Tips for those going to NASS 2006

<p>Not that this is the same level, but I know that candidates who come for a candidate visitation weekend get evaluated by the midshipman that they drag with. Some of the candidates are on the cusp for acceptance and the determining factor in their weekend evaluation. On the other hand though, not even half the people at the academy got accepted to NASS, and they still got in.</p>

<p>keepon....really? because i've had two drags and i was never asked to evaluate them. my roomie's had six, and she hasn't either. we've had both varsity and regular drags.</p>

<p>Interesting. I suppose it just depends then.</p>

<p>Several people have mentioned taking athletic shorts. Is it the jersey stretchy kind or cargo type shorts? Are pockets needed in the shorts?</p>

<p>Does anyone remember if the cadre or squad leaders check to see what's in your luggage when you arrive? I'm wondering about the Gatorade powder because I think it says no food or drink somewhere in the NASS info.</p>

<p>I am a squad leader for NASS and I would say that you do not need pockets in the shorts and that shorts that you do bring need to just be comfertable. The Cadre just wear basic navy blue mesh shorts, no pockets or any thing. Just remember that the chance that your shorts will get muddy and dirty is very high.
As far as checking lugage, they havn't told anything to us anything about that, but I wouldn't really worrie about that. just make sure that you bring the stuff they tell you. I wouldn't over pack either because I know that they give you a lot of stuff, and it is only a week and it will be hot so expect to be sweaty and stinky the whole time.
As far as food, they just don't want you to bring meals because you will eat three times a day any way. I would say that drink mixes and power bars are okay. We were allowed to have food like that over plebe summer, so it should be fine.</p>

<p>For the non-athletic activities, these are fine: <a href="http://www.discountpreppy.com/preppy/images/items/McargoF.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.discountpreppy.com/preppy/images/items/McargoF.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>For the athletic activities, these are fine:
<a href="http://www.pittsburghsoccer.com/adiparmash.jpg%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.pittsburghsoccer.com/adiparmash.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>We seem to have misplaced the list of suggested items to bring. I have the required letter for admission onto the campus, but not the list of items to bring. Can anbody help me out?</p>

<p>We all could mention what we had to bring, but in case they're doing things differently at NASS this year, you'll probably want to call USNA.

[quote]

Beddings:
none (unless you're someone who MUST have sheets and a pillow)</p>

<p>Clothes:
3 x soccer shorts
1 x swimsuit
2 x kakhis
18 x underwear
1 x the clothes on your back</p>

<ul>
<li>Bring about 2-3 pairs of soccer shorts (the lightweight black ones you can buy at Wal Mart or K Mart or Dollar General). They will air dry. They give you a shirt to wear for PT.</li>
<li>Bring your swimsuit. Be comfortable about changing naked in front of other people.</li>
<li>Pack a pair or two of kakhi shorts to wear during the day.</li>
<li>Just pack lots of underwear, sports bras, and socks (like 2-3 pairs a day).</li>
<li>The clothes you wear in, just wear out too. Hey, you can even wear it to the social they have for you too.</li>
</ul>

<p>Hygiene:
Body wash
Shampoo
2 x towels
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Female products
Travel bag</p>

<ul>
<li>You won't have time to take more than a 3-5 minute shower, so bring the quickest soap/shampoo possible (hotel-style, basically).</li>
<li>Bring quick-drying towels. You'll need a towel for your showering and a towel for swimming.</li>
<li>Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss.</li>
<li>Girls may need to bring some pads/tampons, but they'll watch out for you if you forget.</li>
<li>A small bag to carry your health products in is useful. I have all my hygiene products (shampoo, soap, nail clippers, toothbrush/paste/floss, extra hair bands, tweezers--for splinters, small comb) constantly in a travel bag, so no biggie for me.</li>
</ul>

<p>Other:
money
camera
watch</p>

<ul>
<li>Bring money for the midstore/food at the airport.</li>
<li>Bring a disposible camera that you won't die over if you lose it.</li>
<li>If you like to know the time (useful at the airport and at night), a watch is good (I recommend the Ironman watches that go for ~$20, best investment I've made this year).</li>
<li>Water is good. There is no need for all that Gatorade powder, for you get a sports drink at your meals. Water is delicious. There is also no need for extra food; they'll feed ya!</li>
</ul>

<p>Oh, and they give you so much stuff, so have room left to carry it all in! I know a lot of people tossed out their sweats and everything. I just shoved all my WONDERFUL STINKY clothes into my bag (had a trashbag for during the week to keep them separate) and washed them all the day I returned home.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Is there anything specific that you have to wear to the social? Do you have to wear khakis? Because I don't wear those... lol</p>

<p>I'm pretty sure just some decent looking shorts and a polo. Thats what I wore last year.</p>

