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I've seen a few really insightful threads with some really great advice on preparing for Plebe Summer, but I would be incredibly grateful if we could get some of this information (and hopefully more) in one place for others (like me) who will be joining the Class of 2020 this June. Of course, those who say that it is important to "have an enjoyable Senior year" undoubtedly have a point, but to me it seems like USNA prizes itself on accepting "type A" personalities. Part of being such a personality is always wanting to be 110% as prepared as possible. All of this to essentially ask one thing: from reef points to validation tests to physical preparation, what can the Class of 2020 do between now and I-Day to best prepare ourselves for Plebe Summer? Thanks to all in advance!

Beat Army!
 
work out often enough to not be in bad shape.

enjoy yourself now.

understand that come I-Day you are going to go through hard times with many strange faces which will become familiar faces very quickly.

you can't really prepare that much for what's coming. just know that you will have hard times. accept that and deal with it when it comes.
 
Ditto to running. Make sure you bring some broken-in running shoes with you on I day.
My mid has said there wasnt really anything specific he could have done to to prepare for PS. Just go with the flow and you'll be fine.
 
Run and run some more. I don't know where you live, but here in Naptown, the normal killer is the humidity and there is is really no way to prepare for that. Know that once it hits 90 degrees, that is black flag and all outside activities stop. It's not time for fun as the cadre will bring you inside to mash you there.

Just remember to get in shape, learn to drink LOTS of water and get on a running program to avoid shin splints. Good luck and hope to join you in class of 2020
 
Take cold showers daily... USNA doesn't have hot water. Sleep on the floor every night, no beds at USNA. Just kidding... seriously we all say that because we have lived through it, been there, done that and have the super small, shrunken blue rim to prove it. Get in shape. Check out the USNA PRT standards, not the CFA, and know what your targets are. Work on cardio, core strength and upper body. Doesn't mean lift and get huge, means know how to push and pull your own body weight around alot. If you know all your rates before you get there, the detailers will find something else to nail you on. I have been a detailer, we find something else to destroy you on if you are comfortable with one thing. If you feel like you really need to prep learn the officer and enlisted ranks. I wouldn't memorize all of Reef Points, I would go for a jog instead or spend time with family and friends. More than anything get in good shape, be mentally prepared to take it one hour at a time. You learn quickly to break Plebe Summer up. Make it to the next meal, make it to the next major event like the baseball game, make it to the next Sunday morning. As long as you go in with an open mind, listen, watch, learn, and brush off when you screw up, help your classmates and embrace the suck, you will be fine!
 
Run, Run, Run and then Run again. As has been said humidity at Annapolis in Naptown can be brutal for those from Western States. NAVYHOOPS has it right on. DD was Detailer and always found something.
 
Run, Run, Run and then Run again. As has been said humidity at Annapolis in Naptown can be brutal for those from Western States. NAVYHOOPS has it right on. DD was Detailer and always found something.
My 2/c mid was in great shape when he showed up for I-day. Says that's a big reason he liked Plebe Summer. (I didn't say he loved it. ) my midsib is a swimmer and already in really good shape, but he's working out, running, and swimming before he goes to I-day. If your body doesn't start telling your mind to get the hell out, you will be way ahead of the game.
 
DS is running 3 miles at about a 7 -7:15 pace several times a week and doing the off season cross fit workout at school athletics. He needs to add some swimming.
 
If he can swim and knows how to make it to the end of the pool with a decent enough stroke not resemble a dog paddle, he will be fine with PS swimming. It is a great from a fitness perspective and gives the legs a break from pounding while running. But, PS swimming isn't much more than basic swimming. It actually felt good on the body and was a needed break from the heat when another B didn't have A/C.
 
I suspect true type A personalities are already running everyday and can memorize Reef Points while brushing teeth - so another thing 110%'ers can prepare for is taking the validation exams. The exams are usually given early in plebe summer. I heard this may be one of the few times during plebe summer for some peace and quiet. Information for the validation exams are on the usna academic website.
 
My plebe started preparing ~4-5 months ahead. He has max'd every PRT to date(last summer ~46/1178 plebes had a max score at the end of PS). It is a huge advantage being in good-to-excellent shape at the beginning of PS. Being in great shape allowed him to help his company mates get through the tough physical parts of the summer. The hardest part of PS physically for him were the carries(logs, people, rafts etc), and I'm not sure how you can prepare for those.


Find out what works for you and stick with it. Here's how my DS prepped:

Ran ~5+ times a week, even on vacation: (good running shoes are worth the extra $$)
1). Every other day he ran 400 meter intervals. As fast as possible 400 then 60 second break. Started at 6 but by the middle of June was up to 14.
2). On the odd days he ran quick 2 mile or 4 mile, or the day was a rest day.
Always timed his runs.

3 sets of push-ups/sit-ups, 5 times a week. Never maxing out. By the middle of June he could do 3 sets of 40 each easily.

Continued playing pickup soccer and Bball when able. We were unaware of the bubble wrap philosophy...

Worked out at gym 2-3 times per week with a friend. Mainly upper body.

Wanted to swim but wasn't able to. He was an average swimmer going in. Passed the PS swim no problem. This semester he has a swim class once a week and he's also working with a firstie every few weeks to smooth out his technique.


Work Hard. Good Luck

⚓️ Go Navy ⚓
 
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14mccpa: You forgot "Beat Army" They will all learn after Navy Blue and Gold. Good luck to all. Swim is not a big deal as NAVYHOOPS said. Make it to the end without drowning and you pass. The diving board looks kind of high though.
 
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14mccpa: You forgot "Beat Army" They will all learn after Navy Blue and Gold. Good luck to all. Swim is not a big deal.


Didn't forget it ... That goes without saying ;) Especially on the football field.

THE football game is a must for plebe parents if you're able! Navy goes for 15 this fall!
 
My mid was pretty active with his spring sport prior to his IDay, so I know he was physically fit. Other than that, he did nothing to prepare. We took a short vacation in June and he basically just enjoyed his leisure time for the rest of the month. When I asked him if he thought he should be doing something to prepare, he said he was afraid to jinx his PS by pre-gaming it too much. Haha. He survived just fine and so will you.
 
DD hated football even though some of her Company were 1st string. She slept through two Navy/Army games under our blanket. Did stay awake when her sister was hoisted into the Plebe section from Bill The Goat Area during one home game. If you can make THE GAME (you get four chances and get your tickets early) it is something not to be missed. Go early if President is attending so you don't miss the march on. Any game at Navy is a good experience.
 
I suspect true type A personalities are already running everyday and can memorize Reef Points while brushing teeth - so another thing 110%'ers can prepare for is taking the validation exams. The exams are usually given early in plebe summer. I heard this may be one of the few times during plebe summer for some peace and quiet. Information for the validation exams are on the usna academic website.

Thanks for bringing up validation tests! I've taken multiple AP Math and Science courses, but I was wondering if you have heard of anything specific that Mids have done to prepare for these exams. My big focus, in terms of validation testing, will be Calculus I and II. I found some sort of Pre-Cal practice exam from the USNA Math Dept online and have included it below for anyone else who is interested in this. Thanks!

http://www.usna.edu/Users/math/wdj/.../sample-validation-exam-USNA-Math_answers.pdf
 
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