Why The USAFA??

RogersCO'19

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Feb 9, 2015
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So I know a lot of you guys are waiting on hearing something, anything from the USAFA so I thought this would be a fun thread...

Question: Why did you or your DS/DD chose to apply for The USAFA?

My Story: Sooo my journey isn't one of those "I've wanted The USAFA all my life" stories. I actually wanted to go to Penn State my whole life. It initially changed for me in 10th grade, my parents introduced the idea and I was like "wow this is a sweet deal" and then I started to doubt myself the more I looked into it. I hadn't accomplished much by then other than being in the top 1% of my highschool. (It wasn't a competitive school so It wasn't hard to accomplish) so I wanted to enlist and that was my goal my junior year so I took the ASVAB and scored an 85 and thought I was good to go but then as my senior year approached, my mum said "look, just try and apply for USAFA, you will never know if you don't try! If you're accepted and still want to enlist, I'll be happy you tried." So my senior my motivation started as trying to do that. To try. Then the more I excelled in JROTC the more I loved the idea of going to a military university and I had an empiphany. I didn't want to go through the enlisted rank . I wanted to be an officer, and I went guns blazing and did everything possible to look good for USAFA. I wanted it so bad that I changed my life style (as far as fitness goes) to be part of the "best and the brightest". In conclusion, I received my appointment 1-30-15 And am patiently completing my appointee kit. Also heading to Colorado for an appointee tour and I am super stoked.

P.S. I intend to study Psychology so that explains why I am asking. I am curious what people think and why the do the things they do.

What's your story? Can't wait to read! :)
 
My DD used to be an All Star cheerleader and most of the competitions were down in Maryland, some extremely near USNA. On one occasion we visited the academy. After that, she was SURE that she was going to go to Annapolis. This was back in 10th grade. We applied for the summer seminar programs both at USNA and USAFA, but she wasn't selected for USAFA only NASS. After that, there was no turning back. She was going to be a naval officer. She was invited back to spend the weekend there and we got to visit the school plenty of times.

I still made her look at all the branches. Since she wants to be an astronautical engineer, I kept nudging toward the Air Force. In the end she only applied to USNA and USAFA. For the Army-AF game, plenty of officers/cadets/admissions officers were here in NY. She was invited to see her admission officer and speak to some of the young LTs that have recently graduated. We also attended a forum. At the forum, she was selected for the DVP and got the opportunity to visit the academy.

While there, she fell in love with USAFA. She also got the chance to speak to officers about her prospects after graduation and what it would mean for her future. She called me while there saying that she'd changed her mind. She was going to go Air Force. While there, the board reviewed her application and they offered a LOA for USAFAPS. She accepted immediately. She didn't even consider USNA anymore. She doesn't even care that she'll have to do an extra year. She wants to be in the Air Force and she knows that this is where she belongs. We're already packing and planning for her departure in July.
 
My DD used to be an All Star cheerleader and most of the competitions were down in Maryland, some extremely near USNA. On one occasion we visited the academy. After that, she was SURE that she was going to go to Annapolis. This was back in 10th grade. We applied for the summer seminar programs both at USNA and USAFA, but she wasn't selected for USAFA only NASS. After that, there was no turning back. She was going to be a naval officer. She was invited back to spend the weekend there and we got to visit the school plenty of times.

I still made her look at all the branches. Since she wants to be an astronautical engineer, I kept nudging toward the Air Force. In the end she only applied to USNA and USAFA. For the Army-AF game, plenty of officers/cadets/admissions officers were here in NY. She was invited to see her admission officer and speak to some of the young LTs that have recently graduated. We also attended a forum. At the forum, she was selected for the DVP and got the opportunity to visit the academy.

While there, she fell in love with USAFA. She also got the chance to speak to officers about her prospects after graduation and what it would mean for her future. She called me while there saying that she'd changed her mind. She was going to go Air Force. While there, the board reviewed her application and they offered a LOA for USAFAPS. She accepted immediately. She didn't even consider USNA anymore. She doesn't even care that she'll have to do an extra year. She wants to be in the Air Force and she knows that this is where she belongs. We're already packing and planning for her departure in July.
My DD used to be an All Star cheerleader and most of the competitions were down in Maryland, some extremely near USNA. On one occasion we visited the academy. After that, she was SURE that she was going to go to Annapolis. This was back in 10th grade. We applied for the summer seminar programs both at USNA and USAFA, but she wasn't selected for USAFA only NASS. After that, there was no turning back. She was going to be a naval officer. She was invited back to spend the weekend there and we got to visit the school plenty of times.

