Do parents go to CVW?

Snow18

5-Year Member
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Dec 25, 2010
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Do most parents go to CVW with candidates or is it more just for the candidate? Also, if parents do go where do they stay?
 
Yes and no. It is mixed, and USNA does provide some structured, many unstructured opportunities for parents to learn about the USNA and this process. Many parents go, many don't. Totally a matter of convenience, cost, etc. Either way, you're not going to be odd man out.

Parents have to find their own rooms @ local hotel/motel(s)
 
Go if possible. We saw many things/places we're not likely to get to see otherwise. Classes - while in session. Chemistry Lab - while doing an experiment. Mids working at the hydromechanics test tank ( http://www.usna.edu/Hydromechanics/facility/380_tnk.html ) , Mids busy shaping their concrete canoe, etc...very good tour into the bowels of the enginereing /science buildings.

We came away from it confident that our DD would get a 1st class education using equipment and facilities that rival any we saw at the other top notch schools which she was considering - better than most.
 
Parents at CVW

Convenience for you as parents is the primary deciding factor on whether to go or not unless you already have significant knowledge of the academy and military service. We enjoyed our visit and learned a great deal when we went with DS. There were informative sessions just for parents and some activities where the prospective mids rejoined us for combined sessions. The primary emphasis of the CVW is for the candidate to experience enough of academy life to help make their decisions. A good portion of the schedule can vary according to what is going on around the yard otherwise. If there is a major sports event, class/ship reunion, parade, etc. this can impact the planned schedule for the candidates and the parents. If there are no major issues about work, time off, budget, holiday time, I would recommend going along for the ride. If for nothing more than to learn a little history of USNA, it is worth the trip. :thumb:
 
Calmed my wife down. She was very leery about sending her youngest off to a military academy. After CVW, she was much more accepting.
 
I am as new and unexperienced to this as anyone, so I'm planning on going.

You may have already found the USNA Parents website, but if not, it's a great source for information. On the "Visit USNA" tab, there is a list of places to stay, some close to the Academy and some where a car is needed. We're going Feb 9-12, 2011 and staying at Loews Hotel. Here's the link:

http://www.usna-parents.org/resources/visit.htm

Good luck!
 
In my day, there was nothing planned for parents and none went other than to drive their kids onto the Yard and then pick them up. Today, USNA has a number of events and activities for parents. Thus, if you are interested and can afford it, you should go. If you can't make it, however, the experience for your DS or DD will be just the same and he/she will do fine without you.
 
My advice: What does your child want? Do they want to go alone or do they want you with them.

Mine wanted to do this on her own and make this her decision. I'm a corporate road warrior so I booked the flights, hotels, and limo... but then it was just her travleing and getting it done.
 
I say go. I had major reservations on whether this was the right decision for my son. After going to the parent sessions, seeing the beautiful campus (pictures do not do it justice), watching noon meal formation......and seeing my son's excitement...changed this mom's heart about the whole thing. I don't think you will regret it. It is a major life changing decision that will affect the whole family. Make sure you take treats for the plebe that is hosting you, attend all the parent sessions. It is the only time we got to go sit in classrooms, and tour academic buildings, etc. Sure helps when we get calls from our plebe we can "picture' what he is talking about. Enjoy yourself, and don't forget you get a pass for the midstore!! Great shopping in there!
:shake:
 
We chose not to go with our son, but I had been to the Academy when my brothers attended. He had a great time and was most impressed by the engineering labs.
 
If you go, don't hang out with your kid. Let them take a few days alone to make judgments of their own before you give them the parental influence. Your kid will be very excited, or not when they get done with the weekend. But the academy will require them to make an adult decision, let them make this on their own.
 
If you go, don't hang out with your kid. Let them take a few days alone to make judgments of their own before you give them the parental influence. Your kid will be very excited, or not when they get done with the weekend. But the academy will require them to make an adult decision, let them make this on their own.


Haha...agree, but here's what happened to us.

DD agreed ahead of time to give it a few days to sink in before making her decision. So on the drive home, DW and I remained silent and just listened to DD talk of her experience and feelings. But we weren't 30 minutes into the drive when she said: "I know I said I'd give it a few days but, I've decided. That's where I'm going!" She signed the accecptance letter that evening.
 
We insisted that our son attend a CVW before finalizing his decision and accepting his appointment. That decision was made before we left the city limits of Naptown. And, it has all worked out. He is a very happy Plebe.
 
Haha...agree, but here's what happened to us.

DD agreed ahead of time to give it a few days to sink in before making her decision. So on the drive home, DW and I remained silent and just listened to DD talk of her experience and feelings. But we weren't 30 minutes into the drive when she said: "I know I said I'd give it a few days but, I've decided. That's where I'm going!" She signed the accecptance letter that evening.

Nice!
 
I went to NASS and have already accepted my NAPS appointment, is CVW something I honestly ought to attend?
 
I went to NASS and have already accepted my NAPS appointment, is CVW something I honestly ought to attend?

Probably, because if you don't like what you're seeing you will already have wasted a year of your life at NAPS.
 
I have to agree with MIHOSER. I felt so much better handing over my son after the CVW. We did not spend time with our son but toured the facilities, attended informational seminars for parents and visited Annapolis. We also met some parents that we have now seen every time we have visited the Yard! Definitely go if possible.
 
I agree, we also met other parents there and have kept in touch. Don't worry, spending time with your kid during the CVW...this is not an option. They are wisked away, and barely will give you a nod if they pass by you with their assigned plebe. There are plenty of things arranged for the parents to take part in. Well worth the trip, if you are seriously considering the academy. Same happened with my son, he fell in love right way, and has never waivered from it. He knew if felt right when he was there on the CVW. Go if you can, you won't regret it!
 
Probably, because if you don't like what you're seeing you will already have wasted a year of your life at NAPS.

I agree. Going to CVW after you have appointment in hand is a "Reality Check" You will be staying with Mids that are tired and likly grumpy. They know the end of plebe year is getting closer but it's not here yet. You will get an unvarnished version of what life is really like.
 
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