USMAPS first month...
- Thread starter ChVa
- Start date
Labrador
Member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2017
- Messages
- 83
Congratulations! I don't have specific info, but if you type USMAPS into the search function of the forums you will be directed to several great threads about USMAPS. Some are a little old (2010) but the info is useful nonetheless. Just curious, how was your DS notified? We are hoping for a USMAPS appointment too!
Congrats and welcome! As a current USMAPS class of ‘19 parent, I can tell you - the first day and the first month are a big adjustment. Make sure all your kid’s things are packed in gallon ziplocks. Make sure they do the packing so they know where everything is. Do not use rolling luggage, use a duffle/backpack. Start hydrating a month before drop off. Understand that it IS a golden ticket - but you need to work it, and make it work. Say your goodbyes the night before; be prepared for the 60-second good bye, the loud door slam, and hearing your child being screamed at. Make sure your kid is training during the summer, especially running. Join the parents group on Facebook. Make an effort to connect with others during r-day, so you can message each other over the year. For us — it’s been an amazing year, our child has matured and made close friends, and confirmed that this is the right fit. The teachers have worked hard to reach out and get to know our kid as a person, and as a scholar. Read about the Thayer method of instruction. Read everything. Bring a letter for your kid to receive at ccbt, they’ll give you the address on r-day. It wasn’t our first choice. Our kid de-committed from a free ride and athletic scholarship at a great school to go here. But it ended up being the best choice ever. It’s challenging - but if WP is the goal - this is an amazing way to get there. If there is anything more specific you need pls dm me, happy to help. And congrats!
Congratulations!
Today happens to be the anniversary of my DS accepting his appointment to USMAPS. It has been an incredibly positive experience for him. Nothing but praise for the entire program from our entire household. Great things happen if your DS takes advantage of this opportunity.
I echo ZutAlors! comments above and I'll add some info on visits and leave. Most things at USMAPS echo (and prep Cadet Candidates (CC's) for) USMA. R-Day is the same, but on a smaller scale (about 250-280 CC's) and typically occurs 2 weeks after R-Day for USMA. One thing that CC's at USMAPS hear repeatedly is that USMAPS is NOT Plebe year at USMA. There is significant flexibility for leave, visitation, overall privileges, etc... Of course, privileges are earned (or lost) based on CC performance. I'm also happy to help via DM if you'd like more info!
It's the beginning of an outstanding journey of growth for you and your DS.
My DS is at USMAPS now graduating in two weeks and it was by far the best decision he could have made (or had made for him). He was able to fill in some knowledge gaps from high school in one of his week subjects and now has an A in that subject. He feels very prepared for the academy. My younger son is a junior and applying next year and we actually would prefer that he go to the prep school first. It is going to be a much easier transition into the academy when attending prep first.
