Got an appointment

3

34KING18

Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2015
Messages
287
Hey guys. I'm surprised because I actually got an appointment. Totally not expecting it. So, from now on, should I do a visit or is it common to not go before the first day? I live pretty far (CT) so if I was to do a visit, I'd be really far and I'd have to take some time off of school. What do you guys suggest? Thanks
 
My son went to Annapolis without ever visiting. I don't think a visit would be necessary unless you were trying to decide between some close choices. If you don't have any doubts you want to go there, I don't think it would be worth the time and expense.
 
Congrats! Most high schools allow time off for college visits. For my kids, they still have to make up any work but the absences don't count for attendance.

While it's not necessary, I'd recommend a visit if it's at all possible. Good luck!
 
If it won't change your decision - don't go.

Being a tourist and being a cadet have nothing in common

At USNA and I believe USMA you can at least walk into much of the cadet/mid area - not USAFA. It is called the Zoo for a reason - tourists stand on the wall and watch the animals from afar

If you want the tourist experience- go early before I Day

Many of your classmates will be making their first trip to USAFA on IDay

BTW - congrats
 
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Congratulations 34KING18 ! Our DS never visited USAFA until the Day before I-Day and did fine. He flew out by himself and we met him in Colorado Springs. Spent a couple days sight seeing and hanging out. We did the tourist thing at USAFA. There is also an appointee tour available. Apparently you get to shadow a cadet for a few hours and your parents get a separate tour. This sounds like a little more access to campus than what we did by just the tourist visit. Many Parents/Cadets on the forum who went on this tour in the past seemed to enjoy it and were glad they went. Like others have said, it is not necessary and there will be many of your classmates that never see the campus until I-Day and they do fine.

PS. Don't forget to add your name to the Class of 2020 Appointment Thread
 
You will have 6 weeks of cadet lead 'walking tours' throughout your first summer

These will be provided at no cost to you

All the while your parents will be told how important and wonderful you are

There are 2 great views of USAFA.

1. The view as a parent of a cadet and
2. The view of the south gate in the rear view mirror graduation day
 
Thank you everyone! This website is amazing and helped me out a lot!

Quick questions?

Is accepting the appointment locking myself in? I got waitlisted to USCGA and if they came through after May 1st, and I did decide to choose USCGA, would I be able to?

What is the commitment afterwards?

Thank you! WOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
 
You don't need to accept or decline until May 1 - your appointment has the date you must decide by

Technically, you can accept the appointment and decline it later, but it is best to wait as long as possible

Minimally, it would be considered bad form to accept and then reject an offer of appointment. However, once you reject - that is not a do over if you change your mind

Have to say I am stunned anyone would get this far into the process and ask
'What's the commitment?'

Because I am a grad and my sarcasm skills have been enhanced and refined over the years I feel compelled to ask,
'What have you been thinking about the past many months when applying to at least 2 service academies?'

The minimum commitment is 5 years after graduation assuming you don't fly or choose another career field that requires additional commitment.

Assuming you graduate, you will be commissioned as a regular officer which technically means you will always be subject to recall to active duty

If you are now just getting around to finding out the commitment, don't rush to accept the appointment. I imply from your comment you might be surprised to find out the USAF is expecting you to be committed for the next 9 years of your life (minimally)

Dozens of highly qualified people received the TWE notice yesterday see the USNA forum and had (at least briefly) their dreams crushed. I doubt any that posted didn't know the answer to the 'what's the commitment question'

And to the people that will reply that I am being too harsh on 'just a kid' save your energy
 
I knew there was a commitment of somewhere 5-8 years but looking online, I was getting different answers. I assume some people may have been talking about pilots etc.

To answer your question, I've been thinking a lot about the service academies and everything that they require. To me, it does not make a difference if I would have to serve 1 year or 10 years back.

I'm perfectly fine with the commitment. Once again, I knew a rough range of what the commitment was. I wasn't like "Well, crap, I have to commit after?!?"

You're not being harsh. Don't worry
 
34KING18 said:
I knew there was a commitment of somewhere 5-8 years but looking online, I was getting different answers. I assume some people may have been talking about pilots etc.

To answer your question, I've been thinking a lot about the service academies and everything that they require. To me, it does not make a difference if I would have to serve 1 year or 10 years back.

I'm perfectly fine with the commitment. Once again, I knew a rough range of what the commitment was. I wasn't like "Well, crap, I have to commit after?!?"

You're not being harsh. Don't worry
Click to expand...

Good answer, because in the fourth class system, your going to receive much harsher treatment than anything this forum dishes out!
 
And if you're thinking about medical school, like DD plans, the next 20 years of your life is pretty much "committed" - 4 AFA, 4 Med School, 2 or more residency, then about 10 repaying it all.
Doesn't worry or scare her.
 
More sarcasm

If you are not worried or scared about making a 20 year commitment at 17/18 you don't know enough

Like the priest said at the pre-marriage counseling - you will wake up one day and wonder - what the hell have I done

Doesn't mean you're leaving - just means doubt and uncertainty are normal

Been married (to same woman) 25 years, she's still here and I am sure she has had many days Fr Ron said to expect
 
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Disagree, Cerberi, some kids know early on what their end goal is. DD has been many places and has been exposed to many different people and many walks of life.
She has been raised in a family that knows and practices commitment to whatever you set out to do.
I have been married (to the same man) for over 29 years, and been with him for 32.
However, as both DH and I have found throughout our many years, unforeseen or uncontrollable circumstances may redirect your course. She knows this, too.
As DH likes to quote his mother, "Let go. Let God."
 
Cerberi said:
You don't need to accept or decline until May 1 - your appointment has the date you must decide by

Technically, you can accept the appointment and decline it later, but it is best to wait as long as possible

Minimally, it would be considered bad form to accept and then reject an offer of appointment. However, once you reject - that is not a do over if you change your mind

Have to say I am stunned anyone would get this far into the process and ask
'What's the commitment?'

Because I am a grad and my sarcasm skills have been enhanced and refined over the years I feel compelled to ask,
'What have you been thinking about the past many months when applying to at least 2 service academies?'

The minimum commitment is 5 years after graduation assuming you don't fly or choose another career field that requires additional commitment.

Assuming you graduate, you will be commissioned as a regular officer which technically means you will always be subject to recall to active duty

If you are now just getting around to finding out the commitment, don't rush to accept the appointment. I imply from your comment you might be surprised to find out the USAF is expecting you to be committed for the next 9 years of your life (minimally)

Dozens of highly qualified people received the TWE notice yesterday see the USNA forum and had (at least briefly) their dreams crushed. I doubt any that posted didn't know the answer to the 'what's the commitment question'

And to the people that will reply that I am being too harsh on 'just a kid' save your energy
Click to expand...

I have to tell you, I had a good belly laugh from your response..I too saw the awfully sad posts from the USNA yesterday, my heart breaks for them. Remember, OP has to get used to the harsh responses.
 
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