Class of 2018

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BuckeyeGuy

5-Year Member
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DS received a LOA last week and a phone call from our congressman tonight informing him that he will be receiving a nomination to USMMA and that a letter will be coming soon.

We have visited KP but did not drive, flew in and took a cab. We will be driving in for I day...now the questions:

When is I day (could not find it on the website calendar)?

I know parking is limited at the academy, so where do you park? On the side streets? Other?

When we visited, we stayed at the Andrews. Any recommendations on where to and where not to stay that are a little less expensive?

I know Bayside is not far from the academy, but how long does it take to drive to KP? Any other recommendations?

I know I have more questions, but cannot think of them now...any other information, thoughts, ideas, recommendations etc. are most welcome and appreciated.

Thank you for your time and words of wisdom.

Merry Christmas!
 
I can answer a few of your questions. My son will be going to KP in the fall and I have one that graduated

There is no date yet for I day. I asked admissions rep about it.

I've never had a problem parking there. Bayside is the next town over from Great Neck just a few minutes. There are several places that list decent hotels not far away. If I remember correctly there is a list in the Logging In book that you get (not sure when that gets mailed, I think April).

If you have facebook there is group that can be very helpful. Don't have the link but search under parents of USMMA class of 2018 or somethink like that. There is also a topic on here that lists the link.

Sorry I couldn't answer more questions. \
BTW my older DS had a wonderful experience at KP and I am so happy that my younger DS will be attended.
 
Congratulations to you both. My DD just had her status change to Principal so she may be joining your DS's. She is still waiting to hear back from Coast Guard before she makes her final decision.

My DS is in the Class of 2017 so I just recently went through this.

Indoc usually begins around the first week of July. Last year the Admissions detail stated the 7th or 8th, however they moved it up to the 2nd.

As "waiting2018" indicated, there is a booklet called "Class of 201_ Logging In Book". Last year they came late, MAY I believe. I recommend you Google it and print out a copy. We got the 2015 book last year to get an idea of the what was and we are glad we did. They do not change much so they will help you get prepared and stay ahead of things. There will be medical requirements (dental, immunizations) that have to be met, Passport, TWIC (transportation workers ID) card (not a quick process) and of course the physical preparation. Finding this early was probably the best thing for our family.

Also, as "waiting2018" there will be a Parent's Facebook page for the Class of 2018, as well as a page for the appointees. Both are excellent resources and help you make some great connections with families and students going through the same journey. There are leaders from previous classes that help with a lot of the question we all have.

Parking is not plentiful, however between the 3 lots and side streets you will find a spot. My recommendation is to get in early. It will help guarantee a spot, as well as give you time to take photos with the family and say your goodbyes. When the time hits your DS will be gone on the other side, so get in early and have that moment.

With regard to hotel, there will be a listing of hotels in the information you get. Book early where ever you stay. I would stick with the hotels that are listed and I would also do a google search for reviews. The Facebook page will help with this, as well as restaurants and taxi/limo companies for future use. We stayed at the Marriott in Uniondale because of business travel points. Many families stayed there and it was nice to have my DS get to hang out with other kids who were about to go on the same journey the following morning. We met some folks who have become good friends. To give you some perspective, that journey (hotel/Kings Point) was consistently 25-30 minutes when we have traveled it.

Hope this helps
 
Congrats to all the '18's

A few pointers in addition to the good advice already given.

Outside the big days (Day 0, Parents weekend, homecoming, graduation, etc) parking is not a problem. On those days, the early bird catches the worm, so to speak. There is a small lot across the street from football bleachers, but it will fill quickly on day 0 (indoc day). Security and Midshipmen will direct you as well. The afformentioned 3rd lot is usually off limits on special dates. In short, don't worry.

The calendar got a little scrambled this year due to government shut down, but I'd be mentally prepared to report BEFORE July 4th. You/your DS will learn quickly that short notice, adapting, and dealing with constant change (like being on a ship...Surprise!) is part of KP experience.

As for logging in book, I'd advise against anything before '17. The curriculum has changed, and I'd imagine some of the items they need might have changed.

Good Luck!
 
Or like being called the day you are set to fly half way around the world to catch a ship...surprise! :mad: excerpt of call I received around noon today:
"Hey Mom, I've got good news and I've got bad news"

On my way to the airport NOW for unexpected one day late Christmas present :thumb:

Happy New Year Service Academy Forum Friends!
 
BuckeyeGuy, we stayed at Homewood Suites in Garden City in September for Acceptance Day and Parent Weekend. It is not that far from KP. The rooms are comfortable and not very expensive for a junior suite, less expensive than the Andrews and the hotel is newer. They give a discounted rate for USMMA.
 
answers in red

BuckeyeGuy said:
DS received a LOA last week and a phone call from our congressman tonight informing him that he will be receiving a nomination to USMMA and that a letter will be coming soon. congrats

We have visited KP but did not drive, flew in and took a cab. We will be driving in for I day...now the questions:

When is I day (could not find it on the website calendar)? July 2nd.. and it's called Indoctrination (or INDOC). WEDNESDAY 02 JLY
INDOCTRINATION - Class of 2018 reports 0700-0830 (tentative date and subject to change)

I know parking is limited at the academy, so where do you park? Black"On the side streets? Other? You can park in the parking lot, or on the street going down to the water, or on the streets by the football field... when you report to INDOC there will be plenty of people directing you on where to park.

