Candidate Visit Weekend

Last year DD received an email about one week out with instructions and directions with attached map. Hope your son enjoys being a Drag! One tip, pack light. So many kids with big suitcases and they had to carry that up to the 5th deck, no elevator use.
 
Alchemist said:
Last year DD received an email about one week out with instructions and directions with attached map. Hope your son enjoys being a Drag! One tip, pack light. So many kids with big suitcases and they had to carry that up to the 5th deck, no elevator use.
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Thank you! Will do - and will also take heed to someone’s earlier advice that he should not wear any USNA gear during his stay.
 
Definitely no USNA. Was amazing how many Mids just dropped into the rooms over the course of the CVW when my Daughter and other females attended. :)
 
I have heard that in the past for I-Day, but being a Drag, prob won't matter. The purpose of CVW is to present a warm and fuzzy face to the prospective candidates and not scare them - "we want you to apply" is the mission. Also, most load up on USNA and USN gear during the visit, so send your DS with at least $100 pocket money for this visit. My DD had said hoodie when we picked her up and so did many of the other kids.

Now for I-Day. From what I have seen on YouTube for the past 10 years' worth of video out there from both official (USNA Alumni Assoc) and private individuals is that there is a lot of USN and USNA shirts being worn by the inductees. Personally, and this is my own opinion, do not stand out during I-Day, PS and Plebe year. Wear slip on shoes, shorts and plain shirt. Have shirt tucked in upon arrival. Do not give the Detailers any reason to single you out. Bring the bare minimum. Have parents mail you stuff as needed. Practice Sir, Yes Sir, Mame, No Mame so it comes naturally out. For PS, try to stay in the middle of the pack during evolutions. But, help your teammates out whenever you can. That is one thing your DO want to be singled out for. Sounds like you are gaming the system, but it is the military and the Detailers are looking for pay back. This is not college.
 
AF6872 said:
Definitely no USNA. Was amazing how many Mids just dropped into the rooms over the course of the CVW when my Daughter and other females attended. :)
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My DD had the same experience last year - had a blast. The CVW is what made her decide USNA over USAFA. Also, she met many plebes (including the one she was assigned to) who were there after their second attempt which surprised her. My impression is the USNA likes grit and perseverance, kids who do not give up the ship!
 
Daughter had member of her Company was accepted third try after two years College and start all over again.
 
Alchemist said:
I have heard that in the past for I-Day, but being a Drag, prob won't matter. The purpose of CVW is to present a warm and fuzzy face to the prospective candidates and not scare them - "we want you to apply" is the mission. Also, most load up on USNA and USN gear during the visit, so send your DS with at least $100 pocket money for this visit. My DD had said hoodie when we picked her up and so did many of the other kids.

Now for I-Day. From what I have seen on YouTube for the past 10 years' worth of video out there from both official (USNA Alumni Assoc) and private individuals is that there is a lot of USN and USNA shirts being worn by the inductees. Personally, and this is my own opinion, do not stand out during I-Day, PS and Plebe year. Wear slip on shoes, shorts and plain shirt. Have shirt tucked in upon arrival. Do not give the Detailers any reason to single you out. Bring the bare minimum. Have parents mail you stuff as needed. Practice Sir, Yes Sir, Mame, No Mame so it comes naturally out. For PS, try to stay in the middle of the pack during evolutions. But, help your teammates out whenever you can. That is one thing your DO want to be singled out for. Sounds like you are gaming the system, but it is the military and the Detailers are looking for pay back. This is not college.
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The company detailers (the ones who matter) won’t see a plebe-to-be in any civies. They’ll be in white works before they meet their detailers. They’ll never know what they wore into alumni hall - and they could not care less. A Go Army shirt might not be the best choice. But USNA spirit gear - I can’t imagine that not being a good choice.
 
TIME2GO said:
DS signed up and paid for a flight himself. Attending CVW 3/2-3/4. Advice on transportation from BWI to USNA and back for minor traveling alone. Are their any documents needed to be signed by parents and can they be signed prior to arrival? Do you recommend a sleeping bag or sheets and blanket? Is it ok to bring a care basket to plebes in charge of your visit? Is there anything allowed or not allowed as a thank you? Obviously, if family member can go, it's a great opportunity, but is there anything significant a parent will miss by not going?
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For a minor traveling alone. DS attended 3 FBLA national competitions while in high school. He downloaded the Uber and Lyft apps prior to attending.

He was able to use both for transportation solo when he was 15-17.

I’ve never met a plebe who doesn’t appreciate home baked goods or nice snacks. If you attend in person, hit the Amish Market for some baked goods. No midshipmen has ever refused those golden treats.

Keep in mind these ‘hosts’ are in the thick of things and may not always be Uber positive or upbeat. They are burning the midnight oil to say the least. Being the host of a ‘drag’ is an additional task to their already overburdened schedule. Keep that in mind.

Any documents needed will be provided by USNA.

This is also a time, if parents are comfortable, to let go. Your son or daughter is making this choice. They will be the one living it, surviving it, embracing it, learning and growing from it. If the life and call to serve is right for them, they, not you will be signing their 2/7. That takes some getting used to.

I’m not a helicopter parent in any way. But letting this part be solely my son’s was a challenge. My apprehensions and fears and anxiety can’t be a factor. This decision is his. This path is his. This journey is his. I’m his biggest fan and cheerleader and will always be. His growth in 3 years is beyond what I can speak to. His relationships with mentors and shipmates will be lifelong.

