aboy7

This kind of sounds stupid, but my impression of the first year at KP is that it is going to be like a prison. Is there anything that plebes are allowed to do that is fun or is it just plain studying and exercise? What would a plebe be allowed to do during a weekend for example? P.S. What my brother told me is that plebes would be allowed to do more things once they get passed the recognition. What things would plebes have to do to get recognized as soon as possible?

KPMom2012

I'm not going to sugar coat it. Plebe year is hard. But there is a purpose to the process. You grow very close the people around you. You learn how to handle pressure and to prioritize. That said, plebes do manage to have fun. Their idea of fun is just different from an average college student.

After Parents Weekend, plebes get occasional liberty, usually on Sunday. (Unless you are on academic probation.) They go into Great Neck, to the movies, have a meal out, etc. Later in the year there are trips into NYC. You can easily spend a fortune there. Or, do like my daughter and her friends and visit museums, which are all free on Sundays, Central Park, and only spend money on food and transportation. Members of sports teams and some organizations will have trips off campus. These team movements (TMs) give you a chance to be a person and interact with upperclassmen in a more relaxed manner.

Things do improve after recognition. If you look back at the posts from April, you'll see a thread called Recognize 2012. There are posts in there about what is required to be recognized. Tasks include spirit missions, public service, and passing 10 plebe knowledge tests as a class. Recognition is earned as a class! You learn to work together and cooperate. No one can be successful at KP on their own.

The best way to find out what it is like is to visit KP, preferably an overnight visit. Then you'll get to spend time with a plebe and ask them directly.

KPMarineopsdad

For the class of 2011
1. Pass ten PKTs with a 90% collective average. Each PKT is to consist of 10 questions from the appropriate section of the Bearing’s Book.

2. The class must honor and pay tribute to the 142 to the RC/RTO/RTOA’s approval.

3. The class must honor the victims of 9/11 to the RC/RTO/RTOA’s approval.

4. The class must spend three Saturdays performing three community service projects approved by the RTOA – this need not be done all on one Saturday. (ie. Henry Viscardi School, Soup Kitchens, Cleaning Great Neck Train Station)

5. The class must march a drill card to the RTO/RDCO/RTOA’s approval. Each company will compete against the rest.

6. The class must pay tribute to the armed services by singing each service’s hymn at lunch from memory.

7. The class must shine the War Memorial Bell and Reg Row Binnacle to the RTOA’s approval.

8. Each company will paint a merchant marine related mural approved by the RTO/RTOA.

9. The class must give five presentations on historical leaders with focus on each leadership style (RTO/RTOA to give first presentation as example).

10. The class must present a historical story of the seven cadets who earned the Merchant Marine’s Distinguished Service Medal.

11. The class must obtain a letter from the Superintendent stating that the plebe class has performed well and are deserving of recognition.

12. The class must draw the 1/c ring on Barney Square the Thursday night before Ring Dance.

13. Attend five Leadership Reaction Courses as designed by the RTO/RTOA to instill critical thinking, teamwork, and character development.

14. The class must pass three surprise, objective uniform inspections with a class average of 90%. The purpose of this is to create in the class a habit
of always maintaining a clean and professional uniform.

15. Each company must hold 10 debates, during tattoos, on current events/legislation, to encourage critical thinking and discussion.

- Spirit missions are to be done with the RTO/RTOA’s knowledge and explicit approval (in writing) and 85% of the class is to participate.

- The following are items that the class must complete their plebe year but do not count as recognition steps:
o Design class shirt
o Design class ring
o The class must support all athletic teams and have each team captain sign off when they are satisfied with the class’s performance. All home events against USCGA must be attended.
o The class must return to their school and take part in the visitation program or work in Admissions by Christmas Break.
As you can see there is a lot more to being recognized than simply passing 10 PKTs. The cooperation and approval of the first class is essential. without their help it will not happen.

chiefnerdnc

WOW When did they have time to study and attend class? From conversations with my 2012 mid, he is feeling much better about school...especially this week with exams almost over! and a trip home before going to sea.
Now here my take...I'm just a Dad, and have never attended KP or any other big schools....but if I were 18...I'd go to KP in a second!

is2day4him

truth be told, you will find ways to have fun. but if you actually sit and think about it, you'll think you're sick in the head for having fun doing some of the "entertaining" things you do. we've all been there though, i promise it won't kill you.
does it suck? sometimes... but unfortunately the school gets harder and harder as you go along. you'll have more free time your plebe year than probably any other time while at KP.
just take it for what it is and keep truckin. you'll be fine.
DON'T OVERTHINK THIS PLACE.

ftgordon

There is always the entertainment of COOKIE CAFE on Thursdays! And my son loves it. The simple things will mean alot.

MMAMom2011

As is2day said, you learn a new kind of entertainment - one that is not prefabricated - good ole fashion fun. There's something to be said about that.

zonker

aboy... it's not like prison... Prisoners get more free time ok, kidding.
Be sure to pack a sense of humor.
Like others have said, there's plenty to do , and it's not ALL drudgery.
My S. enjoyed learning about off-shore sailing. Airsoft and paintball teams, rugby, waterfront stuff of all kinds, .. all sorts of things.

But, it's not summer camp. Don't let activities distract you from academics.
If you are very organized and disciplined, you may be able to balance several things. If not, learn to limit yourself QUICK.

KP is a phenomenal opportunity. But it will be what you make of it.
best of luck to you... get ready for a grand adventure.... white-knuckles all the way.