When we visited, we stayed at the Andrews. Any recommendations on where to and where not to stay that are a little less expensive? Always stay PAST the academy coming from LaGuardia. Some of the hotels between LGA and KP are a bit shady. The Inn at Great Neck in Great Neck, NY is wonderful- and 10 min from campus, but also pricy. The new Homewood Suites at Carles Place is very nice- and about $170 per night and I think they still give a disc for KP families. It's about 15-20 min out. There are more hotels in Garden City - about 20 min away from campus but the NY traffic is terrifying. Many people choose a hotel based on how far it is from campus vs. the price. You just have to embrace NY prices vs. how it most likely is where you live. Also, make your hotel reservations early- the hotels will fill up for INDOC and Parents Weekend. One more thing, we've taken cabs as well as rented a car- it's honestly the same price or cheaper to rent a car and we prefer to rent a car now vs. taking a cab.

I know Bayside is not far from the academy, but how long does it take to drive to KP? Any other recommendations?

I know I have more questions, but cannot think of them now...any other information, thoughts, ideas, recommendations etc. are most welcome and appreciated. May I ask what state are you from? there are USMMA Parents Associations that will be there to answer all of your ?'s in the future... once you find each other that is!

Thank you for your time and words of wisdom.

Merry Christmas!
Click to expand...
Congrats again! Welcome to the USMMA family!
 
We are from Ohio. We have already been in contact with the Parents Assoc. here in Ohio and we have joined the Class of 2018 Parents Facebook group. Lots of helpful people with lots of good insight!

Thanks for the info, well wishes, and we are looking forward to this new journey.
 
JOin the class of 2018 FB page

If you have received a letter of Acceptance or an appointment join the facebook page i just created. "usmma class of 2018" Congrats on getting in!
 
This facebook group has been established a little while ago...did you start a new one?
 
USMMA's Acceptance Day Class of 2018

USMMA's Acceptance Day Weekend Will Celebrate Plebe Accomplishments

KINGS POINT, N.Y. February 21, 2014 -Today, Rear Admiral James A. Helis, Superintendent announced that Acceptance Day for the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Class of 2018 will be held on Saturday, August 9th 2014. In recent years, Acceptance Day was held during Parents Weekend, but going forward Plebe Candidates and their families will enjoy a separate weekend that celebrates their accomplishments.

“The Academy is conducting Acceptance Day in August to formally recognize the completion of the initial indoctrination process for the Class of 2018 and their joining the Regiment of Midshipmen and the US Navy Reserve,” said CAPT Jay Kennedy Commandant of Midshipmen. “This special weekend will focus on the Class of 2018 and their families, and we hope this will maximize both the parents and Plebes’ time together and give parents an opportunity to enjoy and learn more about Kings Point.”

The main reason for moving Acceptance Day forward is to standardize training for each incoming class. Acceptance Day has typically been tied to the weekend of the first home football game which does not have a standardized date each year. Therefore, each Plebe class’ training experience was different. The intent of the new schedule is to hold Acceptance Day two weeks after the Regiment reforms for first trimester. Moving Acceptance Day to a set time each year provides a fixed schedule which enables the Commandant’s staff and Midshipmen Officers to better plan and coordinate Plebe Training. The new timeframe also allows more upper class Midshipmen to be involved in the Plebe training sooner.

During Acceptance Day Weekend, the Academy will host several events for the parents of the Class of 2018 beginning on Friday, August 8th. On Saturday, August 9th, members of the Class of 2018 who are in good-standing will be granted overnight liberty following the Acceptance Day Parade.

Parents Weekend will be held September 19-21, 2014. Highlights will include the Ceremony of Beating Retreat on Friday, September 19th and a Regimental Review and home football game on Saturday September 20th. While Acceptance Day is exclusive to the Class of 2018, Plebe parents are welcome to return for Parents Weekend should they wish.

Academy Superintendent Rear Admiral James Helis added, “We are moving Acceptance Day earlier to tie it to the initial accomplishments of the plebe candidates. Families of future plebe classes will now have two major opportunities to visit with their midshipmen, Acceptance Day and Parents Weekend.”

Detailed schedules for both Acceptance Day and Parents Weekend will be posted to the Academy website and distributed to all midshipmen at a future date.
Updated: Friday, February 21, 2014
 
Just a heads up to everyone...

We are waiting on a medical remedial decision but being the optimistic types, we decided to book rooms this past weekend for Acceptance Day and Parents Weekend. Acceptance Day was no problem.

I'll be sleeping on the floor in the hotel we were able to find for Parent's Weekend. One room left, one bed that my wife and daughter will share. Seems like they are filling up quickly.
 
Appointments should be starting to be offered now, if not they should be give out very soon. Has anybody else heard from the academy yet?
 
Will KP post on status first and then contact? Or do they contact first and then change status?
 
I'm pretty sure it goes status, call from congressman (usually they're excited so they call you), and then letter in the mail.


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My DS had a conditional LOA given in early December. He received a call from Admissions on Tuesday of last week indicating his medical waiver was approved and welcoming him to USMMA (my DS has made it very clear that USMMA is his number one choice and if offered, he would accept).

On 28FEB his DoDMERB portal was updated indicating "Waiver Approved". On 3MAR his USMMA status was changed from "Conditional" to "Principal". As I posted a few months ago, in our house that was known as "The Objective".

Admissions indicated that he would likely hear from our MOC. As of 10 minutes ago, no word.




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Apologies for the delayed response. I am actually out of the country on business.

We are grateful for the well wishes and have very much appreciated all of the insight, information, and encouragement we have received from this forum.

I am not sure if the destination would have changed, but I am positive that the journey would've been a lot harder without all of the help we have received.


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