Your opinion on my extra curriculars?

J

Julia-Anne

5-Year Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2011
Messages
4
Hello Everyone :)

I am an incoming Junior interested in applying to the USAFA. I've noticed during research that most of the applicants have a varsity high school letter. I was a varsity runner during Junior High, but after an injury I added over a minute to my mile time, and recovering from the injury I was devastated by my new scores. (My time went from the 6 min area, to the high 7/8 minute mark.) I realize that that time is horendous. However, I am an AP/Honors/Gifted student with a relativley high GPA (3.76). I am also a 2nd degree blackbelt in Tae Kwon Do, which I have participated in for over 7 years. I teach at my academy as an assistant instructor. I am also Captain for my school's Color Guard team (flag spinning, drill rifle/sabre), and a member of a Regional Gold Medal (Champion) Winterguard (competive, independent form of Color Guard.) I have many hours of volunteer and work experience, as a personal assistant, event worker, concessions worker (for school functions), and volunteer for my Band Program (playing flute for over 7 years.) I am a current comittee member (and soon to be President) for my school's "Writing Club" which encourages elementary and junior high students to pursue writing, by publishing a literary magazine every year. I will be applying for National Honors Society in the coming months, as well as preparing for the ACT, which I hope to achieve a 32 or above on.

I am currently working through my injury in an attempt to strengthen myself physically and lower my mile run time (hoping to go in the < 7 minute area. Though I don't have a varsity letter, I feel that my extra curriculars are strong, and will get stronger through my Junior and Senior year, as I participate in, and establish clubs at my school and continue to compete in my independent sports. Will the fact that I do not have a varsity letter eliminate me from the running, or is my martial arts experience and competitive color guard decent enough for application? Thank you all for your help!
 
Last edited:
Julia-Anne said:
Hello Everyone :)

I am an incoming Junior interested in applying to the USAFA. I've noticed during research that most of the applicants have a varsity high school letter. I was a varsity runner during Junior High, but after an injury I added over a minute to my mile time, and recovering from the injury I was devastated by my new scores. (My time went from the 6 min area, to the high 7/8 minute mark.) I realize that that time is horendous. However, I am an AP/Honors/Gifted student with a relativley high GPA (3.76). I am also a 2nd degree blackbelt in Tae Kwon Do, which I have participated in for over 7 years. I teach at my academy as an assistant instructor. I am also Captain for my school's Color Guard team (flag spinning, drill rifle/sabre), and a member of a Regional Gold Medal (Champion) Winterguard (competive, independent form of Color Guard.) I have many hours of volunteer and work experience, as a personal assistant, event worker, concessions worker (for school functions), and volunteer for my Band Program (playing flute for over 7 years.) I am a current comittee member (and soon to be President) for my school's "Writing Club" which encourages elementary and junior high students to pursue writing, by publishing a literary magazine every year. I will be applying for National Honors Society in the coming months, as well as preparing for the ACT, which I hope to achieve a 32 or above on.

I am currently working through my injury in an attempt to strengthen myself physically and lower my mile run time (hoping to go in the < 7 minute area. Though I don't have a varsity letter, I feel that my extra curriculars are strong, and will get stronger through my Junior and Senior year, as I participate in, and establish clubs at my school and continue to compete in my independent sports. Will the fact that I do not have a varsity letter eliminate me from the running, or is my martial arts experience and competitive color guard decent enough for application? Thank you all for your help!
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There is no one on this forum who can tell you the "magic formula" for gaining admittance. That being said, not all cadets have varsity letters (only 82%) from their high school days. What is important is that you focus on activities you enjoy and attempt to get leadership roles in those activities. It sounds as though you are doing exactly that. It is my sincere hope that you overcome that injury and succeed in your goal for 6 min area. Keep up the academics and shine as the person you are. Best wishes. :thumb:
 
Almost the same thing happened to me last year. I had a pretty serious leg problem which kept me on cructches for close to 6 months. As you can image my mile time dropped a lot, but through plenty hours of PT, hard work, and lots of running I got my mile time back where it should be. You are only a Junior, so just keep on running and you will see results. Also, if you are worried about your mile time, try to do exceptionally well on the other categories. Like try to almost max out on some of the events, such as sit-ups, push-ups, etc. Good luck!!
 
Having just been through this for my son (USAFA class of 2016), I know every little bit helps. You have a very nice list of extracurriculars but a varsity letter is one you should try to get. Don't just look at track -- look wherever. It's a square filler and although you can get it without that square filled, it's better to check every block possible. I graduated in '87 and was a mediocre athlete at a very large school. I ran X-country (they didn't cut anyone:smile:). My son did tennis. His first day of tennis began with the coach asking the kids, "how many of you have rackets?" so not the toughest competition! Try to fill that square but if you can't, press on--your karate will help.
 
Do not look back in 2 years and say what if. Find a sport and do it to the best of your ability.
 
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