AMA - Current Plebe at USMA. Parent and candidate questions welcome!

Cope

Cope

USMA 2022
Joined
Apr 4, 2018
Messages
9
Hello!

I am a current cadet at West Point and a member of the class of 2022. I remember browsing the service academy forums endlessly during my application process, and how I wanted to ask obscure questions that weren't fit for their own thread on the forums.

If that's you, or if you just want to ask if I'm going to pass my TEEs this week, feel free to ask whatever! I will do my best to answer in a timely manner.
 
How long did it take for your LOA to arrive and if you got other great offers from other schools, how did you decide to turn them down? West Point is my dream school, but I feel like I would get impatient waiting and start to consider other options more.
 
ES2014 said:
How has the transition from high school academics to academy academics been for you?
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It's actually been pretty tough. I knew coming in that would be the case but it's been quite a shock. I've never been the extremely studious type, I was always pretty good with basic comprehension from what was taught in class, so coming to a school where we're not really taught in class has made me scramble to learn the art of studying. I'm pleased to say I'll be finishing this semester much better than I started it, and am feeling optimistic about next semester.

Ems410 said:
How long did it take for your LOA to arrive and if you got other great offers from other schools, how did you decide to turn them down? West Point is my dream school, but I feel like I would get impatient waiting and start to consider other options more.
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So fun story about my admission. I actually didn't get my notification of acceptance until late April of this year. (Which means if any of you reading this are still holding on, do not fear! Sometimes it takes awhile.) I didn't receive an LOA.
I found out I got into USAFA and Ohio State in January and that was when I started to feel the impatience you mentioned. The only thing I can tell you is if West Point is truly your dream school, and you've thought long and hard about your future in the Army, no wait is too long. Despite getting into two of my top prospect schools early on, I made myself hold out those 3 months because USMA was my ultimate goal. Kept my nose to the grindstone and eyes on the prize.
 
Cope, still waiting to see any formal correspondence about authorized boots for my son who has been appointed to the 2023 class, can you tell us what type you are using and if you recommend them? Thanks
 
USMC-USMA-DAD said:
Cope, still waiting to see any formal correspondence about authorized boots for my son who has been appointed to the 2023 class, can you tell us what type you are using and if you recommend them? Thanks
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I’ve been told the shoe order form won’t come until April by my admissions officer. I’ve also read that it changes year by year so I don’t want to take any chances and buy last year’s authorized boots. I’m sure the Bates low quarters remain the same so I’m going to buy those before the boots and break them in earlier. Not enough people worry about the low quarters and I imagine that their feet reflect this manner on R-Day.
 
Hey! I would also recommend either changing your username or changing your profile picture...or both. I am a fellow plebe of yours and I instantly could identify you. Just for safety and anonymity! Cheers to almost finishing TEEs, you got it!
 
USMC-USMA-DAD said:
Cope, still waiting to see any formal correspondence about authorized boots for my son who has been appointed to the 2023 class, can you tell us what type you are using and if you recommend them? Thanks
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Relax, it’s only December. Most kids haven’t even received their appointment yet! There is plenty of time to get the authorized boots and everything else your CC will need to bring. I understand your excitement and desire to be prepared, but everything will come together. Enjoy the time you have left with your CC (especially the holidays). The time will go faster than you think. It seems like just yesterday I was in your shoes, and my YUK will be reporting back home for the break this Friday!
 
candor said:
Hey! I would also recommend either changing your username or changing your profile picture...or both. I am a fellow plebe of yours and I instantly could identify you. Just for safety and anonymity! Cheers to almost finishing TEEs, you got it!
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Thanks, I'm not super worried about it though.
 
USMC-USMA-DAD said:
Cope, still waiting to see any formal correspondence about authorized boots for my son who has been appointed to the 2023 class, can you tell us what type you are using and if you recommend them? Thanks
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As people who replied to your question said, I wouldn't worry about boots until the official boot memo is published. Low quarters are 100% the thing to worry about, my feet were absolutely destroyed after the first week of Beast (I had to see the medics about blisters at one point) and made walking around my least favorite part of CBT 1. Make sure to get a half or full size up because I'm running into the issue of not being able to wear winter socks with my low quarters now.
 
Thanks Cope, good advice on the shoes, makes sense.

Shock, thanks for the calming voice..... 25 years USMC Infantry here, I get the value of well broken in boots...
 
USMC-USMA-DAD said:
Thanks Cope, good advice on the shoes, makes sense.

Shock, thanks for the calming voice..... 25 years USMC Infantry here, I get the value of well broken in boots...
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No problem, Old infantry soldier here too, and totally agree on footwear! Fortunately any boots authorized today are better than the ones I got at Ft Benning basic training with the only break in they got were the toes getting scuffed from doing push-ups on reception day!
Definitely recommend the bates durashock low quarters, well worth the extra coin.
The boots in the boot letter are better than the issued ones they will receive (according to DS), so definitely get a pair of them to bring too once you know what’s authorized.
 
Hey Cope, what's something you wish you knew before R day or something you wish you better prepared for? Thanks and hope you get a nice break at Christmas with family.
 
Cope said:
USMC-USMA-DAD said:
Cope, still waiting to see any formal correspondence about authorized boots for my son who has been appointed to the 2023 class, can you tell us what type you are using and if you recommend them? Thanks
Click to expand...
As people who replied to your question said, I wouldn't worry about boots until the official boot memo is published. Low quarters are 100% the thing to worry about, my feet were absolutely destroyed after the first week of Beast (I had to see the medics about blisters at one point) and made walking around my least favorite part of CBT 1. Make sure to get a half or full size up because I'm running into the issue of not being able to wear winter socks with my low quarters now.
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Dad of 2022 DD, we have exactly the same issues with the low quarters now having to get another pair a half size larger to accommodate the winter socks
 
Cope said:
Hello!

I am a current cadet at West Point and a member of the class of 2022. I remember browsing the service academy forums endlessly during my application process, and how I wanted to ask obscure questions that weren't fit for their own thread on the forums.

If that's you, or if you just want to ask if I'm going to pass my TEEs this week, feel free to ask whatever! I will do my best to answer in a timely manner.
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Cope, who gets to go to Air Assault and Airborne?
 
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