loa AND nominations?

[13ryan13]

Does anybody have both their Letter of Assurance and a Congressional Nomination? I just got a letter saying I got my nom, and I've had a loa since October.. so I guess I'm in! Does anybody else belong to that group yet? I figured now is as good a time as any to start making friends for BCT....

[Katienavy?]

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!

(and no, not me, I'm going for USNA hopefully) but still well done!!!! :shake:

:jump1:!

[Luigi59]

Does anybody have both their Letter of Assurance and a Congressional Nomination? I just got a letter saying I got my nom, and I've had a loa since October.. so I guess I'm in! Does anybody else belong to that group yet? I figured now is as good a time as any to start making friends for BCT....

Congrats to you!

You could start a new thread in the USAFA section called "2013 Appointments" and start taking the roll of your new classmates. :thumb:

[packermatt7]

I have both. Where are you from?

[13ryan13]

I'm from around Fort Wayne in

[btown13]

i also have both. got my LOA nov. 6 and got my nomination from president-elect Obama on monday. still have an interview with my house representative dec 13. either of you recieved your official appointment letter yet? Any idea when those should go out?

[Katienavy?]

Which District are you in?
I'm IL-09, wondering if we get interviews... :smile:

[packermatt7]

No appointment yet.

[btown13]

i'm IL-14. Rep. Foster.pretty much batavia/aurora/geneva west to dixon

[13ryan13]

I have no idea when Appointment letters go out... that's the next thing I'm unpatiently waiting on tho....

[btown13]

agree with you on that one

[soccerdude407]

Don't be too impacient, at least you know your in. I didn't get an LOA and I haven't gotten a nom yet. Ill be on pins and needles for months...

[btown13]

good point. what are your stats however? im thinking just the fact that you are on this forum says a lot about your ability and desire to go though

[13ryan13]

I agree with btown... It seems like only really dedicated/qualified people are even motivated enough to search for a forum like this. Although I do feel sorry for you.. I wouldn't be able to stand waiting till March or April

[soccerdude407]

good point. what are your stats however? im thinking just the fact that you are on this forum says a lot about your ability and desire to go though

3.93 GPA (on USAFA's refigured scale), 29 ACT (trying to raise it), lots of volunteer work, multi-sport captain, good CFA scores. How about you? I'm curious since you already have a nom and LOA.

[soccerdude407]

Yeah, the waiting will suck. It will be worth it though if I get in. I've got my heart set on USAFA.

[13ryan13]

Soccerdude, were you at SS? Thats a huge advantage... That basically means you have to maintain until you get your appointment... Do u want my stats or btowns?

[af2012]

actually, just because you got into summer seminar does not mean you will be accepted. in my SS element, we all applied after, and only 4 of us got accepted. SS is not a guarantee into the Academy. oh, and we all did maintain our good stats for our senior year.

[flyersboy114]

I hope that someone who wasn't accepted to SS gets accepted to the academy *cough cough*

[soccerdude407]

No I didn't attend SS. I didn't start seriously considering USAFA until it was too late for SS. What are your stats 13ryan13?

[Christcorp]

Definitely remember that of the 10,000 (give or take) that put in an initial online app to the academy (Prospects); and of the 6,000 +/- remaining that are considered somewhat having a chance (Applicant); and of the 3,000 +/- remaining yet who are considered competitive and/or received a nomination (Candidate); and of the 1,700 +/- remaining who actually receive an appointment (Appointee); and of the 1,300 +/- who actually accept the appointment and go to the academy on "June 25, 2009"; not even half went to summer seminar.

Summer seminar is applied to NLT March of that year. Summer seminar is conducted in June; PRIOR to the online application being opened up. And, there are approximately only 700 slots available. Of the 10,000 prospects, most didn't even apply for summer seminar. Of those selected, it's spread out to make sure that not everyone is from 1 state like California, texas, etc... And of the 700 slots, many who go realize that the academy is not for them. I wish they could have a 1-2 hour long video with someone following a Summer seminar attendee around for the week. There's a lot of people who walk into the academy and have absolutely no idea what they've gotten into.

So anyway; to put your mind at some rest; of the 1,300-1,400 appointees that accept the appointment and come to the academy on June 25th; maybe 1/4th of them went to summer seminar. At the VERY MOST; only 1/2 could go because they only have about 700 summer seminar slots. Obviously more than half the freshmen cadets didn't go to summer seminar.

But the question always arises; "Does going to Summer Seminar give you an advantage to getting an appointment?" The answer is Yes - and - No. We are all a product of our environment. If you go to the summer seminar and it solidified your desire to go to the academy; then when you get back home you are more motivated to get the application done as soon as it's available. About a week or two later. This motivation shows up indirectly when your nominators see you contacting them in July-August with a completed application. You look more impressive because of your initiative. It will also help you in the eyes of your nominator and ALO during interviews because they see someone who went to summer seminar and STILL WANTS to go to the academy. The NO part is that it doesn't affect your final score compiled for your application. In other words, the academy itself doesn't reward points for it. Mainly because they know there's only 700 SS slots and 10,000 applying. And being they haven't seen 1 application yet at the time of selecting summer seminar, there's no way of saying if the SS attendee is a good academy match or not.

