USAFAPS

blakeUSAFA18hopeful

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Apr 1, 2013
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Quick question regarding appointments to the USAFAPS! I am currently going through the admissions process to USAFA. My ACT scores are; English 32, Reading 34, Science 28, and Mathematics (which will seal my fate) 20. I am an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, a black belt in taekwondo, an active volunteer at my church, a disaster relief volunteer for the Red Cross, Student Union Chair, was captain of cross country team freshman and sophomore year, and have made the honor role in my sophomore and junior year. Because my math score doesn't meet the minimum requirement for the Academy, am I even in the pool for an appointment to USAFAPS? I've been going to a math tutor every day after school for a few months now and I even took a math course over this past summer in an attempt to raise my score. Basically, do I have a shot at USAFAPS? Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

-Blake
 
USAFAPS is tricky for high school students because they admit a lot of enlisted personnel as well as recruited athletes. There are opportunities to go to other prep schools (as a falcon scholarship recipient) or non-sponsored, meaning you're paying out of your own pocket if you're serious about going. Doing ROTC can also better your chances. Prep school recipients often do not find out until late April, early May. If you have any questions about the process, send me a PM. Also, taking the SAT would be a good idea. Sometimes you do better on one test then another.
 
Good question. Last I heard, the answer was no.

But you will definitely need a nomination to be appointed to the AFA after the Prep School. The good thing is, most congressmen/women will give them since you're already so close.

I'd try to talk to an admissions counselor for confirmation. Remember, you can't apply directly to the prep school (unless you are active duty enlisted), it is something the admissions office decides to give you on their own.
 
You don't need a nomination to get a prep school appointment. You might have a chance at it if your other ACT scores don't over qualify you.
 
Thanks for answering that. I would also like to know if the Prep School counts towards college credits. Say if I went to the Prep School then went to a college other than a service academy.
 
Thanks for answering that. I would also like to know if the Prep School counts towards college credits. Say if I went to the Prep School then went to a college other than a service academy.

The official USAFAPS is not an accredited institution and therefore no transfer credits will be awarded.

However, that doesn't mean it doesn't look good on a college application if you decide the AFA isn't for you.

Lastly, if you excel at the Prep School, then you have the opportunity to take classes at the AFA in the spring semester. This WILL count for credit once you are accepted to the AFA. BUT, if you take the accredited courses at the AFA during Prep year and then decide that you don't want to go, the accredited course will NOT be eligible for transfer. (The AFA will not issue you a transcript)
 
Prep articles

http://www.csindy.com/coloradosprings/reaching-the-hill/Content?oid=2788775

http://www.csindy.com/coloradosprings/the-air-force-academys-committed-to-its-academic-booster-program-but-at-what-cost/Content?oid=2788770

The list of preppies that excelled and are now high ranking officers is testament that the program holds promise. According to the statistics from above articles, There are more that don't do well and for that, this added year of prepping is a waste. Not just in taxpayer's money but a wasted year of a student's time. Prior active and Falcon Foundation scholars may have a better showing and may best serve the prep school to mimic their selection criteria of scholarship recipients to better their success rate. Why can't it be as simple as in direct admission? if you make the cut, you get a BFE. If not, a TWE. I wonder why a candidate would still be accepted into the academy if they don't even meet the minimum standards? It's almost setting them up for failure. Unfortunately, this watering down of admitted candidates constitutes wasted resources with the bill footed by the taxpayers. If an academy education is worth over $400k, wouldn't you want the very best of the best to earn it?
The articles above give a candid perspective of the USAFA prep. ROTC and OTS are other ways that lead to becoming commissioned as an officer. In as much as there are more applicants than there are slots to the academy, it would best serve them to line up a solid plan "B" in case they don't receive a coveted appointment.
 
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The program itself, the curriculum and such, is not the problem.

The problem is the caliber of people being accepted into these programs as Icarus said.

If you found out you were a go-getter late in your high school career and don't have the stats for direct entry, then the prep school will set you up academically for the Academy. Just pay attention in class, do your homework, and study for tests.
 
Been a long time since I have read an article by 'I hate the Academy' Pam.

The reality is the Academy has a lot of data and can predict fairly accurately which applicants will do well or struggle academically.

But the also know that there is more to being a grad than academics...that is why it is an Academy and not a college.
 
USAFAPS is tricky for high school students because they admit a lot of enlisted personnel as well as recruited athletes. There are opportunities to go to other prep schools (as a falcon scholarship recipient) or non-sponsored, meaning you're paying out of your own pocket if you're serious about going. Doing ROTC can also better your chances. Prep school recipients often do not find out until late April, early May. If you have any questions about the process, send me a PM. Also, taking the SAT would be a good idea. Sometimes you do better on one test then another.

It won't let me send a pm because I just joined but would you mind sharing your stats that got you into usafa prep? Also when we're you appointed?
 
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