Class of 2024 AEP Parents Thread

I wanted to get some advice from others. We are debating the benefits of attending the AEP. Only because my DS attended a genesis event overnight visit in the fall. Anyone know if another trip out is worth the expense and time away from a hard semester of classes? Is there a lot of new info presented? Can anyone provide some pros/cons to help us make a decision. Thank you!
 
Adopt3 said:
I wanted to get some advice from others. We are debating the benefits of attending the AEP. Only because my DS attended a genesis event overnight visit in the fall. Anyone know if another trip out is worth the expense and time away from a hard semester of classes? Is there a lot of new info presented? Can anyone provide some pros/cons to help us make a decision. Thank you!
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As parents, we were on the fence as DS was already committed- Acceptance mailed today actually. However after reading the agenda combined with DS’ desire to attend, we green-lighted the trip. Although we are only a 205 miles away- it does equate to a combined 6 vacation days, 2 nights Hotel, kenneling the dog, etc. It’s a personal decision. Our DS has visited on THREE previous occasions but realization is it will be his home for 4 years and the Academy will be a legacy forming experience. It certainly is not required especially if your DS has already had an overnight. On the other-hand, AEP is a privilege extended to a select few. If you can swing it- why not? Regardless of some redundancy.
 
Adopt3 said:
I wanted to get some advice from others. We are debating the benefits of attending the AEP. Only because my DS attended a genesis event overnight visit in the fall. Anyone know if another trip out is worth the expense and time away from a hard semester of classes? Is there a lot of new info presented? Can anyone provide some pros/cons to help us make a decision. Thank you!
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AEP would be beneficial if your DS is on the fence as to whether he wants to attend CGA or not. Since he has already attended a Genesis event, he has experienced CGA, and has had the opportunity to speak to cadets and officers.
My ensign attended AIM, and received an early LOA as a recruited athlete. She did NOT attend AEP in the spring of her senior year, due to her athletic and academic schedule. I spoke to her tonight, and her recommendation is if your DS needs questions answered, wants to meet with a coach again, or has doubts about CGA, then AEP may be beneficial. If your DS has already made his decision, you may want to save the money for future trips to CGA once they begin the 200 week journey.
One thing to keep in mind with AEP is that the "bean sprout" will see the grind that is the Academy, and at that point in the semester many cadets are stressed and sleep-deprived, so the experience can be eye-opening for some.
 
Agree with all that Cave just said. We're a short flight/ long drive away, but the costs in time and money do add up. DS also has visited three times. What really did it for me, though, was his desire to meet some of his new classmates in person at a low-key event without being tossed in directly to swab summer. Given what they're about to go through, that made sense. Because he's a very-probable accept but not a definite just yet, I think being there as an admitted student vs. a wannabe will have him seeing USCGA in a different way. Plus, I think we might tack on an overnight in NYC on the way home, since he's never been. So I'm seeing it as a special mom-son trip too.
 
mamabear2023 said:
Agree with all that Cave just said. We're a short flight/ long drive away, but the costs in time and money do add up. DS also has visited three times. What really did it for me, though, was his desire to meet some of his new classmates in person at a low-key event without being tossed in directly to swab summer. Given what they're about to go through, that made sense. Because he's a very-probable accept but not a definite just yet, I think being there as an admitted student vs. a wannabe will have him seeing USCGA in a different way. Plus, I think we might tack on an overnight in NYC on the way home, since he's never been. So I'm seeing it as a special mom-son trip too.
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Good point about being able to meet some classmates ahead of time. I hadn't really thought about that aspect.
 
Last year our DD had already accepted when we agreed to the AEP trip. In our case it was less for her and more for us as parents. She had been to AIM but we had yet to make our way to campus (1,100 miles away). It turned out to be invaluable to us, as we got see where she would be, talk to admissions, cadets, and other parents. 90% of our questions were answered. Long story short, if you as parents have not been there, it would be worth it if you can do it.
 
I am going as a parent, my DS has not decided yet where to go. LOA from uscga, usna, usmma, waiting on usma.
We are going this Thursday. Does this event usually help with their decision ?
 