So, don't worry about SS. If you've got your LOA; or not; get that nomination. It's the "JOB INTERVIEW" of your life. Make it count. If you get the nomination, and are one of the top 2 on their list, then you've got a really good chance. Not to be discouraging, but remember, that an LOA gives you a REALLY GOOD CHANCE of an appointment because the nominators trust the academy. If the academy is willing to assure you an appointment, the nominators WON'T stand in your way. However, getting a nomination (While needed), isn't a guarantee of an appointment. If all the senators and reps put in a max list of 10 names each, (Not that they always will), but that's a total of about 5,500 nominations. Obviously, you need to be the top 1 or 2 of those lists to get the appointment. Best of luck to all of you. Mike.....

[packermatt7]

I didn't even apply for SS (found out about it too late), and I still got a LOA and nomination. I really think that it plays a small role, like Christcorp said, but not that much of one.

[13ryan13]

Wow, I wish I could delete that post I made earlier because after all that, it makes me look like a moron.

[btown13]

i didnt apply for SS either because i had way too much stuff going on in the summer.
anyway
-4.21 GPA (weighted), lots of honors, 3 AP this year, 34 ACT(34 Math, 32 Science, 34 english, 35 reading, 11/12 writing)2050 SAT,
-3 mission trips (2 honduras 1 kansas), a few smaller part-time flexible jobs, pretty involved in my church and do some volunteer and community service with them
-4 years cross country, 1 year JV captain, 1 Varsity letter, 3 years track, 2 varsity letters, 1 year baseball, work out and run during the summer and winter between seasons, and i talked to my ALO a lot, which seemed to help a lot.
-i didnt do great on the CFA though, except for the mile.
bball throw-63
pullups-5
shutle run-9.1
situps-80
pushups-50
mile-6:12

[SpaceGirl2013]

Hey everyone. Congrats for getting LOAs and noms. I was lucky enough to get my nom early from my AFJROTC unit

[soccerdude407]

Wow those are some good stats. Looks like the CFA is the only place I've got you beat.
bball throw-63
pullups-13
shutle run-9ish (don't remember the exact time)
situps-95
pushups-69
mile-5:32
Congratulations on the nom and LOA.

[Christcorp]

Ryan; don't say such a thing. I recommend Summer Seminar to anyone who can possibly go. It is probably one of the most valuable opportunities you can have. The fact that you went and it fired you up that much more to attend the academy and serve your country, makes it that much more valuable. It doesn't matter whether going to summer seminar increases your chances of an appointment or not. Like I said; choosing those who go to Summer Seminar is done prior to even the very 1st academy application has their name entered on it. That doesn't mean it isn't a valuable opportunity. My son went to summer seminar and he wouldn't have changed it for the world. Did it increase his chances for an appointment? Probably not; considering he had a presidential nomination and didn't require a MOC/Senator. But it gave him the opportunity to decide whether he really wanted the academy or not. Like many of you, he had the opportunity to attend many different universities. Obviously, if you get a military appointment, then your grades and such were good enough for probably 80+% of all colleges/universities in the country.So when he had all these college acceptances and received his appointment to the academy; it was a no brainer he knew what he wanted.

So definitely promote Summer Seminar to anyone who is interested. Even then, you don't know 100% of what you are getting yourself into. But you know a LOT more than if you didn't go at all. Best of luck to all of you. The air force academy and a military career is an opportunity of a life time. Nothing else compares. It may not be for everyone; but anyone who tries to down play an academy education and military experience is probably envious, jealous, and/or rationalizing their inability to get in. It's hard; very hard. But if it wasn't, everyone would be able to do it. And if by chance some here don't get accepted this cycle; start college plans for next fall, but most definitely APPLY AGAIN. They do take existing college students into the academy. If that's your dream, don't give up on it. later... mike....

[13ryan13]

-4 years cross country, -i didnt do great on the CFA though, except for the mile.
bball throw-63
pullups-5
shutle run-9.1
situps-80
pushups-50
mile-6:12

Thats awesome, I also did 4 years of XC.. and another crazy thing, our CFA is almost EXACTLY identical, except my mile was a lil faster :smile: (I know, prolly done in the off season)

And thanks for that counciling Mike

[packermatt7]

You'll find that Mike writes some of the most insightful and helpful posts on this forum... :thumb:

[Christcorp]

"Albeit LONG WINDED" :)

[packermatt7]

Meh, we don't mind :biggrin:

[weathermom]

Hi..

My daughter went to SS 1, loved it... she has a 3.5 GPA, she has gotten SAT of V-670, M-590 W-600. Her CFA was okay, but not stellar.. 1 pull up (YEAH!!!), 95 situps, 36 on BB throw, 10.4 shuttle, 29 pushups, 7:50 mile (it was nearly freezing rain at the time.. and strong wind.. her usual is around 7:25) The way her school does grades is %.. so she had a 93%, she dropped 2 percent.. to a 91 and went from the top 10% of the class to around 25%.. just in 2% drop. I guess everyone is stacked up.
Anyways.. we had a rough year..my husband (her Dad) died last year, which is why her grades dropped a bit. She still did Field Hockey and LAX.. but I wonder if they take that into account. He had been sick for about 5 years with ALS. (Lou Gehrigs). If anyone knows about that disease then.. well to say the least it is devastating. Dr.'s give you no hope whatsoever. They just say good luck. On top of it.. my Mom got Stage II breast cancer 3 months before he died and then 3 months ago my late husband's father had a massive heart attack and quad by pass. To say it has been a rough year is an understatement...I am just proud of her for continuing to do her best.. and it is just a time thing. There is nothing really to be said.