This is for sure N*ot College. In my personal journey, the sooner you come to peace with this and support the choice and opportunities afforded to your no longer ‘kiddo’, the more peaceful this journey will be.

I apologize for my digression into the self reflection. Can’t believe commissioning is 15 months away.
 
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Check the weather before going, it can change quick. Sleeping bags work well and are easy. Wear clothes that won’t stand out. Don’t wear your high school letter man jacket. Khakis, polo, comfortable shoes. You will walk a lot. Bring moneyfor the Mid Store, you all get time there. Also for snacks, drinks and maybe a trip to Dahlgren for pizza slices.

I believe the 3/2-4 CVW is the week before spring break (current Mid hopefully can correct that?). But anytime before spring break second semester is the dark ages. They are real. Plebes are tired of being Plebes. They are tired of the whole thing and can’t wait to be done with it. Their attitude can vary. But it’s good to see. It’s the real part of USNA.
 
Heatherg21 said:
For a minor traveling alone. DS attended 3 FBLA national competitions while in high school. He downloaded the Uber and Lyft apps prior to attending.

He was able to use both for transportation solo when he was 15-17.

I’ve never met a plebe who doesn’t appreciate home baked goods or nice snacks. If you attend in person, hit the Amish Market for some baked goods. No midshipmen has ever refused those golden treats.

Keep in mind these ‘hosts’ are in the thick of things and may not always be Uber positive or upbeat. They are burning the midnight oil to say the least. Being the host of a ‘drag’ is an additional task to their already overburdened schedule. Keep that in mind.

Any documents needed will be provided by USNA.

This is also a time, if parents are comfortable, to let go. Your son or daughter is making this choice. They will be the one living it, surviving it, embracing it, learning and growing from it. If the life and call to serve is right for them, they, not you will be signing their 2/7. That takes some getting used to.

I’m not a helicopter parent in any way. But letting this part be solely my son’s was a challenge. My apprehensions and fears and anxiety can’t be a factor. This decision is his. This path is his. This journey is his. I’m his biggest fan and cheerleader and will always be. His growth in 3 years is beyond what I can speak to. His relationships with mentors and shipmates will be lifelong.

This is for sure N*ot College. In my personal journey, the sooner you come to peace with this and support the choice and opportunities afforded to your no longer ‘kiddo’, the more peaceful this journey will be.

I apologize for my digression into the self reflection. Can’t believe commissioning is 15 months away.
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Thank you for the advice. Your instincts are right, my questions are more my own anxiety and dealing with the uncertainty of this next year (or more) than about him finding his own way. Truth be told, I have never taken an Uber or Lyft. Mentioning to close friends that your high school student will be traveling alone to a "Big City" airport where they will catch their own ride has a way of making you feel like a neglectful parent. 😒. Many of them have college kids that come home at least once a month. N*ot College is unimaginable.

DS is my youngest by 13 years. It didn't seem as hard to let go with my DDs but DS resolve to be a part of the USN and willingness to not only commitment years of service but also willingness to give his life when he has so many other college opportunities available to him drives me to be as prepared as I can for the things I still can control.

I can't imagine the desire to prepare and protect your child gets any easier "if" accepted. Pride, worry, happiness, sadness fear... you must experience all the emotions knowing your DS is just over a year from commissioning. Thank you for your time, always helping to answer my questions on this forum and for looking past my grammar errors. (I just reread OP and my use of their/there *embarrassed - any way to edit?)

I appreciate and welcome future advice or antidotes. (unless r/o USNA following CVW but I have a feeling that isn't going to happen)
 
Daughter had LOA without CVW but asked BGO to please schedule one. Got it and worst low temperature for twenty years. Still she enjoyed it. As a prior I do remember Parents worry and fear when I went SEA although they did not outwardly show it. When Daughter selected Marine her mother was very upset but kept it just to us. As adults they will do what they will do. Love them unconditionally and respect their choices. It all worked out she is now second year Law School with two Great Grandchildren for us to spoil.
 
Does anyone receive any additional information to the upcoming CVW yet? I would expect a reminder email or final reservation but I haven't gotten anything.
 
Same - nothing yet. We were talking about it this morning. Glad we aren’t the only ones…
 
Thank you. That’s helpful and reassuring. Fortunately we live close enough to drive back if needed, but we are also familiar enough with USNA communication style to know not to sweat it.
 
Last year DS and I both got instructional texts (and he might have gotten an email) maybe 24-48 hours in advance? I remember feeling the same weird feeling that he wasn’t registered, especially since we had booked flights and a hotel for me. But he assured me and showed me his registration confirmation more than once 😆. I think he put my info down as coming to the parent portion so that is why I got the info as well. There are specific instructions for the parent via a link in the text.
 
IggyMom23 said:
Last year DS and I both got instructional texts (and he might have gotten an email) maybe 24-48 hours in advance? I remember feeling the same weird feeling that he wasn’t registered, especially since we had booked flights and a hotel for me. But he assured me and showed me his registration confirmation more than once 😆. I think he put my info down as coming to the parent portion so that is why I got the info as well. There are specific instructions for the parent via a link in the text.
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Grateful for your reply. It would certainly be more convenient to get something beforehand.
 
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