CVW - October 7 - 9 , 2021

Michael_T

Michael_T

NU '26
Joined
Oct 29, 2020
Messages
692
Hello to All,

I'm not really sure how to begin this post, as I am currently overwhelmed, overwhelmed in a good way though. Today, I just came back from mt CVW @ USNA, and to sum up my experience in one-word, I'd say it was INCREDIBLE.

Although, my intention was to go Army, and I was still uneasy about the two branches of services, and which one I would belong at more. This visit completely changed my mind, and I am all for NAVY, HOORAH!

As I reflect now, I really wish the visit wasn't only 2 days long, and I wish it could've lasted so much longer. Whether it was me finally experiencing the incredible buildings, and their incredible architecture. Needless to say, I am utmost speechless in saying that I know exactly what I want to do, and this experience nonetheless solidified my intentions of knowing where I want to be, and how I want to utmost plan the next few years of my life.

In my experience, I had a bit of a peculiar situation in which I was paired up with a plebe who was pre-enlisted within the US Navy, before attending USNA, in which he is currently 23 years old, and had been enlisted with a contract for the past 4 years. (He also explained he didn't do good on his ACT/SAT, therefore I assume the pre-enlistment helped him)

I'm actually glad I got paired up with him, such that I was able to ask him specific questions in which how did the path of attending as a pre-enlisted worked, and how it may have assisted him to actually end up getting accepted.

Note: I personally didn't even REALIZE or mentally imagine how incredibly giant T-Court and Bancroft Hall really is... I felt like an ant near it.

This was also a reality check in ways, such that instead of fantasying what this campus is, I understand truly how successful the people who attend this institution really are.

Here's my suggestion: If ANY candidate, in ANY way is somewhat conflicted as to which Academy may be best for them, just as I was between Army and Navy, it is UTMOST IMPORTANT that you try to visit campus, even if it isn't a CVW, just getting to walk around and see campus for what it really is, vs how it is portrayed in videos published to the public.

I have already also decided mentally, that I know I may not be a competitive candidate for USNA this application cycle, which assuming everything goes to plan I may try to attend the Citadel for one-year, and see how that goes, and according I may also apply for USNA C/O 2027...

It is now my utmost intention of attending this institution!

GO NAVY!

These are just my thoughts, those who also attended this past weekend, feel free to pitch in.

P.S. I'm a bit disappointed in the USNA Football Game Today, but whatever I guess lol..
 
MichaelT2022 said:
Hello to All,

I'm not really sure how to begin this post, as I am currently overwhelmed, overwhelmed in a good way though. Today, I just came back from mt CVW @ USNA, and to sum up my experience in one-word, I'd say it was INCREDIBLE.

Although, my intention was to go Army, and I was still uneasy about the two branches of services, and which one I would belong at more. This visit completely changed my mind, and I am all for NAVY, HOORAH!

As I reflect now, I really wish the visit wasn't only 2 days long, and I wish it could've lasted so much longer. Whether it was me finally experiencing the incredible buildings, and their incredible architecture. Needless to say, I am utmost speechless in saying that I know exactly what I want to do, and this experience nonetheless solidified my intentions of knowing where I want to be, and how I want to utmost plan the next few years of my life.

In my experience, I had a bit of a peculiar situation in which I was paired up with a plebe who was pre-enlisted within the US Navy, before attending USNA, in which he is currently 23 years old, and had been enlisted with a contract for the past 4 years. (He also explained he didn't do good on his ACT/SAT, therefore I assume the pre-enlistment helped him)

I'm actually glad I got paired up with him, such that I was able to ask him specific questions in which how did the path of attending as a pre-enlisted worked, and how it may have assisted him to actually end up getting accepted.

Note: I personally didn't even REALIZE or mentally imagine how incredibly giant T-Court and Bancroft Hall really is... I felt like an ant near it.

This was also a reality check in ways, such that instead of fantasying what this campus is, I understand truly how successful the people who attend this institution really are.

Here's my suggestion: If ANY candidate, in ANY way is somewhat conflicted as to which Academy may be best for them, just as I was between Army and Navy, it is UTMOST IMPORTANT that you try to visit campus, even if it isn't a CVW, just getting to walk around and see campus for what it really is, vs how it is portrayed in videos published to the public.

I have already also decided mentally, that I know I may not be a competitive candidate for USNA this application cycle, which assuming everything goes to plan I may try to attend the Citadel for one-year, and see how that goes, and according I may also apply for USNA C/O 2027...

It is now my utmost intention of attending this institution!

GO NAVY!

These are just my thoughts, those who also attended this past weekend, feel free to pitch in.

P.S. I'm a bit disappointed in the USNA Football Game Today, but whatever I guess lol..
Click to expand...
Keep your eye on the prize, Best of luck to you.
 
I don’t think I’ve ever read a candidate coming away with a different impression of the Yard and surrounding community. It magical!! And does often solidify ones commitment.

Howeverrrrrr I always advise, you spend only 4 yrs there. Then you are done. Moving on to your service. As awesome as USNA is, it should be secondary to your military career choice obviously.