I am trying to help her by getting a tutor for calculus and physics, since it is kicking her gpa again this year.. and I think she needs to show she can handle the work. SHe is also taking ACT in Dec... and we are trying the SAT again in Jan.. to see if the Math can come up.
She would like to go to Prep school if she doesn't make it. I really hope she does.. she was so happy to finally "Click" with people the way she did at SS.
Any advice, hope or direction would be appreciated.

Thanks so much.. and congrats to all of you who got LOA's. I know she searches everyday for hers.. sighs and comes in. Does attending SS help her chances? BTW.. she got a nomination from her Senator...we got the verbal on that... but waiting for that mail as well.

Best regards..
WeatherMom

[btown13]

You'll find that Mike writes some of the most insightful and helpful posts on this forum... :thumb:

amen to that one

[Christcorp]

Weathermom' 1st let me say how sorry I am for you and your daughter's loss. Nothing I or anyone else says can heal your hearts. Only time and faith. I am so sorry.

As for your daughter and the academy taking in "Consideration" for her unique situation. The best bit of advice I can give you is; "Her ALO is her BEST FRIEND". Besides the normal ALO interview, he/she is there to assist your daughter with the entire process. Have your daughter talk with her ALO. Explain the grade issue. Explain the emotional distress over the last few months. Don't make it an "Excuse" but rather an explanation. Let the ALO know what you all are doing to improve on the grades. The ALO has the power to consult with the academy counselors and have her records annotated appropriately. If that annotation is followed up with the improvements you and your daughter anticipate, that can be factored in. Also, if her gpa is still a bit low even with the improvements you anticipate, this is one of those situations where the academy looks at for the prep school. Where everything in an application is otherwise stellar, with the exception of an academic SNAFU. Anyway, the academy can not read your minds. They don't know about your husband/her father. They don't understand about grandparents. They don't know anything outside of the 10,000 written applications. Speak with; don't write; with your daughter's ALO. Have them make mention with the academy the extenuating circumstances. It can only help. Best of luck to you. later.... mike.....

[weathermom]

Thank you for your reply. Yes I will have her call him. Unfortunately he is not the most friendly guy.. they Navy guy was much better at talking with her about this.
Our ALO told her she had about a 50% shot of getting in...we live in Maine.. and only 3 other girls applied to the other service academies.. and only 50 to all academies.. most we met were going for Westpoint.
It helps to live in a sparsely populated state...not fair, but helpful.

Thanks again.
Jennifer

[Christcorp]

I agree with living in a sparsely populated state. I live in the LEAST populated state. (Wyoming). I believe there were a total of 19 applications in the entire state for the air force academy.

If your daughter doesn't feel too comfortable speaking with the ALO, there are "Other" ALO's for the state. She can contact her "Academy Counselor". (Name and number are on her "Online Application Status Page". She can contact them and ask how best to have her information 'Annotated". Also, if there is another ALO nearby that she can speak with and get information from. Also, everyone of the ALO's in a state, reports to one individual in the state. The counselor can tell you who that person is. Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands to make sure things get taken care of. Nothing against her ALO, but at the end of the day, your daughter is just another applicant. You either have to build a very good relationship with the ALO to get some 'Special Attention"; or you need to not be shy and take care of your needs on your own. Her academy counselor can probably help with a lot. Remember; the counselors are dealing with THOUSANDS of applicants. Make sure your questions are short and to the point. They want to help, but this time of year with sending out appointments, they are really busy. Best of luck to you. Later.... Mike.....

[RaptorDad2013]

Weathermom, our condolences too. Those kinds of life events can be devastating, or can show her mettle as well as she perseveres through them. Doesn't the on-line application have a paragraph for "other information we should know" if I recall correctly? She might mention the situation there, unless her forms are complete. My son's ALO told him to call his admissions counselor directly to "update" information after the application was submitted.

Also, I assume she has let both her ALO and her admissions counselor know she'd be open to the prep program (including the Foundation). Again, that shows she intends to get in, if not this year, then next.

[weathermom]

THank you. Yes.. when she came home from school I talked to her about the prep school.. which she really does not want to do..as she wants to go directly to the Academy.. but I told her what I had read on here about being prepared better... and having an easier time assimilating...etc. I think prep school would be great.. she looks at it as a failure.. so I told her to think about it.. delay the Academy a year.. by going to prep.. or going to community college. hmmmmm. I think she was so set on going that her grades falling kind of caught her off guard. Actually.. I know we over focused on the CFA..got the pull up ... lost the grades. Oh well. You know I was so disappointed.. I could not believe we snatched defeat from victory.. and then I started thinking about everything over this last year...how we waited for Dr.'s news.. which was never good. And yes this is disappointing.. but not the end of the world. And we go on.. and do better and take the ACT and study hard and see what happens. God has a plan. St. Ignatius said.. work like you are in control and pray like God is. I think that is valid advice. Good night.. and thanks so much for the input.

[upatel23]

hey my first post, I have a LOA to the naval Academy and now waiting for a medical waiver. Does anyone know how long a medical waiver takes and does the AFA look at packet after a person is medically qualified because for the USNA I also need a waiver and already have a LOA. All I am waiting for is the waiver and the nomination in which I was wondering if anyone was from New York and applied for a senator nomination and also another question of when the congressman let there list of nominees out.