I still made her look at all the branches. Since she wants to be an astronautical engineer, I kept nudging toward the Air Force. In the end she only applied to USNA and USAFA. For the Army-AF game, plenty of officers/cadets/admissions officers were here in NY. She was invited to see her admission officer and speak to some of the young LTs that have recently graduated. We also attended a forum. At the forum, she was selected for the DVP and got the opportunity to visit the academy.

While there, she fell in love with USAFA. She also got the chance to speak to officers about her prospects after graduation and what it would mean for her future. She called me while there saying that she'd changed her mind. She was going to go Air Force. While there, the board reviewed her application and they offered a LOA for USAFAPS. She accepted immediately. She didn't even consider USNA anymore. She doesn't even care that she'll have to do an extra year. She wants to be in the Air Force and she knows that this is where she belongs. We're already packing and planning for her departure in July.

Do prep schoolers Go later and have I day? Just curious. And BTW congrats! Awesome story :)
 
Do prep schoolers Go later and have I day? Just curious. And BTW congrats! Awesome story :)

Preppies go in on July 15 or at least that was the date we got when she got her admission letter. I looked at the new calendar and says TBD so who knows if it's going to be moved. They go through I day and basic, but it's only 18 days from what I've read. They get a shorter version of what cadets do.

Thank you. She's very excited.
 
My DD used to be an All Star cheerleader and most of the competitions were down in Maryland, some extremely near USNA. On one occasion we visited the academy. After that, she was SURE that she was going to go to Annapolis. This was back in 10th grade. We applied for the summer seminar programs both at USNA and USAFA, but she wasn't selected for USAFA only NASS. After that, there was no turning back. She was going to be a naval officer. She was invited back to spend the weekend there and we got to visit the school plenty of times.

I still made her look at all the branches. Since she wants to be an astronautical engineer, I kept nudging toward the Air Force. In the end she only applied to USNA and USAFA. For the Army-AF game, plenty of officers/cadets/admissions officers were here in NY. She was invited to see her admission officer and speak to some of the young LTs that have recently graduated. We also attended a forum. At the forum, she was selected for the DVP and got the opportunity to visit the academy.

While there, she fell in love with USAFA. She also got the chance to speak to officers about her prospects after graduation and what it would mean for her future. She called me while there saying that she'd changed her mind. She was going to go Air Force. While there, the board reviewed her application and they offered a LOA for USAFAPS. She accepted immediately. She didn't even consider USNA anymore. She doesn't even care that she'll have to do an extra year. She wants to be in the Air Force and she knows that this is where she belongs. We're already packing and planning for her departure in July.

Congrats! That's super exciting. Bet you guys are stoked!
 
Do prep schoolers Go later and have I day? Just curious. And BTW congrats! Awesome story :)

Preppies go in on July 15 or at least that was the date we got when she got her admission letter. I looked at the new calendar and says TBD so who knows if it's going to be moved. They go through I day and basic, but it's only 18 days from what I've read. They get a shorter version of what cadets do.

Thank you. She's very excited.
Ohhh I didn't know that! I learned something new :) anyway good luck to her! Who knows maybe well cross paths :thumb:
 
Congrats! That's super exciting. Bet you guys are stoked!

She is! As a parent, I'm ecstatic that she found what she truly wanted to do before it was too late. It took many visits to many schools, but USAFA just clicked for her. Since her visit, she just knew. She's also going to get a great education and she will serve like she wanted to do to begin with. I can't ask for more.
 
Ohhh I didn't know that! I learned something new :) anyway good luck to her! Who knows maybe well cross paths :thumb:

If you attend either the prep or USAFA, you're bound to meet sooner or later. Good luck to you. I know the waiting is extremely hard.
 
