USMA Candidate Overnight Visit

[KidForService00]

Probably the cheapest/easiest way-
1. Airporter from EWR to Grand Central Station. Round trip $29. This is a private bus service. Very easy and safe.
2. Grand Central-Garrison on Metro North Poughkeepsie train. Round trip $28 off peak, $37 peak. Grand Central can be tricky, but there is a help desk under a big clock. Can't miss it. Train ride gives you a nice view of the Hudson if you sit on the West side of the train. Good food at Grand Central for your trip.
Grand total round trip $66 if peak, $57 off peak.
From Garrison you can catch a cab/Uber to West Point. When closer you can PM me and I can see about getting someone to pick you up.

This is exactly what my DS did when he landed in Newark last year after Thanksgiving break (he is a Plebe at WP). It was nerve racking for a parent whose kid took public transportation for the first time and far away form home! If you're ready for West Point this would be an easy task and save you some money ($80 for Uber one way from EWR to WP). Good luck!

I am in the same boat with your son on the first time and far away! Thank you for the assurance in this option.

 

[MoSwimmer66]

I am currently a HS Senior and was recently invited to West Point for a Candidate Overnight Visit. It is to my understanding that a goal of this visit is to be able to provide an opportunity in which the candidate can visualize themselves at the Academy during the academic year. With that being said, and being eager to visit in person, I accepted.

Seeing as how I am from California, I knew I had to do my research to plan the trip. I’ve already looked into flights, hotels, etc. but the one aspect that has haulted me a tad in planning is transportation.

I will be flying into Newark Airport, late afternoon on a Sunday. I understand this is a decent drive to the Academy. The admissions personnel I conversed with suggested I schedule all of my ground transportation prior to the trip, seeing as how it is indeed New York. I am only 17 1/2, and will be traveling alone. I have also never been to the East Coast. Due to my age, I am unable to rent a car. I do not have much knowledge on how a taxi service or shuttle will work in terms of dropping me off at The Thayer Historic Hotel or simply at the gate. I rarely travel outside of California.

A factor that I must ask to please be taken into account is the pricing of transportation. My family’s current financial status is not too well. Luckily I have been saving from my job for the last 2 years, which is what will help me cover the airfare, hotel, etc. I do not have too much saved up, per say, but I am willing to work hard to assure this trip transpires.

For those of you that have traveled for your visit, or know of anyone who has, how was transportation handled? Are there specific services that are able to take me from the airport to the Academy, and vice versa? Or must I change my current plans? Does anyone have suggestions in travel overall?
I am incredibly new to travel, anything helps.

Thank you for your assistance in advance.[/QUOTE

If all else fails there is Uber. If cost really isdesperate, maybe you can make an appeal to a local VFW? Or other Veteran’s org. You shouldn’t need more than a couple hundred dollars? They will likely be warmly receptive & I’m sure yiu’ll Repay the favor when you can.

 

[CrewDad]

Kidforservice00. I admire your motivation to travel to West Point despite the challenge financially and logistically. If you already have an Appointment to the Academy and you’re not on the fence of attending but accepting, you may want to save your money and just report in July. Visiting West Point is the best way to get to know the Academy one step better but if you already have an Appointment, I would save your hard earned money for another good use. You seem like a great young lady, same age as my DS and I feel the connection as a parent. I hope your journey to West Point comes true and what you want in college experience leading to a great career in the Army. Good luck to you!

 

[KidForService00]

Kidforservice00. I admire your motivation to travel to West Point despite the challenge financially and logistically. If you already have an Appointment to the Academy and you’re not on the fence of attending but accepting, you may want to save your money and just report in July. Visiting West Point is the best way to get to know the Academy one step better but if you already have an Appointment, I would save your hard earned money for another good use. You seem like a great young lady, same age as my DS and I feel the connection as a parent. I hope your journey to West Point comes true and what you want in college experience leading to a great career in the Army. Good luck to you!

Sadly, I have not yet received an appointment. I know I want to attend a service academy, however I have been nominated for USMA, USNA, and USAFA. I got accepted to all 3 summer programs though I only attended USAFA's due to time and prior commitments. I have been told that visiting is the best way to know the Academy. I appreciate your advice in this decision. Thank you!