<p>We had an enjoyable CVW. It is very short for the candidates, just 24 hours to learn all that you can and there appeared to be about 30 or so there and less than we expected. Some already had appointments (had both a nomination / LOA and now appointment) as their nominations happened recently. It is a tough time at USNA as it is exam time and it is getting cold. We were told that this is a time for candidates to see the "drudgery" of day to day life at USNA and talk to those having a tough time as much as those that aren't. They followed through a few classes, went to practice, ate together, saw a sporting event and in general just "hung out" with a plebe or youngster for 24 hours. Our son saw his plebe get up at 2am (to 4am) to stand watch and then have to be up at 6ish for PE. All the mids were open to discussing what life was like and they didn't hold back and all were very nice to him!!!! None expressed happiness with life at USNA though and some spoke to IM'ing friends at college and missing out on college life. Some talked about thinking through their decision over turkey. Our son seemed to take away a more realistic view of the academy that was somehow reassuring. Many talked about how tough Plebe Summer was but that they got through it and made friends quickly. Some things that may be more difficult at a conventional school come easier when you are forced to work as a team and you form friends fast. It sounded like many were finding the academics tough and Chemistry seems to be up there on the list. They were using a Chem book my son used in AP Chem last year and he said none of them had taken AP chemistry before. He said many of them seemed bored at times as they can't have music / TV and I guess some can't even study in their rooms right now but there was some free time between classes. It sounded like they were getting a slight break in the Plebe routine because it was exam time and they were being cut some slack.</p>
<p>We were surprised that they don't eat dinner together and that due to practice they grabbed a hot dog / fries and pizza for dinner at D Hall. Bring money if you're going to CVW. We were surprised they there are free periods between classes and that they aren't busy all the time. We were not surprised that this is a tough time. All college freshman deal with first semester blues after an exciting senior year, college applications and making big decisions.You arrive on campus and think what am I doing here and is this right for me no matter where you go. (At least in many cases.) If you have read Absolutely American about West Point the final conclusion is that WP Cadets are more focused and happier than most college students even with all their freedom and I suspect that is true at any military academy.</p>
<p>Whay my son enjoyed was the routines, one of the classes he saw, the sense of the bigger picture and was excited about learnng to sail, and all the exciting opportunities the academy has to offer. They were putting on Macbeth next week and we would have loved to see it. I think like any school, you need to get involved in something you really like to take some enjoyment in what you are doing. We saw mids at the mall, in town (even plebes) and I think that unless you live to party the restrictions really aren't that bad just very different from the college campus that comes alive at 10:30pm.</p>
<p>Anyway, we're glad we all went and glad that he could see this other side of the Academy. They said the qualified letter was a big step in the process and their way of trying to provide feedback earlier in the process but the nomination was the next big hurdle. It sound like it can be a big hurdle in some areas too! Applications are down we were told to prior 9/11 times but that doesn't make is less competative especially from specific states. They said most offers would come by April 15th but many that we met got theirs in May last year and they spoke to several late appointments last year.</p>
<p>Best wishes to those having this opportunity and I would definately take it. They started off by saying the Academy isn't for everyone and that if you went to SS this would be a very different experience. We all enjoyed it and I think the picture is more complete now. JM</p>
