Class of 2016-Mailbox Stalkers Club

[ZoomieMommy]

?

Just to update everyone still waiting... USAFA Admissions sent "non-select" letters on Friday. Over 1200 were sent. Some candidates got them Saturday (those that where close by)... the rest will know over the next 1 to 3 days.

Also, the "QNV" is a thing of the past. The letters sent Friday are simply "non-select".

This will be a hard time for those receiving the letters. Please know that this was difficult for USAFA too. The mandated size of the incoming class is forcing USAFA to pass on some truly fine candidates this year, probably more so than any year in USAFA's history.

God speed, everyone.

So does that mean everyone still waiting is getting the non-select letter or are there still a few spots left?

 

[RaptorDad]

Raptor is on to Plan B

DS called his USAFA counselor last Friday to see if a few things could be updated in his app. While he was on the phone, they checked his status and passed along the news that he won't be getting an appointment this year. He was told that he's very competitive but emphasized that the number of appointments remaining after all the MOC's, Prep's, Falcons, etc., was extremely low this year. DS got noms from his Congressman and one Senator, plus had a Presidential and applied for the VP.

Just for reference, DS has all A's / 3.8 GPA (his school uses actual % received in each class to calculate GPA, ex., 95% class grade = 3.8), 33 composite ACT, Boy's State, Student Council, Pres. of NHS, varsity letterman in three sports, good CFA (max'ed one and well above average in all others), strong EC's, plus a part-time job. He attends a small, private HS that does not yet offer AP courses, but he has taken Calculus, Physics, etc., so I think he's well prepared for college. They probably say it to everyone, but they did encourage him to re-apply.

Anyway, Raptor was very disappointed, but he's keeping a positive attitude about it. He has an awesome Plan B and will definitely re-apply for next year. He has not yet received a TWE but if/when it arrives it probably won't be as painful. Also, I guess he's still in the running for Falcon so there may be other options still on the table... We prayed for His plan for our son and are confident that He answered--we're as proud as ever of our son and are excited as ever about his future.

Thanks to all for the advice and support we've received on this forum--you're the best. Looking forward to seeing DS head off to college and enter AFROTC in the fall and to continuing DS' journey through the app process once the portal re-opens for him in July. Best of luck to all those who are still waiting!

 

[falconfamily]

So does that mean everyone still waiting is getting the non-select letter or are there still a few spots left?

It will depend on the number of people who decline and rescissions due to any number of factors. As noted for last year there were about 250 or so people who declined or had their appointments rescinded - 2015 is the closest year to 2016 because of the limited number of planned slots (1120 for Class of 2015, and 1050 for Class of 2016). In the past 2012, 2013, 2014, there were hundreds of additional slots available to people from the National Pool/Waitlist - not so for the past couple of years. It's been tough and this year there are 6% less slots than for the Class of 2015. A lot of great folks will not gain an appointment this year, that said, while there will be some shuffling over the next few weeks, life keeps opening other doors for you.

Good Luck.

 

[chicity45]

Still stalkin

SPNU and no TWE here in Illinois! Very happy to NOT get a letter today. Still keeping the faith, although I got a TWE from USNA last week. I was expecting it because I had no nomination for them and no medical waiver.

 

[ZoomieMommy]

It will depend on the number of people who decline and rescissions due to any number of factors. As noted for last year there were about 250 or so people who declined or had their appointments rescinded - 2015 is the closest year to 2016 because of the limited number of planned slots (1120 for Class of 2015, and 1050 for Class of 2016). In the past 2012, 2013, 2014, there were hundreds of additional slots available to people from the National Pool/Waitlist - not so for the past couple of years. It's been tough and this year there are 6% less slots than for the Class of 2015. A lot of great folks will not gain an appointment this year, that said, while there will be some shuffling over the next few weeks, life keeps opening other doors for you.

Good Luck.

Thanks falconfamily. As a family, we know this is the door DS was called to walk through and while it may not be this year, it will happen. I'm so proud of him for having the strength to dream big.

 

[skydivingkittens]

DS called his USAFA counselor last Friday to see if a few things could be updated in his app. While he was on the phone, they checked his status and passed along the news that he won't be getting an appointment this year. He was told that he's very competitive but emphasized that the number of appointments remaining after all the MOC's, Prep's, Falcons, etc., was extremely low this year. DS got noms from his Congressman and one Senator, plus had a Presidential and applied for the VP.

