Chances of USAFA Admissions

rp2727

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Apr 9, 2016
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I'm a very anxious junior in high school right now, and can't wait to get to college. My top two places I would love to go to are the Air Force Academy, and perhaps the Naval Academy (Air Force being my top). Like I said, I'm a girl who is junior in high school, and here are some of my stats currently:

Race: White
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
Weighted GPA: 4.7
Rank: 27/605 (Top 4%)
SAT: 1910 (I'm retaking this in June, it's pretty bad.)
ACT: I'm also taking the ACT in June. What should the aim score be?
So far, I've taken 4 years of math: PAP Geometry, PAP Algebra-2, PAP Pre-Calculus, and AP Statistics.
I've taken 4 years of science: PAP Biology, AP Biology, PAP Chemistry, AP Physics
And yes, 3 years of English, just PAP and AP.
History is simply PAP World Geography, AP World History, and AP United States History

I've taken 3 years of PAP Latin so far, and I'm going to take AP Latin next year. Oh, I'll just include my language skills here (if they matter?): English and Korean (both very fluent). French (not as fluent as Korean and English), Latin doesn't count, obviously.
I've taken 3 years of Varsity Orchestra, and going to senior year too of course!

I'm a cellist! And I've made the All-Region orchestra every year, and have been the first chair cellist and soloist for two years. I have made a what they call, "superior rating" in all of the solo competitions, and play at a church every Sunday. I'm also in a teen council for a symphony orchestra. I've done Piano for 10 years.

I'm in NEHS (National English HS), and NHS (Recently accepted but everyone's in this), and have been president of the Latin Club (Junior Classical League) for 3 years and will be next year. I also tutor people at school, specifically in Physics and Chemistry and Latin. I also give some people cello lessons/help every week.

My biggest thing though, has got to be my Taekwondo. I am a 4th degree black belt and a certified master and instructor. I have been doing Taekwondo for 11 years. I am a 4 time (4 year) National champion, and 5 year State champion, and a certified judge/coach/referee. I'm not going into details with the wins and such, but I do teach at my studio, and am the leader of the demonstration team. I also teach refugees at a church, how to defend themselves and the sort. I have also received the Academic Achievement Award for 3 years from the State Taekwondo Association.

I founded a non-profit organization that has donated over 2000 books to local libraries and to the community, and this year, we will be donating coats and clothes!

I did political science research at the local university, and attended a debate camp there as well.

That's it so far, and from what I see it seems so little from everyone else's resumes. Could I get any thoughts of my chances of admission? I would really, really appreciate any feedback. Thank you.
 
There could be many reasons why you are not getting any response...yet. Not trying to be mean, but you posted this in the "Life After the Academy" forum while it clearly belongs in another one.
 
If you've never taken an ACT before, get a practice test (library or internet) and see how you do. Take that number and aim for a couple points higher. If you score above a 28, aim for a 34. Practice practice practice. Any sports other than TKD?
 
If you've never taken an ACT before, get a practice test (library or internet) and see how you do. Take that number and aim for a couple points higher. If you score above a 28, aim for a 34. Practice practice practice. Any sports other than TKD?
Good Advice! @goforspaatz would you mind posting some of your stats (since you were accepted)?
@rp2727 , What were the individual SAT scores? I would also recommend doing a practice CFA EARLY. My CFA was terrible and probably a part of the reason I didn't get in. My math was 580, CR 730, and W was 760. You look like a very strong candidate, but only time will tell...
 
Oh wow, how dumb of me to post this in the wrong forum. Thank you for moving it!
@CivilAirPatrolCadet My individual test scores are really embarrassing, but: WR 680, CR 630, Math 600. What is the CFA EARLY?

@goforspaatz No, I do not do any other sports besides TKD, unfortunately. Would that look bad? I'm already practicing more with the ACT, so I believe that will be taken care of. Do you know if subject tests are recommended?
 
There is another reason you might be hearing nothing, but crickets. Those of us that have been here long enough live by the adage:
You have 100% chance of not getting an appointment if you don't apply!