<p>I just spent the weekend visiting my Mid. Just a couple of additional thoughts on CVW. On this visit, I had lunch with my Mid and had the opportunity to observe some of the candidates on visits. The atmosphere was much more relaxed at the meal tables due to the guests. Certain other privileges also were in place for Plebes if they were hosting candidates such as allowing movies on Friday night. There is no question that the environment is vastly different from a civilian college. The Mids that I have had the pleasure of interacting with have provided me with a little insight. It seems that those that have adapted really well have a great attitude. They accept all of the various duties and the tasks that seem somewhat meaningless to those of us on the outside, and simply resolve to get them done. That does not mean that they enjoy them but they do not waste their time trying to figure out the purpose for these tasks or being aggravated by them. I have seen a tremendous change in my Mid. It is undoubtedly a tough challenge to balance not only the rigorous academics but the physical and military obligations as well. It is an environment that rewards those that can manage their time well. Good luck to everyone applying. These next months are a real roller coaster ride for those that do not receive an early LOA. Hang in there.</p>
<p>Hey, thanks so much for your posts! Do you have any advice on extra stuff to bring? Did your son think that the Saturday morning training was hard? Do I need to bring a sleeping bag or anything?</p>
<p>Marines-4-Me...Congrats on your LOA from WP!!!!!!!!!!!! What a great achievement!!!!! You don't need to bring a sleeping bag but the cot is really uncomfortable (at least for someone 6'1) Bring a towel, work out clothes and cash in case you don't eat in the mess hall at dinner and a change of clothes plus bring a warm coat. The wind really is cold off the Sevren! The work out amounted to a short run and working out on the climbing wall. It wasn't extreme but it depends on what your mid is doing. They went to outside sporting events and it was cold. There was also a concert that evening and some went to the concert. It's pretty fast so just take it all in. I would bring a notebook as many will share email addresses etc. Make sure you spend time in town and also at the mall in Annapolis as these will be your major outings if you are at USNA. It gives a good perspective to see what happens on Sat evenings and on Sundays and see what the area has to offer. It's actually a very nice mall with plenty of good food around. He really felt like it was well worth the effort and is glad he went! Feel free to email any questions you might have! JM</p>
<p>Thanks, JM! I'm really excited the LOA. Now I'm not sure whether I want an appointment from USNA or not--it would just make the decision that much harder! </p>
<p>My friend that got an LOA just got back from the CVW as well. Hah, she absolutely LOVED it. She had a great time. She said the mids all complain about having too much to do, but at the same time, they have SO much fun. My friend got to watch a movie with the girls of the Campus Crusaders, went to the Sprint Football game, and watched another movie on DVD. She said that she talked to some of the 2Cs who would be cadre this upcoming summer, and they gave her their names and stuff and said to look them up if she got in trouble. The CVW just reaffirmed what she thought about USNA, and she can't wait to go. She said she'd shoot me if I don't go as well. :) It just so happened that Navy was playing Army in Sprint Football, and she said that the Cadets were jerks (not that she was biased or anything). ;) Hahaha, she said all the guys were like big brothers (they talked about EVERYTHING in front of the girls). She did mention that there weren't very many drags there. She said there were only like 3 girls or something like that.</p>
<p>I can't WAIT to go next weekend! I'll bring my warm clothes! I'm debating whether or not to bring my Navy sweats from SS--what do you guys think?</p>
<p>Marines~It's fine to wear SS clothes. My son was afraid to based on posts he read but he took his SS sweats and was glad he had them! Others wore them too. You're right, there weren't a lot of "drags" there and only a few girls. I am wondering which one was your friend as we sat near them. My son also went to the football game and he had fun. The Cadets are just like the mids though. One even spoke to us when we were walking around campus. There is great school rivalry but deep down I think there is respect for anyone that chooses this route! I asked my son about the girls and he thought they were treated the same and with respect. When he went to Boy's State he felt that wasn't the case and since it's a cause near and dear to m heart I was glad to hear it. I'll bet I know which one your friend was because there was a girl from the south with both of her parents and they asked quite a few questions on the gender issue after the candidates left with their mids. I do think girls tend to communicate more and probably leave with a little different perspective. Although my son talked with so many I am quite surprised he got so much out of 24 hours. He really thought everyone was nice and helpful and he came home with emails too! Have a blast and if you have the opportunity go into town and to the mall area to see the things that the mids do. They told my son that the mall was the omly thing to do there...Have fun and keep warm!!! JM</p>
