Candidate Visit Weekend

[2013scholar]

I just received a letter in the mail inviting me to a Candidate Visit Weekend that's in late October. Is this a sign that an LOA may be on the horizon, or is it sent to many applicants?

I am not the strongest athlete, but I have an intense academic record (AP Calculus BC, AP Micro/Macro Economics, AP English Language, AP Spanish Language, AP U.S. History last year; AP Calculus BC, AP Physics C, AP U.S. Gov, AP Statistics, AP English Lit, and AP Psychology this year), a 4.3 GPA, and good SAT/ACT/SAT II. I'm thinking that because I'm a female they may be looking past my not being on a sporting team, especially because I plan to major in engineering. How will they be pairing me up with a Plebe as far as athletics, I'm scared that I won't be able to do their sport!

My family has NO military background and I am completely confused about everything in this application process

 

[Antoinette]

Confused or not you have completed enough of the application to be invited to a CVW. You may have a chance to have your questions answered by Admissions while you are there. Congratulations and go and enjoy your visit!

 

[parkhurst89]

It is great to hear Candidate Guidance Office (CGO) had a busy week contacting candidates for weekend visits.

First of all, congratulations! Those spots are few and far between. Realize you are probably one of a few hundred that were selected over a few thousand candidates. Similar to the advice I gave kicker1 a few minutes ago...you have been invited for a reason and USNA would not waste the time and money on you if your were not a strong candidate. I hope you take advantage of this opportunity to get a glimpse of plebe life. It will be a great opportunity to come home and answer the question: "Do I really want to attend USNA?"

I gave kicker1 only one example of the use of the weekend visits. Perhaps you are a school or community leader, perhaps you are an entrepreneur? I don't have access to your file but CGO saw something positive. CGO will profile you and pair you up with somebody similar to you. They want you to come home from the weekend excited about USNA. Not everybody at USNA are jocks so don't worry. I was not a jock and one of my roommates was a star in the Catholic Choir. We all bring different talents with us to USNA.

On the other hand take note of the 'whole person assessment' used in the Admissions Process. Midshipmen must use their brains and their bodies while at USNA. If you are not athletically inclined start thinking how to improve this. Organized school sports, club sports, and individual physical fitness activities help your file and make you a more attractive candidate.

Finally, family military history? Not a requirement to be a midshipman. Tradition has to start somewhere. Confused? Contact your Blue & Gold Officer. Their job is to counsel you through the Admissions Process and help alleviate some of the confusion.

Best of luck and BEAT ARMY!