch, he does all the talking. That is really important. Hard as mom or dad, but critical. Take notes, be confident, present yourself professionally. And enjoy it!!! Oh, last thing. Be yourself.
 
I have been to four over the years and they were ALL different. Even the two that were put on by the same senator.

MOC’s may or may not be there, may or may not be recruiters there, may be like a college fair, or “speeches” by different academy cadets/Mids etc (that was my favorite), that you can talk to afterwards.

Be honest. Be yourself. Musical instrument is awesome. So is your interest area.

It’s normal to be nervous. Tell her her nerves will calm down. It will be a pleasant experience!

And absolutely go early! She won’t be early btw. Others will be there here age I would guess.

It’s an opportunity. It’s not an interview. Casual pleasant dress was appropriate (no torn jeans, for example) at our events.

One thing she could do is google the open house and there may be some info about it.

Have fun! DS got a picture with his senator he was ultimately charged to. Very cool.
 
Every event can be different. Most have some sort of presentation. For our local one each SA gives a small presentation and one of the SA gives an over of all SA in general. They also have local ROTC Dets there. They usually have booths or tables for each where you can go and ask questions. You have interests in Marine Engineering and band activities. I think those are good questions to inquiry about opportunities at the SAs. Also important to research service options. Also with your daughter being a junior research and ask about the summer programs at each SA. Each one has a summer program for rising seniors. They are great opportunities.
 
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