Ohhh I didn't know that! I learned something new :) anyway good luck to her! Who knows maybe well cross paths :thumb:

If you attend either the prep or USAFA, you're bound to meet sooner or later. Good luck to you. I know the waiting is extremely hard.

I'll be at USAFA on the 25th of June, I don't know if we see the prep school cadets a lot but Im sure we shall cross paths
 
My DS knew he wanted to be in the Air Force after finding his niche with the AFJROTC in High School. His godmother (A Major in the USAF) urged him to attend college first and enter as an officer. She has seen many people enlist and plan on completing their degree, but "life happened" and they never finished school. He always did very well in school, and learning came easy to him. Although, I have been humbled by some of the stats I have seen posted on this forum.

He began looking at colleges with AFROTC programs, and the process began. I mentioned that he look into the USAFA. "I could never get in there, you have to play a sport, and be an elite student" He was selected by his instructors for the JROTC nomination in October, and began researching and applying to the academy; his DM (secretly) began her own stalking/research and came upon this amazing forum.

DS received his congressional nomination in December, after an interview that he thought he bombed, and we assumed the ride was over. When he checked his portal and saw the nomination it has been a frenzy of excitement, as you are all too familiar with. No one can really understand this process, and the frequent questions, "Did you hear yet?" except for those who are in our shoes, or have gone through this process.

My DS has been accepted to two great schools (without a ROTC scholarship, missing by 10 points). With each passing day, I go through multiple feelings, "Wouldn't it be awesome if DS were accepted, what an amazing opportunity!" that quickly goes to "An offer to the prep would be amazing!" "Oh, wait...the Falcon Scholarship, that's possible too" I have done the addition, numerous times, using multiple scenarios on the amount of appointments that would be offered, and then divided that by......Wait, what was I doing?..... Do I sound frantic??

Thanks for the diversion !!!!
 
My DS knew he wanted to be in the Air Force after finding his niche with the AFJROTC in High School. His godmother (A Major in the USAF) urged him to attend college first and enter as an officer. She has seen many people enlist and plan on completing their degree, but "life happened" and they never finished school. He always did very well in school, and learning came easy to him. Although, I have been humbled by some of the stats I have seen posted on this forum.

He began looking at colleges with AFROTC programs, and the process began. I mentioned that he look into the USAFA. "I could never get in there, you have to play a sport, and be an elite student" He was selected by his instructors for the JROTC nomination in October, and began researching and applying to the academy; his DM (secretly) began her own stalking/research and came upon this amazing forum.

DS received his congressional nomination in December, after an interview that he thought he bombed, and we assumed the ride was over. When he checked his portal and saw the nomination it has been a frenzy of excitement, as you are all too familiar with. No one can really understand this process, and the frequent questions, "Did you hear yet?" except for those who are in our shoes, or have gone through this process.

My DS has been accepted to two great schools (without a ROTC scholarship, missing by 10 points). With each passing day, I go through multiple feelings, "Wouldn't it be awesome if DS were accepted, what an amazing opportunity!" that quickly goes to "An offer to the prep would be amazing!" "Oh, wait...the Falcon Scholarship, that's possible too" I have done the addition, numerous times, using multiple scenarios on the amount of appointments that would be offered, and then divided that by......Wait, what was I doing?..... Do I sound frantic??

Thanks for the diversion !!!!

Amazing story! And I hope he gets appointed. Btw if it makes you feel better I couldn't qualify for AFROTC because I was one point shy on my ACT composite and 20 points shy on my SAT composite so I wasn't able to submit an application for AFROTC. They didn't accept me...but USAFA did! So I guess it was a silver lining huh?! We shall endure the wait with you! Fingers crossed :)
 
My DS falls into the "I've always wanted to go there" category. Not surprising since not only does he live in The Springs but he was literally born at the Academy. Don't know how it is now but back in the day if you were stationed at The Mountain, Peterson AFB, or Falcon AFB you went to the Academy hospital to have your kids.

The best story I have about wanting to go is that he didn't get his nomination and knew he didn't get in, so he started getting set to go to another University that he did get accepted to. Then he got his letter for Prep School, but at this point he switched gears and had his mind to go else where and wasn't prepared for that twist. He called me up and ask what he should do. I told him only he can make that choice this is the first real adult choice you will have to make on your own that will affect the path you take in life. No one can make that choice but you. I asked him what he was worried about and the only real thing he could come up with was spending that "extra" year. I told him what's a year really? If you're lucky you live to lets say 80, are you really worried about one year?

