<p>If you package hasn't arrived yet to start the clock, consider each day a bonus. My son had given up hope back in March and had a great visit to the state u (which put together a great package and really wanted him!). He was looking forward to living close to his sister (student already) and may of his friends in the area would be there also. Then he heard he had an appointment. The emotional space needed to switch gears cannot be underestimated. I feel like it took him a few days to get his feet back under him after that rapid change of direction.</p>
<p>Just like you, we told him it was his decision and then gave him some space. In the end, he talked to several people about it and I think it just became more clear what he wanted to do.</p>
<p>An acquaintance of ours had a nephew receive an appointment just days before he was to report. I know that she said it was just huge to change gears like that in such a short amount of time before reporting. At least your son will have almost two months to "switch gears" before reporting. I think that will help him make the "switch".</p>
<p>We also used the "five years from now" approach. Your situation has some extra angles because of the family history. It all adds to the mix.</p>
<p>My son had to choose between TAMU and USMA and chose USMA. </p>
<p>My take is that it depends on his goals. If he intends to be a career officer then USMA gives him the best potential for advancement. Why would you not give yourself the best shot at reaching your goals?</p>
<p>I got my commission at Fort Benning in the 60's and have worked with officers sourced from ROTC schools and the Point. The good ones, regardless of source, usually get recognized and promoted and that is, after all, the point of the exercise.</p>
<p>BTW hats off to the top 8 reasons. Outstanding.</p>
<p>sorry i was confused, thought you wrote on the 5th you hadnt received the official packet yet....... how did you make arrangements for your student to visit? are you on the east coast?</p>
<p>zxc123: the packet arrived about an hour after I wrote that post. we made the arrangements through our regional admissions officer - luckily we live about 50 miles from WP and my son will just drive up after his varsity lacrosse game on Sunday.</p>
<p>heartcross: we can't tell which way he's leaning. and we're going out of our way not to push/sway him - he's got to live the choice. His uncle, Class of WP, 1976, did call him to answer any questions my son might have. Since he'd be doing ROTC at UCLA, I'm really torn and actually happy that I don't have to make the decision.</p>
<p>You're lucky to live close enough to have that option! We ate 3 airline tickets when our son received an appointment from AFA (his #1 choice). And we'd do it again the same way again given the same set of circumstances. It wasn't "cheap", but it was worth it to have given him the option to clarify his choices.</p>
<p>Thanks all!! My son just arrived home from spending the night at West Point and he's made his decision. He's going to be in the Class of 2009 at the United States Military Academy.</p>
<p>"Deposit for West Point Class of 2009: $2,400"</p>
<p>We were one of the folks that sent a check in for 3000.00 (our daughter's paperwork said the amount had changed from 2400.00) Still haven't been told one way or another what happens to the extra 600 bucks they're sitting on! :)</p>
<p>You should contact the USMA Treasurer's Office if you want a refund of the surplus money. They may or may not automatically refund differences. If they do not and you do not ask for it, the money will go into your Cadet's account where it will be safe (and earn interest). Surplus funds are released sometime early in the Yuk or Yearling year for the Cadet to put in his/her private accounts if they wish. Other sources of surplus funds are typically scholarships that were awarded to the Cadets when in high school. If you want a refund it would probably be best to resolve the issue prior to R-Day.</p>