CVW

SCubb

Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2019
Messages
119
DS was offered 4 weeks to choose, one each in Aug through Nov. Is there a reason to go earlier vs later? The only reason I gave him was that if he goes later, and hates it, it’s too late for early admission option at play B schools. DS is convinced he will love it, doesn’t want to miss fall sports he is involved in, and wants to do NOV. Is there any reason to disagree with him?
 
The sooner the better. Regardless of what he says, he may or may not love it. The earlier he knows that — affirmation or refutation — the earlier he can act accordingly. I’d think the next nine years of life are more important than missing a few days of fall sports.
 
To give a different perspective. They are teamed up with Plebes for their hosts. When they go in August they are honestly pretty clueless still. It’s the first week or two of classes and they are really getting their feet wet to the academic year. Their experience at that point is very limited and mostly about Plebe Summer. They also might not be as comfortable approaching upper class helping bridge the gap on talking with them in majors, sports and ECAs they are interested in. November they have seen the good and bad, are comfortable, have experience and can give a better perspective. They will also have a bit of disgruntle to them which I think is important. USNA is a wonderful place, but it’s a grind. And as much as it is built up in many of their minds, the down side needs to be seen. August and November have different vibes then. August everyone is excited, fresh, ready to tackle it all. That is a great perspective too. In November they are in full grind at that point and tired. Academics have gotten harder, finals are nearing and leave is so close. In my opinion it’s a great perspective to see. Pros and cons to both. It’s hard to explain the cycle of a academic year to those who have not lived or worked inside Mother B. As much as one can describe it, it’s a feeling or vibe the brigade has at different times of the year.
 
Last edited:
Just my two cents, but he should be applying for Early Admission for his Plan B either way, no? Early Admission is not binding. In fact, most schools encourage applying Early Admission because if you don't get the nod during early, they will look at your application again during Regular Admissions. There is no guarantee for SAs so everyone really needs a Plan B, C, D, E..... Applying to multiple schools and then making decisions in the Spring about the best choice is always the best game plan. Whether he likes it or hates in August or November shouldn't change his strategy for applying to both SAs, ROTC scholarships, and Universities. Just my thoughts, as a high school counselor.
 
DD signed up for the weekend in Sept because she thought it would have given the Plebes some more time to get acclimated but still early enough in her own application process and before MoC interviews. There is also a home football game that weekend so she's excited to experience that. Speaking of football, the eve before a home game, do the Plebes typically stay in their room and study or are there events related to the game? Do they typically have PEP on the Saturday morning of a home game?
 
PEP is a term only used during Plebe Summer. There could be Saturday morning training for Plebes and that is company dependent. It can vary from tough PT to maybe a flag football game. Some swim, some run a lot, etc. Friday nights can vary by Plebe and company. Some will order pizza and hang out. Others will have to study, have watch to stand or study pro knowledge. Most PEP rally’s and stuff happen Thursday nights for games as Friday is liberty for upper class. Some Plebe companies will do ‘spirit missions’ to hang banners and stuff. So it can range any of that.
 
Just my two cents, but he should be applying for Early Admission for his Plan B either way, no? Early Admission is not binding. In fact, most schools encourage applying Early Admission because if you don't get the nod during early, they will look at your application again during Regular Admissions. There is no guarantee for SAs so everyone really needs a Plan B, C, D, E..... Applying to multiple schools and then making decisions in the Spring about the best choice is always the best game plan. Whether he likes it or hates in August or November shouldn't change his strategy for applying to both SAs, ROTC scholarships, and Universities. Just my thoughts, as a high school counselor.
Thanks for the reply. I thought applying early admission to a “normal” college implied a commitment to attend and, therefore, SAs would immediately reject your SA application. No??
 
I think there is a difference between early action and early decision? I believe early decision is binding and early action is non-binding. I am sure someone can correct me if I am off or reversed them. There are some older threads on here about it.
 
This would be a different topic but I am wondering if CVW can be issued only to those who didn’t join NASS.

A candidate who completed NASS this summer can be invited to CVW as well???

It sounds like CVW would be another marketing tool USNA implements but any clarification would be helpful to understand this thread. Thanks!
 
Bottom line: if you're seriously interested in USNA, don't apply to the civilian "binding" program, whatever it's called because, if you're accepted, you'll have to withdraw your application from USNA. It's fine to apply to the early non-binding program and USNA.
 
@NavyHoops, you are correct and I am mistaken. My apologies. As I said, not the first nor the last to be confused by this.
 
If you were accepted to NASS, you could not do a SPRING CVW -- had to choose. I'm not aware of any restrictions on someone who has done NASS doing a CVW in the fall. I know candidates in prior years who have done both. However, as always, things could change this year.

NASS is a recruiting tool. CVW is not. CVW is offered to competitive candidates to help them evaluate whether USNA is right for them. Years ago (as in MANY years ago), being offered CVW was considered a good sign and often a sign that you were in strong contention for an appointment. Today, not really. It means you're at least competitive, but lots of folks who are competitive don't receive appointments.

If you're offered CVW, do it if you want to as it's a great experience. It doesn't mean you're a lock for an appointment or even super-competitive, just that you are at least competitive. Not doing CVW won't hurt you. It's totally for your benefit.
 
@NavyHoops, you are correct and I am mistaken. My apologies. As I said, not the first nor the last to be confused by this.

Oh I was just using the Google machine as I know there is a a small nuance, but a great impact. I learned a lot of it this year on the forum. Like I said that stuff didn’t exist when I was in high school and also as an athlete my applications sort of went in whenever the coaches told me to (minus USNA which was the normal process). Seem ED/EA are growing and some schools it does add a pretty decent advantage. Hard to do when applying for SAs.
 
DD went to STEM, SS and CVW. Going to one or two apparently does not exclude you from the others. She applied EA to a few schools and was chased by a few college coaches to take ED but declined, holding out for USNA.
 
Just remember......no matter what or how many "summer programs" someone attends, it does not equate to a guaranteed spot in any incoming class. ALL summer programs are designed and intended to initiate those candidates who otherwise would likely NOT become familiar with the Academy on their own. I know of people who were denied multiple applications for summer programs yet were appointed to the particular academy they wanted. It's not how many programs one attends as the quality of their application, their interview, and their drive. No matter the circumstances, ALWAYS have a Plan B, or Plan C ready!
 
Back
Top