Thanks
Uddit

[13ryan13]

I got a letter and a phonecall saying I got my Nom, but according to my ALO, some people end up waiting for as long as the end of the year to find out.

[RaptorDad2013]

WeatherMom,

If your daughter has any of the "candidate books" from any of the service academies, they all discuss extensively that "perseverance" in applying is noted by the admissions boards. They further note that a third of each incoming class comes from the academy's prep schools, their "civil prep" programs, or some previous college. And, the prep school is not at all considered a "failure" by the admissions folks. You can search the posts on this and the CC forum and find so many positives about the prep option that you may think it is a blessing in disguise -- so many people who have done it believe it to have been. As one person said, for example in the civil prep option, those who take advantage of it make up the first members of the next class.

She should do some research on it and ask others -- her academy reps, curren cadets and mids, academy graduates, etc. -- about it. Think of it this way -- what if she gets "the thin letter" with no options, or the thin letter with another one that says "the admissions board has forwarded your name to us (AOG, Falcon Foundation, USNA Foundation)" and they are, in effect, saying -- not this year, but next -- that you need another year of academic prep. The phrase "consider all your options" implies there is more than one way to accomplish a goal, sound advice for what life throws at you, as she has already discovered, and continues to do! Good luck!

[Christcorp]

Excellent advice raptordad. Also, for those who are curious. Remember that you don't get to "APPLY" to the prep school. Being offered a slot at the prep school is at the sole discretion of the academy. It is an extensive process for the academy to make such an offer. Let your daughter know, that if by chance she doesn't get an appointment, but is offered a slot at the prep school, that she should feel honored. Being offered a prep school slot is the academy's way of saying; "Other than a simple academy issue, you are a totally acceptable cadet for the academy".

Some people don't realize it, but there are 4.0 gpa applicants who AREN'T offered an appointment. There are many who "Think" their resume walks on water, yet they aren't given an appointment. The academy is looking for a specific "WELL ROUNDED INDIVIDUAL". The same goes with civilian schools. I know first hand individuals with a 4.0gpa and 2300 SAT / 35 ACT who were turned down by harvard and yale. So, if by chance, your daughter is offered the prep school; let he know that the academy thinks she is the perfect well rounded applicant that they are looking for. And that she just needs a little academic help. Also, the prep school has limited numbers of slots available. So getting chosen for that is just as much an honor. later... mike....

[2011's Mom]

WeatherMom - I suggest that your d contact admissions directly. My d spoke to her admissions rep several times during the course of this adventure. D's ALO was not easy to talk to and d just didn't feel at ease with him so she called admissions directly. My d didn't have an excuse to call, she just wanted to. She called to "make sure you have everything you need and is there anything else I can do to make my file stronger?" she also told her admissions rep how much she desired to attend AFA etc.... I know d called her admissions rep a few times. D got an LOA but she was not by any means a stellar scholar - she was a good student but not the typical LOA recipient. At the time of her LOA her GPA was at exactly the 50% of those admitted the prior year - the same with her SAT scores, she was exactly at the average. She had no varsity sport (multiple band letters & major leadership as drum major of a 175 member nationally recognized HS band for 3 years). D even set up a personal appointment at AFA to meet her admissions rep face to face. We are not local so that took a plane ride and logistics... her LOA came very shortly after scheduling that meeting (she still kept the meeting - non-refundable airline tickets). The point is to express the depth of interest. The bottom line, however, is that if the foundation is not adequately laid for academic success, AFA will not admit the student. They admit only kids they believe can survive the academic rigors. That being said - if extenuating circumstances have made it so that the foundation that is laid is not quite strong enough to succeed in such a rigorous environment (both academically and other), a prep or foundation program is the best way to go and I think that extenuating circumstances can open that door more readily. When your d speaks to her admissions rep be sure she tells her that she would consider a prep school option, if it were to be made available to her. At the very least, it is another means to express the depth of her desire and willingness to do whatever it takes to attend AFA.

[af2012]

The prep schoolers also have an advantage. They've already been through one Basic, know how to put a room in SAMI and make the beds, and they know a lot of military history and decorum and quotes and stuff. It takes a lot of pressure off during the Academy's basic. The Preppies had more fun than the rest of us. Also, many of them will be taking similar classes that they would their first year here, which makes academics here that much easier. And if you go to the Academy Prep School, you will be issued all the correct officer uniforms, and when a firsty, won't have to pay for the new uniforms. They also recieve a higher paycheck each month since they are technically considered airmen. This is just what I've learned being here, but if any preppies would like to chime in, that'd be great.

[wildcat10]

WeatherMom,

I agree with all of the Prep School advice, but why are you and your daughter already assuming she will NOT get an appointment directly to USAFA? She already has a nomination, so that definitely increases her chances of an appointment. Maybe she just will not get the LOA, which arrives early to a very small percentage of candidates out of the total who will eventually get appointments. The majority of appointments do not go out until mid-March. My son received his nomination in December and updated a few things a couple of times early in second semester. He heard about several people receiving LOAs and appointments while he still waited...and waited...grew more and more discouraged...and had pretty much resigned himself to his 2nd choice school. But lo and behold, that appointment DID come mid-March. Now he is doing wonderfully there and it makes no difference anymore who was the first or the last to be accepted - they all start out on equal ground and prove themselves as they go. So keep working on alternatives, but do not give up hope!

