Ask a Plebe!

Write down those memories! You will forget about most of your first year and those observations could be really interesting to read for you, twenty years from now. Especially the wide-eyed reactions about "what am I getting myself into here?" It's that radical change from "civilian" to "military" that many civilians don't understand. That's the part you'll forget over time.
 
Also, how many ppl (you have talked to) have a big military background with family and extracurriculars and know a lot about the military? Or approximately what percentage.
 
THParent said:
Write down those memories! You will forget about most of your first year and those observations could be really interesting to read for you, twenty years from now. Especially the wide-eyed reactions about "what am I getting myself into here?" It's that radical change from "civilian" to "military" that many civilians don't understand. That's the part you'll forget over time.
Click to expand...
I kept a journal over CBT that I wrote in every night, definitely a great idea that I recommend everyone does!
 
Last edited:
armypanda_ said:
How are the professors? I heard they’re really nice.
Click to expand...
I've heard of some not so great professors, but that's really only a handful. The vast majority of professors are great people willing to help you out with any problem. The small class sizes (I don't have a class with more than 18 people in it) definitely helps in building strong relationships with your professors. We're only on week 2 of the academic year, and all of my professors already know me by name and have spoke with me about problems I had on homework or questions about labs, etc.
I don't really have a military background within my family, but there are people here who do and people who don't. Surprisingly enough, I would say that the majority of people (at least in my company) don't have family experience. No matter if you do or don't really doesn't matter, you're all cadets training to be officers with the same resources, that one family member is just one additional resource.
College itself is way different than high school, but that's something you'll learn on your own! Just keep doing the best you can in high school.
 
USMA2026Cadet said:
I've heard of some not so great professors, but that's really only a handful. The vast majority of professors are great people willing to help you out with any problem. The small class sizes (I don't have a class with more than 18 people in it) definitely helps in building strong relationships with your professors. We're only on week 2 of the academic year, and all of my professors already know me by name and have spoke with me about problems I had on homework or questions about labs, etc.
I don't really have a military background within my family, but there are people here who do and people who don't. Surprisingly enough, I would say that the majority of people (at least in my company) don't have family experience. No matter if you do or don't really doesn't matter, you're all cadets training to be officers with the same resources, that one family member is just one additional resource.
College itself is way different than high school, but that's something you'll learn on your own! Just keep doing the best you can in high school.
Click to expand...
Thank you!!
 
Did you get to choose your roommate? Do you only have one roommate? Is he in the same class as you?
 
armypanda_ said:
Did you get to choose your roommate? Do you only have one roommate? Is he in the same class as you?
Click to expand...
Roommates are always same gender and same class, and about three per room is average for plebes, though some have two and some have four. There are no single rooms anywhere at USMA, even the First Captain has a roommate. For BEAST and first semester of plebe year your roommates are totally random within your company, though starting second semester you can request for specific roommates.
 
USMA2026Cadet said:
Roommates are always same gender and same class, and about three per room is average for plebes, though some have two and some have four. There are no single rooms anywhere at USMA, even the First Captain has a roommate. For BEAST and first semester of plebe year your roommates are totally random within your company, though starting second semester you can request for specific roommates.
Click to expand...
Oh, so you can switch roommates every semester? That’s often. Or just for plebe year?
 
Last edited:
armypanda_ said:
How is it compared to high school?
Click to expand...
Thought I would add some insight to your questions from a cow. @USMA2026Cadet gave pretty good answers for most things, but I think I can give a little more detail as it relates to academics.

It is significantly harder than high school, especially as you progress past gen eds and begin to get into the core of your major.

It is a minority of cadets with significant exposure to military life, and it does not make a big difference.

As for professors, nice is not the best term to describe them. That is not to say that they aren't caring, it is just more of a professional relationship (especially as a good amount of them are officers). They are very invested in your learning; I have even had 1 on 1 tutoring with instructors as late as 2300 on a Saturday night. This is partially because of the small class size but also their genuine interest in your education. Many instructors are also happy to serve as a mentor of sorts and will be more than willing to assist you in navigating whatever you may be dealing with at the time.

Hope this helps, ask away if you have more questions.
 
usma2024hopeful said:
Thought I would add some insight to your questions from a cow. @USMA2026Cadet gave pretty good answers for most things, but I think I can give a little more detail as it relates to academics.

It is significantly harder than high school, especially as you progress past gen eds and begin to get into the core of your major.

It is a minority of cadets with significant exposure to military life, and it does not make a big difference.

As for professors, nice is not the best term to describe them. That is not to say that they aren't caring, it is just more of a professional relationship (especially as a good amount of them are officers). They are very invested in your learning; I have even had 1 on 1 tutoring with instructors as late as 2300 on a Saturday night. This is partially because of the small class size but also their genuine interest in your education. Many instructors are also happy to serve as a mentor of sorts and will be more than willing to assist you in navigating whatever you may be dealing with at the time.

Hope this helps, ask away if you have more questions.
Click to expand...
Thank you!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top