momoftwins

I thought perhaps parents and current cadets could post some of the tips for R-Day and Beast so we could keep them in one place. Let's try to keep this a list. If anyone wants to discuss a point please start a new thread. For example if you'd like to discuss haircuts, MP3 players, or best brands of sunscreen, let's have separate threads. We can add to the list throughout the summer and as soon as our current Cadet Candidates get their laptops they can add to the list with any ideas that really helped.

1) Check the date your driver's license expires. If it expires before Thanksgiving, renew it before you report. Make sure parents check their expiration date also. If theirs has expired or will do so before R-Day, please renew it before you leave town. It's easy to forget this detail when you have so many other things on your mind. Without a valid photo I.D., you will not be allowed on post for R-Day or any other day.
2) Sunscreen: Okay, everybody knows you should use it. But do you know a very vulnerable spot that most people forget? Ears. Yes, make sure you put sunscreen on your ears, too.
3) Try to find unscented toiletry products. Bugs love scents.
4) Pack your extras (socks, sport bras, etc.) in large zip-lock bags. Save the bags as they will come in handy when you're in the field at the end of Beast. You will then be able to pack underwear in the bags to keep all of it dry.
5) Keep all of your WP paperwork in a file or folder. You may even want to add post-it dividers that will help you find the documents you need quicker.
6) During the first week you will have an opportunity to attend Chaplain's Hour. There will be food and it is a good escape with a bit of downtime that you will appreciate.
7) Camo and sweat are a bad combination for the skin. Even though your time is limited, plan on cleaning your face thoroughly. Also, use an unscented (if at all possible) moisturizer under your camo. It will come off much easier.
8) Parents will be able to buy tons of WP class of 2010 and Army stuff in Ike Hall right after the 90-second goodbye. Nothing stops the crying like a lot of shopping. They will also be able to subscribe to Assembly magazine, meet folks from west-point.org, Academy Photo, parents' clubs, and boodle companies. (We already have a thread with other boodle ideas on the parents' board.)

yoyo24

One thing which I have done in preparation for Beast is just writing down a list of reasons on a simple 8.5 by 11 sheet of paper on "why" I want to go to West Point. I plan on reading that list over during Beast whenever I have a really tough day just to remind myself that even though I'm miserable deep down I know I want to be here and I know I want to finish this.

I don't know if this idea works for any other cadet candidates, but I have a feeling it's really going to help me over the next few weeks.

momoftwins

Great idea, yoyo! I recall last year that one of the members of the '09 class suggested writing letters to yourself before R-Day. Put them in sealed envelopes addressed to you at WP. Then your parents can mail them on a regular basis.

momoftwins

If you really want to be nice to your cc cyber-parents as well as helpful to the applicants for the class of 2011, I have an idea. Half-way through Beast the cadre will change. On that day you will go to a sponsor's home with other Cadet Candidates. You'll be able to make a quick phone call. If there is an opportunity to access the Internet, give us a quick message on how things are going for you. A few did this last year and we certainly appreciated reading anything from those in the Beast trenches.