[weathermom]

Hello-
THank you to all of you for the good advice and help. She found Thanksgiving in receiving 3 noms - 1 from each Senator and 1 from our Congressman. Does receiving more than one nomination to the AFA help?

They talked to her during the interview and felt that her perserverance also showed character. One of the guys said.. Oh that is why your grades slipped some jr. year. His Dad also died during his jr. year.. and he told her to contact the AFA directly. He was also an AFA graduate.

Thanks again for the guidance.. it is strange being alone now and trying like heck to help my kid along.. there are no adults to talk to.. and since we are not a "military" family no one else really understands in my extended family how big of a deal and honor this is.

[packermatt7]

Bragging rights... :cool:

[ds52262]

More then just bragging rights. The Academy pays attention becuase they don't just give noms away. You only need one, but more is better. In some cases based on locationyou may only be able to get one, but having more then one helps admissions.

[weathermom]

Thank you. I feel kind of bad that she may have taken away from other candidates.. but it maybe because our state is small that demand was not there.. or it could be that they really liked her. The one guy told her that she would do great there and that she reminded him of her daughter. I thought that you only need one.. but a couple more is not going to hurt.. and she needs all the help she can get. Thanks for giving me a little confirmation on this.

[Just_A_Mom]

weathermom -
Congratulations to your daughter receiving her nomination to the AFA. I hope she wins an appointment.

Not to dismiss any of your daughter's accomplishments but the reason she received three nominations is probably directly related to you residing in a small state without much competition (or demand) for AFA Applicants. I note that you live in a small state in the NE US. Ayuh. With only two congressional districts and far fewer applicants than states like Texas, Virginia or PA - it is pretty easy for the MOC's to double up.
Now - how does this work - the "benefit" of having more than one nomination?
Your daughter is on three lists. Either the academy or the MOC (most likely the academy) will rank the candidates. There will be up to 10 names on each lists with the appointment going to the top names. If the top name rejects the appointment or wins an appointment from another MOC - the next in line will be offered.
Whether or not your daughter wins an appointment is directly related to how high she ranks.
Those candidates who are on the nominations slate but do not win a nomination from that MOC will go on a "National Waiting List" with candidates from all over the country who won Congressional nominations but not appointments. The academy draws from this list to fill the class. The list is ranked as well, and appointments are offered by merit.
I believe there was a candidate on this forum last year from your state who won three congressional nominations but didn't win an appointment - USNA I believe.

That is the reality - the good news is - your daughter will have the attention of admissions. I haven't seen her resume but I did see her Math SAT is 590. This may be a little low for AFA. If it is too low for a direct appointment - has she had calculus? - and the academy wants her as a cadet, there are options.

Honestly, prep school either in the form of an AOG scholarship or the AF Prep school is an ideal situation for candidates like your daughter. If, by chance (I tell this to every parent) your daughter is offered prep school - accentuate the positive. There is an advantage to parents knowing more than their kids!!
Encourage her to explore the option and bring any questions back here and to her ALO and the admissions dept.

[weathermom]

Hi.. Yes, her Math SAT is low.. we have been working on it.. but she is going to take the ACT in about 12 days.. and those have been going great. Not sure why she did not try and take those earlier.. They just do not stress ACT in New England. Yes.. living in a smaller state helps. I think she partly got those noms.. because of her desire.. and because they have enough to give out. She also got Military and Annapolis.. one of each for those, since they are not her first choices...
We were knew we had a good chance of getting one, but were pleased with 3 for AF and the other two.
I am originally form Ohio.. and I know it is different there.. same as any populated state, or any place that has a strong military tradition. That is not the case in Maine. I know of 2 kids that have had good SAT's, were top 10 in their class (and our HS is hard) and got 3 noms..but did not get in. They did not have the sports or leadership background. Did bad on CFA's. One goes to Columbia now.. the other to Johns Hopkins. So they still landed on their feet.

So that being said.. yes she is taking Honors Calculus.. although SAT doesn't test that.. also taking AP physics.

She is taking SAT again in Jan. We felt since her math SAT had not improved that it did no good to take it in Dec., so she did not have enough prep time.
Yes.. I would love her to get into the Prep school.. the Academy would be great.. but in all truth to prep school may actually be better for her at this time. I guess we will just have to wait and see. I think her Dad would be proud of her. :thumb:

[Just_A_Mom]

It is great that she is taking Honors Calc and AP Physics. This will really add to the Math side of her package. Taking the ACT is great as well as taking the SAT again in Jan. You are right - the SAT doesn't test for calculus. Practicing with sample tests can sometimes help. Seriously, desire counts and counts a lot. Testing and re-testing shows desire.
Yes, up in NE, USMA and USNA are far more popular than USAFA so that is definitely a plus for her. I did not mean to discourage you or her or in anyway denigrate her accomplishments.
If she is a varsity athlete and has some demonstrated leadership - both of those go far in seeking an appointment.

I am sorry for the loss of your husband and her father. These life changing events are taken into consideration. If she had a rough year because of it, it is certainly understandable. I am sure her Dad would be very proud of her and you should be proud of her as well. By spring she could have some great choices to make - :thumb:
Good Luck!

