<p>Some of us haven't received all of the information we need as parents for I-Day. However, does anyone have any concrete info. on monies needed up front? I'm calling today to ask about something else and will ask then, also. However, it would be nice to know how much overtime I'm going to have to work to pay for a $2500.00 fee.</p>
<p>Okay, I just got off of the phone with a mildly annoyed receptionist at USNA. Yes, there is $2500.00 due on I-Day. This can be in the form of a personal check, cashier's check, credit card, or a loan can be taken out at USNA on I-day. This loan, however, will be paid back by the child. </p>
<p>I, for one, will start putting in for call time at the horse-pital. Blech!</p>
<p>Did they mention financial aid/and or waivers for financial aid?</p>
<p>No, they are going to get their money in one form, or another. They said they would be mailing info. out, but she wouldn't give me a date or an expected time frame.</p>
<p>No matter how you pay the $2500, your Mid is going to be paying it back. Everything is deducted from their paycheck. On paper a plebe makes about $400 a month but in actuality they'll get $100 a month "take home pay" (but that does go up every year). Every Midshipman starts of with a 'loan' that pays for uniforms, computer, calculator, haircuts, dry cleaning, etc Scholarships can decrease that size of the loan your Mid has to pay back, but everyone has to do it. My son went in with a $3000 worth of scholarship money but he still had to pay back that Plebe loan.</p>
<p>One piece of advice...if you need to call USNA, I would have your "Plebe to be" handle it. </p>
<p>Mine had a problem getting the police report. Our county police department did not want to fill out the report because "they did not receive it directly." I called USNA and got a very flip answer. Son called a few days later and was told very nicely how to handle the situation. </p>
<p>The message was very clear, mom should not handle any of the acceptance or permit to report items - only write the check. </p>
<p>As atrmom said...they all have the loan - last year the $ amount stated was $6000. Scholarship money can be used for the initial $2500, but all plebe pay will be the same...this year it has been between $50.00 and $100.00 per month. ($50 was the first few months)</p>
<p>Profmom2 is right on...now's a really good time for parents to step back and start letting their kids take care of their own business. That's the expection the minute they walk in on I-Day. This isn't a regular college experience. As of I-Day they are on their own, literally. You can no longer claim them as your dependant, they have their own medical insurance, you can't see their grades and you can't contact the professors or their company officers to check on them. It's strictly a 'need to know' world now and your Mid will be the one who decides that.</p>
<p>Last year, USNA did not offer any financial aid waivers. For those unable to pay the upfront $2500, they offered a loan that is repaid during the course of your time at USNA. Not really so different than regular college, other than the fact that it's only $2500 and that, as a mid, you're actually getting paid so you can repay the loan while in school.</p>
<p>I agree that it is a good time to let your son/daughter start taking the initiative. I know it's sometimes easier for parents to make calls during the day when the kid is in school, but ultimately it is for the best for the future mid to be involved and to get answers; it's a skill that will come in handy going forward.</p>
<p>Understand the backing off part, but I don't want to show up and have them tell me that they would have wanted a cashier's check over a personal one, etc, especially since I'm the one choking up the cash (I think it's going to be like giving birth, but more painful- Cha Ching!). I don't know if the boy would remember that question. </p>
<p>Anyway, good advice. Will try to start handing over the reins. </p>
<p>So, even if you give the $2500.00 up front, they still deduct?</p>
<p>I'm slightly confused, but am used to that situation. However, I'd clarity on this one.</p>
<p>Nurseypoo - don't fret you will get very detailed information with the permit to report package that will come in May. Everything and then some of what you need to know will be there, including how to pay the $2500.00. </p>
<p>There will be a way to do it online or by check. The fee I believe had to be paid by June 15th last year, but more so, was not due nor could be paid until sometime the middle of May. </p>
<p>Once yours has sent his acceptance in, there is no money that is due to hold his spot like civilian colleges. His signature will hold his spot! The fee is just that - a fee - it is not a deposit. </p>
<p>There will be many forms that will be filled out and returned, the first come with the appointment and are returned with his acceptance. The next will be many many more and they will come with the permit to report package. Things like shot requirements, Navy federal credit Union, security clearance worksheet, life insurance to name just a few...</p>
<p>The $2500 must be paid in small, unmarked bills. :D</p>
<p>Bossf51-</p>
<p>Too funny! What a hoot! :p</p>
<p>Okay, now seriously, where's the drop? :cool:</p>
<p>Too bad we can't use some of the ROTC scholarship $$ to pay the upfront fees for USNA. Robbing Peter to pay Paul... Oh well... $2500 is not such a huge thing. For what we're paying for the next one up in line to attend University of Vermont for out-of-state, the $2500 will be a breeze. And, a good investment (in whites, haircut, cover, Reef Points, computer, calculator, pens, weapon, etc.) I'm a thinkin' our boy can earn that $2500 in that short 2-week period between h.s. graduation and I-Day (we are evil parents...) j.k....</p>
<p>Me...I think they ought to issue all of us new Plebe parents a bumper sticker for our cars, a copy of Brief Points (which I hear is good...but I could have heard wrong) copies of a few Naval history books to read, PLUS a dictionary of acronyms! Sheez! Took me the <em>longest</em> time to figure out what a MOC was... (duh). None of my degrees helped with that one.<br>
But, the last things our Plebes need is for us to be "helicopter parents", always hovering nearby...</p>
<p>My advice-- Sit back and enjoy the moment. You will be given more information than you will need in due time...</p>
<p>I'm the nit-noid mom who worries in advance. If I was in a jungle, I would want to know where my next vine was coming from and going to. My husband just walks away at this point.</p>
<p>NEways, if ya'll say it's coming, it's coming. I'll spaz in private!</p>
<p>Just kidding! Really, thanks.</p>
<p>Brief Points is a must buy on or before I-Day. It's a wealth of information on all things USNA. Other things to buy on I-Day...Class of 2011 T-Shirt with everyone's name listed, NAVY 11 bumper stickers for all household cars, Class of 2011 totebag with everyone's name listed, first USNA Christmas ornament, multiple USNA tee shirts and sweatshirts and anything that says "Go Navy, Beat Army"! BRING YOUR CHECKBOOK AND CREDIT CARDS!!!!!!</p>
<p>You'll be issued a shopping card around I-Day ( you pick it up at the Midstore) that will allow you to shop there for the four years that your child is at the Academy</p>
<p>$2500???? LOL! Heck, I would pay that anyday... far, far better than the $42K per year at daugher's institution of higher learning!</p>
<p>Well, for some of the incoming class (2011), $2500.00 is not economically feasable for them or their parent(s). I do not speak for myself, although at today's prices, $2500.00 pays for 1/3 of my children's parochial school education. I work hard to pay their tuition. My husband works to pay for their college accounts.</p>
<p>Yes, I'm in a field where if I pick up extra hours, it's a doable thing. For others, it isn't, and it is humbling to know that what comes easily for some is almost unreachable for others.</p>