CVW=Good thing?

D

dlee96

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Apr 11, 2012
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I'm currently a candidate for USNA and I received a CVW invitation. I am almost done with my app, I only need to finish my essays. I also was accepted to NASS but did not attend.

Is this a good sign USNA is interested in me? Thanks! :thumb:
 
dlee96 said:
I'm currently a candidate for USNA and I received a CVW invitation. I am almost done with my app, I only need to finish my essays. I also was accepted to NASS but did not attend.

Is this a good sign USNA is interested in me? Thanks! :thumb:
Click to expand...

Well, it's a better sign than the one sent by their not being interested in you and not extending an invite for a CVW. You should go and use it as an opportunity to determine if you really want to attend USNA. That's the purpose of these things and to give you an insight into the normal day-to-day as USNA.
 
It's a good sign but no guarantee of anything. Last year, a candidate posting on these boards was offered a CVW even though USNA said he'd receive a turndown (which he did in fact receive).
 
I'm still at least a year away from a possible CVW but my question is, is it worth it? I mean is it worth the 600-700+ dollars in airfare? I'm planning on applying for next year's NASS and just visited the campus when I was back there a couple weeks ago.
Any advice on the subject would be welcome
Thanks!
 
A CVW is definitely worth it. I attended one in February and it gave me amazing an amazing opportunity to see what the academic year is like at USNA. It will allow you to see if USNA is the right place for you.
I highly encourage you to take the opportunity if you get it.
 
CVW is reconnaissance work... probably worth every dime spent if you are trying to figure out your future.
 
Let's say, for example, I had to chose between NASS and a CVW, which would y'all say from your experience would be more beneficial? For financial reasons it's likely I'll only be able to one of the two when the time comes. I'm gathering information now so I'll be ready when I begin applying.
 
A didn't get in to the academy this year but I found the CVW worthwhile. It really solidified my desire to apply, and to now reapply.
 
C Sweers... why not do both CVW and NASS? ( providing you are accepted. )

My daughter attended CVW in April and plans to attend SLE & NASS in June as well. We have a really tight budget at home, but certainly not limited in figuring out creative possibilities. My dd ended up recruiting two benefactors.... an Uncle who went to West Point (a dropout in 1971) and an Uncle who went to NASS (grad in 1983). Yep... there is some friendly family competition... and they have both stepped up to help her pay for the academy visits and programs.

Perhaps there are people in your family or community that could help sponsor you in your quest. Also, there may be some waivers available too for NASS, but you will have to do some research. Sounds like you have already have a good mind for figuring things out.
 
DS Attended NASS but not CVW----limited parent funding available. NASS solidified his desire to attend. He is currently a plebe no more and is still certain he made the correct choice.
 
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Understand that funds are limited as they are for alot of families. Agree, there are options as those suggested on here to reach out to family, but that isn't in the cards for everyone or something that everyone would want to do. There are pros and cons to each. First off, not everyone gets into NASS. Remember NASS is a recruiting event so USNA doesn't necessarily pick the top X amount of folks based upon their applications. They look at a whole variety of things. So don't put the cart before the horse, you might unfortunately get passed over for NASS. Also remember that plenty of folks do not attend NASS and get into USNA. It is not a requirement and doesn't provide points to getting in. I tried to capture a few of the differences between the two events. A CVW is a great opportunity especially if your mind isn't made up yet. Here are pros and cons to each as I see it, but I am sure there are plenty more:

NASS:

Pros
  • Its a long event so you get to really be on campus for close to a week. You get to live, eat and sleep in Bancroft Hall.
  • Exposure to alot of what of USNA has to offer in briefings, etc.
  • You get to meet alot of your peers.
  • You get to knock out your CFA.
  • You to do some cool stuff like mini-sea trials.
Cons
  • It is summer at USNA, so campus isn't what its like during the Ac Year. Your exposure to Mids is limited to those in the cadre which is alot of 3/C Mids and some 1/C.
  • You really do not get a 100% picture of what USNA is like daily in the Ac Year. NASS is a recruiting event and its set up that way. NASS is not what its like to be a Mid. Its a glimpse into what USNA has to offer and tries to expose you to a small facet of some of the challenges you would face as a Mid.
CVW:

