CVW

I didn't go last week, but I went earlier in the year. One tip I would advise is to take upon every opportunity that your mind gives you. My mid had injured his ankle, but he offered I could go to morning PT with his roommate. Also on the first day, all the candidates are put into a large auditorium, meet with some of the other candidates-- don't just sit there. This helped me because when my mind was busy studying some of the candidates I knew that were in my company grouped up to go to a volleyball game. There are always so many events going on at all times on the Yard. Also I wish I did this, but I did not bring any snacks or candy for my mid and in hindsight, I feel like I should have.
 
deanarnold said:
I didn't go last week, but I went earlier in the year. One tip I would advise is to take upon every opportunity that your mind gives you. My mid had injured his ankle, but he offered I could go to morning PT with his roommate. Also on the first day, all the candidates are put into a large auditorium, meet with some of the other candidates-- don't just sit there. This helped me because when my mind was busy studying some of the candidates I knew that were in my company grouped up to go to a volleyball game. There are always so many events going on at all times on the Yard. Also I wish I did this, but I did not bring any snacks or candy for my mid and in hindsight, I feel like I should have.
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My DS was there for the Jan 27 cvw. He really enjoyed the visit. My DS brought them cookies and candy. U can always send them a thank you package before end of semester if you wish. I bet they ll appreciate it.
 
I was also offered a CVW. I had submitted my NASS app a few weeks ago and on the CVW website it asked for my candidate ID or to put 00000 if I do not have one. When does admissions usually issue candidate IDs? Should I expect one to be issued soon? (I am a junior in HS)
 
We just returned from CVW last night and my DD really enjoyed it. I saw someone mention bringing some snacks for the other mids in her room so my DW made some rice crispy treats and put them into 4 ziplock bags for the mids and our DD to enjoy. They were thoroughly appreciated. We lucked out with amazing weather so that was good.

Our DD learned that plebes are not abused/harrassed/hazed and that they carry on normal conversations when eating at King Hall. She had some funny stories about some of the plebes she met who were very friendly and whom she described as "characters". All of the plebes she met made her feel comfortable and welcome and encouraged her to attend.

She wasn't allowed to do morning PEP or any sports while she was there (which was disappointing) because someone told her that a drag recently had a seizure (not sure how true that is). All of the Midshipmen also had their PRT tests yesterday so I guess they were taking it easy the day before.

Our DD said that she felt like she was surrounded by peers who share her same desire to serve and who are seeking challenges. In short...these were her people. I think USNA did an amazing job of explaining (to the parents) what the institution is all about and my DW (who had some real reservations) left feeling much more comfortable.
 
DomerDad said:
We just returned from CVW last night and my DD really enjoyed it. I saw someone mention bringing some snacks for the other mids in her room so my DW made some rice crispy treats and put them into 4 ziplock bags for the mids and our DD to enjoy. They were thoroughly appreciated. We lucked out with amazing weather so that was good.

Our DD learned that plebes are not abused/harrassed/hazed and that they carry on normal conversations when eating at King Hall. She had some funny stories about some of the plebes she met who were very friendly and whom she described as "characters". All of the plebes she met made her feel comfortable and welcome and encouraged her to attend.

She wasn't allowed to do morning PEP or any sports while she was there (which was disappointing) because someone told her that a drag recently had a seizure (not sure how true that is). All of the Midshipmen also had their PRT tests yesterday so I guess they were taking it easy the day before.

Our DD said that she felt like she was surrounded by peers who share her same desire to serve and who are seeking challenges. In short...these were her people. I think USNA did an amazing job of explaining (to the parents) what the institution is all about and my DW (who had some real reservations) left feeling much more comfortable.
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My DS was also not allow to go to PT bc a drag injured before. He loved that he got some snow after many years not seeing snow. He loved that it was cold and snowy like when he was little. He said the mids were really nice to him and was able to attend and participate in clases and he also enjoy the labs. Food was good he said too
 
DomerDad said:
Our DD said that she felt like she was surrounded by peers who share her same desire to serve and who are seeking challenges. In short...these were her people.
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And ultimately, this is the objective of college visits, especially extended ones such as CVW: finding one’s tribe. If you go there and feel at home and among your peeps — as much as an overnight stay can tell you — then that’s probably the (or a) place for you.
 