Now don't get me wrong the little red guy on my shoulder was yelling at me to tell go to Prep over and over again and the little white one was staying out of it! That same night was his awards night at HS. During that ceremony they were giving this award out to the top percent of the class and one of the teachers had the bright idea to have the kids say their name and what school they were going to after HS. I saw the blood drain out of my sons face he still at this point hadn't made his choice! Needless to say I was at the edge of my seat waiting to hear what he said. He was the second one to go and when he got the mic he said Prep without a single hesitation and all the confidence in the world.

Saw him after that and said "I guess you decided" with a smirk on my face and he said "I guess I did."
 
My DS knew he wanted to be in the Air Force after finding his niche with the AFJROTC in High School. His godmother (A Major in the USAF) urged him to attend college first and enter as an officer. She has seen many people enlist and plan on completing their degree, but "life happened" and they never finished school. He always did very well in school, and learning came easy to him. Although, I have been humbled by some of the stats I have seen posted on this forum.

He began looking at colleges with AFROTC programs, and the process began. I mentioned that he look into the USAFA. "I could never get in there, you have to play a sport, and be an elite student" He was selected by his instructors for the JROTC nomination in October, and began researching and applying to the academy; his DM (secretly) began her own stalking/research and came upon this amazing forum.

DS received his congressional nomination in December, after an interview that he thought he bombed, and we assumed the ride was over. When he checked his portal and saw the nomination it has been a frenzy of excitement, as you are all too familiar with. No one can really understand this process, and the frequent questions, "Did you hear yet?" except for those who are in our shoes, or have gone through this process.

My DS has been accepted to two great schools (without a ROTC scholarship, missing by 10 points). With each passing day, I go through multiple feelings, "Wouldn't it be awesome if DS were accepted, what an amazing opportunity!" that quickly goes to "An offer to the prep would be amazing!" "Oh, wait...the Falcon Scholarship, that's possible too" I have done the addition, numerous times, using multiple scenarios on the amount of appointments that would be offered, and then divided that by......Wait, what was I doing?..... Do I sound frantic??

Thanks for the diversion !!!!

Amazing story! And I hope he gets appointed. Btw if it makes you feel better I couldn't qualify for AFROTC because I was one point shy on my ACT composite and 20 points shy on my SAT composite so I wasn't able to submit an application for AFROTC. They didn't accept me...but USAFA did! So I guess it was a silver lining huh?! We shall endure the wait with you! Fingers crossed :)

Good story Rogers. If you don't mind me asking, what are the ACT and SAT cutoff scores for the AFROTC? I am wondering if my DDs scores are OK. Thanks
 
I never wanted to join the military. My Dad served 22 yrs Army and always told me NEVER to go in the Army. I remember him saying this back when I was only 6 or seven. I laughed. I liked dolls and dresses and never thought of myself as tough enough for the military. I promised him I wouldn't and thought I would have no trouble fulfilling this obligation. I think he was a bit afraid of what military culture would do to his daughter. Fast forward 8 years.
Freshman year, my Dad asked me if I had ever considered AF. He told me about USAFA. He said "Bailey, you are the one in a million who could actually do this." I was confused. I asked him what had changed his mind, from telling me never to join the military to guiding me along a path that would lead me straight into a future he never wanted for me. But we looked into it together, and learned that the military is much better towards females nowadays, and the AF is generally a pretty good branch for females. It seems like military culture has changed drastically in the last decade towards girls.
So we visited USAFA. I saw the cadets falling in to noon formation before lunch. And I fell in love with the school.
I learned more about military culture and fell in love with that too. And slowly, the desire to serve my country began to be my number one motivation. My Dad served, my great grandfather served, and now my brother serves. If I serve, I see this as my way of expressing my gratitude for them, to say thank you for sacrificing so that I could grow up in the land of the free and the home of the brave. And I want to be part of the group that preserves that freedom for generations to come.
From that point on, USAFA has been my number one goal. Thanks to this goal, I have had so many incredible experiences. Things that I started doing so I could check boxes on the application became my passions, for example CAP. Even the activities I didn't enjoy (like basketball *shudders*) taught me so much and led to incredible growth. Since deciding to apply to USAFA, I got a job, played two varsity sports, joined CAP, volunteered ant church, attended SS, and a host of other activities that I never would have done otherwise. I have already had such an adventure because of USAFA, and I haven't even been appointed! I am so excited to see what the future holds! I can't wait to see if I get in and what I will learn and experience in the next few years!
 
