Third Time's the Charm

Maxhawk8

5-Year Member
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Apr 18, 2010
Messages
15
It's been my dream of attending USAFA since I went to summer seminar between my junior and senior year. Despite a congressional nomination I was unsuccessful in gaining admission the first time. Another year, another nomination and I still wasn't successful, however I was offered a prep school slot which I very regrettably declined. I would have been entering USAFA this June.

I thought I was too old and felt one in the hand was better than two in the bush. I've since realized I made a huge mistake.

I'm currently a Sophomore contracted Army ROTC cadet and I've been kicking myself more and more ever since making that terrible decision. I understand that regardless I'm going to be an Officer in the U.S. Military and that's frankly all I've ever wanted but I feel like I'm not following my dreams here, I'm settling for less. I've been a pilot since I was 17, I fell in love with USAFA since I went to summer seminar all those years ago and I'd really like to fly fast movers.

Is it possible to try and gain admission at this point? To try and get in next year? I'm currently 20 years old and would be 21 when I entered. From my perspective it's just time and I don't want to go the rest of my life holding onto regret, knowing I was capable of so much more and that I didn't follow my heart.
 
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It's been my dream of attending USAFA since I went to summer seminar between my junior and senior year. Despite a congressional nomination I was unsuccessful in gaining admission the first time. Another year, another nomination and I still wasn't successful, however I was offered a prep school slot which I very regrettably declined. I would have been entering USAFA this June.

I thought I was too old and felt one in the hand was better than two in the bush. I've since realized

I'm currently a Sophomore contracted Army ROTC cadet and I've been kicking myself more and more ever since making that terrible decision. I understand that regardless I'm going to be an Officer in the U.S. Military and that's frankly all I've ever wanted but I feel like I'm not following my dreams here, I'm settling for less. I've been a pilot since I was 17, I fell in love with USAFA since I went to summer seminar all those years ago and I'd really like to fly fast movers.

Is it possible to try and gain admission at this point? To try and get in next year? I'm currently 20 years old and would be 21 when I entered. From my perspective it's just time and I don't want to go the rest of my life holding onto regret, knowing I was capable of so much more and that I didn't follow my heart.

I'm no expert, but the Eligibility Requirements page says that you have until you are 23 (entering) to apply. I can say that I don't know how you exactly feel, but I sympathize for you. If you really want it, contact your MOC's and start on the app process again. Three weeks ago I felt like I wasn't going to get in because of my CFA scores. I went ahead and contacted my MOC's and told them that I was going to be reapplying unless I received an offer. I wanted them to know that they WILL see my name again until I get in USAFA, or a SA. Then, it all boils down to your commitment (<--spell check) to getting in to USAFA. I assume that you are in shape and are academically doing great because you are on contract with AROTC, so all you can do at this point is find ways to get better. I know that's easier said than done, but only you know how you can make it work. Have a convo with your admissions officer, after theyre done getting this round of appts out, and see where you fell short. If you were great at everything else and just weren't offered a position, then give them more reasons to do so. I hope this helps. :thumb:
 
Of course you can apply again! Too late for June 2012 entry of course, but I think the new application session starts in July (check for sure, since I'm sorta just remembering that one).
 
Yes you can. You won't be 23 as of June 2013. But seriously, while it may be a "Dream" of yours, it's only 4 years out of your entire life. You'll have 3 years of college completely finished by the time you started to attend the air force academy. (Assuming you receive an appointment for the class of 2017). Not saying you can't do this. I've seen some with a lot of college apply. Some realized that had a useless college education, so they didn't feel it was an issue. But giving up 3 years of college so you can go back and start over for 4 more years. I wouldn't swallow that. Especially if i was already in ROTC and was most likely going to be commissioned after graduating college. But hey; to each their own.
 
For me It's only 4 years and I'm in that camp that doesn't think it's a big deal, I haven't had the college education I wanted and I'm willing to start over. The only foreseeable issue I have is what happens to my Army commitment provided I'm accepted to USAFA?
 
Can anyone get me an answer on that? What would happen to my Army ROTC commitment when I get into USAFA this go-round?
 
Can anyone get me an answer on that? What would happen to my Army ROTC commitment when I get into USAFA this go-round?

This is something you need to discuss with your Det CC. Be forthright with your intentions. The last thing you want to do is keep it a secret from the organization you are currently with.
 
One of my very close classmates at USAFA, sort of did what you are thinking. He went to the Army prep school then to West Point before attending USAFA (he may also have been prior enlisted). He had a very difficult time fitting in. I think it was a combination of being much older than the rest of us, he was at the max age when entering, and the army influence. However, in the end, he was successful. He graduated from the academy and pilot training.

The army may require you to pay back your tuition.

If you do attend USAFA, during basic training, you do NOT want to let the cadre know that you were Army. It would bring a lot of unnecessary attention your way. My classmate was very proud of his army background. However, he could handle the attention. They never broke him as much as they tried.
 
correct me if im wrong but by the time your finishing your junior year wouldnt you already have a MOS for the army? and wouldnt you owe them time in service? I doubt they would just let you go
 
I think you are correct usaffanatic that if the OP contracts he will owe time to the Army, that may mean he will need to decide this summer whether or not to contract this fall. In other words it maybe a no turning back situation.

The Army can waive the time owed, but if you spend anytime on the ROTC forums you will see that ROTC is really clamping down on that and forcing cadets to go enlisted. There are several over there that have this issue pending in different levels.

Maxhawk, talk to your det. because the last thing you want to do is sign those contracting papers as an AROTC cadet and find out they won't release you.
 
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