USNA Visit Question

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TexasApplicant

TAKE ME OFF WAIT LIST USNA PLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEAS
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Feb 2, 2024
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Hey all,
I am a student from Texas applying for the Naval Academy and an opportunity has come up for me to plan a visit. Seeing as I am from Texas, I've never had an opportunity before so this is the first time. Would anyone have any tips/advice for scheduling/attending? I am also very new to the culture around Service Academies, so would khaki shorts and a blue collar shirt be acceptable or would I have to go more formal? Are there any notable places nearby in the Annapolis/Academy area I should visit? Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated, this is probably one of the only chances I'll get to visit!
 
There are formal parades on Friday 4/12 and 4/26 at 4:00. You might like those. Try to see the Noon Formation and the Museum. The Visitor's Center is a must see. Downtown Annapolis is nice and there are plenty of restaurants and gift stores. For a short trip I'd arrive on Thursday morning and leave on Sunday afternoon.
 
Are you driving, flying, or traveling by locomotive? Were you invited to a CVW? What kind of information are you looking for when it comes to scheduling/attending?

As another Texas '24 candidate who has visited Annapolis I would suggest NOT going to this bagel place called "Naval Bagels"- major disappointment. I would also suggest visiting Washington DC and seeing all you can, the Smithsonian, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, etc. . You absolutely get to decide what to wear on the Yard, just don't look abysmal and I don't think anyone will shoot you any looks. Try some of the East Coast's "water ice" places, Rita's is the main store you'll see but I really liked "John's Water Ice" in Philadelphia, idk if you're going out there. Also, if you are applying to any other colleges (maybe even USMA 🤢), I would suggest visiting them around the same time if possible.
 
Rome said:
Are you driving, flying, or traveling by locomotive? Were you invited to a CVW? What kind of information are you looking for when it comes to scheduling/attending?

As another Texas '24 candidate who has visited Annapolis I would suggest NOT going to this bagel place called "Naval Bagels"- major disappointment. I would also suggest visiting Washington DC and seeing all you can, the Smithsonian, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, etc. . You absolutely get to decide what to wear on the Yard, just don't look abysmal and I don't think anyone will shoot you any looks. Try some of the East Coast's "water ice" places, Rita's is the main store you'll see but I really liked "John's Water Ice" in Philadelphia, idk if you're going out there. Also, if you are applying to any other colleges (maybe even USMA 🤢), I would suggest visiting them around the same time if possible.
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As someone from Philly, Rita’s is our go to bc it’s more franchised, but John’s is iconic! If you ever come back, shoot me DM and I’ll suggest some good places!
 
from texas, and i've only been to DC maybe 2-3 times. I highly recommend visiting the USMC museum, it's maybe a 45 minute drive from Annapolis but awesome.
 
Rome said:
Are you driving, flying, or traveling by locomotive? Were you invited to a CVW? What kind of information are you looking for when it comes to scheduling/attending?

As another Texas '24 candidate who has visited Annapolis I would suggest NOT going to this bagel place called "Naval Bagels"- major disappointment. I would also suggest visiting Washington DC and seeing all you can, the Smithsonian, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, etc. . You absolutely get to decide what to wear on the Yard, just don't look abysmal and I don't think anyone will shoot you any looks. Try some of the East Coast's "water ice" places, Rita's is the main store you'll see but I really liked "John's Water Ice" in Philadelphia, idk if you're going out there. Also, if you are applying to any other colleges (maybe even USMA 🤢), I would suggest visiting them around the same time if possible.
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Flying, but it is right before a big wrestling tournament so I really only get one day :/

p.s. what in the world is a water ice place?
 
Instead of ice cream, it is shaved ice and some flavored syrup. Think of it like a glorified "snowcone."

Really, not a big must-do thing. But, if you have a sweet tooth, it's worth trying.
 
bookjustice said:
from texas, and i've only been to DC maybe 2-3 times. I highly recommend visiting the USMC museum, it's maybe a 45 minute drive from Annapolis but awesome.
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Good recommendation but the time it takes to get there is affected by the time of day and day of week one travels. The museum sits on one of the worst traffic lanes in the country. The newly opened express lanes have helped but the DC rush is still a nightmare.
 
For 1 day... if you cant meet up with a Midn for a private walk around, do the public tour from the visitor center. You will see enough different stuff with some history, culture etc. You'll catch Midns scurrying about to see the mundane. If during the week, the noon formation shows the ceremonial side as well.

Eat lunch in DTA. I wouldn't worry about DC if you only have 1 day. Absorb Annapolis. Maybe check to see what USNA sporting events are going on. DS got to watch some of a track meet. Maybe they have a home wrestling match

Good luck.
 
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bookjustice said:
I highly recommend visiting the USMC museum, it's maybe a 45 minute drive from Annapolis but awesome
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Awesome place. But triple check the timing. It's a solid 30-45 to DC, and even if you're going around, it's another 30-45 to Quantico. Agree with those who said to focus on Naptown unless you have another day or two. DC by itself is a day, and that's barely skimming the surface of Northwest. Heck, I spend an hour just milling around and eating at the Amish Market in Naptown. 😅
 
As a fellow TX mid, PM me and I could set you up with someone or a group of mids to give a little tour if wanted
 
TexasApplicant said:
Hey all,
I am a student from Texas applying for the Naval Academy and an opportunity has come up for me to plan a visit. Seeing as I am from Texas, I've never had an opportunity before so this is the first time. Would anyone have any tips/advice for scheduling/attending? I am also very new to the culture around Service Academies, so would khaki shorts and a blue collar shirt be acceptable or would I have to go more formal? Are there any notable places nearby in the Annapolis/Academy area I should visit? Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated, this is probably one of the only chances I'll get to visit!
Click to expand...
Check out USNA’s museum! It’s super cool
 
IronmanDaremo said:
Instead of ice cream, it is shaved ice and some flavored syrup. Think of it like a glorified "snowcone."

Really, not a big must-do thing. But, if you have a sweet tooth, it's worth trying.
Click to expand...
What many people refer to as Water Ice is "Italian Ice" which is what Rita's sells. Juice or a water/syrup mix is frozen and ground up for Italian ice.
 
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Since you can only visit for 1 day … I wouldn’t add any food places to your Itinerary ….

You should focus inside the Yard ….

Maybe take a walk (~1 mile) from Gate 3 to Navy-Marine Corp Stadium and back … your Company would ordinarily walk in formation together during football home games.

From Gate 1 … stroll around the Waterfront and DTA … bounce around … No agenda … it’s less stressful and more fun that way.
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