Gunny@143 said:
I am going as a parent, my DS has not decided yet where to go. LOA from uscga, usna, usmma, waiting on usma.
We are going this Thursday. Does this event usually help with their decision ?
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In regards to our DD visiting CGA in November, it was worth the time and travel expense ( from OH so it wasn't cheap). She not only got to see the campus, meet teachers, get a cadet perspective by staying overnight but the chance to take with admissions directly. Your child is making a decision on more than just a college to get a degree. They are choosing the military organization that best fits their character and values. It's worth the trip. Take notes. I can't think of a better school and organization for my DD to start her career. We are so excited for her. I will be going with her next month to see the place for myself.
 
DS will be attending the late April AEP. He’s been to CFAD (in October with DH) and with DH and me in January for an informal visit. His grandparents are taking him in April, as they are eager to see the campus/surrounding area. DS is happy for any reason to visit...he’s so ready to be there full-time!
 
Attended late March AEP with DS as we had not visited CGA (multi sport athlete - conflicts). DS would have gladly signed/attended CGA without visiting but we (parents) really wanted him to visit/experience the Academy b4 deciding.
Terrific experience and decision. DS had a terrific time, was hosted by a future teammate, spent time with coaches and met future Shipmates and is still close with all of them. I met parents that instantly became my CGA family (still are), my information pipeline, my trusted advisors and my close support system.
DS would have been fine and is thriving at CGA. I (parent) would not have survived SS and 4C year without bonding with my Parent Family at AEP ❤.
 
CeeJay said:
Attended late March AEP with DS as we had not visited CGA (multi sport athlete - conflicts). DS would have gladly signed/attended CGA without visiting but we (parents) really wanted him to visit/experience the Academy b4 deciding.
Terrific experience and decision. DS had a terrific time, was hosted by a future teammate, spent time with coaches and met future Shipmates and is still close with all of them. I met parents that instantly became my CGA family (still are), my information pipeline, my trusted advisors and my close support system.
DS would have been fine and is thriving at CGA. I (parent) would not have survived SS and 4C year without bonding with my Parent Family at AEP ❤.
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YES! This!! ❤Thank you @CeeJay
 
AEP is all done for me... as promised, here are my thoughts! For those who have already attended Cadet for a Day, the beginning briefing was very similar. Parents actually got to see the barracks for the first time outside of parents weekend which was pretty cool. Parents also had the dinner at the Marriott which I heard good things about. My mom said cadets and administrators rotated around the room to talk to all the parents to chat and answer questions. From the student perspective, it wasn’t a big group (less than 15 students). We got paired with a cadet and attended classes with them. The students were fantastic and were super excited to hear that I was definitely attending next year. I’d say it was a different experience to come to campus after already being accepted. Last night there was a Junior Officer Spotlight for the cadets to go to. Though it is required for cadets to go to once a semester, I found it refreshing that even those who met the semester requirement were thrilled to learn more about their future careers. This morning, the alumni and parent association were the main topic of discussion, ranging from how to become a part of each as well as everything that they do for the school. Next, we met with a professor from our specific major and got to see their labs, capstone projects, etc. which was extremely informative. Overall I had a great experience and would recommend it to anyone, even if they already attended Cadet for a Day. Let me know if you all have any specific questions!
 
applicant said:
AEP is all done for me... as promised, here are my thoughts! For those who have already attended Cadet for a Day, the beginning briefing was very similar. Parents actually got to see the barracks for the first time outside of parents weekend which was pretty cool. Parents also had the dinner at the Marriott which I heard good things about. My mom said cadets and administrators rotated around the room to talk to all the parents to chat and answer questions. From the student perspective, it wasn’t a big group (less than 15 students). We got paired with a cadet and attended classes with them. The students were fantastic and were super excited to hear that I was definitely attending next year. I’d say it was a different experience to come to campus after already being accepted. Last night there was a Junior Officer Spotlight for the cadets to go to. Though it is required for cadets to go to once a semester, I found it refreshing that even those who met the semester requirement were thrilled to learn more about their future careers. This morning, the alumni and parent association were the main topic of discussion, ranging from how to become a part of each as well as everything that they do for the school. Next, we met with a professor from our specific major and got to see their labs, capstone projects, etc. which was extremely informative. Overall I had a great experience and would recommend it to anyone, even if they already attended Cadet for a Day. Let me know if you all have any specific questions!
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@applicant This is VERY helpful insight! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience! Happy that they do get to meet with a professor from the major and check out the labs. DS is now even more excited for the trip!
 
