I am going to attend the CVW on March 2nd. The USNA website indicates that a "boxed meal" will be offered at the end of the "welcome". I was considering making reservations at a restuarant that evening at one the many recommended on this Board. Is there any advantage to staying for the boxed meal? As in - does Admissions answer questions or offer information during the dinner - or is it just the usual boxed meal on plastic tables. Has anyone attended the box meal after welcome and was it informative/worth it?
Candidate Visitation Weekend Boxed Meal
- Thread starter mab
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Not sure if you are a parent or a student, but when I went in the fall the boxed meal was only offered to the students. My son was given his to carry with him when he left with the company that he was staying with. The meal wasn't eaten as a group , so no communication with admissions etc. during that time. The weekend we were there it was fairly late by the time parents and students separated (and the boxed meals were handed out to the students), so I just ate a quick dinner at a restaurant near my hotel on the way back.
RIPeWAFFLES
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When I went both times, the staff only referred to the students receiving the boxed meals, and even if it wasn't explicitly stated, it was only students who grabbed them.
No, it is same Admissions presentation they give at any other USNA outreach event. The boxed meal is not that great either, it is a cold cut sandwhich, a bag of chips and a cookie. You can take your child out to dinner but ensure your child is dropped off where they need to be. They need to communicate with their Midshipman so we can pick them up.
Sandlapper
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Arrived in the early afternoon with my DS and grabbed a large late lunch. We figured that the box chow would be minimal which is fine. Agree that the social aspect of breaking bread with other prospects and plebes will be something that can't be found in a restaurant. DS had a great time but his plebe was vocal about wanting the USAFA rather than USNA. Still, it was beneficial to attend.
ButterflyWaffles
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As someone who A) lives in MD and B) has attended 2 CWVs I would recommend letting the student mingle with other candidates and get to ask and answer questions. I even remember running into one of my friends from Girls State at one of them. I would suggest, however, taking the student out after the CVW if you have time since they may not have been able to each breakfast. I know there's a crepe place ( Sofie's crepes) right outside of the visitor's center and a diner called Double T a short drive away that I definitely recommend.
JohnMcLane
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Make it an experience! MD is famous for crab and seafood. Go to town...literally!
cbasalt1
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When I went to the fall CVW, the boxed meal was given to us as we were paired with our cadet hosts. I ate mine sitting on my cot in my room for the weekend in Bancroft. I wouldnt expect your Plebes to be able to take you out for dinner, so maybe consider going out for lunch in DTA on Saturday, after you are released off the yard.
Tom Nicholas
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Our son visited twice; this past May (30th Company) and again in October (12th Company). It's an opportunity for candidates to (as much as they can) fully immerse in the student-life experience; without the distraction of parents. I did like the Admissions and other department presentations for parents on Friday and it was cool to meet the Superintendent too. Our son thought the boxed meal was fine and I let him know there were a few times deployed when that's what we had too. The experience of dining in King Hall our son thought was cool as well.
When they arrive, they check in, show the paperwork they were asked to bring, and then off they go. Once my son got in line, I walked from there down to Rip Miller field and watched the football team practice for a good hour- and didn't see my son again till Saturday morning. Before the visit, he was interested. After the visit he was "all-in."
If you're looking for upscale, this restaurant is right outside the visitor's gate.
However, between the visitor's gate and along Main St. towards the capitol dome, there are a bunch of nice / affordable options. We especially liked this one:
Good luck & enjoy!
When they arrive, they check in, show the paperwork they were asked to bring, and then off they go. Once my son got in line, I walked from there down to Rip Miller field and watched the football team practice for a good hour- and didn't see my son again till Saturday morning. Before the visit, he was interested. After the visit he was "all-in."
If you're looking for upscale, this restaurant is right outside the visitor's gate.
The Choptank - Annapolis
110 Compromise St, Annapolis, MD 21401However, between the visitor's gate and along Main St. towards the capitol dome, there are a bunch of nice / affordable options. We especially liked this one:
O'Brien's Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern
113 Main St, Annapolis, MD 21401Good luck & enjoy!
Navy2025&27
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I took my DS and his two room mates to The Choptank this past weekend and they loved it.