Questions from a Parent

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bwelch1

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Mar 8, 2020
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My son just got his appointment letter from the office of admissions. I have so many questions and we may not be able to get there for a visit so I posted some of the questions I have below:
  • Appointment is contingent upon medical qualification and continued excellence in school. So is he in or not? He's not on hold is he?
  • What can he take to the academy, for personal, dorm, etc? I know it's not the same as college, but is it as strict as the other Academy's. When we spoke with the Navy Officer for Annapolis, they said that he can come with nothing but his wallet.
  • Is there a place that details out leave? We live in Arkansas and it would be very expensive for our family to fly his way for major Holiday's, i.e. Thanksgiving. Also, do they get Summer leave?
  • How do they earn money for when they want to go into town, etc? They can't have a job, correct? I know the other Academy's give the cadets pay. What other items, besides plane tickets home, money for going out, etc do they need?
  • For Financial Aid, can they take aid out for the minimal amount needed
  • They recommend a computer, but he has a brand new Mac laptop. Can he use his Mac or do they make him purchase their set-up?
  • When can they have a car? Do they really need a car?
 
Congratulations on the appointment. Yes, it's a full appointment. They leave a contingency in case he fails a class or breaks a leg. Barring something dramatic like that, he's in.

He will have a list of what to bring in his reporting instructions which are usually available around the end of May if as in prior years. DO NOT BRING ANYTHING THAT IS NOT ON THE LIST!! Yes it is as strict as at the other academies for plebe year. Once he gets to Parents Weekend he will know if he is allowed anything else and he will let you know. A lot depends on what company he is in and the leadership.

There is a regimental calendar on the USMMA website for reference on leave. Keep in mind that he will not be allowed off campus at all until Parents Weekend except for team movements (TM's) if he is on a team.

Do not worry about not being able to visit. Many mids live far away and cannot go home. I guarantee he will have multiple offers for holidays from his new brothers and sisters. Plan on having him home for Christmas (at least for plebe year.)

Summer leave varies, but you should plan on only a few weeks. Classes go for nearly 11 months per year in order to have time for sea year. He will also be required to work INDOC at least one summer which shortens his summer leave to only a couple weeks.

No, they do not get pay like the DoD academies. It won't matter much plebe year since he can't leave campus anyway. There are many ways to make money for the creative mids. Granted, some mids are very wealthy. My DD has a friend who spends thousands of dollars a month on ordering in meals, nights on the town in NYC, Broadway shows, and lots of alcohol. We are not wealthy, and our DD does just fine on $50-$100 spending money per month. She walks to the train (3 miles) instead of taking an Uber, and she spends at least half her weekends on campus studying. She earns spending money working for a catering company, standing watch for lazy mids, and house sitting for professors. But again, no need to worry about any of that plebe year.

You will need to come up with money for fees and required computers and other supplies plebe year, and you have to provide proof of health insurance or buy what is offered at the academy. All that will run you about $5,000. You may use outside scholarships or apply for FAFSA loans. Remember that they get paid about $1,200 per month during sea year. Our two kids paid their own way from sea year money after plebe year.

There are varying opinions on computers. It is a hassle to use your own, plus it is risky to bring your own and get it broken on rough seas during sea year. My two kids went with the academy package and were happy.

Absolutely no need for a car, and you are not allowed to have one until first class year. Your son will become an expert on Long Island Railroad and subways pretty fast.

I think that answers all your questions. Please let me know if you have more. Feel free to PM me with your phone number and I can give you more details.
 
Many of us, even in the old days, managed to get by without a car. Did a lot of walking to the train station and other recreational establishments. After recognition, there will be opportunities for local jobs on the weekends and when there is time. I worked parking cars at a local country club. Ohh, fun. At least they fed us. I am originally from California, so I didn't go home except for Christmas and Summer. I can say that the locals are VERY welcoming. I spent quite a bit of time at the homes of local classmates. Having a roommate from Long Island is a bonus, too.

Of course it is NOT like a "normal" college. Don't expect it to be.
 
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