MidCakePa said:
And ultimately, this is the objective of college visits, especially extended ones such as CVW: finding one’s tribe. If you go there and feel at home and among your peeps — as much as an overnight stay can tell you — then that’s probably the (or a) place for you.
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Exactly how my oldest felt after his visit: ‘these are my people’. Even if you discover these are ‘NOT my people’, it’s a successful visit.

IYKYK!!
 
msp1206 said:
I was also offered a CVW. I had submitted my NASS app a few weeks ago and on the CVW website it asked for my candidate ID or to put 00000 if I do not have one. When does admissions usually issue candidate IDs? Should I expect one to be issued soon? (I am a junior in HS)
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I received my candidate ID sometime in late July last year when the CIS updated for c/o 2026. I would expect the same this year.
 
DomerDad said:
We just returned from CVW last night and my DD really enjoyed it. I saw someone mention bringing some snacks for the other mids in her room so my DW made some rice crispy treats and put them into 4 ziplock bags for the mids and our DD to enjoy. They were thoroughly appreciated. We lucked out with amazing weather so that was good.

Our DD learned that plebes are not abused/harrassed/hazed and that they carry on normal conversations when eating at King Hall. She had some funny stories about some of the plebes she met who were very friendly and whom she described as "characters". All of the plebes she met made her feel comfortable and welcome and encouraged her to attend.

She wasn't allowed to do morning PEP or any sports while she was there (which was disappointing) because someone told her that a drag recently had a seizure (not sure how true that is). All of the Midshipmen also had their PRT tests yesterday so I guess they were taking it easy the day before.

Our DD said that she felt like she was surrounded by peers who share her same desire to serve and who are seeking challenges. In short...these were her people. I think USNA did an amazing job of explaining (to the parents) what the institution is all about and my DW (who had some real reservations) left feeling much more comfortable.
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Glad she had a great experience. Unfortunately the PEP story of drag having a seizure is 100% true and occurred in the fall.
 
MidCakePa said:
And ultimately, this is the objective of college visits, especially extended ones such as CVW: finding one’s tribe. If you go there and feel at home and among your peeps — as much as an overnight stay can tell you — then that’s probably the (or a) place for you.
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Getting her mom comfortable was also a big win. The panel of Midshipmen played a huge part in making that happen. They were great but the two young ladies on the panel were particularly impressive. One of them was a 2/C English major (I think from Boulder CO). She was amazing and her insights went a long way in helping my DW get comfortable with the fact that her DD wants to do something that not everyone is cut out to do. If anyone on SA knows who this young lady was, please tell her I appreciate her willingness to volunteer her time. She was amazing.
 
DomerDad said:
Getting her mom comfortable was also a big win. The panel of Midshipmen played a huge part in making that happen. They were great but the two young ladies on the panel were particularly impressive. One of them was a 2/C English major (I think from Boulder CO). She was amazing and her insights went a long way in helping my DW get comfortable with the fact that her DD wants to do something that not everyone is cut out to do. If anyone on SA knows who this young lady was, please tell her I appreciate her willingness to volunteer her time. She was amazing.
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As someone who spent 26 years in uniform, and who happens to be a woman who thought she was going to be a “three and flee” but stayed because it was the right place to be, young women who have a sense of purpose, inner drive, flexibility, humor, a desire to lead and serve and a strong sense of self and ethical core - will be just fine, whether they stay for their minimum service or a career. If she has been taught to stand on her own two feet, think through consequences and make her own decisions, she will soar. If she is thinking about a service academy and it’s 100% her decision, she will thrive (but also hate it at times, quite normal). Yeah,”crap happened,” back in the day, and there are still pockets of idiocy here and there, but no different from the civilian world and far more protection programs in place. Fierce, independent, intelligent, fit, warrior-spirited women, come on down. There are more and more veterans who happen to be women every day; the doors are open.
 
CVW threads always excite me since both of mine were really positive experiences! I also had the privilege of supporting them as a mid. The biggest lesson I can pass on is to be you, relax, and be humble. The mids who host aren't hand picked by Admissions or anything and we don't submit any type of write up after you leave. An email is just sent out my company staffs asking for people to host for the weekend. So just relax and realize mids are normal people just like you.

Every mid wants you to have a good time and get a good look at what the school has to offer. We also really want to get to know you. Honesty is to your benefit and you aren't going to offend anyone by saying USNA isn't your #1 or if you are looking at other options. Most of us were that way too. If you want to see something, we'll try and make it happen ourselves or pass you off to a classmate who does the thing you're into.

