<p>For those who've gone- when do we get a schedule of what will be happening, what day of the week should i book hotels/ planes for, and will I have time to meet with the crew coach?</p>
<p>You should get a confirmation letter that has all of the info. You get there 8ish on Friday and leave 10am or so. There is no real schedule-you just do whatever the person you are tailing does.</p>
<p>amdandrew, what was your favorite/least favorite part of CVW? If anyone else has already been, please chime in.</p>
<p>scit, I'm meeting with the track/XC coach immediately following CVW. You should call the crew coach and see if you can set up a meeting afterwards.</p>
<p>My favorite was their Saturday Morning Training, which was running the endurance course. Decked out in full BDUs and combat boots of course. Also, seeing the classes (English, Naval Leadership, and Calc III) was neat. However, seeing what the plebes have to do/etc was overall the most interesting part.</p>
<p>Worst part? Calc III was a bit over my head. I am in Calc BC this year, but most of their terminology and concepts were rather alien. I also wish I could have seen the morning chow calls, but they didn't want to scare us innocent "drags." </p>
<p>I remember a prior post saying something about having to bring a sleeping bag. That is not true. They give you a cot, etc. I must say that CVW had a very positive impact on me.</p>
<p>Oh boy! I will love the endurance course...right up my alley! :) I'll probably enjoy the Calc too! I'm such a nerd. Looks like I'll definitely be a "drag" for the weekend. lol</p>
<p>No sleeping bag? I know they supply the cot, but don't I need to bring a blanket at least? My uncle is loaning me his Navy wool blanket.</p>
<p>What clothes did you bring, amdandrew? How were you treated? Did you meet with any of the coaches? Sorry for all the ?'s. Just getting excited!</p>
<p>I got to run the Marine Obstacle Course, which was a blast (but expect massive bruising afterwards. I didn't believe them, but I looked like someone had taken me out back and beaten me). </p>
<p>You don't need a sleeping bag or sheets or anything. Really all you need is what they told you: a towel, toiletries, and work-out clothes (definitely bring your Summer Seminar sweats if you still have them. It freaks the upperclass out seeing someone in mid-wear but not chopping on the Plebe corridors). Everyone is really nice and welcoming, and I got to see my mid doing chow-calls. Some mids even had their drags do chow-calls.</p>
<p>How was I treated? </p>
<p>Everyone seemed very open and wanted to talk, which was very cool. The admissions briefing they start you out with is rather boring (if you didn't know it already you should not be there!), but it takes less than an hour.</p>
<p>I posted some info about CVW earlier after we returned. My son got so much out of the experience even though it was only 24 hours long. The only negative for him was that his mid wasn't in a great company and apparently that can really color your experiences. Most of the mids he met were discouraged, wishing they had the freedom of their friends at college and struggling academically. It was also exam week the following week. (remember this is mid-first semester for them before exam week and most college kids feel similar things as they adjust) The instructions were to talk to as many mids struggling as those "enjoying" (can't find an appropriate word)...because if you can understand how hard it is you can get a better idea of how you might fare. My son was surprised how much free time they had and how bored many of them were due to restrictions. He got very little sleep because of his mid standing a watch in the middle of the night and he only got to attend 2 classes and would have liked to skip the admissions info (everyone is so involved in that anyway) and go right to class. Although the Brigade Leader (not the right title, I know) spoke and he was the best speaker about the Academy I have ever heard. He has a great personality and a great smile and made me want to go! It was great to see him walk with President Bush weeks later at the opening of the Army / Navy game! So I / we wouldn't have missed that part for anything! He went to a football game and worked out Sat am at the rock climbing facility. He continues to tell us more about the experience even 6 weeks later. He realized that he could "do it" by his visit but the company he was with didn't convince him it was the only place to go to school. They were all extremely helpful and willing to talk! Hope you have a good experience! JM</p>
<p>marines4me, will I be running the Marine Obstacle Course also, or is that something allowed only for those interested in the Marines? Sounds like fun! I am bringing SS sweats. They're not the original ones, as those are really stained (no way I would even think of throwing them out ;)), but I have another pair and will bring them.</p>
<p>Thanks for all your input! I can't wait!!!</p>
<p>I'm so excited for you, Navygrl! You're going to have a good time, and I'm sure you'll be able to make a decision by the end of it. You might run the Marine Obstacle Course; it just depends on what your Company will be doing on SMT (Saturday Morning Training). Heck, you might even get to do Pugle Sticks. I wish I could have done that; it would have been a blast!</p>
<p>My son did the indoor PT with the rock wall. It just depends on what your mid is doing and there isn't much choice involved in what you do. He was unable to meet with anyone but was given emails of those people to correspond with. Many Mids leave the yard Friday after class (upperclassmen) and many are away on sports events so it's hard to see everything you want to. It's a great experience but really short! Make the most of it!</p>
<p>which days of the week will it be necessary to book hotel and flights for? Thursday and friday night?</p>
<p>Last year the CVW was held on early (9 AM??) Fri AM through Sat AM. Candidates traveling from a distance would need a hotel room on Thurs night. Parents traveling would also need one for Fri night. All of the hotel information, dates, etc are in the confirmation packet. When are you going?
CM</p>
<p>Did you receive your confirmation information yet? It has a lot of information on places to see and things to do (while you are occupied at the yard) for parents who may accompany you.
CM</p>
<p>The Academy called this afternoon. I was still at school, taking a Physics AP final. The great news is that I've been invited to CVW!</p>
<p>Doug</p>
<p>We booked Sat night too. I would advise candidates to spend some time walking around town, eat in town where the mids frequent on Sats and spend a little time at the mall. It may sound silly but the free time you have appears to be spent in these two places and you get get a glimps into life (what little of it there is) outside the yard. We saw mids everywhere we went in these two spots and it's really gives another perspective. Usually Sun tickets are cheaper too! (Sat night stay)</p>
<p>Hey Doug! Congrats on the CVW invite! When are you going? I'm leaving on the 20th to meet a friend from UNC, also going to stay until the 23rd just to get a real feel for the town and make sure I consume enough crab cakes. :)</p>
<p>juniormom--my Mom wants to spend a couple of extra days in the area checking things out. Thanks for the advice. </p>
<p>Navgirl--I'm leaning toward the March visit. It would be a blast to go April 1st just to see what the Mids did to each other on April Fool's Day! By the way, I went to Summer Seminar, Session 1 as well. </p>
<p>Doug</p>
<p>Doug,
Great news about the CVW! Ask the tennis coach if you bring your own racquets to the Academy. Can plebes bring their own sporting equipment, i.e., golf clubs, ice skates, etc.? Maybe you'll get an appointment in the meantime!</p>
<p>Navgirl... make sure you stop by Riordans. I went there back in 2000 and their crab cake and fries were amazing!!! I think I'm going on March 4th and 5th. Have fun!</p>