Asian-American 7th Grader Girl

C

cochbr

Member
Joined
Apr 29, 2023
Messages
12
Hi all,

I've been an on-off lurker here for a couple years - my son was interested in service academies but unfortunately has a nut allergy that is impossible to overcome (have consulted with multiple allergists). My DD, however, does not have any physical disqualifiers and is interested in pursuing a pilot career for the military via USAFA. While academics remains the priority, she has the following ECA's:

Boy Scouts (currently 1st Class) - Eagle Scout Rank within 2 years (during HS freshman)
Civil Air Patrol Cadet - just joined, plan is to stick w/ until graduating HS
American Legion Auxiliary Junior - just joined, plan is to stick w/ until graduating HS
Track (7 min/mile) - has been running with her older brother - plan is to join cross country as well when in HS and stick w/ until graduating HS
Piano (Level 7 of 10 Certificate in CA) - plan is to earn her level 10 as a HS junior

She plans to attend a private Catholic all-girls high school instead of our city's public high school.

I'm thinking these are enough for her until she applies to the service academies as academics and school-related activities (clubs) will require more time. She hopes to attend an academy summer program during her high school career.

Would appreciate any thoughts.
 
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. She’s currently attending a smaller Catholic K-8 school which doesn’t have an athletics team and she’s running on her own. When she begins high school, she will have opportunity to pursue team captain. Until then, however, the leadership opportunities lie with her other activities.

As for Scouting, Girl Scouts wasn’t enough for her and every time she saw her brother’s activities in Boy Scouts she said, “I want to do that”. So she switched to BSA and is in an all-girls troop. I can tell you from being an Assistant Scoutmaster for both my son’s troop and my daughter’s troop… girls do it infinitely better. lol
 
Focus on quality over quantity. Less about “hours put in” and more about “positive impact made.” She doesn’t need to win an office or hold a title to make leadership impact. But she should look for something in which she can say she left it better than she found it.

Academically, she should strive to take the hardest classes her school has to offer — especially in English and STEM — and excel at them. Finally, make sure she builds muscular strength to tackle the full CFA, which runners can sometimes struggle with. Pull-ups and push-ups require upper-body strength that many females need to develop (as my own DD did and continues to do, even as a commissioned officer).

Make sure she fully researches not just USAFA but USAF itself. She should know the career options available to her should she not become a pilot. Things do happen, and minds do change. Best wishes to her.
 
cochbr said:
I can tell you from being an Assistant Scoutmaster for both my son’s troop and my daughter’s troop… girls do it infinitely better. lol
Click to expand...
I am father of an angelic daughter and her brother. Preaching to the choir. ;)
 
MidCakePa said:
Focus on quality over quantity. Less about “hours put in” and more about “positive impact made.” She doesn’t need to win an office or hold a title to make leadership impact. But she should look for something in which she can say she left it better than she found it.

Academically, she should strive to take the hardest classes her school has to offer — especially in English and STEM — and excel at them. Finally, make sure she builds muscular strength to tackle the full CFA, which runners can sometimes struggle with. Pull-ups and push-ups require upper-body strength that many females need to develop (as my own DD did and continues to do, even as a commissioned officer).

Make sure she fully researches not just USAFA but USAF itself. She should know the career options available to her should she not become a pilot. Things do happen, and minds do change. Best wishes to her.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your comments. My DD has a typical runners’ build - slender, fit. We will certainly focus on the CFA requirements.

As for career options, good point to have backup plans.
 
cochbr said:
As for career options, good point to have backup plans.
Click to expand...
Or opportunities yet to be discovered. When DD was a plebe at USNA, she said she could see herself entering any of the naval warfare communities except the Marine Corps. But as time passed, she learned more. A few years later, she commissioned as a Marine. 😉
 
Scouting is a great program. I encourage my students to expand their experiences and leadership opportunities through Scouting or other programs. Leading her troop as SPL, Order of the Arrow, Exploring, Scout camp staff, and other opportunities are ideal ways to enrich her experiences. The same is true with CAP. Best of luck to your daughter!
 
My advice is to ditch references to sex and ethnicity. Nobody cares unless you highlight it at which point it becomes a red flag (to me, anyway). My opinion. I'm probably wrong.
 
