Hello! I am visiting USNA next week for a CVW and am hoping to get a bit of insight into what I should expect. I have read the other threads here but have a few other questions. First, what should I wear? The things I have seen say semi formal, with the example of khakis and a polo shirt but I do not own any of those things. For a female, would jeans and a nice shirt go well? I want to make a good impression. Second, does anyone know what type of activities you do while you are there? Are you just shadowing your Mid around, or is it more like a Summer Seminar where you will be expected to do certain things? Thank you so much for any insight!
Preparing for CVW
- Thread starter Alex874
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You will shadow your mid host. Whatever they do, you’ll do. Dress respectfully, if not formally. A modest pair of pants and top. No jeans (some will say they wore jeans, but there are better ways to make a good impression). Remember that midshipmen will be in uniform, so you’re matching their level of formality. Bring a swimsuit and workout gear, just in case.
I have two who did CVWs. Both thought jeans would have had them being slightly under dressed. But, both said that there were plenty of candidates in jeans. It is unlikely that anyone is keeping score about how you are clothed. And, the visit is mainly so you can determine what you think of USNA. Enjoy.
Usnavy2019
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Hey! I went on two CVWs (once as an applicant, once as an appointee). Above advice is spot on. I'd maybe be a bit formal on the first day (when you'll be in front of Admissions Staff). Jeans are plenty acceptable once you're shadowing your host. There are no formal evaluations, but you never know who you'll run into and if they will remember your name. If they do, it helps if your impression was positive!
As to activities, it can vary. Sometimes the Brigade/Battalion/Company will have events that drags can participate in (Random parties, sporting event, etc.). Sometimes, it will be a quiet week with nothing of note going on. Sometimes your host will hand you off to a classmate for a bit if they are have something where it'd be difficult for drags to participate or you want to see something they don't do. (Ex. If you want to see track practice, but your host is a NARP, they might hand you off to someone on the track team in their company.). You're not restricted to your host. Don't be afraid to ask to see things. There are also some activities that drags cannot participate in for liability reasons. A common one is log PT if you go to morning workouts.
Advice for CVWs in general: attitude is everything! Again, while there isn't any formal eval, Mids will look at you as a future Mid. Being nice and humble goes a long way! Hang out and play ping pong, joke around, tell us about yourself, etc. However, nobody is impressed with your high school accolades or all the JRTOC medals on your uniform. Also, be honest. When I hosted drags, I made it a point to actually sit down with my drags and get to know them and what they wanted in life. Being honest works to you benefit. Everyone wants you to make the best decision for you. If the Academy is not #1 on your list or you're not feeling it in general, totally fine. That is what the CVW is there for. That conversation can't happen unless you're honest. Also, for those who want to wear a CAP, JROTC, or USNSCC uniform, I'd personally refrain. It kind of paints a target on your back.
Lastly, the Academy is not militaristic in the way those fine organizations make it out to be. No need to say Sir/Ma'am every other word, snap to attention, only speak at ease, etc. There's definitely a time and place for customs and courtesies, but the day-to-day is more relaxed and less robotic.
As to activities, it can vary. Sometimes the Brigade/Battalion/Company will have events that drags can participate in (Random parties, sporting event, etc.). Sometimes, it will be a quiet week with nothing of note going on. Sometimes your host will hand you off to a classmate for a bit if they are have something where it'd be difficult for drags to participate or you want to see something they don't do. (Ex. If you want to see track practice, but your host is a NARP, they might hand you off to someone on the track team in their company.). You're not restricted to your host. Don't be afraid to ask to see things. There are also some activities that drags cannot participate in for liability reasons. A common one is log PT if you go to morning workouts.
Advice for CVWs in general: attitude is everything! Again, while there isn't any formal eval, Mids will look at you as a future Mid. Being nice and humble goes a long way! Hang out and play ping pong, joke around, tell us about yourself, etc. However, nobody is impressed with your high school accolades or all the JRTOC medals on your uniform. Also, be honest. When I hosted drags, I made it a point to actually sit down with my drags and get to know them and what they wanted in life. Being honest works to you benefit. Everyone wants you to make the best decision for you. If the Academy is not #1 on your list or you're not feeling it in general, totally fine. That is what the CVW is there for. That conversation can't happen unless you're honest. Also, for those who want to wear a CAP, JROTC, or USNSCC uniform, I'd personally refrain. It kind of paints a target on your back.
Lastly, the Academy is not militaristic in the way those fine organizations make it out to be. No need to say Sir/Ma'am every other word, snap to attention, only speak at ease, etc. There's definitely a time and place for customs and courtesies, but the day-to-day is more relaxed and less robotic.
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Awesome advice from @Usnavy2019. Reach out to and mingle with mids beyond your host so that you can get a spectrum of perspectives. If you hear something from one person, see if others agree. Mids come in all varieties, and they bring different viewpoints. Try to base your findings on consensus and broad observations, but remember, it’s just “one day in the life” of USNA.