<p>I don’t really post here often because I finally decided USNA over Georgetown SFS, but I was officially naturalized on the 14th and now USNA sent me a ton of paperwork to fill out ASAP. Don’t mind the deadlines, the assistant head of USNA gave me the special permission to disregard most deadlines. =)</p>
<p>First question. Is anyone doing the USNA Alumni Association thing? I know you have to pay for it, but I don’t know if it’s just another USNA organization or something that most people join. Feedback please.</p>
<p>Second question. Validations. I noticed while filling out CABS that you could “request to validate” if they don’t give out validation tests during plebe summer. How does one do this? For example, I got a 4 on US Gov’t AP which was a real shocker and I’m confident I know enough material to test out if I can.
Also, how is the Math online placement? Is it basic calculus? algebra? If it’s simple enough, I want to just get done with it but will study first if it covers harder material. Again, not to brag but I got a 780 on the Math SAT I, so if it’s simple algebra, I’d rather not waste the 1.5 weeks that I have.</p>
<p>Third question. Things to bring on I-day. I noticed that USNA wants you to bring sports equipment for sport you desire to participate, but I’m quite sure USNA does not offer women’s ice hockey and I’d rather not risk bringing 30ibs of hockey gear to I-day just in case. My second choice sport is soccer, but I realized that USNA only offers women’s varsity soccer and there is absolutely no way that I am that good since I never played before. I just bought a pair of cleats in case I play lacrosse or rugby or whatever, but that’s it. Should I at least choose a sport and buy all equipment necessary?</p>
<p>Fourth question. Wisdom teeth. I know that it has been discussed here a million times, but it seems that USNA really wants you take them out before you get here. The thing is though, since I just found out this past week that I will be officially attending USNA(before I contemplated between USNA and transferring) I can’t get my wisdom teeth out on that short notice. What to do, what to do??</p>
<p>Last question. Alpha code. What is alpha code and how do I find out what mine is? It asked for it on several forms and I have no clue what to put down since I don’t think I was ever assigned one.</p>
<p>This got way too long but I really appreciate any response I get. Thx guys.</p>
<p>green09 - congrats! Welcome to the Class of 2010!</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I went ahead and joined, figured I, or should I say my daughter was in for the long haul. What was it, $160? and I think that covers four years. Just got my “official” card, I know, so special.</p></li>
<li><p>From previous posts and discussions with current mids, you will be given 38 hours of validation exams for science, mathematics, English, and foriegn language.</p></li>
<li><p>The main things to bring on I-Day are a pair of mostly white, broken-in tennis shoes, a good TI calculator, couple pair a white socks (remember you have to pull them up!), tooth brush, wallet with ID and some spending cash, cell phone with charger if you have one, and maybe a toothbrush. That’s about all Sierra is bringing. We will send extra socks, goldbond, healthy snacks, etc. in care packages.</p></li>
<li><p>Sierra had all four wisdom teeth out. This was HIGHLY recommended by mids there and by almost everyone we spoke to.</p></li>
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<p>As for the alpha code, I am pretty sure you will get that I-Day or with the mailing address info if sent out the week prior to I-Day. No one seems to really know which way it will go this year.</p>
<p>Again, congrats, good luck, be safe and God bless! GO NAVY! :D</p>
<p>P.S. What’s your report time? Sierra’s is 0700. I’m the “picture” man!</p>
<p>green09 - just talked with my daughter and she said take a couple pair of khaki shorts and a pair of khaki pants. I guess you will be able to wear during the “socials” they have during the summer? :)</p>
<ol>
<li><p>For the Alumni Association, I filled out the form because the letter said my parents would get a “free” plebe summer dvd. My mom thought that’d be cool to have (so she knows what I’m actually up to). It says you can quit in your junior/senior years, though.</p></li>
<li><p>I didn’t get that high on the math part and I thought the test was fairly easy. They give you topics for each section. Go ahead and start on it. The first sections are geometry and algebra.</p></li>
<li><p>I’m bringing the suggested items (white round neck shirts, white underwear, white sports bras and regular ones, white crew socks, glasses strap, running shoes). They said to leave all bulky sports equipment at home and have your parents bring it on Plebe Parents Weekend. I’m wearing lightweight, comfortable clothes. They also say to bring some cash (no more than $100) in case you need it at the airport for emergencies, your Social Security card, the three papers (NCAA card, permit to report, chaplain paper), and I’ve heard having a copy of your shot record and a copy of your birth certificate can both come in handy.</p></li>
<li><p>My wisdom teeth have never bothered me. Both of my parents never had trouble with their wisdom teeth. Neither of my two older brothers have had problems yet. My dentist saw my teeth about a year ago and said to wait until they bothered me (perhaps not until I’m 21 or 22, or never at all). I just saw him last week, and he said my teeth were in great shape. He didn’t say anything about needing to remove wisdom teeth. He says don’t bother what is not bothering me.</p></li>
<li><p>I think the Alpha code is something that identifies what company/platoon/squad we are in. They said they’re not going to send it until I-Day (or very close to I-Day). This information will help complete our addresses at USNA.</p></li>
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<p>As far as sports equipment I think they were referring to a tennis racket, lacrosse stick, baseball mitt, that type of thing…they will supply the heavy-duty equipment. Good luck and congrats!</p>
<p>As a grad I advised my son NOT to join the alumni association. Why bother while you’re a mid…there’s not advantage except that they allow you to pay for a lifetime membership over the four years. If you graduate, you’ll have time to join if you wish. </p>
<p>Wear comfortable clothes…most likely it will be hot and humid on I-day. After you are issued your whiteworks…you won’t see your civilian clothes. </p>
<p>Except for sport specific shoes…the academy has EVERYTHING you’ll need for sports including 44’ yawls. Don’t sweat it and definitely don’t bring Golf clubs…you’ll regret it. You have four years to prove yourself on the athletic field and will have plenty of time to bring whatever “equipment” you’ll need. The only thing I might consider would be swim goggles if I was a swimmer since most swimmers have a personal preference. Everything else can be shipped later if need be. BOL.</p>
<p>It is too close to I-Day to worry about wisdom teeth. My Mid had his out during his Plebe year and did just fine. The dental department took excellent care of him. Khaki shorts and pants? Don’t bring anything extra! They will give you those as well. I cannot even begin to describe the huge pile of stuff in my basement right now that my son has brought home for the summer and that does not include the stuff in his locker at Bancroft. The amount of uniforms and other clothing and “stuff” that is issued to the Plebes absolutely boggles my mind. Trust me, they think of absolutely everything. Only bring or send items that they may not be able to get such as their preferred brand of underwear, toiletries, etc. During Plebe Summer, individually wrapped snacks are appreciated. If you send baked goods, pack them in a tin as the mice will eat their way through most other types of containers. If they have not issued an item at Bancroft, chances are they do not need it. I know that at one point my son said “no more packages please, just letters!”. Remember they have to stow away anything that gets shipped. Congratulations on getting through your last hurdle and accepting your appointment. You only need to be concerned about completing your paperwork and showing up at the designated time…USNA will take care of everything else.</p>