CVW or prom

[2020Vision]

Update: I'm not really leaning towards prom anymore because I feel like I won't enjoy it as much as the CVW. I already bought the dress though.
I just told my grandma about the CVW - she said I could experience it but still go into nursing after I graduate. Is there a day where parents/families can do an orientation or something? I'm currently in school and scared that later she'll give me one of those lectures and she'll get mad at me again and give me the silent treatment.

When you go to the CVW, you'll be there from Thursday evening until Saturday morning. On Friday, your parents, grandparent or guardian can attend a whole array of presentations. There will be a panel discussion presented by parents and current midshipmen from each year, a presentation from Admissions, tours of many of the buildings and lab facilities, and more. There will be many opportunities for those attending to ask questions of current mids, parents, and admissions reps. Even though you'll spend most of your time shadowing your plebe, you'll sit in on some of the presentations and tours, as well.

 

[ktnatalk]

I don't want to encroach on the domain of a fellow BGO, so I will defer to him or her, but I am happy to help if I am able.

@suddensam, I completely agree with your advice, and she can also easily ask to switch to the one next week (30 March - 1 April) by calling admissions herself.

 

[Brawny77]

My 2 cents worth- My DS was invited to CVW on the weekend of a football game. He was a good player on a good team and it was a fairly important game. I asked him what he wanted to do and he said "This is my team, I have played with these guys since 6th grade and there is no way I am gonna let them down." He missed the CVW but was still given an appointment in January. They were district, Bi-District and Area football champions and he is now a hard working plebe. The moral of this ramble? Do what you think is best for you. There isn't a right or wrong answer. CVW will give you a nice look into the academy life and you might be able to schedule into another CVW. Prom for some is magical and for others kinda sucks. This decision is yours.

 

[ktnatalk]

^^ Agree. There are plenty of CVWs in the fall and next spring as well.

 

[che527]

Did you make a decision? You could call admissions and ask to switch to the CVW for 30 March - 1 April. Having read about your situation, I'd still recommend asking your parents to attend the briefs, Q&A and tours on Friday. They could be coming home totally impressed and sold! Best of luck!

I have decided to go for the CVW and still buy tix to prom (there is a refund). As the event comes closer, I will make a last-minute decision but for now it's all on the CVW. Thank you.

 

[2020Vision]

I have decided to go for the CVW and still buy tix to prom (there is a refund). As the event comes closer, I will make a last-minute decision but for now it's all on the CVW. Thank you.

Che, again I suggest you call USNA and ask to reschedule your CVW, so you can squeeze in both your prom and your CVW. They have CVWs in the fall, which would still give you time to work on your application and address any concerns your grandmother has about you attending the Academy. Your admissions officer will not hold it against you at all, if you ask to reschedule the CVW. Many applicants do the same thing.

 

[Capt MJ]

Che, again I suggest you call USNA and ask to reschedule your CVW, so you can squeeze in both your prom and your CVW. They have CVWs in the fall, which would still give you time to work on your application and address any concerns your grandmother has about you attending the Academy. Your admissions officer will not hold it against you at all, if you ask to reschedule the CVW. Many applicants do the same thing.

@che527

It's your decision, completely, but I think this bit of advice is just right.

It's okay to optimize - enjoy prom as part of HS life, and advocate for yourself on the phone or by email for a re-scheduled opportunity to learn more about USNA and make an informed decision. It will also lend strength to your discussions with family. This is a life skill, learning how to speak up for yourself and go after something you want, by thinking through how you want to express it. Reach out and confidently go after what you want. If you want both, figure out how to get it.

You don't have to go into long-winded conversations, or mention prom:
"I would like to request a change of date for my CVW currently scheduled for X date, as I now have a conflict with a school event. I sincerely desire to take advantage of the great opportunity afforded by a CVW to learn more about USNA and interact with midshipmen in their daily routine. I was very pleased to be offered one, and I hope a change of date is possible. I would like to re-schedule for the fall, if possible. Thank you."

 

[eljay60]

Hi Che - question, are you a junior or a senior? My vote is for prom for a couple of reasons-
1-you can reschedule the CVW.
2- it will prove to your Mom and Grandma that being in the military does not mean you quit having a 'normal' life
3-prom is kind of a one shot event. I was not a 'popular' kid back in the day, but I'm not sorry I went to my prom. It is a unique experience and you have only one Chance to do it.

 

[che527]

Hi Che - question, are you a junior or a senior? My vote is for prom for a couple of reasons-
1-you can reschedule the CVW.
2- it will prove to your Mom and Grandma that being in the military does not mean you quit having a 'normal' life
3-prom is kind of a one shot event. I was not a 'popular' kid back in the day, but I'm not sorry I went to my prom. It is a unique experience and you have only one Chance to do it.

I am a junior.