I get you want insight, but honestly, your wcgpa, cgpa, class rank mean nothing to us from a chance me perspective because USAFA is going to look at your school profile too.
~For example: a 4.7 wcgpa sounds great, but unless USAFA has changed their weight score, that will drop. They use a 4.5 wcgpa scale, thus there is no way that you will keep that 4.7 wcgpa.
~ Another example is the grade scale. There are over 2K HSs in the nation. Some use a 7 point scale, some use a 10 point. IE. The candidate that attends a school on 7 point and gets an 84 in a class has a C, whereas if you are at a school that uses 10 point, your grade would be a solid B.
~ Class rank matters too. Top 5% is great, but they will look at the % of kids that go to Ivy/4 yr Private/4 yr Public/2 yr/work force. I.E. a kid that is top 5% and 0% go to Ivy will be viewed differently than the kid that is top 10%, but 25% go Ivy. The reason why is that school would be considered more rigorous academically since so many will go to elite colleges.
~ You have a rigorous curriculum, but again they are going to look at the amount of APs, and how many kids take the APs.

Finally, you really can't get an honest chance because you need that nomination. Some states are considered very competitive. IOWS, if you live in a state where the MoCs talk, chances are you are going to get only 1 nom to 1 SA. If you place all 3 and rotate the number 1 spot for each MoC you can find that you are going to be without a nomination to the other 2. No nomination = no appointment, thus chancing you at this point is moot since you have yet to get an MOC nom.
~ Caveat: military brats will automatically get at least 1 nom. (Presidential) so you may see posters chance them earlier.

As far as TKD. They will and do accept it as a sport. My DS competed on the state/national level and was a Junior Olympian for TKD. With the rise of TKD the SAs see it now as an organized sport. They may request that you submit additional info because they want to make sure this is not a pay and play situation. They did this with my DS. His Master wrote a letter stating that he had to compete to be on the team. That besides his traditional belt training classes, he had to attend training 20 hrs. a week/52 weeks a year, and was required to compete in all district/state/regional/national levels, plus be a member in good standing with USTA and ATA.
~ Many kids are also homeschooled, thus for the sports aspect they do non-traditional sports. Fencers boys were homeschooled. Obviously by her moniker you can figure out what sport. Both twins received appointments, and 1 was a recruited candidate for fencing.

Just saying that I would not worry about the sports aspect. You should be fine.

I agree that you need to keep taking the SAT. USAFA superscores, so don't stop taking it until you can't afford to anymore. If you are applying for an AFROTC scholarship, remember they take only the best sitting. Right now you are in the area for a scholarship IF that is your best sitting, but if that is a superscore and your best sitting is even just 30 points less than you are teetering on being below the avg for the lowest level scholarship of a type 7.

The CFA is fitness assesment. You will need to take that for your application. Again, if you are doing AFROTC as plan B. They will require the PFA. They are 2 different assessments. However, both will require/allow only specific people to administer the exam. If you don't get that person lined up before school ends, than it can delay the submission of the exam. Coaches and PE teachers typically take the summer off, thus you might have to wait until school gets back in the fall to do it. By informing them now that you will need them than you can set up a time to do it over the summer.
 
@Pima Thank you for your response. I have a few more questions, if you don't mind. I am not in ROTC, would that impact my admission? Also, I thought the Academy, if admitted, was completely tuition free, and only needs you to serve for 8 years in the Air Force. Why would a scholarship be needed?

If I DO apply for this AFROTC scholarship, what would I receive? I'm a little confused.

Also, I am not concerned for the fitness test, but i would like to make this clear: I would need a P.E teacher from school to admit it for me?

As for the general application, should I submit it with my old SAT (1910) score? I will be taking the SAT and ACT in June. Should I wait until then to submit the application, with the new scores?
 
@Pima Thank you for your response. I have a few more questions, if you don't mind. I am not in ROTC, would that impact my admission? Also, I thought the Academy, if admitted, was completely tuition free, and only needs you to serve for 8 years in the Air Force. Why would a scholarship be needed?

If I DO apply for this AFROTC scholarship, what would I receive? I'm a little confused.
No scholarship is required to attend USAFA. A lot of applicants also apply for AFROTC as a plan B. Pima was advising you that your scores are competitive for an AFROTC scholarship as well. :)

Also, I am not concerned for the fitness test, but i would like to make this clear: I would need a P.E teacher from school to admit it for me?
Yes, the CFA should be administered by your P.E. teacher.

As for the general application, should I submit it with my old SAT (1910) score? I will be taking the SAT and ACT in June. Should I wait until then to submit the application, with the new scores?
I'm out of the loop on this one. Hopefully someone else can chime in and get you here!
 
