Upcoming CVW

hopefulUSNA25

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Dec 8, 2019
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I have a CVW next weekend and I want to get the most out of it. I will be driving down with my dad and brother. Any tips for either the candidate side of things or for my dad when he goes to the informational meeting?
 
Much depends on the personality of your mid(s) but act like you want to be there. Some don't and the mids notice. Connect with them in social media afterwards so you can see some of their real/inside Yard life.
For family, take advantage of the agenda they have.
 
Tip #1: Use the Search function to browse the dozens of threads/posts on CVW what to wear, what to bring (baked goodies for roomies), where to eat, questions to ask.
Tip #2: Avoid asking obvious questions that show you haven’t read extensively on USNA.edu
Focus on culture, atmosphere, listening and observing.
I have a CVW next weekend and I want to get the most out of it. I will be driving down with my dad and brother. Any tips for either the candidate side of things or for my dad when he goes to the informational meeting?
 
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I put my DS on a plane and said "have fun, I'll pick you up back here on Saturday", and off he went. He got there early (dropped off at Gate 1) and met three other guys who looked like they were CVW types as well. They struck up a conversation and all ended up going into DTA together for a sandwich at Jimmy Johns, and relaxed a bit before reporting to Mitscher Hall for check-in.

He went on runs with his Plebe on both mornings and had a great time. Just soak it all in and ask questions.
 
DD went in November and brought lots and lots of cookies. Also, she brought a plain black coat and was told it was a good choice because they make fun of the drags that come wearing their letterman jackets. If they invite/ask you to do the early morning work out, do it. Have fun!
 
Look, listen, learn. Don't try to impress your hosts. Be humble. Ask thoughtful questions of others and ask yourself, "Is this my tribe?" If the answer is yes, that's a good sign.
 
1) Tell your Plebe you want to go to the morning workout.
2) Ask your Plebe a lot of questions.
3) Candidate visit weekend guests are often called “drags” because they are just quiet, don’t attempt to build a relationship with their Plebe, and are a hassle. Don’t be a Drag. Engage with your plebe, joke around, and have a good time.
4) Say hello to mids you see in your company area. This could lead to good conversation.
5) Ask professors/officers questions in class if you are curious about anything.
6) Try to vision yourself in your plebe’s shoes. Is USNA the place for you?

Have fun!
 
They like drags because they don’t have to chop and can walk like a normal human, it breaks up the monotony of the dark ages, honestly a high schooler is lower than a Plebe in the hierarchy so it’s nice not to be the lowest person for a minute, Mids do take pride in USNA and in many ways want to ensure USNA is getting the right Mids for the future.

Listen, observe, ask questions. Talk to Mids of all years. Their views vary. A Plebe’s view is still fairly narrow. Talk to upperclass in the majors that interest you. Talk to all years about sports or ECAs you are interested in. This isn’t high school, you will get to do 1-2. Ask about summer training and what they did. Talk to firsties about service selection and why they chose what they did. Ask what helped them get that spot. It’s your visit make the most of it. If your Plebe is lackluster (it happens, its the dark ages) and unengaged, talk to the room mates and ask for help. Enjoy the visit and picture yourself living that life and ensure it’s for you. Good luck.
 
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You will get put on a cot in a room with 2 or 3 plebes - all of who may be studying. Make sure to bring a book. We Skyped with DS a couple weeks ago and there was a drag hanging in their room. Realize that you may be seeing the plebes in their least positive natural environment, given this time of year.
 
I attended a CVW earlier this year, and I honestly think that it was one of the best experiences of my life. I would recommend going with your mid to every offered activity—including the early morning workout (even if you can’t do it, it’s worthwhile to watch and see what you need to work on). Also—make sure that you bring plenty of blankets, becasue Bancroft Hall gets quite cold at night.
Ask every question that you can think of, but also be respectful of your mid’s time. When I was there, they were studying for a big test that was conducted Friday night—so there might be periods of a few hours of doing nothing, while they study.
One of the other things I was concerned about was dinner on the first night—they don’t officially serve it, but you can go down to Steerage or one of the other restaurants with a mid to buy something to eat (bring some money!).
Also—know that you may feel like an annoying, clingy younger sibling sometimes—just suck it up and have fun! Most of the mids are happy to talk to you and are oftentimes amused by your presence.
I was put in the 19th company, which was fantastic—but I’m sure that they are all great!
Have fun!
 
For the parents: Go if you can!

I really considered sending DS alone last month. The meetings/panel discussions that they had for the parents were very informative! I’m very glad that I decided to attend!
 
I have been told that the Plebes like having "drags" visiting because they rate media (can watch video and listen to music when a drag is assigned to their room).

I was really surprised when I asked my son after he returned from his CVW last month, "So, what does a Friday night at USNA look like for plebes?" They ordered pizza and played Xbox. Seriously? Overall, he was amazed at how non-military his entire visit was. He and I know it is not always like that, but it was surprising nonetheless!
 
When my DS’s roommate had a drag last week, the entire room was given “carry on” for the whole visit. But, Friday night after the pro know quiz (and they may not have had one leading up to 6 week) is often a movie night in a plebe’s room. The 1/C and 2/C are out on liberty.
 
The Plebes are now well seasoned at the weekly routine of academics and pro knowledge. A visit in September can look different than a February visit. The Plebes know how to study for Pro Knowledge now, how to balance a week and when they can relax some and when not. It is the dark ages and Plebes know they are getting close to Plebe No More, but it still feels like forever to get there. Firsties are on auto pilot enjoying their last few months. Many probably flew this weekend to their future duty stations looking at apartments and trying to figure out where they are going to live come graduation. 2/c are tired but ready getting anxious to the lead Brigade and 3/C are also anxious to have a more meaningful role in the training, evaluating what summer looks like and confirming that 2 for 7 is right for them. Once it warms up and spring is in the air (and the yard is beautiful during this time) the attitude of the Brigade shifts and everyone is pretty happy.
 
dropped DD at CVW... she was surprised at how many juniors are in attendance. USAFA is her dream but this is 2 hours from home. told her every time they say navy to just think air force in her head. told her to have fun and she took a dozen Hershey Chocolate World choco chip cookies with her as a thanks to her mid. Curious to hear her thoughts Saturday.
 
The vast majority of the January attendees were juniors, also! I hope she has a great time. My DS really enjoyed it, as did I!
 
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