<p>And for all the things like the Iwo Jima memorial and such, should we bring regular clothes for that?
Note: lol I take it y'all aren't really girly. And I'm not the type of girl to dress like that (ie shorts and a polo), would a sundress or a skirt and a tank top suffice?</p>

<p>umm no sundress or skirt. I think one girl in my squad wore a skirt when we showed up but the rest of the week, you ARE in shorts. Period. Arriving and leaving are the only times when you would even think about wearing a skirt or dress.</p>

<p>remember, you're being physical, sitting on the ground, running pretty much whenever they tell you to.</p>

<p>EDIT: Just realized you're talking about the social. I think most girls wore jeans and a cute shirt. Skirt might go over ok for it too.</p>

<p>This thread was so helpful to us. My son got there okay, today, and am waiting for a phonecall to hear that he is on his way to the Academy. He has two big garbage bags and a nice bottle of Febreeze. </p>

<p>I think I'll get stuck w/the laundry, since he's coming in late (back to the west coast) and he starts finals the next day. I pretty much begged him to toss all of the used socks and yucky shoes before he comes home. </p>

<p>Being the scrapbook junky that I am, hope he takes pictures.</p>

<p>You'll only need shorts for the Iwo Jima etc. The only time you'll wear your own clothes all week will be the social, other than that its all PT gear and shorts to wear with the shirts they give you. That's one thing you'll learn about NASS, you'll get a TON of "free" stuff.</p>

<p>GLITTERHAIRDYE is at NASS and LOVING IT! Although AirTran lost her bag with her Sleeping Bag Pillow and Blanket .. The Navy came up with a wool blanket and a fitted sheet for her. And I say if that is the worst that happens she will be A-OK!! She has a roommate from Pensacola and New Mexico. She said they all "puked" at the end of PEP this morning from pushing themselves and downing so much water. OH TO BE A FLY ON THE WALL with her this week :) OK.. Thought I would share!</p>

<p>GREAT!!!! My son's luggage (overstuffed soccer bag) was late coming off and it was already 1645. I was so worried. Next call I get, he's heading towards the bus. </p>

<p>He said he doesn't want to "call his Mommy" every day (such a boy!), but would call me the final day (yeah, when I have to go and pick him up). I gave him two disposable cameras, and one is supposed to be water proof. I CANNOT wait until he comes home and tells me all of his adventures.</p>

<p>He's going back next month for soccer camp, so I'm hoping I'll get a visual tour to go along w/all of his events. </p>

<p>Do they have a livecam or something on these kids at NASS? Too bad if they don't. </p>

<p>What exactly were they doing in the water this a.m.?</p>

<p>MOM2LOLA, it would be great if you could give Lola updates. My son is there this week as well (I think he's in delta) and he won't be calling - no cell phone. So if you could pass on what they're doing that would be great. Do you know what company your daughter is in?</p>

<p>Hey Nursery! They werent in the water they were Drinking Tons of water (evidently they are reminding them to REHYDRATE continuously). My daughter said nearly the same thing. I AM 17 NOT 12 .. I CAN FIGURE THIS OUT ALL BY MYSELF and I CANT CALL YOU EVERY 10 MINUTES! HA! I guess this is truly the beginning of cutting the Apron Strings! She is headed to Europe for 3 wks with a group of friends on June 14 and doing 1 wk alone WHY DO THEY GROW UP SO FAST!!? :( .. and I know she is going to holler when she reads this on College Conf when she gets home! HA! HA! She bought a new Digi Cam and took a waterproof disposable with her as well. We will all have to share the photos when they get back! :)</p>

<p>Hey sealion.. she has been able to call 3 times already. She said last night after they all got there they did free activities. She said she played frisbee mostly. She said it was majority males (of course). She said the buildings and grounds are incredible and the dorm rooms (she is in one for 3) are very large with lots of storage space. I forgot to ask her about the Eating Hall (cant remember the name of it) as she is a Vegetarian and I am wondering what she ate. She said they had Pep this morning and then free time for bfast, etc. And then she was headed to Chapel for Church. She said the morning PEP was harder than expected and that this afternoon they are doing the PFT?? CRT?? Something like that.. Which I think is a practice run on the Physical Fitness Test. So I will gladly give updates as I hear them.. I will also ask her her company name. If you guys want to PM me your kids names I an pass them on for her to be on the look out for them. SO GLAD YOU OTHER MOM's ARE HERE TO SHARE THIS WITH ME.. I AM REALLY LONELY WITH MY BABY ON THIS BIG ADVENTURE WITHOUT ME!</p>

<p>Nurserypoo and Sealion.. I am just curious (always) and would love to hear why your kids want to go to USNA .. what got them interested? It seems to be a different breed of kids that want to go.. AND THANK GOD FOR THEM! HOW PROUD ARE WE? :)</p>