PS Questions for '27

ParachutePanda

ParachutePanda

USNA Class of 2026
Joined
May 5, 2021
Messages
280
Hello soon-to-be Plebes!

I'm a current plebe here at USNA (and almost a youngster!). Anyways, if you have ANY questions regarding plebe summer, plebe life, USNA life, etc. Please let me know! I do a bunch of ECAs here on the yard and am involved in my company. Ask away :) No question is a stupid one.
 
Do things tend to ease up once you get into the rhythm of the Ac Year?
How has the spring semester been different from the fall?
If there is one thing you would have done differently either prior to plebe summer or during the summer what would it be?

Thanks!!
 
@ArmyOfOne81 I received an LOA in Late September/Early October and accepted in November. My case was a little unusual as I didn't really have a super long wait for my appointment. I'm from FL.
 
txrearea said:
Do things tend to ease up once you get into the rhythm of the Ac Year?
How has the spring semester been different from the fall?
If there is one thing you would have done differently either prior to plebe summer or during the summer what would it be?

Thanks!!
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I would say in the aspect of not constantly getting yelled at or at the mercy of your detailers, yes. AC year can be difficult as you have more responsibilities(classes, hw, etc.), more time that is taken away, and you are at the mercy of your own time and organization. Spring has been great so far! Everyone is super excited to move onto the next stage of USNA, so for me, I look forward to Commissioning Week, Herndon, Sea Trials, etc. Fall is when you learn a lot, Spring you are expected to execute. Personally, running is something that I stress about a lot. I wish I ran more and was comfortable with running long distances at an 8:30 pace. Don't forget about those pushups! :)
 
What do you do to stay involved with your company?

How are you able to do multiple ECAs while doing a sport, academics, and other military obligations?

If I validate enough classes, could I start my major early?
 
Dragomir said:
What do you do to stay involved with your company?

How are you able to do multiple ECAs while doing a sport, academics, and other military obligations?

If I validate enough classes, could I start my major early?
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I'm on the PAO staff, so I get to take photos and stuff. It helps me know my upper-class and vice versa. It's honestly just an organizational skill that you learn. Manage your time well and you get to have fun. Also, not every ECA meets every week, most of them meet once a month so it's easier to balance.

One of my friends validated 5 classes and is now starting core classes for his major, so yes it is possible. I know a plebe who chose and started his major last semester, not sure how many classes he validate but I'm sure it was a lot.
 
Did you apply to any civilian schools? If so what made you choose the academy over the civilian lifestyle/school?
 
thechrbru said:
Did you apply to any civilian schools? If so what made you choose the academy over the civilian lifestyle/school?
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I did apply to civilian schools on the ROTC scholarship. Personally, I've always wanted to go to an academy. I thought if I'm gonna do military I might as well go all in. Plus, the academies are second to none in education and leadership. So it was a win-win for me.
 
FVHSGrad2023 said:
@ParachutePanda Did you apply to any of the other academies? If yes, did you receive an appointment and how did you decide to accept the USNA appointment?
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Yes, I applied to USAFA, USMA, and USMMA. I received appointments to USAFA and USMMA. Originally, I really wanted to go USAFA. I was invited to CVW for USNA with an appointment in hand and really, really enjoyed my experience. I waited a month or so to see if my excitement would go down, but it never did. Did some reflection, and realized that USNA was the best place for me. A lot of this is not only where you receive an appointment, but also self-reflection of where you see yourself succeeding AND LOVING it. You can succeed and hate it at the same time, that's probably not as enjoyable as succeeding and loving it. Even if you aren't doing as well as you wanted to, just enjoying being there makes all the difference.
 
Can you describe the logistics your family went through for I-Day and PPW? Any tips to definitely do or not do?

Any suggestions on getting through PS? Thing you would definitely recommend in your approach? I've read pros and cons of getting Reef Points now or just wait. Any thoughts?
 
Sealion II said:
Can you describe the logistics your family went through for I-Day and PPW? Any tips to definitely do or not do?

Any suggestions on getting through PS? Thing you would definitely recommend in your approach? I've read pros and cons of getting Reef Points now or just wait. Any thoughts?
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We arrived a few days beforehand, toured USNA, visited the Mid Store, relaxed, etc. I-day was hectic, full of a lot of emotions. My parents just dropped me off and that's basically it. Every family is different. PPW, my fam showed up and we hung out and relaxed. Again, different for everyone. I, personally, would not recommend a big family for I-Day. It's a lot of emotions and even in the days leading up I was super anxious and nervous and having extra family there probably would not have turned out well. PPW def invite people, it's a time to celebrate!

