Summer Seminar

Fyterpilot22

USAFA '13
10-Year Member
5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2008
Messages
118
For anyone going to the Summer Seminar during the next three weeks (or anytime) can ask me any questions as needed. I am currently the cadre for the summer seminar so I'll be able to answer any questions or get the information quickly. I know it's somewhat too late for the 1st session (sorry bout that). Either post on this thread or send me PM's. Either way is fine. If you have any questions about this place in general, I'll answer those too :smile:

Small Intro:
-My name is Adam and I am from Pensacola, Florida (yes, I like the FL weather more). I am a Junior and my major is Systems Engineering/Information Systems. I want to be a pilot but in all honesty, I'll be willing to take any job they give me. (to include UAVs). I was rejected to the AFASS but ended up going to NASS.
 
I am going to the second session and I was wondering when you find out which academic course you are assigned to. Also are there any opportunities to fly during the week.
 
Sweet! Im going to session C. What has been the most difficult part of the academy for you? (academics, fitness, organization?) What do you think made you stand out from other applicants? What is your favorite part of the academy?

My name is Max! Hope to see you there!
 
I am going to the second session and I was wondering when you find out which academic course you are assigned to. Also are there any opportunities to fly during the week.

You'll be assigned more than one academic course and you'll find out which courses they are when you get here. As far as flying during the week, no. Liability is the main reason; however, you will spend sometime down at the airfield and you'll see the aircraft we fly and might be introduced to our jump team. Hope that helps!
 
Sweet! Im going to session C. What has been the most difficult part of the academy for you? (academics, fitness, organization?) What do you think made you stand out from other applicants? What is your favorite part of the academy?

My name is Max! Hope to see you there!

Both academics and fitness have been quite difficult. Freshman year, Chemistry threw me onto Academic Probation for half of a semester. That's when I realized that I wouldn't be academically stable with only paying attention during class and not studying like I did in high school. In other words, I had to learn how to study. So sophomore year came around and I was studying much more, which led to me not working out as often. That eventually threw me onto Athletic Probation for a short amount of time. Now, I'm not on any probations and I'm doing quite well. The military aspect of the Academy didn't bother me too much at all because my dad was in the military for 23 years so I was already used to the structured life. I was also in a NJROTC unit so I understood chain of command and organization.

If anything, what made me stand out was how well-rounded my package was. I had varsity letters in Football, Track, and Swimming. My GPA was only a 3.7 but I also had 13 Honors classes and 3 AP classes. I was also in multiple clubs like National Honor Society, Math Club (nerdy I know), Marine Science Club etc. I was also an Operations Officer (3rd in Command) in my NJROTC unit of 187 cadets (the unit was ranked #5 nationally amongst 636 units). I was also a Drill Team Captain as well as competed on 6 other teams like PT Team, Honor Guard, Color Guard etc. Once again, I don't think any one part of my packet stood out. Just try to be well rounded.

Well since I was just checking my bank account I would say getting paid to go to school is amazing, especially with today's economy. I don't pay for food, dorms, or classes. My biggest bills are textbooks and plane tickets to FL. However, what I like the most is the way this place reminds you why you are here. We have formations for people who have died in combat. We have tons of briefings of veterans telling their stories and it motivates me to work harder. Listening to some of their stories make me feel like I have the easy life.

Can't wait to see you! I'll most likely meet you in person.
 
First off thanks so much for being willing to answer all these questions. I also have a few :smile: I will be at session c also and I was wondering 1) Where do we meet in COS? I am guessing luggage pickup but I really would not want to get lost of my first day. 2) I know that at AFASS the CFA does not count but is there anything that does go on your record, such as an evaluation?

Also I have one questions about the academy life in general. Do you have fun? I think I would do well at the academy and with the environment but I just want to whether there will be some enjoyable times amongst all the work. What do you do for fun? Thank you and I am very very excited! :biggrin:
 
First off thanks so much for being willing to answer all these questions. I also have a few :smile: I will be at session c also and I was wondering 1) Where do we meet in COS? I am guessing luggage pickup but I really would not want to get lost of my first day. 2) I know that at AFASS the CFA does not count but is there anything that does go on your record, such as an evaluation?

Also I have one questions about the academy life in general. Do you have fun? I think I would do well at the academy and with the environment but I just want to whether there will be some enjoyable times amongst all the work. What do you do for fun? Thank you and I am very very excited! :biggrin:

There will be two Lieutenants at luggage pickup that should be pretty easy to spot. Look for a blue uniform with butter bars. They will be the ones that get you on the bus to get on base and on campus.

There isn't necessarily a sit down one on one evaluation; however, we will take notes on you in general. For example, if you have a great attitude about this place and an open mind, it will be annotated in your profile and will be considered when the board evaluates your packet for admission. At the same time, we could write negative notes. For example, if you didn't respect your element leaders or kept giving us a hard time then the negative notes may contribute to you being denied an appointment. It's really hard to get negative notes because before we write them, you WILL sit down one on one with your element leader, flight commander, and the officer in charge :eek: before we fill one out and that's to give you multiple chances to fix your problem before it affects your appointment. :wink:

Personally, I do have fun. Some people are very cynical about this place. I try to experience everything this place has to offer as well as explore Colorado Springs and Denver. Colorado has a lot of nature sights to see. (Pikes Peak, Great Sand Dunes, Zapata Falls etc.)