PS - Looking back - I see your daughter played Field Hockey and LAX. Was/is she on the varsity team?
My daughter played field hockey as well. Not sure if the folks in Co have heard of FH :wink: - but at USMA and USNA they love Field Hockey players. An admissions rep at USMA told me that they look at a female FH player the same way as a male FB player. Of course, we mom's know that FH is far more dangerous than FB any day!
As far as LAX, USNA is D-1, but it is a club sport at both USAFA and USMA.

[weathermom]

Thanks for the nice comments and encouragement...No you did not discourage me. We just were not happy with the SAT and it didn't go up from the first time.. that is why the ACT finally came up... try try again.. then try something different.

Varsity for FH, which is her first love of sports... she played left wing... she did not enjoy LAX so much. I loved watching both. She did not letter in either of those.. although she should have in FH.. but we got a controversial coach...so that is they way the cookie crumbles.. but she was JV co-captain in FH for 2 years. She lettered in Tennis and Golf of all things.
Yes FH is fun.. and hard and aggressive. She is only 5'2 and about 112, so she was not the biggest thing on the field, but was a stubborn little player.

Have a great day and again thanks for your comments.

[unitedstatesAFA2013]

I love how moms and dads are in these forums...I wish my parents were even remotely excited.......

[J.NordicSkier7]

yeah, my parents care, but not enough to brave the challenges of the technological unknown:shake:. Instead, they let me do the research, then support my decisions. I'll need them to agree in the end since I'll be 17 by basic.

[btown13]

yeah, my parents care, but not enough to brave the challenges of the technological unknown:shake:. Instead, they let me do the research, then support my decisions. I'll need them to agree in the end since I'll be 17 by basic.
lol. kinda the same here. i think my parents don't want to make it seem like they want me to go more than I do. They're somewhat paranoid about that.

For all the parents on this forum however, from all of us who wish to attend USAFA, we want to thank you for the support you give your own children and for the advice you pass along to us. It is greatly appreciated. :thumb:

[USAFA hopeful]

just got my nomination from my congressman today!

[unitedstatesAFA2013]

Well my mom is disappointed thinking that I'd follow in her footsteps, she thinks that because she and my dad are doctors that I should be too. This would make me seem rebellious, but I'm really not. She also thinks there's no good in flying planes and shooting people, and thinks that the military environment will tear me apart. In a way, she doesn't support me at all.................................. Thanks mom!

[13ryan13]

Aww that sucks dude (or dudette?).. Well we all support you because, well, we all have the same goals. To me, being a doctor is way less of an accomplishment than being an officer in the Air Force with an Academy education.. just my opinion :)... But seriously, I think you are doing the right thing and keep on keepin on

[af2012]

well, you could be a doctor in the Air Force. My sponsor brother is doing that.

[RaptorDad2013]

Unitedstates AFA 2013

You might try to educate your folks as to just how much their chosen profession and yours overlap. Flight surgeon is just one option. There is an Aerospace Medical research lab at Wright-Pat and USAF School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks. There are an increasing number of astronauts who are also medical doctors. All have "wings." The USAFA is a great place to start. The "human factors" of flight is a big deal in the USAF and there are several career fields.

And, I'm not implying you should stretch the truth or tell them you want to be a doc, if that's not where your interests lie. But, the Air Force is more -- much more -- than just "flying planes and shooting people."

[weathermom]

Hi Unitedstates AFA 2013:

I am really new to this board.. but I am a Mom.. I think Raptor Dad gave great advice.. the soft touch approach with your parents.. accentuating the positive things the AF has done.. do a little research on things that you know they like.. medical.. technological etc. the military in general has done so much to "advance" us (where would we be without our GPS devices??).. you know your parents best. slow and easy. If you are respectful and go at it slowly maybe they will be more likely to come around. Of course it depends on your relationship with them.. but I think we all love our kids so much and want the "best" for them.. that sometimes we cannot see that "our best" is not "thee best". I wanted to be really careful with mine.. that I did not want it for her more than she did. The big test was summer seminar. She went out and came back and was so happy. Before SS, she liked the "idea" of the AFA, but when she came back.. she felt she had found her niche. We live in an area where I would say that Patriotism is not paramount.. and so she stuggles everyday with classmates and teachers that are not proud to be Americans (bluntly put). However my daughter was born in Gettysburg, PA (civil war hospt.. not kidding) and turned 18 on Nov. 4th.. election day...and she wants to serve her country..so AFA.. seems right up her alley.

I think sometimes we see our kids grow up and then it comes time for them to make their own decisions, and it is hard for us.
We are not a military family.. so this is all new for me as well. But keep going forward with diligence and respect and your parents will probably come around when they see that your are serious about it. I wish you the very very best.

[PDub]

I think it's also important to let your parents know that they can only control your future so much... after all, it's your future and you need to go where your heart desires :wink:

[Christcorp]

Realize that there are BOTH extremes. For what it's worth, my son never spent 1 second or wrote 1 post on ANY forums or online sites. He does the Myspace and facebook stuff with his friends, but he never goes near forums. I, being the techno-geek, came to this site, college confidential, and others, like many looking for a particular answer to a question. It had to do with summer seminar. After finding the answer, someone asked a question concerning the academy and I provided them with an answer. One thing lead to another and I'm still here. I don't spend as much time on the sites any longer. Usually just in the fall when there are questions that I might have some assistance with. But I think it's great if BOTH the applicant and their parents can get involved. My son was spoiled. He was brought up in a military family and has been around the military his whole life. He really didn't have too many questions about the academy or military life. It's something he's wanted for a very long time. Congrats again on all the LOA's and nominations. Good luck in the selection process. later... Mike....

