PS Questions for '27

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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You can bring your own pair of running shoes? I thought you would be issued one on I-Day.
 
Dragomir said:
You can bring your own pair of running shoes? I thought you would be issued one on I-Day.
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The thought process behind this, is that you will have LOT of pressure/usage/mileage on your feet. Constant. And not everyone’s foot is a good fit for the issued shoe.

A realllllllllly good idea, before PS, is to go to a professional running shoe store, and get professionally fit (they will take measurements, assess your stride, consider your foot structure (ie: high arches), and help find the best shoe for your specific foot. Vs a big box store that’s self service and you pick your own.

One of the best things you can do for your body is to have properly fitted shoes. And break them in before you report. Wear them in, and you will have them. Some people mail a second pair of the exact shoe, right away, so you will have another pair.

Alternating shoes daily will allow them to dry out properly. Yes, you can wear your own tennis shoes for PT. Other times, too.

One hint, is if the price at the shoe store is too high, get the info, and search online. Or maybe your store will price match. But it’s worth it to have good shoes.

Not to hijack the thread, but I take any opportunity to spread the word about proper shoes 🏃🏻‍♀️ 🏃🏻‍♂️
 
ParachutePanda said:
Although I might add that everyone basically shows up in their running shows and comfy clothes. I wore khakis, a navy shirt, and my running shoes
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How do have time (or how have you found the time) to respond to all these questions. I'm sure your responses are very helpful to many, many people ... both applicants and parents. Thanks!
 
Rach3 said:
How do have time (or how have you found the time) to respond to all these questions. I'm sure your responses are very helpful to many, many people ... both applicants and parents. Thanks!
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It's Friday so there's nothing going on. I also have a lighter load this semester so that helps. And like I said, time management!
 
What were the things you wished you knew about or had prepared for to make PS easier? The "if I could do it over again knowing what I know now question".
 
Alchemist said:
What were the things you wished you knew about or had prepared for to make PS easier? The "if I could do it over again knowing what I know now question".
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PT a lot more. I was fine, but I would've much rather been over prepared. Spent more time with family and friends for the days leading up to I-day. I let my emotions consume me and I would've rather hung out with friends than worry about something happening in a few days.
 
ParachutePanda said:
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.
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What is the atmosphere like? This might sound stupid, but I recently visited CGA where I’ve also been accepted. At CGA, it really seems like a great group of people in a family atmosphere, which may be do to the size. I am visiting USNA soon and am hoping this close knit bond is at Navy as well. What makes USNA better in your opinion?
 
jm15 said:
What is the atmosphere like? This might sound stupid, but I recently visited CGA where I’ve also been accepted. At CGA, it really seems like a great group of people in a family atmosphere, which may be do to the size. I am visiting USNA soon and am hoping this close knit bond is at Navy as well. What makes USNA better in your opinion?
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Your perception of USCGA is correct. As a smaller service and smaller academy, they tend to know everyone in their class and most of the class above or below them. It is a tight-knit service. The Navy and USNA is a larger family, and not everyone knows each other, but there is instant recognition and acceptance within the grad family and the Navy family at large.

There are offsetting pros and cons to each SA and Service, but much has to do with how that meshes with the individual.

And the critical question is not “what makes USNA better.” It’s “what makes USNA a better fit for you?”
 
@Capt MJ is right. To each their own, I can't tell you why USNA is better than CGA because I've never experienced CGA. I can tell you that USNA has a family community like CGA, but you need to decide for yourself which branch you think you will thrive in. Visiting them is the best way possible. After that, it's up to you and only you.
 
What are your thoughts on validating classes? At what point do you apply to do that? During PS? I'm considering validating one or two courses that are non-STEM. I'm wondering how long it will take to get them a copy of my AP scores.
 
Wilkat said:
What are your thoughts on validating classes? At what point do you apply to do that? During PS? I'm considering validating one or two courses that are non-STEM. I'm wondering how long it will take to get them a copy of my AP scores.
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There are many threads on this, try the Search function.

You may “consider” validating classes, but USNA will decide for you.

Start your legwork at the primary source:
www.usna.edu

USNA Course Validation Policy

Course Validation Policy page for Academics at USNA.edu. Updated Tue Sep 05 07:55:06 EDT 2023.
www.usna.edu

Research individual Department validation policies and criteria.

Now is a great time, with appointment in hand, to go back and re-read every page, link, hamburger menu item as things that really matter now.
 
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Wilkat said:
What are your thoughts on validating classes? At what point do you apply to do that? During PS? I'm considering validating one or two courses that are non-STEM. I'm wondering how long it will take to get them a copy of my AP scores.
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Capt MJ is always on point! I recommend validating as much as you can because that just opens up opportunities for higher level classes or for you to start your major early. Also, you don't have to accept a validation if you don't want to.
 
Wilkat said:
What are your thoughts on validating classes? At what point do you apply to do that? During PS? I'm considering validating one or two courses that are non-STEM. I'm wondering how long it will take to get them a copy of my AP scores.
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You need to be sure that you include USNA to receive your AP score reports when you test in May. USNA receives the scores in early July when they are released. They will have them before you meet with an academic advisor during PS.
 
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