….I mean GO NAVY, bc they offer almost every opportunity the others do (land, sea, or air) ⚓️😬
 
Well, you were invited for a CVW and that counts for something. If I were you, I would apply THIS year by putting your best app forward and seeing what happens.

Have you applied for all of your nominations?
 
MichaelT2022 said:
That is correct, which is also why I'm thinking I may enlist with USN, and then reapply in like 2 - 3 years time
Click to expand...
Have you spoken with a USN recruiter? Do you have any idea which rating you might be interested in? Have you taken the ASVAB?
 
@MichaelT2022 APPLY!! I’m with the above!! If your goal is USNA, guess what’s better than enlisting?? NAPS. Guess what’s better than enlisting? An appointment. GUESS what’s the only way to NOT receive either of those?? NOT applying.

If you want to attend, apply. Let ADMISSIONS figure it out. I’ve been following you. And to ANY candidate….even if another we SA says ‘no’, it has bearing on your USNA application. Eyes forward, finish your app, let it all work out. Maybe there is something about you that they want.

You have shown to be a very resourceful, independent outgoing you man here in the forums. And that’s through posts. Maybe you’ve got what they want. IDK. And neither do you. Don’t compare yourself to others. Let admissions do their thing. You are in until you are out. And there is no way anyone can even take a guess where you are/will be on that spectrum (ie waitlist, NAPS, prep offer). Had either of my boys compared themselves to posters here?? They would never think themselves worthy of an appointment. They are both happy (a relative term at times) Mids.

Apply.
 
justdoit19 said:
@MichaelT2022 APPLY!! I’m with the above!! If your goal is USNA, guess what’s better than enlisting?? NAPS. Guess what’s better than enlisting? An appointment. GUESS what’s the only way to NOT receive either of those?? NOT applying.

If you want to attend, apply. Let ADMISSIONS figure it out. I’ve been following you. And to ANY candidate….even if another we SA says ‘no’, it has bearing on your USNA application. Eyes forward, finish your app, let it all work out. Maybe there is something about you that they want.

You have shown to be a very resourceful, independent outgoing you man here in the forums. And that’s through posts. Maybe you’ve got what they want. IDK. And neither do you. Don’t compare yourself to others. Let admissions do their thing. You are in until you are out. And there is no way anyone can even take a guess where you are/will be on that spectrum (ie waitlist, NAPS, prep offer). Had either of my boys compared themselves to posters here?? They would never think themselves worthy of an appointment. They are both happy (a relative term at times) Mids.

Apply.
Click to expand...
I am with NO DOUBT still going to be applying this year, but I still am thinking about future options. Even if I didn't get in to USNA, and if I were accepted to NAPS, I would still with NO DOUBT accept that as well..

But as I demonstrated with my stats, I don't really expect anything out of this application cycle. Note: I am almost complete with my application, all I need to do is my CFA, and wait for results from nomination sources, and my Physical Examination (Optical is already complete).
 
Devil Doc said:
Have you spoken with a USN recruiter? Do you have any idea which rating you might be interested in? Have you taken the ASVAB?
Click to expand...
I hvae not yet done so... Can you give me some advice to this? I'd assume it's common knowledge I wouldn't mention my ultimate goal is USNA.... I took a practice ASVAB a while back, and I got around a 55 without any practice, so obviously there is room for improvement. Any advice for this would be really appreciated.
 
FiveByFive said:
Well, you were invited for a CVW and that counts for something. If I were you, I would apply THIS year by putting your best app forward and seeing what happens.

Have you applied for all of your nominations?
Click to expand...
All nominations have been submitted; which my Congressional Nom was due this past Friday, and my Senator Noms are due within the next week! I

At this point, I am just waiting on further communication from each source. I did also happen to apply to the VP Nomination if anything were to come from this.

Is it in any way, worth it to mention my acceptance to the Citadel, to show that even if I am not accepted to USNA, I still have military intentions?
 
MichaelT2022 said:
That is correct, which is also why I'm thinking I may enlist with USN, and then reapply in like 2 - 3 years time
Click to expand...
Hey man,

Glad you enjoyed the CVW bro! Navy is a special place. Being on the back end of the institution, I'd say go to The Citadel if I were you. Here is why:

1. The Citadel gives you a few things: credits toward a degree, progress toward a Navy commission via NROTC, and exposure to the time management demands of a military school (grades, PT, military stuff, social life, etc.). If you don't get a commission through NROTC, you can can apply for OCS and reapply for the Academy. Doing well in NROTC can either land you a scholarship if you don't already have one or a good letter of rec for an Academy or OCS application. It is telling in a good way when a naval officer gives you paper that says you are succeeding in a commissioning program. There is documented performance from a credible source.

2. Enlisting with the sole purpose of getting prep for the Academy might not work out. So many things may happen from high OPTEMPO (how hard current missions have you working) to having a front office who is not supportive of you leaving the unit for USNA (CO "can't afford" to lose you due to your skill/you're a high performer in an undermanned rating.). Sounds unfair, but also understand that COs have competing priorities: setting their people up for their own personal success (the leader we all desire and admire) and making sure their command has what it (people, equipment, training, etc.) needs to perform. Unit performance is one of the main metrics used for promotion at the command level.
 