Hi, I'm a parent who just attended the AEP February session that occurred yesterday and today. DS attended AIM last year but wanted exposure to a day in the life of a cadet while classes were in session so asked to attend AEP. He's glad he did. He wondered how it would differ from the swab summer experience and had his questions answered. He really liked that he was teamed up with a 4th class cadet as the cadet and his peers were most close in age and still getting through their first year. DS found the experience informative and reassuring.

As mentioned by @applicant, there were originally three appointees intending to sign commitments today, but at least three more made up their minds last night or this morning and committed to attending. It was fun to watch the surprise on a few faces as someone's DD or DS decided then and there it was the right place for them to be and went forward to sign. The signings occurred in the museum which made for nice surroundings. I believe most of the parents found some part of the AEP beneficial and informative. I found the staff and cadet representatives very transparent. I'm extremely impressed with how open the USCGA has been. Meeting other parents and sharing experiences and dilemmas was valuable. If DS does commit it will be nice to see familiar faces in the future (DS remains undecided as he's waiting on responses from other schools before making a final decision). The dinner sponsored Thursday evening featured Academy staff, Admissions staff and some senior (1/class) cadets. It was informal and they floated around to try and touch base with all the parents and answer any questions asked. On the second day we met the faculty from the academic department DS had chosen as his area of interest, and this was very rewarding.

If a student is unsure or on the fence I would encourage attending AEP. If a parent wants to learn more about the USCGA and has a chance to attend I would recommend it. If a student is already committed to attending USCGA and had the opportunity to visit at an earlier date it may not be worth the trip, unless it's not a financial and time burden. We live just under 300 miles away and have family in CT so it wasn't a huge burden for us to drive. For what it's worth, if you have to fly and can afford a ticket to Hartford or Providence it's well worth avoiding the potential traffic issues with Boston's Logan airport or NYC area airports. Boston vs NYC airports? - go with Boston unless you're planning a visit to NYC or the NYC metro area.

Hope this was helpful.
 
MP95B said:
Hi, I'm a parent who just attended the AEP February session that occurred yesterday and today. DS attended AIM last year but wanted exposure to a day in the life of a cadet while classes were in session so asked to attend AEP. He's glad he did. He wondered how it would differ from the swab summer experience and had his questions answered. He really liked that he was teamed up with a 4th class cadet as the cadet and his peers were most close in age and still getting through their first year. DS found the experience informative and reassuring.

As mentioned by @applicant, there were originally three appointees intending to sign commitments today, but at least three more made up their minds last night or this morning and committed to attending. It was fun to watch the surprise on a few faces as someone's DD or DS decided then and there it was the right place for them to be and went forward to sign. The signings occurred in the museum which made for nice surroundings. I believe most of the parents found some part of the AEP beneficial and informative. I found the staff and cadet representatives very transparent. I'm extremely impressed with how open the USCGA has been. Meeting other parents and sharing experiences and dilemmas was valuable. If DS does commit it will be nice to see familiar faces in the future (DS remains undecided as he's waiting on responses from other schools before making a final decision). The dinner sponsored Thursday evening featured Academy staff, Admissions staff and some senior (1/class) cadets. It was informal and they floated around to try and touch base with all the parents and answer any questions asked. On the second day we met the faculty from the academic department DS had chosen as his area of interest, and this was very rewarding.

If a student is unsure or on the fence I would encourage attending AEP. If a parent wants to learn more about the USCGA and has a chance to attend I would recommend it. If a student is already committed to attending USCGA and had the opportunity to visit at an earlier date it may not be worth the trip, unless it's not a financial and time burden. We live just under 300 miles away and have family in CT so it wasn't a huge burden for us to drive. For what it's worth, if you have to fly and can afford a ticket to Hartford or Providence it's well worth avoiding the potential traffic issues with Boston's Logan airport or NYC area airports. Boston vs NYC airports? - go with Boston unless you're planning a visit to NYC or the NYC metro area.

Hope this was helpful.
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Yes, it was, thank you! Gosh, wish we were only a drive away. We're like 2000 miles and that's probably the main negative in the decision really.
 
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