Application to USAFA

ParkCore

ParkCore

5-Year Member
Joined
Apr 16, 2014
Messages
43
I'm seeking advice from anyone who has previously applied to the academy and perhaps got accepted. So, with that being said, what does the Academy like to see?

My current standing are:
Football (Freshman)
Varsity Wrestling
Boy Scouts (Just joining - will be an eagle scout if I grind to complete the work)
Music - I play both piano and guitar in the school band
Flying - I've been a student pilot for two years. I will be soloing soon, as it's on your 16th birthday.
I volunteer at my aunt's work - they are a non-profit education theatre type place. I will have 60 or so service hours completed by the end of this summer.
I'm in Honors Math I - I have a B due to two bad concussions
I'm in ACP English - A
I'm in ACP Bio - A (102%)
I hold a 3.78 GPA - 4.8 weighted GPA
I will be participating in a summer job

My electives are as followed:
Freshman Year:
French I
Integrated Technology/Health
Study hall

Sophmore year (already have my schedule):
French II
Introduction to Engineering
Programming

Sophmore year I plan on continuing wresting, running cross country, and playing baseball.

All of the things mentioned above are my current standings. I will be moving up to Honors Chemistry and Honors English for next year. I was contemplating on doing an independent study for 9 classes instead of the normal 8. I plan on becoming an Eagle Scout and I also plan on completing 150-200 service hours for my sophmore year.

Forgot to mention it above, I do aerobatics too.

So, do I look competitive? I've spoken with two senators - one flew the plane that I do my training in, and the other is a family friend. Both of these senators have contacted John Boehner for my nomination, but I have to wait two years. I just thought that I should become known/friends with these people now so that they keep me in thought. Also, what would you change or add if you were me?

Sorry if I sounded arrogant. I wanted to make sure that I had most of everything I'm involved in so that you would better understand my situation.

Thanks!
 
No, it's totally fine. I wanted to do everything possible to get in as well, but now that I'm accepted, superrrr relieved.
But I would definitely suggest trying to get leadership positions in those activities you are involved in (band, football, wrestling), study for the ACT/ SAT to get good scores, but you look pretty competitive. Keep it up!
 
So, do I look competitive? I've spoken with two senators - one flew the plane that I do my training in, and the other is a family friend. Both of these senators have contacted John Boehner for my nomination, but I have to wait two years.

I'm in Honors Math I - I have a B due to two bad concussions

:scratch:
 
What airframe are you qualified to do aerobatics in?

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Go to boys state the summer after senior year. Easy app booster, its fun, and only takes a week!

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The answer to these types of questions is always the same. The Academy judges applicants based on a whole person concept. No one but the admissions panel have details on how candidate scores are actually calculated

Also,considering that you are just starting your high school years, it is difficult to say whether you are competitive or not.

My advice to you is to stay focused in school, find a few activities that you enjoy and focus on those, keep yourself fit and healthy, study for the ACT/SAT tests and keep your nose clean.

From what you've posted so far you seem to be a driven individual and if you continue on your current path then there should be no reason why you won't be at least qualified to attend a service academy. Whether you are accepted or not is purely in the hands of the admissions panel.

Do things you want to do! Don't try to "check the boxes" for the application by doing things you wouldn't pursue fully.
 
Thanks everyone! I practice aerobatics in a citabria.


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Like alyssa said, leadership in things that you do would help. Continue how you've been doing, and make the most of everything you do. As in enjoy them so that if nothing else, you don't look back thinking that everything you did was for nothing. Not that it will be, I think you can make it.
 
I will add that it not just the WCS, but also how competitive the area you are from that matters too.

On top of that don't get tunnel vision. Just because you want it now at 15, doesn't mean you won't change your mind....I.e. Be awarded a full ride to an IVY, not including AFROTC scholarship. For some it is hard to decide when theory becomes reality.
~~~~ DS at 10 until 16 only wanted Duke. Sixteen and it was Notre Dame. Seventeen it was AFA. Eighteen it was none of them.

I don't have enough fingers, toes in my family, including cousins, aunts, pets to count on regarding how many got tripped up on the medical exam. Your stats and connections can be amazing, but DoDMERB is DoDMERB. Concussions will be required to be report for the exam. You are planning to continue with sports that are considered contact.

I also :scratch: wondering some of your comments. Boehner might not be in office in 2 years.

You fly aerobatics at 15?

You have two Senators in your pocket, but they are contacting Boehner? I am assuming they are not from Ohio, but either way, why not contact the Sen. from OH that they affiliate with, and won't have to be reelected again 2 more times before you need a nom?
~ If they are going to personally vouch for you with Boehner, and your stats are on par with the avg. candidate (no pull) than you would also expect a principal and this is all moot.
 
Yes, I fly aerobatics at 15. I started standard PPL training at 13. I have around 60 or so hours now.

I am reconsidering contact, as I don't want to be disqualified for concussions. Do you feel that I should stay clear of contact?

I am from Ohio. I'm not sure on your comment about the senators. I know one of them personally, and the other I know just through contact. They've reached out to Boehner. From what I see, it's likely Boehner will be in office, but I could be dead wrong.


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I commend you for reaching out and getting all the information you can concerning your future. You have received a wealth of information and some sound advice already in this thread. My best advice would be a repeat of what has been stated here. I encourage you to pursue what you have a passion for: now and in the future.

One question: Could it be that the senators you have contact with are Ohio "state" senators who know John Boehner? (as opposed to U.S. senators)
 
Politics, politics, politics...

Already working the system. Sounds like you might just be in line for one of those golden tickets called a principal nomination.
 
Just got word from my guidance counselor - 32 out of 133 people in my class rank. Will this suffice?


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Considering you're trying to get noticed by people who give nominations, try volunteering for them!! Especially congressman... Or maybe try and find opportunities to intern or volunteer on Senatorial campaigns too!

Also, Dodmerb might be iffy because of the concussions. Make sure you know the process for receiving waivers, you may need one.

You seem to have a lot on your plate, but try and find a civil air patrol unit in your area, it will boost you application like being an Eagle Scout would.

Look into Boys State, that'll be another one in your pocket.

LEADERSHIP in sports and school stuff is important.

Also if you want to have a job, try getting one at a church as you only really work on the weekends and you can do more during the week. Unless you're not Christian! (Sorry I'm making assumptions)

Overall application is great and has potential to be better... Can't give you a final verdict as I am not in admissions
 
Thank you! I appreciate your input. I am Catolic, but I don't want to be someone who starts anything bad regarding religion on here. I'll keep those thoughts in mind. I've been asked to join civil air patrol, but I've never given it much thought.


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Political Connections do not Matter

ParkCore, the political connections you mentioned are not valuable unless you believe Mr. Boehner can make the Academy take you. Th process is based on the whole person. You should be more concerned with your lack of leadership and athletics than with who you know. Many of the cadets at all of the academies did not know anyone before they were nominated and appointed.
Best of luck to you, but don't count on connections to get you into the academy instead become the best candidate you can!
 
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