[unitedstatesAFA2013]

Thanks, you all have great points. My parents and I pretty much talked about this and they still don't want me getting an appointment, but wont do anything to stop me from going (it'll be like a huge guilt-trip come march). I don't blame them, though, they have a different view of the military. You mentioned that you can go into medicine in the military, and that's one of the many reasons why I think it's so great. If ever I change my mind while still in the academy, many of my bases are covered and I could pretty much do whatever I prefer after (although I doubt that many things would distract me from wanting to fly fighter planes. I'd be happy flying a Thunderbird, even)

p.s.- I'm a guy.

[Christcorp]

For what it's worth; if you do real well academically at the academy, you can apply to go right into graduate school. We have some seniors this year who have applied to medical and law school and have been accepted. You owe a few more years onto your commitment after you are done with that school, but if that's what you want, then it's definitely available. But just like applying to ANY graduate/doctoral education program, you need to be excellent in your undergraduate program. Realize that the air force academy's education is compared many times with that of the Ivy League schools. It's really that good. Every student takes upper math, science, engineering type classes. That's why even those who in their junior/senior year major in history, art, english, etc.... still get a B.S. degree and not a B.A. degree. So, maintaining that uber GPA is difficult. But it can be done and is very rewarding if you want to immediately continue onto a graduate/doctoral program. Best of luck to you. later.... mike....

[unitedstatesAFA2013]

Christcorp-

can you go into medical school then if you choose to major in like literature or humanities? that seems kind of hard to see, I would probably choose biology if I wanted to head down that road. And what do you mean by having to serve extra years of service? Wouldn't you still have to serve the 5 active and then the 3 (or is it 2) reserve, but later on since you have to wait to get out of medical school? So instead of finishing reserve when youre 29, you'd have to finish it 3 years later (or even later if you chose to specialize?)

[Christcorp]

My point about majoring in history, art, etc... was to point out that because everyone, no matter the major, must take the math and sciences; that everyone gets a B.S. degree and not a B.A. If you want medical school, I would advise against majoring in Art History. Later... Mike....

[unitedstatesAFA2013]

got it

[Just_A_Mom]

You can actually major in anything you want and apply to medical school. You just need to have the necessary courses. At the academies you have Chem, Cal and Physics anyway, you just need to make sure you get in Organic Chem.

Going from any academy into medical school virtually ensures you will be serving for a long long time - about 15 years or so, so you should just plan to make a career of it.
Depending on which program you choose your years of service just keep piling on.

[Christcorp]

Just_a_mom; you are 100% correct. I have to say however that I am very familiar with applying to graduate school and beyond. Which you too could be familiar with. While "technically" you can major in whatever you want; as I mentioned previously, I advise against it. When you're in the civilian world and you have the money, you can pay to go to any school you want. Believe it or not, even admission standards are unofficially waived if you are paying 100%. Like buying a car in CASH. You WILL get them to lower the price. However; when you are competing for one of the "NORMAL" limited slots in a school, you need to present your best. A major in the hard sciences beats a degree in Art History, all other things being equal, if you are looking to go into a science/medical field. Just like a degree in criminology trumps a history degree if you are apply to Harvard Law School.

But you are correct. You can major in anything you want. Take the necessary pre-requisite classes. And kick ass on the MCAT, LSAT, or whatever it is you are wanting to further your education in. Personally, I know how hard most people worked to get into the academy. If they truly want medical or law school afterwards, I doubt very much they are the type of person who is going to major in art, history, english, etc... later... mike...

[unitedstatesAFA2013]

I was thinking of majoring in biology unless something else made me want to change it. What do you have to major in to be able to become a pilot? Can I major in biology and still have a good chance at flying fighter planes?

[Christcorp]

Pilot is a whole other world. Believe it or not, you CAN major in underwater basket weaving if it's available. And still be a pilot. Mind you, there are a lot of classes in flight school. Not everyone who goes to flight school and such graduates. But, if you like math and such; and those types of class don't kill you; then you can apply to be a pilot. No 1 degree is held any stronger than another for that. And obviously everyone at the academy does well enough in all the math/science type classes. If they didn't, they never would have gotten into the academy. later... mike....

[USAFA hopeful]

to those whove received appointments, what does it say for status on your online application? Does it say appointee?

[packermatt7]

It said:
Candidate
Appointment Offered


Now it says:
Candidate
Appointment Accepted

[icelander27]

Congrats packermatt. Hopefully my file will say that in a couple months. As well as the other applicants on this forum.

[soccerdude407]

I just received a notification in the mail today saying that I received a nomination from Todd Akin. Hopefully this will make the waiting process a little easier.

[PDub]

After checking the admissions status page this morning (as I do every morning as soon as I get up), I noticed that under Nomination Status, it says received!! This made me very happy, of course, because I have already been given an LOA. However, my status is still "Candidate", and my appointment status still "Letter of Assurance". They have everything needed to offer an appointment, correct? Why is the Nomination Status updated, but the overall status not changed?

[Katienavy?]

Give them a few seconds! :wink:

[af2012]

now that you have a nomination, your COMPLETED packet will go before the board again. They may wait to give you an appointment (sometimes until March), or they may give you one right away. I recieved my appointment letter before the status changed.