Pros
  • Its the academic year and you get a very good idea of what USNA is like for a Plebe and as an upperclassman. Alot of folks focus so much on Plebe Summer, but that is really only 6 weeks. You will live 4 years of what this life is like and its important to see that aspect from the classroom, to the hall (chow calls, come arounds, etc), to sports, to working out and even study period. This kind of exposure is not duplicated during NASS.
  • You get to eat, sleep, live in Bancroft and get to see what that life is like within the walls in the academic year.
  • Exposure to tons of Mids. Its important to not only talk to Plebes (your hosts), but upperclass especially those who major in what you are interested in or a club/sport you are eyeing.
Cons
  • It is short.
  • Your host could be in a bad mood or doesn't help connect you with other folks. This can be fixed by talking with their room mates, asking to talk to upperclass, etc. But I also think this of exposure is good too as its the "real" Naval Academy and you can see the roller coaster it truly is. A CVW during the dark ages is very eye opening to how long and tiring Plebe Year really is.
 
My DS was invited to CVW in the spring of his high school junior year, after he had applied to NASS but before he had completed his application to USNA. We turned it down because the expense was so great for the short time that he would be there. He attended NASS in May of his junior year to see if he was even interested in applying to USNA. He loved it and wanted to apply. Then he was accepted so he decided to attend a CVW in February of his senior high school year, to be sure that it was the right choice for him. The trips were 9 months apart. This helped us to be able to afford both since they were so spread out. I thought it worked out perfectly, use the NASS to be sure you are interested and then do the CVW if you are accepted to make your final decision. This worked for us!
 
NavyHoops said:
Understand that funds are limited as they are for alot of families. Agree, there are options as those suggested on here to reach out to family, but that isn't in the cards for everyone or something that everyone would want to do. There are pros and cons to each. First off, not everyone gets into NASS. Remember NASS is a recruiting event so USNA doesn't necessarily pick the top X amount of folks based upon their applications. They look at a whole variety of things. So don't put the cart before the horse, you might unfortunately get passed over for NASS. Also remember that plenty of folks do not attend NASS and get into USNA. It is not a requirement and doesn't provide points to getting in. I tried to capture a few of the differences between the two events. A CVW is a great opportunity especially if your mind isn't made up yet. Here are pros and cons to each as I see it, but I am sure there are plenty more:

NASS:

Pros
  • Its a long event so you get to really be on campus for close to a week. You get to live, eat and sleep in Bancroft Hall.
  • Exposure to alot of what of USNA has to offer in briefings, etc.
  • You get to meet alot of your peers.
  • You get to knock out your CFA.
  • You to do some cool stuff like mini-sea trials.
Cons
  • It is summer at USNA, so campus isn't what its like during the Ac Year. Your exposure to Mids is limited to those in the cadre which is alot of 3/C Mids and some 1/C.
  • You really do not get a 100% picture of what USNA is like daily in the Ac Year. NASS is a recruiting event and its set up that way. NASS is not what its like to be a Mid. Its a glimpse into what USNA has to offer and tries to expose you to a small facet of some of the challenges you would face as a Mid.
CVW:

Pros
  • Its the academic year and you get a very good idea of what USNA is like for a Plebe and as an upperclassman. Alot of folks focus so much on Plebe Summer, but that is really only 6 weeks. You will live 4 years of what this life is like and its important to see that aspect from the classroom, to the hall (chow calls, come arounds, etc), to sports, to working out and even study period. This kind of exposure is not duplicated during NASS.
  • You get to eat, sleep, live in Bancroft and get to see what that life is like within the walls in the academic year.
  • Exposure to tons of Mids. Its important to not only talk to Plebes (your hosts), but upperclass especially those who major in what you are interested in or a club/sport you are eyeing.
Cons
  • It is short.
  • Your host could be in a bad mood or doesn't help connect you with other folks. This can be fixed by talking with their room mates, asking to talk to upperclass, etc. But I also think this of exposure is good too as its the "real" Naval Academy and you can see the roller coaster it truly is. A CVW during the dark ages is very eye opening to how long and tiring Plebe Year really is.
Click to expand...
Spot on NavyHoops! DS was invited to CVW during the Dark Ages earlier this year, but got passed over for NASS. Was a little bummed, but most mids told him that CVW is a more "real" experience anyway. NASS is more like a summer camp - CVW gives you the whole picture. After CVW, DS told us that he was certain this is where he wants to attend. Now, the long and grueling process of waiting. Along with interviews, CFA, etc, but an exciting journey that has begun!
 
DD did not get NASS or invitation to CVW. She talked to her Blue and Gold and got an invite to February CVW during one of the coldest Annapolis winters. Talk to your Blue and Gold they can help you with the CVW. DD Graduated 2011.
 
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