I had previously posted in the CollegeConfidential forums, and I thought I would like to try my like here as well.
I know I am asking a lot of questions, and most likely questions you all are familiar with seeing on these forums. But any help is greatly, greatly appreciated. I apologize in advance, for this will be a very lengthy post.
First set of questions (copy and pasted from my original post at CollegeConfidential)
I understand that starting March of my Junior year, I can start applying by filling out the pre-candidate questionnaire online. However, I am worried that at this point, they can reject me based on my grades.
I am not exactly sure what kind of information they ask for in the pre-candidate questionnaire though. My grades are not terrible, but they're not great grades -- which most kids who are applying to the academy have.
See I did somewhat poorly in my freshman year and ended up with an equal mix of A's and B's first and second semester that year. I also had a C first semester. However, you can see that my grades have improved second semester, with only two B's and four A's.
First semester I only earned two A's in 10th grade, but only two B's the second semester - a significant improvement, at least I would consider it so.
Junior year, I am currently sitting on and shooting for a 4.0. But expecting the worst, lets say I end up with two B's, but both were in a weighted class.
I would also like to make it clear that I have been enrolled in challenging honors/AP courses, which would explain my grades. But I was also lazy in my schoolwork and homework, however I have taken measures to improve my work habits.
Now that's just my grades, I believe I have been involved in some good extracurriculars (officer of two out of four clubs that am involved in), I am in NHS, I volunteer regularly at a hospital, I also expect to attend a leadership seminar, and I will be captain of my soccer team.
I received great scores on my SAT's, with a 720 in math, a 690 in CR, and a 700 in writing.
Anyway, my questions are, what kind of information does the pre-candidate assessment ask for, will my grades hurt my competitive-ness, and how does the rest of the application process work in terms of showing the academy your achievements.
I really am genuinely interested in serving in the military as well as pursuing some kind of career in engineering. That is why I really want attend the academy.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, I really appreciate it.
Plus, I am currently sitting on a 4.0 first semester of Junior year. I only hope to keep it that way until the end of the first semester. I'm only worried about my math grade, which is a very low A. I hope this does not look bad to the academy, since they would probably like to see strong grades in math-- btw I am currently in Pre-Calculus, and during my previous two years in high school, I have only managed to pull off B's in math classes. I'm not bad at math, I test very well on standardized tests.. I just don't do the homework. But believe me I am turning around my work habits.
Another question I have is :
Do I need to get a recommendation from a teacher, coach, etc. when applying to the academy? I know I have to get one in order to submit an application to receive a nomination from a MOC, and I was wondering if the USAFA requires a recommendation as well. I don't see anything about it in the "USAFA admission requirements", but I am still just wondering.
Last couple of questions:
What is life like at the academy? Would I have time to get in touch with my friends and family back home every so often or would I have time to socialize with other cadets?
How approachable are the teachers? Say you don't understand something, would you be intimidated by asking a professor? I mean, I'm not shy or anything but I have had just a couple teachers who would be like "were you even paying attention in class?" if you ask them something. It's just not pleasant dealing with those kinds of teachers.
Thanks a lot for taking the time to read this. I really do appreciate it! Ever since I started seriously thinking about my future and decided on attending the air force academy at the end of my sophomore year, it was the first time I have ever gotten excited about my future. I really plan to work hard, and I only hope my meager performance in the past does not affect my future with the academy.
Also, last question for real. How do I go about becoming an air force officer? Lets say I don't get into the academy, what other routes can I go? Will I be able to pursue a career in aeronautical engineering as well?
I know I am asking a lot of questions, and most likely questions you all are familiar with seeing on these forums. But any help is greatly, greatly appreciated. I apologize in advance, for this will be a very lengthy post.
First set of questions (copy and pasted from my original post at CollegeConfidential)
I understand that starting March of my Junior year, I can start applying by filling out the pre-candidate questionnaire online. However, I am worried that at this point, they can reject me based on my grades.
I am not exactly sure what kind of information they ask for in the pre-candidate questionnaire though. My grades are not terrible, but they're not great grades -- which most kids who are applying to the academy have.
See I did somewhat poorly in my freshman year and ended up with an equal mix of A's and B's first and second semester that year. I also had a C first semester. However, you can see that my grades have improved second semester, with only two B's and four A's.
First semester I only earned two A's in 10th grade, but only two B's the second semester - a significant improvement, at least I would consider it so.
Junior year, I am currently sitting on and shooting for a 4.0. But expecting the worst, lets say I end up with two B's, but both were in a weighted class.
I would also like to make it clear that I have been enrolled in challenging honors/AP courses, which would explain my grades. But I was also lazy in my schoolwork and homework, however I have taken measures to improve my work habits.
Now that's just my grades, I believe I have been involved in some good extracurriculars (officer of two out of four clubs that am involved in), I am in NHS, I volunteer regularly at a hospital, I also expect to attend a leadership seminar, and I will be captain of my soccer team.
I received great scores on my SAT's, with a 720 in math, a 690 in CR, and a 700 in writing.
Anyway, my questions are, what kind of information does the pre-candidate assessment ask for, will my grades hurt my competitive-ness, and how does the rest of the application process work in terms of showing the academy your achievements.
I really am genuinely interested in serving in the military as well as pursuing some kind of career in engineering. That is why I really want attend the academy.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, I really appreciate it.
Plus, I am currently sitting on a 4.0 first semester of Junior year. I only hope to keep it that way until the end of the first semester. I'm only worried about my math grade, which is a very low A. I hope this does not look bad to the academy, since they would probably like to see strong grades in math-- btw I am currently in Pre-Calculus, and during my previous two years in high school, I have only managed to pull off B's in math classes. I'm not bad at math, I test very well on standardized tests.. I just don't do the homework. But believe me I am turning around my work habits.
Another question I have is :
Do I need to get a recommendation from a teacher, coach, etc. when applying to the academy? I know I have to get one in order to submit an application to receive a nomination from a MOC, and I was wondering if the USAFA requires a recommendation as well. I don't see anything about it in the "USAFA admission requirements", but I am still just wondering.
Last couple of questions:
What is life like at the academy? Would I have time to get in touch with my friends and family back home every so often or would I have time to socialize with other cadets?
How approachable are the teachers? Say you don't understand something, would you be intimidated by asking a professor? I mean, I'm not shy or anything but I have had just a couple teachers who would be like "were you even paying attention in class?" if you ask them something. It's just not pleasant dealing with those kinds of teachers.
Thanks a lot for taking the time to read this. I really do appreciate it! Ever since I started seriously thinking about my future and decided on attending the air force academy at the end of my sophomore year, it was the first time I have ever gotten excited about my future. I really plan to work hard, and I only hope my meager performance in the past does not affect my future with the academy.
Also, last question for real. How do I go about becoming an air force officer? Lets say I don't get into the academy, what other routes can I go? Will I be able to pursue a career in aeronautical engineering as well?