Orientation?!

USAFA_Falcon_15

USAFA_Falcon_15

USAFA '15 Appointee
5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 4, 2010
Messages
215
Has any one heard anything about this years orientation? As far as I knew registration started tomorrow?
 
My son just spoke with his USAFA Counselor and was told that there will not be any Orientation sessions for the class of 2015. The USAFA Counselor was very specific and was clear that this isn't just a matter of the USAFA not having made a decision yet. He did say that the USAFA would schedule visits for any appointees (and their parents) that wanted to visit before May 1st. FYI...
 
From Admissions:


USAFA will no longer conduct Appointee Orientation sessions. Budget reductions and resource restrictions have required USAFA to look at all of the opportunities applicants/appointees have to garner knowledge about USAFA and to aide them in deciding to attend USAFA. Attendance at Appointee Orientation has decreased over recent years and feedback from attendees has indicated limited utility given the increase in availability of information about USAFA and easier access to USAFA than in past years. USAFA provides a multitude of new programs via the internet providing applicants/appointees information on USAFA. These new programs include a very in-depth website (http://academyadmissions.com), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/AcademyAdmissions), a “virtual tour” of USAFA (by invitation), “Instructions to Appointees”, USAFA Parents Guide, and on-line USAFA Catalog. Additionally, extensive programs allowing interested students to visit USAFA in person are also available and include Summer Seminar (1150 slots), Admissions Tours (3 days per week: register at 1-800-443-3864 or via e-mail to usafa.tours@usafa.edu), Sports Camps, and SAME Camps plus the USAFA reservation is open to the public and has a comprehensive Visitors Center.





//SIGNED//



BARBARA GUTIERREZ

Parents' Liaison

U.S. Air Force Academy, CO

(719) 333-3828 Toll free 877-268-3383
 
Wow! I guess with budget cuts this announcement shouldn't be that big a surprise but it seems a bit drastic given the appointees and parent(s) travel on their own dime, pay for their own lodging, and most meals. I think we had a lunch at Arnold Hall and one at Mitchell - neither were extravagent!

Orientation for my 2014 cadet was not so much "the clincher" to making a decision about accepting, as it was a chance for him to actually visit the campus and talk to cadets. For me, it was indeed "the clincher", without a doubt I walked away from orientation with the secure feeling that USAFA was the best fit for my son - and that was truly priceless!:smile:
 
urbonmom said:
For me, it was indeed "the clincher", without a doubt I walked away from orientation with the secure feeling that USAFA was the best fit for my son - and that was truly priceless!:smile:
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Like your son, mine has a good idea of what he wants. I was hoping to send his mom out for orientation to help convince her that her "little boy" was making the correct decision. You know what they say....if momma isn't happy....:cool:
In the long run I'm sure she'll adjust and be fine.
Hopefully the USAFA doesn't run out of food during beast....my son can withstand a lot of physical stress...but don't feed him for awhile and things could get ugly.:eek:
 
I had seen Barbara's note come over my email earlier. That's a shame. It was the Orientation program which nailed down everything for us. I'm still chatting with moms I met there, and my kids are still friendly with those they met at Orientation.
 
Instructions to Appointees- Class 2015?

Does anyone know when the "Instructions to Appointees" will be made available for the Class of 2015? West Point released it's version last month.
 
I have to admit being surprised as well. It didn't seem like all that much money was spent on us, agreed we paid for everything, including having to pay for the meals we ate on base. I had not been out there since the early 80's and it definitely helped ease my mind. I guess now parents have no choice but to go on their own. They still offer tours, but do the kids get time with the cadets to see what life is like, etc? I guess if they have to cut somewhere..........
 
laxfan17 said:
I have to admit being surprised as well. It didn't seem like all that much money was spent on us, agreed we paid for everything, including having to pay for the meals we ate on base. I had not been out there since the early 80's and it definitely helped ease my mind. I guess now parents have no choice but to go on their own. They still offer tours, but do the kids get time with the cadets to see what life is like, etc? I guess if they have to cut somewhere..........
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I am actually taking a high school student on a tour tomorrow. You get to go to their classes, eat in Mitch's and watch the parade. The difference is that during orientation last year I got to spend the night with the cadet and we went to a lot of briefings the first day. That is the only real difference.
 
Hi all,

I just wanted to run a few ideas past all of you appointees (and especially parents). I remember how much orientation meant to me and everyone else that went last year and it was especially critical for the parents to find out where their kids were going to school. I want to open up a possibility to all of you. I have a few connections to the admissions department and I want to know if there are enough people out there (maybe 30 +), Myself and a couple other cadets (along with admissions), might be able to put together something for one or two days. This would be a one time event happening a little later than last year because appointments seem to be coming out later. I need to get a solid interest count on everyone who would be able to get out here, probably with a very similar plan as last year. Dinner on Sunday night, Couple briefings on Monday and then the appointees get to stay the night and go to classes on Tuesday. This would require a lot more involvement from everyone attending, but if you are willing to put in the effort, so am I.

Later,

Brian
 
I probably would depending on my appointment and how it would look travelling up there with my parents. I was hoping to actually see the school before accepting an appointment though, just for clear conscience.

I'll be a maybe though, and expect more since we're anxiously waiting for March.
 
Orientation

My son would be interested as well. He would come alone from the Seattle area where he attends college. I cannot come as I live in the Netherlands.
 
My DS and I would sign up for an orientation.

[It might not hurt to put it under a thread like "Sign up here if you would like to attend an orientation"]....I almost missed this "vote".

Thanks for asking.
 
Hi all,

I will try and talk to admissions and get something set up this week, but I am probably aiming for the weekend of the 24-26 (Last Sunday, Monday, Tuesday of April).

Later,

Brian
 
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