My DS falls into the "I've always wanted to go there" category. Not surprising since not only does he live in The Springs but he was literally born at the Academy. Don't know how it is now but back in the day if you were stationed at The Mountain, Peterson AFB, or Falcon AFB you went to the Academy hospital to have your kids.

The best story I have about wanting to go is that he didn't get his nomination and knew he didn't get in, so he started getting set to go to another University that he did get accepted to. Then he got his letter for Prep School, but at this point he switched gears and had his mind to go else where and wasn't prepared for that twist. He called me up and ask what he should do. I told him only he can make that choice this is the first real adult choice you will have to make on your own that will affect the path you take in life. No one can make that choice but you. I asked him what he was worried about and the only real thing he could come up with was spending that "extra" year. I told him what's a year really? If you're lucky you live to lets say 80, are you really worried about one year?

Now don't get me wrong the little red guy on my shoulder was yelling at me to tell go to Prep over and over again and the little white one was staying out of it! That same night was his awards night at HS. During that ceremony they were giving this award out to the top percent of the class and one of the teachers had the bright idea to have the kids say their name and what school they were going to after HS. I saw the blood drain out of my sons face he still at this point hadn't made his choice! Needless to say I was at the edge of my seat waiting to hear what he said. He was the second one to go and when he got the mic he said Prep without a single hesitation and all the confidence in the world.

Saw him after that and said "I guess you decided" with a smirk on my face and he said "I guess I did."

That's amazing! Good luck to him!

Good story Rogers. If you don't mind me asking, what are the ACT and SAT cutoff scores for the AFROTC? I am wondering if my DDs scores are OK. Thanks

For ACT you have to have a 26 composite (no superscoring or mixed scores, just a composite from your highest test.) And 1180 for the SAT. If you don't have at least these scores, you can't submit any test scores (scores below) until you have at least the minimums. I was never able to complete the application because of that. But even though I have been appointed I have chosen to continue testing and am going to take the ACT and SAT again. I'm to late to apply for AFROTC though j just want better scores.

I never wanted to join the military. My Dad served 22 yrs Army and always told me NEVER to go in the Army. I remember him saying this back when I was only 6 or seven. I laughed. I liked dolls and dresses and never thought of myself as tough enough for the military. I promised him I wouldn't and thought I would have no trouble fulfilling this obligation. I think he was a bit afraid of what military culture would do to his daughter. Fast forward 8 years.
Freshman year, my Dad asked me if I had ever considered AF. He told me about USAFA. He said "Bailey, you are the one in a million who could actually do this." I was confused. I asked him what had changed his mind, from telling me never to join the military to guiding me along a path that would lead me straight into a future he never wanted for me. But we looked into it together, and learned that the military is much better towards females nowadays, and the AF is generally a pretty good branch for females. It seems like military culture has changed drastically in the last decade towards girls.
So we visited USAFA. I saw the cadets falling in to noon formation before lunch. And I fell in love with the school.
I learned more about military culture and fell in love with that too. And slowly, the desire to serve my country began to be my number one motivation. My Dad served, my great grandfather served, and now my brother serves. If I serve, I see this as my way of expressing my gratitude for them, to say thank you for sacrificing so that I could grow up in the land of the free and the home of the brave. And I want to be part of the group that preserves that freedom for generations to come.
From that point on, USAFA has been my number one goal. Thanks to this goal, I have had so many incredible experiences. Things that I started doing so I could check boxes on the application became my passions, for example CAP. Even the activities I didn't enjoy (like basketball *shudders*) taught me so much and led to incredible growth. Since deciding to apply to USAFA, I got a job, played two varsity sports, joined CAP, volunteered ant church, attended SS, and a host of other activities that I never would have done otherwise. I have already had such an adventure because of USAFA, and I haven't even been appointed! I am so excited to see what the future holds! I can't wait to see if I get in and what I will learn and experience in the next few years!

