Hi there-
My son just got accepted into USMAPS and I am eager to know what drop off day is like and what the first month or so will be like. Also, when are visits and leave allowed?
Thanks for any help you can give!
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!