Current Plebe AMA

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buckeyeguy20

New Member
Joined
Jun 9, 2019
Messages
9
Hi!

Since I have some time this week, I would be happy to field any questions you all might have about West Point. This forum helped me a lot when I was an applicant, so I figured I would give back.

Shoot me your questions and I'll do my best to answer.

Beat Navy/COVID
 
How is the food in the Mess Hall since G4G was implemented? Getting widely varied opinions. Just curious.

Thanks.
 
Walman888 said:
How is the food in the Mess Hall since G4G was implemented? Getting widely varied opinions. Just curious.

Thanks.
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It isn't bad, but the main gripe from most of the corps is that they got rid of a lot of the items that we really liked (probably because they are somewhat unhealthy). Some that come to mind are spicy chicken sandwiches and the breakfast empanadas - gone, but not forgotten. Overall, the food is edible and plentiful. I order in sometimes if I am in the mood for something else, so if you want to spend some money every now and then, that is an option.
 
How is general plebe life? I understand there is "harassment" for lack of a better word that comes along with being a plebe, and I was wondering how daily life at the academy is.
 
Favorite part of West Point so far? What do you think separated you as a candidate and got you a nom and appointment?

Thank you!
 
What are your top ten biggest tips to help prepare for plebe summer?
 
Lucas8200 said:
How is general plebe life? I understand there is "harassment" for lack of a better word that comes along with being a plebe, and I was wondering how daily life at the academy is.
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General plebe life can be pretty chill if you have the right attitude. There are going to be things you have to do as a plebe that aren't fun, just understand that it is just one year and everyone else before you has gone through it. Also, upperclassmen don't really harass you for no reason, they have their own life to worry about. As long as you are a good person and follow the rules, nobody bothers you.

For me, daily life is just going to class, studying, and doing homework. I try to set aside some free time to relax every day. If you budget your time well, you can have time to do things like take a nap, listen to music, watch some Netflix -- although it might seem unproductive to your studies, these things are important for mental health and general happiness.
 
fordpitts12 said:
Favorite part of West Point so far? What do you think separated you as a candidate and got you a nom and appointment?

Thank you!
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My favorite part about West Point is the people. It is crazy how close you get with the people in your Beast company in only a matter of weeks. Everyone here is super nice and they want to help you in any way they can. Same can be said about the instructors.

I didn't have anything spectacular that separated me as a candidate. I would say that I had above average grades and ACT score. It is also important to seek out leadership positions in the clubs you actually enjoy/care about. Don't try to do everything, focus on 1-2 clubs that you can make an impact in. I was an editor for the newspaper and involved in student council. I didn't try to overextend myself to the point of exhaustion. I believe they much rather see you have quality, prolonged involvement in a couple clubs than shallow participation in many.
 
bt18 said:
What are your top ten biggest tips to help prepare for plebe summer?
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Hmmm. Obviously my Beast was very different with COVID. Hopefully things are normal for '25.

Here is my best attempt at 10 tips:
1. Get in good physical shape, don't worry about being the best athlete there - odds are you won't. Just be able to at least meet the benchmark. If you pass the CFA, you will be fine.
2. Break in your boots, running shoes, and low quarters. You do not want to have foot problems.
3. Get mentally prepared to be uncomfortable, understand what you are getting into.
4. Come in with a positive mindset. Beast isn't that hard, it is actually quite fun. You don't necessarily believe that in the moment, but as you get into the academic year, you will begin to realize how silly, fun, and ridiculous some of your experiences at Beast were.
5. Enjoy your time at home before Beast. Have fun with family and friends. Don't take your senior year of high school for granted. Try to be stress free, even during the application process.
6. Don't study plebe knowledge before Beast, you will have plenty of time to do that in the summer. Doing this takes time away from #5.
7. Get excited. Read some motivational books, listen to Jocko Willink or something if you desire. You are about to be doing something that few people get to do. Be proud of that.
8. Practice being a team player, understand what it means to be a good friend and teammate.
9. If you are a baby faced male as I am, practice shaving. I missed a spot on my face and I had to go back to my room and shave while the rest in my squad held a wall sit! Good times.
10. Be humble.
 
They got rid of the spicy chicken sandwich? Very sad day seeing as they had already gotten rid of crispitos :(
 
The Youngest never complains. This year has featured pictures of the food...so much disappointment. Fortunately everyone has a salary and there are other options now that the academic year is in full swing. Also, the West Point FB parents groups highlight the general dissatisfaction among cadets with the new meal plan.
 
My DS says breakfasts are pretty bad. Lunch is edible. He is a firstie with more disposable income so there are a lot of grab and go purchases. And I send him a package every month with snacks, nuts, power bars and sweets.
 
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