<p>Question for current cadets and/or their parents:
What, if any, are some of the up-front expenses that incoming cadets can expect when they get to the academy? (I think I have vague memories of reading someplace that they will need to have some money deposited beforehand. – How’s that for an old brain firing on half or less of its neurons?!)</p>
<p>I think it was $2000 or so dollars up front...not positive on the number, but in the thousands. And that's it. I heard rumors that 2011 didn't need it, but I wouldn't rely on that. Also, if its too difficult to pay it, then they will just tack it on to expenses to take from paychecks since uniforms and other issued items come out of the paycheck.</p>
<p>The uniforms and PC are part of the "loan" package so you don't technically need the 2K. In fact, the loan is non-interest bearing so it would be foolish not to take it. The loan is repaid out of your paycheck over the first two years. So, don't expect cadet takehome pay of more than about $100 per month until it's paid off. I believe they up it so you can buy books and may add that to the loan. Bottom line is you can get away without a whole lot of cash but you will need money for 1) travelling home (could be expensive depending on where you live), 2) a printer (see my post on another thread about cellphones), 3) possibly dry cleaning. This last isn't necessary but if you can swing it, it will save you a LOT of time ironing. I know some will say that that's hardly a necessity but I'd consider trying to budget for it. Note that money for occaisonal meals at Arnold Hall or zoomienet should also be considered. (Not till after Basic of course, and it's possible Arnold Hall is restricted for 4-digs unless you have an offbase pass (???)).</p>
<p>Thanks for the info.
Okay...now for my next question: what does a cadet do with outside scholarship money that is to be used "for educational purposes"?</p>
<p>I can answer that one...</p>
<p>I received a state scholarship that was supposed to go towards my tuition or expenses...but the Academy office just sent the state check to my mailbox. So, unless they start handling things differently, your son/daughter will get the money to use how they want.</p>
<p>4 digs can only use Arnold Hall on weekends.</p>
<p>And you do not need a pass.</p>
<p>What exactly do these upfront cost payfor? I thought the GOV was paying for it all(other then the UNI's and CP)</p>
<p>i thought all you need was $5 to start an account with the credit union. They reccomend about $200 for travel (eating), Doolie Day out, and just to have in case of an emergency. uniforms, basic things from the cadet store, is all "magic money", which is complicated</p>
<p>Just to make sure I am clear on this. So if we don't have the 2k, it is okay to come without it right? It will just come out of our future paychecks?</p>
<p>for your first nearly two years, you get a set amount. 4 digs is $100 and 3 dig $220. No matter how much you bring, you will still only see this pay. Whatever is not spent (some for laundry, pay off loan, etc) is stored away. after your 3 dig year, you get back whatever was withheld extra.</p>
<p>where money such as scholarships come in handy is that after 3 dig year, they reimburse you for your scholarships </p>
<p>(all of this is from my understanding and memory, so don't take it as law)</p>
<p>That is correct. They recommend the $200.00 which won't be needed until after acceptance day.</p>
<p>Magic money?</p>
<p>something like that. ;)</p>
<p>It's sad to think I won't be able to watch you guys inprocess on June 28th. I'll be on the beach at home instead. But no really, I wish I could see yall on I-day, it would feel so odd!</p>
<p>West Point and Annapolis require an up-front deposit of about $2500 before entering. USAFA does not require any deposit at all, and they will reimburse you for your travel expenses to report to the academy for in-processing. If you plan to fly, the academy will provide a plane ticket for you. A huge amount of information will be provided in the acceptance packet and it should be read very carefully.</p>
<p>Redhead, see: <a href="http://www.usafatoday.com/wiki/index.php/Magic_Money%5B/url%5D">http://www.usafatoday.com/wiki/index.php/Magic_Money</a> :)</p>
<p>in short, magic money is money you have, but don't see. it keeps you from having to keep track of thousands of dollars that oyu use mainly for uniforms, computer, etc</p>