My ex army parents told me no Army as well haha but they were guns blazing for USAFA! I can't wait to hear your news :)

My twins wanted to go to college together and go for free. That was their goal.

Those aren't bad goals to have. I had gotten into Penn State as a plan B (my dream school before USAFA) and got a scholarship but not enough to cover out of state so I was panicking but I had a few plan Cs that I received 50% tuition but would've gotten fukk ride because of my mum. College fees are no joke
 
I like this thread, always fun to hear others reasons and motivation for applying.

As an 8th grader I flew out to USAFA to see my sister graduate. Anyone who has been to an Academy graduation knows, if that does not make you want to attend then I do not think anything will! However it was not just Thunderbirds that made an impression on me. The camaraderie she had with her fellow classmates made them a family. That type of bond was something I knew I wanted. Also I knew, at that time, that I wanted to be a military pilot and the best way to get a slot is through an Academy. High school flashes by and I am sitting on a 27 NS ACT fall of my senior year. What I thought at the time was that there was no way I would be able to get into USAFA so I began to pursue state college and ROTC. Senior slide began to kick in and my grades slipped and overall just was not a very motivated individual. I get into the state school however did not receive a ROTC scholarship. My parents offered to pay my first year tuition if I promised to not repeat my senior year attitude. I felt like I wasn't mature enough to handle college at the time and I did not want to waste my parents money so I looked into enlisting in the AF since the military was something I still wanted to pursue. My sister then told me about enlisted airman have the opportunity to attend USAFA. After looking into it, my dream of attending USAFA became very real again and it lit a fire under me. Graduated HS, swore in and waited 6 awful months in DEP waiting for a job to drop and to ship to basic. Being an airman has been the greatest time of my life. I have matured greatly, learned an awesome AFSC, work with great people, appointed to USAFA, all while being paid! I was once very ignorant and thought people enlisted as a last resort type deal. I have since learned about what it means to be enlisted and have great pride in my enlisted heritage. Having this knowledge of E's will make me a better O in the end. So roundabout way to USAFA but would not change a thing! Sorry for the wall of text.

tl:dr: camaraderie, pilot slot, free education, and actively drinking the blue kool-aid!
 
I like this thread, always fun to hear others reasons and motivation for applying.

As an 8th grader I flew out to USAFA to see my sister graduate. Anyone who has been to an Academy graduation knows, if that does not make you want to attend then I do not think anything will! However it was not just Thunderbirds that made an impression on me. The camaraderie she had with her fellow classmates made them a family. That type of bond was something I knew I wanted. Also I knew, at that time, that I wanted to be a military pilot and the best way to get a slot is through an Academy. High school flashes by and I am sitting on a 27 NS ACT fall of my senior year. What I thought at the time was that there was no way I would be able to get into USAFA so I began to pursue state college and ROTC. Senior slide began to kick in and my grades slipped and overall just was not a very motivated individual. I get into the state school however did not receive a ROTC scholarship. My parents offered to pay my first year tuition if I promised to not repeat my senior year attitude. I felt like I wasn't mature enough to handle college at the time and I did not want to waste my parents money so I looked into enlisting in the AF since the military was something I still wanted to pursue. My sister then told me about enlisted airman have the opportunity to attend USAFA. After looking into it, my dream of attending USAFA became very real again and it lit a fire under me. Graduated HS, swore in and waited 6 awful months in DEP waiting for a job to drop and to ship to basic. Being an airman has been the greatest time of my life. I have matured greatly, learned an awesome AFSC, work with great people, appointed to USAFA, all while being paid! I was once very ignorant and thought people enlisted as a last resort type deal. I have since learned about what it means to be enlisted and have great pride in my enlisted heritage. Having this knowledge of E's will make me a better O in the end. So roundabout way to USAFA but would not change a thing! Sorry for the wall of text.

tl:dr: camaraderie, pilot slot, free education, and actively drinking the blue kool-aid!

Way to stick it out, I understand, I am trying so hard to finish my senior strong and not fall by the wayside!
 
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