For PS, just remember it's a game and have fun inside (no smiling ofc). Take it meal by meal and you'll be fine. Know the difference between soreness and pain, I know people who have had to have surgery because they refused to see medical for serious pain. Lots of running, pushups, etc. Get ready to get yelled at and be stressed all the time. Don't give up. Like seriously, don't give up. That's really all they want to see from you. No detailer can make you quit, only you can quit. As for Reef Points, I did the same thing but like it didn't help. I think it's a waste of time. You aren't going to remember all the rates, plus they ask different rates each year. Just know what they tell you to know in the PTR.

Just remember it's only 6-weeks. After that, you're in the Ac year and it's much better. Don't stress too much, it's ok to feel nervous. Everyone is uncertain about what's going to happen.
 
Not an incoming plebe, but how is the ‘vibe’ for you now? How are the Dark Ages going for you (my oldest didn’t experience blues during the Dark Ages. My youngest? It was dark most of the time during plebe year due to COVID and constant quarantining). How are you managing?

Also, what are y’all working on now? Majors? Summer training? Lots going on 2nd semester for all classes levels.

Thanks for sharing! Always good for readers to hear real life experience 💯
 
justdoit19 said:
Not an incoming plebe, but how is the ‘vibe’ for you now? How are the Dark Ages going for you (my oldest didn’t experience blues during the Dark Ages. My youngest? It was dark most of the time during plebe year due to COVID and constant quarantining). How are you managing?

Also, what are y’all working on now? Majors? Summer training? Lots going on 2nd semester for all classes levels.

Thanks for sharing! Always good for readers to hear real life experience 💯
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The vibe is good. I guess the dark ages is different for everyone. I haven't hit that low point yet, but hopefully not anytime soon. Trying to keep myself busy with ECAs. Right now we're going to majors fairs and deciding what trainings we want to do for the summer. We officially do everything before or after Spring Break (or so I've heard). Everyone is jus trying to make it to the summer. Looking forward to hearing what Summer Assignments I get.
 
Glad to see you are doing well and is loving USNA. Could you share some of the things you like most so far? What did you see at the CVW that has/have greatest influence to you in choosing USNA?
 
PLC007 said:
Glad to see you are doing well and is loving USNA. Could you share some of the things you like most so far? What did you see at the CVW that has/have greatest influence to you in choosing USNA?
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I really like photography, I mean it's basically my life right now at USNA. I would suggest finding something you enjoy doing. I'm trying not to give away too many personal details, but there are tons of conferences to go to (highly suggest) and tons of mixers to get to know everyone on the yard. As for CVW, I think it was just the culture that I really appreciated. It also helps if you have a great plebe to follow around. I ended up going to the Halloween Concert (if you haven't gone I recommend it!) and I think that's kind of when I was like I belong here. Yea, the concert was amazing but it was the feeling of a big family regardless of your background and I knew I would thrive in an environment like that. I have to remind myself that I am very lucky to be here and to not take it for granted.
 
Side note, if you are getting ready for PS please get GOOD running shoes. Take the time to do research and invest in a good pair. Personally, I love Hoka, but New Balance is good too. It's nice to have a pair that you've already broken in and are comfortable with.
 
ParachutePanda said:
Side note, if you are getting ready for PS please get GOOD running shoes. Take the time to do research and invest in a good pair. Personally, I love Hoka, but New Balance is good too. It's nice to have a pair that you've already broken in and are comfortable with.
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Are there guidlines for running shoes? Colors, brands, etc....? Will they issue any when he arrives? 2 pairs a good idea???
 
Jetbill said:
Are there guidlines for running shoes? Colors, brands, etc....? Will they issue any when he arrives? 2 pairs a good idea???
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Not really, if it makes you feel better I got these neon shoes so that my mom could find me photos during PS. It's honestly whatever works best for you. I recommend going to a running shop and seeing if they can fit you for your proper shoe. Each pair of feet is different. One pair was fine for me for the summer, Plebes get issued 2 pairs anyways. You can always send a pair if need be.
 
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