Getting the most out of our USMMA visit - any tips?

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Jan 12, 2016
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Hi Everyone,

Visiting Kings Point on 2/11/16 for a day visit. From those who've been there and those in the know, we would love some tips for maximizing our visit - as candidates and parents. What the the "must do's"? My DS and I want as much first hand experience so he can make an informed decision. Thanks!
 
Do not miss the museum!! If he is playing a sport see if you can hook up with the coach. We got a tour with the crew coach. Beautiful location
 
Talk to as many students as possible. Being a student at an Academy is not like being a student at a "normal college, " and that is OK. That said, it is critical that your DS know what to expect at the USMMA so he can make the right decision for him. Academy life is not for everyone, in fact it is probably not the right fit for most. If you talk to students at any of the academies, you will likely hear comments such as "It's really hard" or "I wouldn't want to do it again", but most of the time, that is followed up with "But I am glad I did it and I would not have wanted to do anything else." If it is right for your DS there is nothing better, if it is wrong, then you do not want him to be there.
 
Is it scheduled through the admissions department? If so, your son will be matched with a plebe for the day. You can explore the waterfront, Naval Exchange, museum etc. and just walk around campus after the briefing. Go to sailing center and see if they will give you a tour. They might take you on the Kings Pointer or other training vessel. Meet the coach and talk to everyone. Stop by Land Hall between 12 and 3 for Cookie Cafe. You'll meet many people there including faculty.
 
I visited over the summer with the soccer coach. He gave us a tour of the campus, we talked with admissions and then myself and the 3 other recruits got paired up with a current player. They showed us their rooms, ate lunch with them and got to sit in on a class. I would highly recommend talking with the mids, as you get a pretty good idea of what you're getting into. Make sure you speak with admissions and just try to absorb as much as possible. It's a great campus with great people
 
Highly recommend your DS talks with EVERYONE including faculty and staff to get a better idea of how the curriculum is. Don't be worried about the winter as the spring in New York is the best time of year (fall is nice too). If you guys get a chance, try and enjoy a day/night in NYC as that is part of the experience. Like everyone said above, ensure your DS talks with multiple midshipmen as some may have negative viewpoints or opinions but most will be very happy to help and explain how the 4 years will go.
 
Visit was extremely productive. We did the day visit so can't speak to an overnight though. Morning starts off with an academy briefing by the Asst. Director of Admissions. Goes over history, stats, jobs/pay after service (it's big!) and admissions review criteria. Good time to ask questions about process and other areas (prep school, etc.). DS was paired with 1st year for the day. Come prepared to ask questions of the mids - anything is fair game. DS went to lunch and class and dorms - mids very helpful and authentic with their answers. He got the info he wanted.

As the parent I sought out the Admissions Counselor and asked questions about his file and general questions about competitiveness and plan B's for getting in the following year. Got very limited information b/c file wasn't handy but was able to look up info online. Sought out coaches for walk on opportunities. Sought out staff/volunteers at "cookie day" - all day Thursday event at the canteen where parents send in cookies and snacks for the mids (very nice!). Good chance to network there as well. Band is big at USMMA so if you play an instrument, let it be known and seek out the band director for a talk. Coaches or Band folks seem to be able to add their interest to your file prior to review as it will be part of the admissions consideration.

It was so cold I didn't get to truly enjoy the campus like I would have liked. I did visit the museum (closes at 3 pm), waterfront, chapel, athletic facilities. Would likely go earlier in the year (Fall at the latest for Seniors) b/c of the impact the networking could have on his file. Admissions reviews are a rolling process and not deadline dependent so once the info is in the file goes in the pile for review.

Enjoy your visit.
 
Did any of the parents ask any great questions like "What if my kid gets seasick?" :rolleyes: I felt so badly for that kid.:)
 
Did any of the parents ask any great questions like "What if my kid gets seasick?" :rolleyes: I felt so badly for that kid.:)

LOL. No - few talked and it was unfortunate...I felt like I dominated the Q/A. Excellent info about sponsored prep and self prep too. My DS is a bubble candidate (hold status) and it's good to know their selection process for sponsored prep as well as putting together another plan for self prep at a reputable military junior college.
 
LOL. No - few talked and it was unfortunate...I felt like I dominated the Q/A. Excellent info about sponsored prep and self prep too. My DS is a bubble candidate (hold status) and it's good to know their selection process for sponsored prep as well as putting together another plan for self prep at a reputable military junior college.

When I toured a dad asked "Why is everyone wearing a uniform?"

His son didn't matriculate.
 
When I toured a dad asked "Why is everyone wearing a uniform?"

His son didn't matriculate.

About 5 years after graduation, I took a friend up to NYC for a visit. One morning, we drove out to KP and got there before lunch, walked around in the fall weather. . . as lunch approached, and lunch formation marched in, she turned and asked me, "Why are they marching in like that?", I told her, "It is lunch time". That was when I realized that our college experiences were a bit different. . . .
 
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