<p>I have wanted to attend West Point since I was in the 9th grade and I found this forum to be quite informative. Last week my dream came true and I was accepted to the Academy. I received my acceptance envelope and now I am in a dilemma with the acceptance card. I have been told not to submit the card until after a visit. However, I know that regardless of the visit I am going to go and tough out the parts that are stressful and hard because I take great pride in this Country the rewards I will gain are immeasurable. Would it be wise to send the card in before I visit? </p>
<p>I would think that you should hold onto the card until you visit the academy... just for grins at least. Fill it out, stamp it what ever you have to do, but just hold on to it. Your appointment will not run off anytime soon (assuming you stay in "good character") so no rush for it. I dont think, judging by your desire for it, that a visit would change your mind but again, you just might want to hold onto it.</p>
<p>First of all, congratulations! Secondly, just a few questions. </p>
<p>Have you visited West Point before?
If not, you really should as you want to make sure this isn't a 9th grade dream and it is really what you want.</p>
<p>Did you attend SLS last summer?
If so, you probably have a fair taste of what is to come. However, SLS has been described as summer camp in comparison to Beast and academic year.</p>
<p>If you have visited before, the candidate visit will give you a little bit more of a view of cadet life. (Also, see the post titled "yikes".) You want to make the most informed decision possible. Take advantage of the opportunity.</p>
<p>-Snipper, thanks for your input, I think I will hold onto to the card until I visit.</p>
<p>-momoftwins, I have not visited before nor did I go through SLS but I am in the process of scheduling a visit right before the Cadets leave for spring break. I have been emailing a few cadets, one of which is from my home town, and they have lent me videos, offered web sites, and given me titles of books to read (Absolutely American has some awesome insight). From what I have gathered Cadets are in it for reasons other than to have a fun time. I am pretty sure I am not it to fulfill my 9th grade dream but just to make sure I will take your (and snipper's) advice and wait until I visit.</p>