Best time to visit the USNA

[JJ2016]

For some time, DS has expressed an interest in the Naval Academy, but now his actions are aligning better with that desire. As a current high school Junior, he does plan on applying to NASS in February. Outside of NASS, when would be a good time for the family to visit the academy to get a sense of academy life? Perhaps a different way to ask the question, when should we NOT visit? I envision that Plebe Summer, any extended leave period (e.g., Summer, Christmas, Spring), the Dark Ages, finals week, and Commissioning Week would provided a skewed (and better than none) view of academy life. Perhaps I am over thinking things – again.

Thanks in advance.

 

[navig8r]

There are probably a good many times to avoid because of USNA scheduling. Just throwing out another time to avoid - check the Annapolis local schedules around the middle of October. Usually the sailboat show and powerboat show (both of which are HUGE) will effectively make hotel stays impossible. Usually the sailboat show is the long weekend before Columbus day and the powerboat show is the weekend after. Many vendors stay in town for both shows and if you've never been to Annapolis -it ain't that big. And the Academy is smack in the middle of everything else.

 

[jennyp]

So you might not want to go during super busy times as mentioned. I would avoid commissioning week. Why not a football game? That's what we did. Or, if you think your son might struggle with winter, a dark ages visit would be in order. Travel then could be tricky, though. This past winter they had LOTS of snow. We went homecoming weekend. There were many class reunions which facilitated us talking with alumni of all ages. Got game tickets on line and sat with class of 62 and had a blast with them.