JohnMcLane said:
My advice is to ditch references to sex and ethnicity. Nobody cares unless you highlight it at which point it becomes a red flag (to me, anyway). My opinion. I'm probably wrong.
Click to expand...
I appreciate your feedback. I was only giving additional context having read posts like the following, both of which specifically call out sex and ethnicity:

Intro - High School Junior

Hey, I am a 17-year-old female of Mexican American roots In my Junior year of high school. My family has a military past and my father was going to do marines but was unable after an injury at boot camp. I am interested in attending USAFA but i am unsure how likely I am to get in. I am applying...
www.serviceacademyforums.com

Introduction - High School Sophomore

Hello, I am a 15-year-old Korean-American girl entering my sophomore year of high school. My father was in the Army for 25 years which led me to think of being in the Army as a career. I've dreamed of attending USMA since eighth grade and now I want to turn this dream into something achievable...
www.serviceacademyforums.com

At the end of the day, my DD (hopefully) will be a candidate among thousands that the service academies will select from to meet their diversity goals:
www.usna.edu

Class Portrait

Class Portrait page for Admissions at USNA.edu. Updated Sun Apr 21 04:34:10 EDT 2024.
www.usna.edu
 
cochbr said:
I appreciate your feedback. I was only giving additional context having read posts like the following, both of which specifically call out sex and ethnicity:

Intro - High School Junior

Hey, I am a 17-year-old female of Mexican American roots In my Junior year of high school. My family has a military past and my father was going to do marines but was unable after an injury at boot camp. I am interested in attending USAFA but i am unsure how likely I am to get in. I am applying...
www.serviceacademyforums.com

Introduction - High School Sophomore

Hello, I am a 15-year-old Korean-American girl entering my sophomore year of high school. My father was in the Army for 25 years which led me to think of being in the Army as a career. I've dreamed of attending USMA since eighth grade and now I want to turn this dream into something achievable...
www.serviceacademyforums.com

At the end of the day, my DD (hopefully) will be a candidate among thousands that the service academies will select from to meet their diversity goals:
www.usna.edu

Class Portrait

Class Portrait page for Admissions at USNA.edu. Updated Sun Apr 21 04:34:10 EDT 2024.
www.usna.edu
Click to expand...
I am not on an appointment committee but if i was...
No worse way to seek an appointment than referencing "diversity goals". Horrible in absolutely every conceivable way. No American wants the fate of their loved one in combat to be decided by someone who was a "diversity hire".

And if you got an appointment and my kid didn't, I'd file a lawsuit against both you and the agency you applied to.
 
Unsure what to make of your comments... seems we're off topic here as I was seeking feedback regarding my DD's ECA's - don't think you offered any.

Regardless of what you or I believe, each service academy has its own diversity goals:
www.usafa.edu

Diversity and Inclusion

A variety of counseling and advising services are available to assist cadets with all aspects of life at the United States Air Force Academy.
www.usafa.edu www.usafa.edu

Opportunities for Women | U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Great Careers Start HereStrong Women LeadersWelcome to the U.S.
www.usmma.edu

And like you, I am not on an appointment committee, but I would like to believe that nearly every nominee is highly qualified, motivated, and deserving of an appointment - unfortunately, there aren't enough spots.
 
JohnMcLane said:
And if you got an appointment and my kid didn't, I'd file a lawsuit against both you and the agency you applied to.
Click to expand...
LOL

Even if her kid had a higher WCS/WMP?

How would you know before you filed this lawsuit which candidate was better?
 
Great suggestions already. My add, is to make sure she has filled out a candidate interest form, to get on mailing lists. And IMO, at this early stage, I would encourage her to look at USNA/USMMA/ROTC’s as well, if flying is her goal. There is a lot of growing and maturing (and mind changing…shout out to @MidCakePa DD) yet to do. Even during that 18 mos application period. Or yet during her 4 yrs at the SA/next level (my other ‘not college’ kiddos, as well as their friends, changed the minds about things…). It doesn’t take much additional work to apply to more than one SA. And it potentially opens more pilot doors. And who knows, something may come up (ie medical) restricting her pilot dreams, requiring an alternate choice. I would suggest having options.

In addition, make sure and connect with SA admissions outreach opportunities (some may still be virtual and easy to ‘attend’). As well as Service Academy Days that your SEN/REPS will put on. Get on their mailing lists as well.

As far as ‘diversity’….it’s to the benefit of all, to have a diverse fleet representing our great Nation. Diversity in our backgrounds to represent all. You bet, there are initiatives to gain better representation of underrepresented areas (whatever those areas are). As there should be. And everyone should be speaking to their strengths, and what they bring to the table to make everyone better. Don’t shy away from what makes you, who you are.
 
Last edited:
Varsity sports are a must, along with community service, grades and being well rounded member of society.
DS stayed off social media. The Eagle Scout is a huge feather in her cap. Maybe ROTC, you can be a part of a local high school ROTC if your school does not have one.
Good luck and enjoy the ride.
 
A good foundation step for a 7th grader is to thoroughly read through ALL 5 of the service academy websites, the pages, links, menu items, to learn about the process, timeline, recommended HS academics, opportunities to serve after graduation in a variety of fields. Get a feel for what’s out there as a basis for later decisions. Focus on those required years of service after the SA or college ROTC program. to understand all the possibilities. The commissioning program is a waystation, not the ultimate goal of service as a commissioned officer. And, if she is found medically unfit or is not selected for pilot, are there other officer communities that would be of interest.