Usnavy2019 said:
Hey man,

Glad you enjoyed the CVW bro! Navy is a special place. Being on the back end of the institution, I'd say go to The Citadel if I were you. Here is why:

1. The Citadel gives you a few things: credits toward a degree, progress toward a Navy commission via NROTC, and exposure to the time management demands of a military school (grades, PT, military stuff, social life, etc.). If you don't get a commission through NROTC, you can can apply for OCS and reapply for the Academy. Doing well in NROTC can either land you a scholarship if you don't already have one or a good letter of rec for an Academy or OCS application. It is telling in a good way when a naval officer gives you paper that says you are succeeding in a commissioning program. There is documented performance from a credible source.

2. Enlisting with the sole purpose of getting prep for the Academy might not work out. So many things may happen from high OPTEMPO (how hard current missions have you working) to having a front office who is not supportive of you leaving the unit for USNA (CO "can't afford" to lose you due to your skill/you're a high performer in an undermanned rating.). Sounds unfair, but also understand that COs have competing priorities: setting their people up for their own personal success (the leader we all desire and admire) and making sure their command has what it (people, equipment, training, etc.) needs to perform. Unit performance is one of the main metrics used for promotion at the command level.
Click to expand...
I appreciate this!

That right now is my BIGGEST concern, I don't want to go to the enlistment way, sign a contract, do all that jazz, and they tell me some of the reasons that l won't be able to attend USNA... I just don't know if taking such a risk is worth it...

Anyway, I really want to do the Citadel pathway, especially if USNA considers the fact that I am attending a SMC, I'm not sure if that will help my application in any way, I guess depending on how I do physically/academically.

- Although I've already received academic acceptance to El Cid, I'm still continuing to worry about the 60K in tuition, I am applying for scholarships from outside sources as well.
 
MichaelT2022 said:
All nominations have been submitted; which my Congressional Nom was due this past Friday, and my Senator Noms are due within the next week! I

At this point, I am just waiting on further communication from each source. I did also happen to apply to the VP Nomination if anything were to come from this.

Is it in any way, worth it to mention my acceptance to the Citadel, to show that even if I am not accepted to USNA, I still have military intentions?
Click to expand...
Good stuff! Good job applying to everyone. I was asked in my interview if I applied for the VP nom. You probably won't get it (it is a contigency nomination), but it was used by the panel to see if a candidate gave their full effort. Depending on your state, you can get noms from all 3 or just 1. They are all the same (a Senate nom doesn't carry more weight than a House nom for example). If you are in a competitive state like CA, usually the staffs of those MOCs will talk to ensure they "spread the wealth." In that case, once you get a nom, you can't get another one from anywhere else (USMMA notwithstanding if you are looking at that route).

On the Citadel front, if you want to bring it up, I'd be sure that you have a thought out plan. "I got accepted to the Citadel" vs. "I was accepted and will be attending the Citadel if I don't get into USNA. I intend on doing NROTC to work toward a Navy commission with the intent of reapplying to USNA in the future" communicates two different things. One says you got into another college, the other says I have a solid Plan B for military service.
 
Usnavy2019 said:
Good stuff! Good job applying to everyone. I was asked in my interview if I applied for the VP nom. You probably won't get it (it is a contigency nomination), but it was used by the panel to see if a candidate gave their full effort. Depending on your state, you can get noms from all 3 or just 1. They are all the same (a Senate nom doesn't carry more weight than a House nom for example). If you are in a competitive state like CA, usually the staffs of those MOCs will talk to ensure they "spread the wealth." In that case, once you get a nom, you can't get another one from anywhere else (USMMA notwithstanding if you are looking at that route).

On the Citadel front, if you want to bring it up, I'd be sure that you have a thought out plan. "I got accepted to the Citadel" vs. "I was accepted and will be attending the Citadel if I don't get into USNA. I intend on doing NROTC to work toward a Navy commission with the intent of reapplying to USNA in the future" communicates two different things. One says you got into another college, the other says I have a solid Plan B for military service.
Click to expand...
For nominations standpoint, I reside in Indiana, South Border of Kentucky, which I assume is not very competitive, but I don't want to assume something such important as that.

By the way, I never received any sort of confirmation that I submitted my VP Nom, did you ever receive anything like that? I just want to make sure!
 
I don't think I received any confirmation email other than the "thanks for submitting your application" on the VP's website. I don't really know the competitiveness of your district. Might be worth calling your BGO/the defense staffer (or whoever coordinates noms) for statistics. Another reason to not self-reject. What doesn't get an appointment in one district might get one in another. You truly never know.
 
Usnavy2019 said:
I don't think I received any confirmation email other than the "thanks for submitting your application" on the VP's website. I don't really know the competitiveness of your district. Might be worth calling your BGO/the defense staffer (or whoever coordinates noms) for statistics. Another reason to not self-reject. What doesn't get an appointment in one district might get one in another. You truly never know.
Click to expand...
Do you think it's worth it to resubmit an application for VP Nom, I mean I submitted it such a long time ago, I feel like I also might have some better things to state, etc...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top