When I was at the prep school, I didn't pursue a nomination at all. Reason: The admissions people told us at a briefing that our nomination would carry over, and the first MOC I called said, "We're going to give our nomination to someone who actually needs it." From there, I just let my nomination carry over. If you are wanting to make absolutely sure, open up the application page, https://admissions.usafa.edu/secure/online/onlineapplication.exe, and see if your nomination is there. Mine was. Again, if you want to err on the side of caution, I'd do it, but I never did. I got my appointment.
I just wanted to wish jwalsh1 good luck at I-day this coming week. Thanks for all of your input on these forums as a prior enlisted/Prep school cadet candidate.
Skymom
Thanks Skymom and 2bornot2b! With I-Day closely approaching, I'm getting ready by packing, checking my paperwork, etc.
I just hope everything goes smoothly for you guys! A lot was learned from this past year, and there is a new commander. I also heard you guys are getting cadre from the cadet wing to come down and run basic this year.
Trust me, your class will need the discipline. For the priors, trust me when I say that, because this year, we had people mouthing off to Majors, LtCol's and whatnot like it was nothing... That is why they are bringing back the cadet cadre. Last minute advice:
As much as the priors might hate it, the priorities for a military school are sort of out of whack. In my opinion, I saw it like this: Sports teams > Academics > PT > everything else in the world > oooo a penny > military discipline. You will see favoritism, special treatment, lack of concern for the rules, etc. Do your best to ignore it. I tried to raise my voice about it, and then it was shut down by the Full Bird that is in charge of the football program.
Learn how to do hospital corners. You have to make them almost the whole year, and next year, you will have to make them the whole year. I used to iron my corners to make them look better. I would also make my bed with only one of the sheets if I could get away with it. I would put that extra sheet over the rest of my bed so I didn't mess it up when I slept.
Do you best. This seems like a no-brainer, but there are people who just sit around and let things happen. They are the ones that get everyone else in trouble. Don't think "so and so is getting away with it, so can I" because as soon as you try, you'll be the one to have an example made of.
If you absolutely need to pass out and take a nap during the day, we got away with taking a nap between the bed and the closet. It is the only area of the room you can't see walking by. Granted, there were 2 AMT's and like 77 of us, so I don't know how well it will work with cadet cadre.
As of now, I can't think of anything else, but if I do before I-Day, I'll make sure to head on over and post it! =D Best of luck you all of you!