Creating a master timeline of what can be done now, and getting more specific - such as targeting attendance at SA summer programs and Girls’ State in the summer before senior year (and knowing when to apply for those), and perhaps a STEM or sports camp in another summer before that. A qualitative approach to the resume is important - it’s not sheer numbers of activities, it’s the leadership and growth opportunity.

Look for info like this:
www.usna.edu

General Advice for Grades 9-12

General Advice for Grades 9-12 page for Admissions at USNA.edu. Updated Fri Apr 12 05:31:35 EDT 2024.
www.usna.edu

The SA and ROTC/college application processes themselves are a test of executive coordination, attention to detail, time management, perseverance and determination. Though it’s early days, the more she knows about these goals, the better she can determine if it is for her.
 
cochbr said:
Hi all,

I've been an on-off lurker here for a couple years - my son was interested in service academies but unfortunately has a nut allergy that is impossible to overcome (have consulted with multiple allergists). My DD, however, does not have any physical disqualifiers and is interested in pursuing a pilot career for the military via USAFA. While academics remains the priority, she has the following ECA's:

Boy Scouts (currently 1st Class) - Eagle Scout Rank within 2 years (during HS freshman)
Civil Air Patrol Cadet - just joined, plan is to stick w/ until graduating HS
American Legion Auxiliary Junior - just joined, plan is to stick w/ until graduating HS
Track (7 min/mile) - has been running with her older brother - plan is to join cross country as well when in HS and stick w/ until graduating HS
Piano (Level 7 of 10 Certificate in CA) - plan is to earn her level 10 as a HS junior

She plans to attend a private Catholic all-girls high school instead of our city's public high school.

I'm thinking these are enough for her until she applies to the service academies as academics and school-related activities (clubs) will require more time. She hopes to attend an academy summer program during her high school career.

Would appreciate any thoughts.
Click to expand...
What a kid! Quick recommendations from a parent of a very similar now 22 y.o. Who commissions next week.
Earn the Eagle Scout and serve at least a short window as senior patrol leader to check application boxes and get the experience. But don’t be an Eagle who name drops being an Eagle in every conversation. Keep it in perspective More success lies ahead.
Get to senior ranks and Billy Mitchell/ Eaker/Earhart/ and Spaatz if you can in CAP. Learn to fly w them if you can.
Ap/honors courses, Grades, sat or act scores and mock interview to round out.
I do think advancing to officer / leader positions and being able as others noted to articulate your impact as a scholar, athlete, Leader in your class, in the classroom, on the athletic pitch and in your community.
Advance to be a captain in a sport if they can.
Take advantage of order of the arrow and national jamboree if you can.
Iceberg ahead warning- something may need to give as you advance in all these areas -my son managed to do an insane amount for 2 hs years but took on too much as a junior. Great lessons learned. agree w quality over quantity.
Free advice too. Ignore the hostile comment that was posted about you just describing your child’s gender etc. and that silly comment about suing you blah blah blah. This board is anonymous and you’re in a safe place to ask and learn here. We’re all just helping each other or trying to give back after getting help ourselves. Good luck.
 
A1Janitor said:
LOL

Even if her kid had a higher WCS/WMP?

How would you know before you filed this lawsuit which candidate
Click to expand...
I didnt say i would win, just make a point. If the candidate had a higher WCS/WMP then why push sex and race as a qualification?

A very good friend of mine, who retired as GO lamented that one of her biggest stressors was worrying that people might perceive her success as due to her race and sex rather than merit. How sad is that?

I believe highlighting race etc is destructive in every possible way to everyone including those it is ostensibly trying to help.
 
Becoming an Eagle Scout as a girl would be so cool!!! Very unique for sure, I wish I was in the Boy Scouts as a girl, times were different back then.

Just focusing on doing well in school and getting involved in extracurriculars. I concur with others how quality is more important than quantity. No need to be in everything, just be super passionate about the ones you're in. Also look at other routes, not just USAFA or SAs, NROTC is a great route to fly as well

And yes, I strongly agree with the others here that diversity is important, it's something colleges, SAs, and the military are actively pursuing, especially in the Officer Corps
 
JohnMcLane said:
I didnt say i would win, just make a point. If the candidate had a higher WCS/WMP then why push sex and race as a qualification?

A very good friend of mine, who retired as GO lamented that one of her biggest stressors was worrying that people might perceive her success as due to her race and sex rather than merit. How sad is that?

I believe highlighting race etc is destructive in every possible way to everyone including those it is ostensibly trying to help.
Click to expand...
I understand the point.

My only observation is it is all too easy to blame someone from not getting an appointment on “diversity.” It minimizes the process and it assumes the minority isn’t the better candidate.

There is a difference between outreach to find the best candidates with diverse backgrounds and assuming diverse candidates didn’t earn their spot.

This young lady sounds tremendous imo. And with excellent academics, she will be highly competitive. She will get in based on her record vs the competition on her slate, which will likely include other qualified minority candidates.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top