Best start really is the USAFA website. I think of all the accademies, USAFA has the most complete information about admissions. My son was admitted to both USAFA and USMA with less in some categories than you have. You look stellar as far as what you have so far, and you have the advantage of an early start with a lot of motivation.

After following the academy admissions processes for the past year, I think it comes down MOSTLY to a few things. First, stay on top of the process, and stay ahead of the game. The applications are kind of a grueling marathon, with somewhat calculated road blocks along the way. You will see what I mean as you go, but it includes separate applications, letters of rec, interviews, deadlines, etc., for each academy, and each MOC, as well as ROTC if you are going that route too (and you should).

Academics are the biggest and most clear cut factor in terms of admission to any of the academies. It comes down to class standing and ACT/SAT scores. Take those test every time if you can, as super scoring permits it, and that was HUGE for my sons success. Obviously, do your best in school.

CFA is important too, and you can and will improve at each discipline if you practice hard. Don't wait till the end to take it either as an injury can do you in. My son was injured early in the fall, and had to wait a long time before he was able to even train again. He got very good scores in the end, but could have been SOL if the injury was a little later.

I would pursue a position in student government or NHS. You get points for those spots, and big points for president.

Stay focused and you will do well.
 
Tons of great advice above. For the CFA, practice it in sequence under test timing. The accumulation of events is a kick in the pants when you get to the mile. Obviously you have time to get better at any weak points. Also, when summer rolls around, get in touch with your ALO/BGO (send a resume) and they can get to know you more and can help you through the applications. Wait until summer, as most are probably pretty busy now with candidates for 2020.

@CivilAirPatrolCadet I'm not comfortable sharing my detailed stats openly, anyone can PM me for it. 34 ACT, heavy CAP involvement, homeschooled.
 
When should I take the fitness test? Can it be during early school year, such as August? Also, what are the time limits for each test (push-ups, flexed arm hang, etc.)?

Also, basically, I should submit the preliminary application after i receive my new scores? I have all of it filled out, except for my SAT and ACT scores.
 
CFA can be taken anytime officially after you're a candidate. CFA handbook is a PDF downloadable from any service academy website. Google is your best friend.

Yes, you can submit the pre-app after your new scores come in (provided they're higher - which I would believe they are).
 
A 1910 meets the standard in terms of SAT, and might even be a bit better
It might "meet the standard", but I highly doubt it makes you competitive. Do prepare well ahead and try the new SAT.
Same for ACT. If you want to be competitive, practice, get feedback, try more and then go from there.
"What should the aim score be?"
Haven't you heard the saying "aim high, fly high"?
 
My advice would be- No matter what anyone says keep trying to better your scores and physical abilities.

My DS:
GPA 3.89 unweighted(weighted does not count for USAFA)
ACT 32 Composite
Top 3% of class
Captain of Varsity Wrestling team
Captain of Varsity Golf team
Varsity Soccer
Beta Club, NHS
Captain of robotics team
Summer Engineering Mentor at a University
Civil Air Patrol Cheif Master Seargent
Passed CFA and DODMERb
MOC nom.
Etc. Etc.

Results- Not selected for USAFA or Prep school, Not selected USMA

He was told all along how strong his file was and that he should have no problems getting an appointment to USMA or USAFA. Bottom line Keep working. Do a couple practice CFA's on your own. aim to Max out for your real one. Take ACT and SAT multiple times and max out your scores. Academies Take your best scores in each area so test multiple times. You can always volunteer more!!! Seek leadership opportunities and/or start your own service project in your community. KEEP WORKING HARD!!!!
 
Wow, my parents said that 1910 would most certainly be competitive for USAFA or USNA but I KNEW it sounded funny! These academies are very prestigious after all... I hope I do well on my tests is all I can say for now, I suppose.

I've already emailed my deputy district director, for a packet to the instructions in obtaining a nomination from my congressman, and he did email me back, so hopefully getting an early start will help me. Do I need one from both my congressman, senator, and the vice president?

Also, I spoke to my counselor. She said that the CFA is usually administered by a RECRUITER, not my P.E teacher (she said that sounded suspicious). Any clarification? She also gave me a note to speak to the liason officer. What are the things I would need to talk about with him?
 
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