Another mid answering questions!

J

jhc23

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Jan 8, 2019
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This forum was a big help to me, so I’d like to return the favor. I’m currently part of the class of 2023, and I’m willing to answer your questions about anything. I know someone from 2022 has a similar thread going right now, but sometimes another perspective is a good thing! Fire away.....
 
Hello! I hope all is well....this question was answered before on a different thread but I would like to see your perspective on it as well.

1.What was the biggest cultural shock you had to get used to?

Also, how’s the dorm life? Were you roommate(s) well? Did you feel you could relax or was there always an urge to be alert? (In your room)
 
Hi there! Have you ever heard of or knew anyone to receive a "turn down" and then later receive an appointment? Thank you for your time.
 
Hello! What was the hardest—and, inversely, the easiest—aspect of Academy life for you to adjust to? And what advice would you have for applicants?
Thanks!
 
w988493893489389 said:
how stressful is memorizing reef points and such activities?
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Hi! It was definitely stressful constantly having to memorize new material in Reef Points, not to mention repeatedly being questioned about it during any free time there was. It isn’t something you should worry about though, because it’s part of the process. You adjust quickly, you’ll become better at rapid memorization, and it will soon become an issue of lesser magnitude. Memorize what they tell you to in the Permit to Report package, and show up with an open mind ready to learn the rest!
 
Cali Reece said:
Hello! I hope all is well....this question was answered before on a different thread but I would like to see your perspective on it as well.

1.What was the biggest cultural shock you had to get used to?

Also, how’s the dorm life? Were you roommate(s) well? Did you feel you could relax or was there always an urge to be alert? (In your room)
Click to expand...

Hi! Thanks for your question. The biggest culture shock for me was the sudden change in daily routine. After my senior year of high school, I didn’t do a whole lot each day leading up to I-Day, so the long days of plebe summer were really tough getting used to. The different evolutions weren’t exactly physically impossible, but the days were extremely long.

Dorm life is a complicated situation because rooming arrangements are decided for you plebe year, but even in the worst case scenario (you get paired with someone you’re not the greatest friends with) you still can feel comfortable in your own room. After all, they’re going through the same thing you are, so it’s nice to have someone who can relate to you. Plebe year is so busy that this isn’t too big of an issue because it’s one of the last things you’re thinking about. After plebe year, you choose your roommates from the many new friends you will have!
 
Swabbie#89 said:
Hi there! Have you ever heard of or knew anyone to receive a "turn down" and then later receive an appointment? Thank you for your time.
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Hi! I’m sure this has happened before, but I would be willing to bet it’s quite a rare occurrence. From what I understand, there are people who get waitlisted, and only a small number (depending on the year) come off the waitlist to fill any vacancies in the class. I’ve heard of this happening up to a few days before I-Day.

If you find yourself in this situation, I would find far more hope in the prospect of reapplying next year, because I know PLENTY of reapplicants that made it the second time around. Work on improving in every way you can until the next application cycle and get that improved application in. Don’t give up, keep pushing forward if it’s what you really want!
 
Moonmonkey1000 said:
Hello! What was the hardest—and, inversely, the easiest—aspect of Academy life for you to adjust to? And what advice would you have for applicants?
Thanks!
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The hardest aspect of Academy life in general to adjust to is living in a world where you are constantly being evaluated. Everything you do is watched, scored, and recorded in some way or another, and this puts a lot of pressure on you to succeed. The PRT, PE classes, Academics, sports teams, aptitude rankings, etc (plus a bunch more as a plebe) are all examples of this. Don’t get me wrong, it’s something you will adjust for and overcome, as everyone does, but it was one of the more difficult things for me. Try to feed off of the pressure, don’t take things too too seriously, and always work to being better than the day before, and you’ll do just fine.

The easiest thing? It depends on your strengths. Some people have an incredible work ethic and have no issues adapting to long academy days with lots of practice, school, homework, etc. Some people find this extremely difficult. I would say it was pretty easy to make friends, probably some of the best I’ll ever have. You form a close bond with these people, and it’s something that just happens naturally.

My advice to an applicant - Keep working hard, don’t slow down, don’t hit the brakes, keep going full speed. Always be trying to get better in all aspects of life, and don’t lose sight of your goals.

It was said to us over plebe summer “whether you think you can or you can’t - you’re right.” Keep that positive mindset and make it happen.
 
What were some of the activities and ECA's that you were involved in through high school that you think may have improved your overall application?
 
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