Cadet Candidates
Interested cadets… If you are looking for admissions information to the United States Military you need to apply at…https://westpoint.edu/admissions/apply-now
New Cadets
Welcome to West Point!
Congratulations, you made it to the “new cadet” phase. This title applies to all cadets while they are at BEAST the summer leading into their plebe (freshman) year. We all know the spring and summer prior can be exciting, overwhelming, nerve-racking, sad and maybe a bit confusing. First and foremost, you are not alone! We’ve all been there, and we are here to help and support you in whatever way you need. WPPC-MI will pair you up with a mentor family that has a current cadet at the academy. They can be a great source of information and support on this journey. Contact Rebecca if you’ve not yet been paired with a family.
R-Day and Beast Barracks (aka Cadet Basic Training BEAST) Each summer West Point publishes a schedule of what to expect for R-Day. This is the schedule from 2022. You may want to follow the West Point Military Academy on Flickr in an effort to catch a glimpse of your cadet. Each incoming class also has an official Facebook page to follow as well. The USMA West Point Parents Page provides details on how to mail your cadet over the summer, a parent handbook that outlines a typical day at BEAST and many other important links to get your started on your journey. USMA Official R-Day Page
Acceptance Day At the end of Cadet Basic Training the cadets March back to West Point and then start a week of organization (Reorgy Week). At the end of the week there is a parade that features the entire brigade – this is also your first opportunity to see your cadet! There is a FAQ sheet regarding Acceptance Day from 2018, but WP will send out details as the day gets close. USMA Official Acceptance Day Page
“Looking forward to A-Day … look for the FAQs and the Acceptance Day Info documents in case you haven’t seen them already on the USMA website Parent Information page. After March Back Monday prior to A-Day your New Cadet should have their phones returned to them for re-organization week. Expect some calls/texts asking for items they may want you to bring on A-Day for the academic year. Consider bringing some civilian clothes, jacket, gym shorts or something to sleep in, pillow and blanket/comforter. Discuss the specifics with your New Cadet during re-organization week. A-Day will be crowded so set up a location to meet them after they get dismissed.
After the Acceptance Day Parade your then Plebe may want to do some school supply shopping, eating and perhaps catch a movie but probably after they take a very long nap!”
Facebook page for Incoming Cadet parents (this may be your BEST friend during BEAST) – click here to join the page for 2026. The page for 2027 is coming soon.
Family Weekend West Point celebrates Family Weekend in October. Activities include information sessions, Simulation Center tours, Academic Open Houses, dining with your cadet in the mess hall and barracks tours. The WPPC-MI hosts a fantastic tailgate for all of our members. Breakfast early and a BBQ following the football game. It’s a great time to meet other Michigan families and their cadets. Previous schedules and FAQ are available on the West Point page at USMA Official Family Weekend.
Great Resource for All Families
The Mom’s Guide for Surviving West Point Many mom’s (and dad’s!) have found this book to be incredibly helpful as you begin your journey at West Point. This great book can be purchased on Amazon.
Sending your son or daughter off to college is never easy, but sending your pride and joy to the United States Military Academy is downright scary. There are so many unknowns-from Beast to boodle to all those confusing Army acronyms! That’s where The Mom’s Guide to Surviving West Point comes in. This book is designed to guide you as you figure out how best to support and encourage your cadet through the next four years.
Official West Point Parent Resources
The USMA West Point page provides links to a number of important resources. Parent Handbook, mailing instructions, maps of West Point, social media links, tax information, etc.)