<p>How many CVW are there? I hear people talking about going to them a while ago, and now there is you saying that you are going next weekend. I haven't received an invitation for CVW, is there still a chance that i will for a later one?</p>
<p>There are Candidate Weekends scheduled all the way through the first weekend in March. There is a copy of the Academy Calendar on the Public Affairs page on the usna.edu website. I am guessing that there is still a chance that you might receive an invitation. Your Blue & Gold Officer would have a pretty good idea if you would be receiving an invitation. Keep in mind that an invitation to CVW weekend does not insure that you will receive an appointment and not receiving an invitation does not mean that you will not receive an appointment. Many more appointments are awarded than invitations to CVW. Keep in touch with your Blue & Gold Officer for updates on the admissions process. Good luck!</p>
<p>We understood that these are going on throughout the year. We noticed that there was equal representation from each region when we were there. I read...somewhere...that 1000 CVW offers were placed in the fall and again in the spring. I wouldn't give up hope and it might be worth while to talk to your B and G officer. Good luck!</p>
<p>Hi, We are at Annapolis right now. Well my son is at the academy and we are at the hotel. After the kids left there was an informative parent question session. Also we meet a BGO there from our state who sat down for an hour exlaining everything to us. He has a son at cvw and another son who go into West Point last year.
Also on a side note when we talked to our daughter who checked the mail. There was a letter from our congressman congradulating Ryan for being givin a nomination. I know my son really liked UNC so I am interested to see how he liked the academy. I can see how the NROTC would be better for some though.</p>
<p>Good Luck rmoorenc! Our son learned so much in those short 24 hours...he is still telling us bits about the experience! (Both good and bad) He has been able to put the academy on the back burner right now and focus on his other applications since CVW is over and he probably won't hear anything until April. He does have a congressionsl interview in December so until then he's trying to finish up everything else knowing it may be a long shot with his vision waiver. He's really working hard on the NROTC school as his next choice. Hope your son gets as much out of it as ours did. No matter how this ends up he will always have the upmost respect for those lucky enough tomake the choice to attend!</p>
<p>rmoorenc, I'm attending CVW the end of January with a friend from UNC that's in NROTC. He applied to the Academy last year and didn't get in, but he received a CVW invite this year. He also is on a 4-yr. scholarship to UNC and absolutely loves the Unit, but said that he would try to keep an open mind during his visitation. I have also applied to UNC as a back-up and will be visiting before Christmas.</p>
<p>Let us know what your son thinks about everything when you get back. I still can't believe I'll be there in January. I'm not sure I'll get the brightest picture of the Academy from the mids at that time. lol I'm just hoping they've got the heat cranked, or will there even be heat? :-)</p>
<p>I was at the CVW this past weekend...I loved it. It was a very interesting intoduction into Plebe life-classes, pro knowledge, physical, life. It was very informative and everyone seemed to be very upfront about their thoughts on life as a Plebe, etc. Overall, an very positive experience.</p>
<p>CVW was awesome! I was with one of the more hard-core Companies, or so I was told: 11th. It was really interesting seeing the "real" life of the Academy compared to Summer Seminar. My mid was studying just about the whole time for the Pro quizzes they have to take, and had to keep her door open the whole time. I came away with several big conclusions: </p>
<ol>
<li>The company you're put in determines EVERYTHING about how your whole four years will go. </li>
<li>DON'T slack off in plebe summer, even if you get hurt. My mid had a tendonitis, two stress fractures, and a chipped shin bone, but she didn't go on chit. Even six months later the plebes still despise those who got out of duty without a legitimate injury.</li>
<li>Keep a good sense of humor. Go on spirit missions as often as possible. </li>
<li>Don't use your femininity (sp) as a crutch.</li>