[Christcorp]

Yes, it does take time. My son's application stayed complete for a while. Matter of fact, it was the DAY AFTER receiving the appointment offer in the mail in November, that it changed to say appointment offered. He mailed it back signed and registered mail the next day. It took another week for it to change to appointment accepted. What's important is that they "ASSURED" you that you would get an appointment if you received the NOM and all else was in place. Well, all else IS in place and you received the NOM. Congratulations. You are good to go. Now, enjoy your holidays and your senior year. it's going to fly by. You'll get the actual appointment offer soon enough. later... mike....

[packermatt7]

Do you get anything in the mail after you accept your appointment?

Right now mine says "Appointment Accepted"

[PDub]

Well, I'll be very happy to wait a few weeks for them to change my status or offer me the appointment, but I sincerely hope that they do not wait until March to send me the appointment. Nonetheless, I feel extremely happy to have received my nom and LOA.

[soccerdude407]

Don't worry too much about waiting. Look at the bright side: you're in! You have your LOA and nom which means your appointment is definitely coming, it is just a question of when.

[Christcorp]

Do you get anything in the mail after you accept your appointment?

Right now mine says "Appointment Accepted"

Over the next few months, you'll get all sorts of information. Your ALO will normally get an "Official" presentation that he/she will give you. Maybe at a school awards ceremony or such. Our high school has a final senior day in April where they give out awards, mention college scholarships received, etc... My son's ALO was there for that. She also officially presented him certificate for the appointment during his signing day for signing his letter of intent for the academy. But between November and March, he received all sorts of things in the mail. Invitations for orientation. Letters from the Academy commandant, etc... You'll be overwhelmed. later... mike....

[packermatt7]

Cool, I'd love to be overwhelmed with stuff from the Academy.


Did your son receive a giant check?

[Christcorp]

Not really a check; but when the ALO officially presented the Appointment to him in front of all his classmates; and in it it mentioned that the appointment was worth more than $380,000; there were quite a few impressed students. So I guess in a way, he did receive a check. later... mike...

[PDub]

That's awesome. I'll be looking forward to further correspondence with the Academy and ALO. Ah, can't wait!

[tennisfan88]

question: so my application is just about done, just waiting for my finals to finish up so i can send my college transcript over. now that the academy knows i have a nomination, will this most likely help me chances in general? i know it kind of works vice versa when a congressperson knows you have an appointment they're more likely to give u a nomination, but does it work the other way around? granted that i have pretty good stats overall, maybe the cfa was lacking a little.

[Pima]

Of course a nom helps, but here's the realism.

The slate goes up and the nom with the highest WCS wins the appt. This is speaking in generalization terms, because LOA's are a whole nother ball of wax....all they need is nom and that nom might necessarily be charged for the LOA.

You are now competing against the ten on the slate. Your will not find out your results until everybody's packet on that slate has met the board and was assigned a WCS. This might mean you do not hear back for a while. Just sit tight, you will know soon enough. Until keep adding more to your resume, and don't get injured

[wahoo84]

For those who've received your AFA appointments already, how was it sent -- USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc? Did someone need to sign for it? Thanks.

[btown13]

it was in a pretty decently sized packet through usps. it was in my mailbox that day...on the outside it says among other things "appointment offer enclosed"
way to ruin the suspense usafa admissions. lol

[flyersboy114]

HAHA! you're like look mom i got it, how do you know you didnt even open it, lol

[btown13]

kinda yeah. i knew it was coming anyway because LOA and nom so there wasn't a whole lotta suspense but for others, idk?

[Luigi59]

it was in a pretty decently sized packet through usps. it was in my mailbox that day...on the outside it says among other things "appointment offer enclosed"
way to ruin the suspense usafa admissions. lol

Does it say "ENclosed" or "INclosed" (as it did last year). :wink:

[btown13]

enclosed actually. nice attention to detail though

[zackwheat]

Not all the spelling errors have been corrected. The word "receive" is still spelled wrong on the USAFA Online Application Status Page.

"*When you submit your application you become a "Prospect." When USAFA processes your application you become an "Applicant." Should USAFA deem you competitive and/or you receive a nomination, you will become a "Candidate." Note that you may recieve a nomination and still not be deemed competitive by USAFA."

[Mom1315]

Not all the spelling errors have been corrected. The word "receive" is still spelled wrong on the USAFA Online Application Status Page.

"*When you submit your application you become a "Prospect." When USAFA processes your application you become an "Applicant." Should USAFA deem you competitive and/or you receive a nomination, you will become a "Candidate." Note that you may recieve a nomination and still not be deemed competitive by USAFA."
Receive is spelled correctly " i before e, except AFTER c..."

[Mom1315]

Receive is spelled correctly " i before e, except AFTER c..."
ah, correctly the first time, not the second, got it... :-)

[Luigi59]

enclosed actually. nice attention to detail though

That's good, that means they are finally using new envelopes. The last two years (2011 and 2012) got envelopes that said INCLOSED (I kept it for laughs).

One of the unfortunate realities of military academy life:

Everything you have is supplied by "lowest bidder." :wink:

[btown13]

lol

[PDub]

actually, it is not improper to say "inclosed". "inclose" and "enclose" are interchangeable. but modern English favors the "en-" version over the "in-" version. i also noticed several typos in the summer seminar app, for 2008 summer seminar.