USAFAhopeful2018
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2013
- Messages
- 27
Just graduated and I got the inside scoop on the incoming prep school class, so have at it.
Ask a USAFA preppie anything
- Thread starter USAFAhopeful2018
- Start date
I'll try an answer a few of these but bear in mind this is from a parent's perspective of a DS that just went through Prep.
You will NOT open a portal for re-application through AFA Prep that is handled by the school. You WILL need to apply to every nomination source available to you. You will have to go through that same process again but this time you more than likely take a phone interview if you're out of state. My DS is local so he was able to attend his interviews.
They can leave after their last military duty. Like if they're scheduled for CQ on Nov 24th they can leave after that. I can't remember what the latest time was.
I wouldn't worry about what to get them now, you'll have time as things get closer to Parents weekend. You should be in phone contact well before then and you two can work out if she needs anything.
As little as possible. I had to go back and look at pictures but my DS had a small gym bag, the clothes on his back and that's it. I think he had some toiletries and maybe a change of clothes. I'll txt him today and see if he can remember what he brought.
You can bring you own boots but it's really not needed at all. The ones you get break in pretty easily. It's a preference thing more than anything else.
Thanks, Boozebin, but I was hoping one of the kids had more specific info about the LMD. If I know when the last possible release time is, then I can figure out if she will make it to the airport for the last night flights wait for the morning.
With the boots, I've seen parents have very strong opinions either way 'bring only what they tell you' v 'get your own', but the kids seldom comment (and one day I'll stop thinking about the cadets as kids). DD is in a chat group with incoming preppies and a few former ones and many of them suggest that the boots they give you aren't good. It's why I was looking for opinions here on the subject.
With the boots, I've seen parents have very strong opinions either way 'bring only what they tell you' v 'get your own', but the kids seldom comment (and one day I'll stop thinking about the cadets as kids). DD is in a chat group with incoming preppies and a few former ones and many of them suggest that the boots they give you aren't good. It's why I was looking for opinions here on the subject.
Completely understand. Was just passing on what my DS has shared with me as best I could since I didn't see any answer being given. Hopefully AFrpaso will see this thread and chime in. He's without a doubt our best poster on the Prep. Maybe try PM'ing him if he doesn't chime in a day or so from now.
As far as the boot thing I really think it's a personal preference thing. Kind of like picking the best mattress for yourself. Until you sleep in a few you don't really know what works for you. I'd leave it to her to decided if she'll be more at ease with the pair she bought than the one Prep gives you.
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Thanks Boozebin! Now that I'm two years out of the Prep School I try to leave the specific questions to the guys and gals that are there or just moved up to the Hill.
On that note I'm fairly certain that this upcoming Thanksgiving break will start after LMD of Tuesday, 24 Nov. For the Prep, LMD should be class and that ends at noon (lunch may or may not be mandatory). It takes about 30-45 min to get to CO Springs Airport, and about 1-1.5 hours to get to Denver Airport so plan accordingly to get through security and such. You can buy bus shuttle tickets from the Prep to either airport, but the exact times won't be released for a while. Every year the schedule changes slightly and it makes it difficult to plan this far out. I suggest waiting on buying tickets.
On the boot issue it is definitely personal preference as Boozebin mentioned. You can bring your own boots and have them broken in beforehand but run the risk of not being able to wear them until after basic (if basic cadre push for standardization on the boot front). If the cadre want standardization, you do not have to get the exact brand of regulation boot if you plan on buying a pair early. They just have to look the part.
Anything that looks like this should do, http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/330909281269?lpid=82&chn=ps .
Bottom line, your son/daughter will survive with or without their own boots. Don't worry about being targeted if you show up wearing boots either, the cadre understand the rationale behind them. Sure, they might mention them and possibly give your son/daughter a little grief, just remind them not to take anything personally.
Good luck!
On that note I'm fairly certain that this upcoming Thanksgiving break will start after LMD of Tuesday, 24 Nov. For the Prep, LMD should be class and that ends at noon (lunch may or may not be mandatory). It takes about 30-45 min to get to CO Springs Airport, and about 1-1.5 hours to get to Denver Airport so plan accordingly to get through security and such. You can buy bus shuttle tickets from the Prep to either airport, but the exact times won't be released for a while. Every year the schedule changes slightly and it makes it difficult to plan this far out. I suggest waiting on buying tickets.
On the boot issue it is definitely personal preference as Boozebin mentioned. You can bring your own boots and have them broken in beforehand but run the risk of not being able to wear them until after basic (if basic cadre push for standardization on the boot front). If the cadre want standardization, you do not have to get the exact brand of regulation boot if you plan on buying a pair early. They just have to look the part.
Anything that looks like this should do, http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/330909281269?lpid=82&chn=ps .
Bottom line, your son/daughter will survive with or without their own boots. Don't worry about being targeted if you show up wearing boots either, the cadre understand the rationale behind them. Sure, they might mention them and possibly give your son/daughter a little grief, just remind them not to take anything personally.
Good luck!
Thanks, AFrpaso. I guess she'll need to figure out the boot situation herself.
I wonder why the Prep doesn't release a calendar while the academy does. With my job, planning for November is already too late. Cases in NY are scheduled well into 2019 and I'm using past academy calendars to block out dates for the next 5 years.
I wonder why the Prep doesn't release a calendar while the academy does. With my job, planning for November is already too late. Cases in NY are scheduled well into 2019 and I'm using past academy calendars to block out dates for the next 5 years.
Yes in fact you go into one of the classrooms and they have you empty everything out. I have a picture from Web Guy showing my DS's best friend doing that very thing. The file size is too large and it has faces in it so I won't upload.