<li>Be able to RUN when you get to Plebe Summer. All the mids said they ran so much. They said you won't be in shape for PS unless you can run three consecutive 7 minute miles. Some of them did the exact packet work-out they were sent, and still weren't in shape. At the end of PS, they ran a 10K, so if I get in, I plan to run all the time.</li>
</ol>
<p>One of the highlights of my trip: getting up at 5:45 and getting dressed in a mid's cammies. I went out with their platoon to the Marine Obstacle Course and even got to run it. It was awesome, but really hard! I didn't think it would be as bad as it was. A lot of the obstacles were really high, and the girls had a red box that they could use to be able to reach it and compensate for less upper body strength. I thought it was ridiculous and didn't use it, even though I'm only 5'2. I just had to jump really high and pull myself up farther. I have HUGE bruises on my arms from having to chicken-wing myself up on some bars. Afterwards, the plebes threw some of the upper-classmen into a mud pit b/c they got what they wanted on service selection night. I had a great time, and though the "real" life at the Academy wasn't like Summer Seminar, it only served to reaffirm the fact that I want to go there. I've talked myself out of West Point--in the end, it just doesn't make as much sense for me. Besides, I feel at home at the USNA, if I can only now get in!</p>
<p>Navygrl, did you get my email? If not, please give me a link to another email address for you.</p>
<p>Hey Marines4me! Sounds like you had a GREAT time! Try e-mailing me at <a href="mailto:AnnaMJ1@hotmail.com">AnnaMJ1@hotmail.com</a>. The last e-mail I received from you was 11/15. </p>
<ol>
<li>The company you're put in determines EVERYTHING about how your whole four years will go. </li>
<li>DON'T slack off in plebe summer, even if you get hurt. My mid had a tendonitis, two stress fractures, and a chipped shin bone, but she didn't go on chit. Even six months later the plebes still despise those who got out of duty without a legitimate injury.</li>
</ol>
<p>My son said he heard the same thing last weekend.
But he didn't mention anything about this one
4. Don't use your femininity (sp) as a crutch.
LOL</p>
<p>Also my son got a nomination letter from our senator today :) So now he's triple Q'd and 2 nominations. I hope he gets an appointment. After last weekend he wants it more than ever. I wish I new the chances with these nominations added. It would be great to get the other senator.</p>
<p>Marines4me were you wearing the rorarton letter jacket? or something like that?</p>
<p>That's awesome, rmoorenc! Tell your son congrats! I'd imagine that an appointment should soon follow, if he's QQQed and has a nomination. </p>
<p>No, I was wearing a green mid-length sleeve shirt and khakis. I had a big blue soccer bag, though. I was sitting in the middle of the theater or so. I came back right before we had the admissions brief from the bathroom.</p>
<p>Tell your son congratulations. If you look at the class of 2008 profile and other previous years, your son's chances are excellent. There were only 1,951 candidates that were triple qualified and had a nomination. The Academy offered appointments to 1,472 of those candidates. That means he has a 75.4% chance of receiving a nomination, which are excellent odds.</p>
<p>Was there any mention made during CVW or SS about Marine branch selection? How high do you have to finish in the class to branch Marines (since these slots are, I think, oversubscribed)?</p>
<p>The south eastern US admin person, Capt. Brian Antinelli was the one giving the lecture. He was a marine and he didn't seem to mention anything one way or the other about it. The only part he talked about pertaining to it was selection time. How they do it differently now compared to before. That you get rated on things from your summer sessions. An example he gave was if you went into the academy wanting to be a Navy Seal member. But when you went to summer session to work with the marines and the report came back that you cried for your mommy every night and whined about getting cold and wet. Then you weren't going to get that slot. Before they would take you by class rank and go down the list filling up the slots with what you asked for until the slots were filled up and the lower classmen got the left overs. I think my son said everyone but a few got what they asked for. They way it sounds is they are more realistic about giving the slots to qualified people for that area of expertise. Also he said people change there minds once they are in the academy on what they want to be. So it could be that the slots aren't even being filled due to lack of people wanting to be that.
I hope that made sense. And please excuse my spelling and grammer, I'm not as smart as my kid. I think its the milk... LOL</p>