Your definition of "fun" will decide whether or not you have "fun" here. If you like to party, drink, and go after girls 24/7, then this place won't necessarily be fun. I'm not much of a drinker but I have been to a few UCCS parties.

Since both of my freshman roommates are from Colorado, I usually go to their houses on the weekend. Freshman year is rough as far as having fun. Almost every weekend though, you should be able to access the bowling alley on base which is fun.

There are many clubs to join (http://www.usafa.edu/cadetFocus/cadetClubs/) which is what I did to take the stresses off during freshman year. The ski club may be the best club to join if you like skiing. Personally, I joined the Car Club and Paintball Club. The Car Club usually went to a local dragstrip or the local autocross track to race or to the shop to work on their cars. The Paintball Club practices all the time.

Almost forgot to mention, there are many traditions this place has to offer to have fun. Although I don't recommend it, some kids went in the tunnels at night and found the way to get in the ceiling above the pool in the gym and would jump ~40 feet out of the ceiling into the darkness and hopefully into the pool.

Hope this helps! Thanks for asking the questions.
 
I am unable to attend session 2 of summer seminar because I am going to Boys State. Is it possible to change sessions or get my money back?
 
Thank you for answering all of these questions, Adam. I have some of my own.
-What exactly will we be issued to us at the Seminar?
-Are there any specific awards for some of the outstanding participants?
-Will we have an opportunity for a question & answer session with the cadre? I have plenty more questions regarding the Academy that need to be answered in person.

I'm Zeke, by the way. I will be going to Session B, June 6-10. Hope to see you there!
 
I am unable to attend session 2 of summer seminar because I am going to Boys State. Is it possible to change sessions or get my money back?

You really need to contact someone at the AFA ASAP. No one here can really answer that for you, so call the contact person listed on any summer seminar info that you have.
 
You really need to contact someone at the AFA ASAP. No one here can really answer that for you, so call the contact person listed on any summer seminar info that you have.

I called and emailed both my ALO and USAFA Contact two weeks ago and neither of them replied. I was hoping to get a little more help here.
 
Thank you for answering all of these questions, Adam. I have some of my own.
-What exactly will we be issued to us at the Seminar?
-Are there any specific awards for some of the outstanding participants?
-Will we have an opportunity for a question & answer session with the cadre? I have plenty more questions regarding the Academy that need to be answered in person.

I'm Zeke, by the way. I will be going to Session B, June 6-10. Hope to see you there!

4 Dri-mesh T-Shirts
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“SweatVac” Cap
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There are awards for the top performers on the CFA. Top 3 for both men and women. I'm not sure if there is any other awards given.

Yes, I just got done with a 2 hour Q&A session with 9 Cadet Candidates. There will be multiple sessions throughout the week.

Nice to meet you Zeke. Can't wait to see you here!
 
I noticed that in previous year's videos, sports such as soccer and ultimate frisbee were played. Is there an option to play other sports such as basketball during these times (if any)?
 
I noticed that in previous year's videos, sports such as soccer and ultimate frisbee were played. Is there an option to play other sports such as basketball during these times (if any)?

That part in the video was the first day when everyone trickles in from the airport throughout the day. We don't have anything specifically set on schedule so the Cadet Candidates that arrived before 4 PM went and played a variety of sports like soccer, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and basketball.

However, we do have set times throughout the week where elements will play ultimate frisbee against each other. During that time, there is no option to play any other sport because we wanted Element vs. Element kind of sport and with only ~9 Candidates in each element it's impossible to have that team competition if we gave the option of other sports.
 
will there be any opportunities to speak with sports coaches?

You may be lucky during the "Athletic" day of the Summer Seminar when you tour our athletic facilities. If your Element Leader won't help you set up a meeting with the coach, let me know and I'll try my best.
 
there was an award last year for the best performing element during the field day
 
There isn't necessarily a sit down one on one evaluation; however, we will take notes on you in general. For example, if you have a great attitude about this place and an open mind, it will be annotated in your profile and will be considered when the board evaluates your packet for admission. At the same time, we could write negative notes. For example, if you didn't respect your element leaders or kept giving us a hard time then the negative notes may contribute to you being denied an appointment. It's really hard to get negative notes because before we write them, you WILL sit down one on one with your element leader, flight commander, and the officer in charge :eek: before we fill one out and that's to give you multiple chances to fix your problem before it affects your appointment. :wink:

This is what really jumped out at me. Do you know far a positive evaluation of our performance at SS would go at the selection board?

Thanks for answering so many questions! I'll be at Session C, hope to meet you! My name is Shawn ^^ by the way :thumb:
 
This is what really jumped out at me. Do you know far a positive evaluation of our performance at SS would go at the selection board?

Thanks for answering so many questions! I'll be at Session C, hope to meet you! My name is Shawn ^^ by the way :thumb:

It's impossible to answer this question. Just realize that we are evaluating you and that it will be considered for selection. I would think that positive notes wouldn't necessarily help you as much as negative notes would tarnish your package just because now you have that one negative thing about your packet.
 
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