Humility goes a long way just like honestly. If you are arrogant, it'll get noticed. People aren't interested in your GPA, your leadership/athletic achievements, or how you JROTC experience is gonna make you the best mid in the Brigade. Again, we aren't Admissions reps, but you never know who you might run into as a Plebe if you end up coming to USNA. Your host could be part of your training staff.

As a side note, it's perfectly fine to be a part of JRTOC, USNSCC, CAP, etc. All are fine organizations, but you don't need to flaunt your membership by wearing your uniform and/or referring to yourself with your rank. It is implied you are interested in the military. There are drags who aren't members, so it makes you stand out unnecessarily.

This is all general advice, not directed at any one poster.

Enjoy your CVW! Reach out with any questions!
 
Does CVW be considered by Admission officer as a significant interest, and therefore, it impacts on the application decision? I didn't have a chance to go last year due to parents' schedule. And I don't know if there is a chance to be invited this year since it's mid-Feb and our applications are under review.
 
The only thing I have heard regarding CVWs is an invite means you have a decent shot at an appointment. However, there are plenty of people who get appointments without an invitation. I don't think your attendance has any true bearing on your admissions status. It wouldn't be fair if someone couldn't attend due to finances, a sick relative, other important commitments, etc. CVWs are more for candidates to get a taste of the Academy rather than for Admissions to judge who really wants to be there.

Also, one thing is never going to be the make or break for an application. There isn't a specific threshold to be appointed. You just have to beat out everyone else on your slate, have an LOA, or meet one of the other wickets to get an appointment.

You can reach out to your BGO and say you want to go to one. Generally, the spring CVWs are there to encourage juniors to finish their applications and for appointees (to either encourage them to accept or show them what being a Plebe is like for those who have accepted). Fall CVWs are usually for Seniors who are application complete or close to it.

You'll see a candidate or two get their appointment offered on stage at the in-brief by Admissions (usually by the Admissions Dean). Just know that Admissions is doing that as a nice touch rather than the appointment being conditioned on attendance.
 
Usnavy2019 said:
The only thing I have heard regarding CVWs is an invite means you have a decent shot at an appointment. However, there are plenty of people who get appointments without an invitation. I don't think your attendance has any true bearing on your admissions status. It wouldn't be fair if someone couldn't attend due to finances, a sick relative, other important commitments, etc. CVWs are more for candidates to get a taste of the Academy rather than for Admissions to judge who really wants to be there.

Also, one thing is never going to be the make or break for an application. There isn't a specific threshold to be appointed. You just have to beat out everyone else on your slate, have an LOA, or meet one of the other wickets to get an appointment.

You can reach out to your BGO and say you want to go to one. Generally, the spring CVWs are there to encourage juniors to finish their applications and for appointees (to either encourage them to accept or show them what being a Plebe is like for those who have accepted). Fall CVWs are usually for Seniors who are application complete or close to it.

You'll see a candidate or two get their appointment offered on stage at the in-brief by Admissions (usually by the Admissions Dean). Just know that Admissions is doing that as a nice touch rather than the appointment being conditioned on attendance.
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100% first invite our son couldnt make it bc dates and securing funding, he asked if he could go on the following cvw session and they were more than happy to invite him again, by then he already had his full appointment offer but he wanted to experience the cvw. It was a great visit for him and it confirmed NROTC as a distance second choice but a good back up plan.
 
cluelesscandidateparents said:
100% first invite our son couldnt make it bc dates and securing funding, he asked if he could go on the following cvw session and they were more than happy to invite him again, by then he already had his full appointment offer but he wanted to experience the cvw. It was a great visit for him and it confirmed NROTC as a distance second choice but a good back up plan.
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Congrats to your son!
I received the invite but didn't go due to parents' schedule. I will reach out to the academy if they still have spaces.
 
There are at least a couple of important facts that you'll find when perusing scores of threads about CVWs:

1. Getting an invite to a CVW has no bearing whatsoever on your chances of getting an offer of appointment.
2. Getting an invite to a CVW doesn't mean that your application is any better than any other application.

It is basic candidate nature™ to grasp at any sort of communication received from USNA as positive feedback (they sent me something...that must mean that I'm in the running!!) and that is just not the case with getting into NASS or with getting a CVW invite.

Every candidate is "in the running" until they receive an EMail telling them that they aren't. It is a long haul waiting until April to hear (one way or another) especially after waiting for multiple months already.

Keep busy planning those alternate avenues to becoming an officer as a backup - because one way or another - you want to become an officer.
Right?
 
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