Just for reference, DS has all A's / 3.8 GPA (his school uses actual % received in each class to calculate GPA, ex., 95% class grade = 3.8), 33 composite ACT, Boy's State, Student Council, Pres. of NHS, varsity letterman in three sports, good CFA (max'ed one and well above average in all others), strong EC's, plus a part-time job. He attends a small, private HS that does not yet offer AP courses, but he has taken Calculus, Physics, etc., so I think he's well prepared for college. They probably say it to everyone, but they did encourage him to re-apply.

Anyway, Raptor was very disappointed, but he's keeping a positive attitude about it. He has an awesome Plan B and will definitely re-apply for next year. He has not yet received a TWE but if/when it arrives it probably won't be as painful. Also, I guess he's still in the running for Falcon so there may be other options still on the table... We prayed for His plan for our son and are confident that He answered--we're as proud as ever of our son and are excited as ever about his future.

Thanks to all for the advice and support we've received on this forum--you're the best. Looking forward to seeing DS head off to college and enter AFROTC in the fall and to continuing DS' journey through the app process once the portal re-opens for him in July. Best of luck to all those who are still waiting!

Sorry about the news RaptorDad! I think I'll be calling my counselor today just to see if there is any change in my application. Best of luck to all of you and will hope to see some more BFEs!

 

[batmom]

I am so sorry about the disappointing news.

Dear fellow forum members,
I am truly saddened by the news posted by Raptordad. It is clear that the reduction in class size has caused the academy to turn away truly outstanding and remarkable candidates. I am so sad because I know how much you have all accomplished and achieved to be in this position right now. I am confident that each and every one of you will go on to accomplish great things- no matter where you go to school. One of our dear friends had her first son get into USNA on the first try out of high school. Her second son applied and was denied on the first try. So the second DS went to the NWP(Northwest Prep school) in Calif. He applied the following year and was accepted. So, both sons went to USNA but both got there with different journeys. I think if you still want USAFA, you should re-apply next year. One year extra of schooling or prep school will probably improve your chances for next year. My best regards to every one of you. My prayers will continue as I pray that you will be led to the right place for you right now.
YOU ARE ALL CHAMPIONS!!!

 

[skydivingkittens]

Just called Admissions....

I will not be offered an appointment for the USAFA class of 2016. I'm a little bit disappointed, but I know that this is not the end... I will re-apply next year! Plan B is at Northwestern Prep. Admissions said that I am still being considered for the prep school on base, but "it is still too early for us to be filling slots, as that is done in mid-April". She told me that the AFA coach needs to push my application in, depending on how much the AFA athletics department wants me.

Best of luck to all of you! I hope the appointments for the class of 2016 get filled with only the best candidates!

 

[RaptorDad]

Sorry about the news RaptorDad! I think I'll be calling my counselor today just to see if there is any change in my application. Best of luck to all of you and will hope to see some more BFEs!

Thanks, skydivingkittens! (Uber-cool username, btw.) It's a bit sad, but the transition from HS to college can be stressful for students AND parents, so this may work out better in the long run.

I really wanted to see that BFE in Raptor's hands...guess we'll just have to keep waiting. A year isn't a long time, is it?

Hope you get great news from your counselor! Raptor said his was very understanding (I'm sure it's tough on them, too). I'm glad he found out the way they did--I think hearing it straight from the counselor helped, plus my wife and I were there to talk to him right after the call.

SDK: we cross-posted. Sorry you didn't get an appointment, but hopefully we'll be seeing you in the re-applying thread. Take care!!

 

[skydivingkittens]

Thanks, skydivingkittens! (Uber-cool username, btw.) It's a bit sad, but the transition from HS to college can be stressful for students AND parents, so this may work out better in the long run.

I really wanted to see that BFE in Raptor's hands...guess we'll just have to keep waiting. A year isn't a long time, is it?

Hope you get great news from your counselor! Raptor said his was very understanding (I'm sure it's tough on them, too). I'm glad he found out the way they did--I think hearing it straight from the counselor helped, plus my wife and I were there to talk to him right after the call.

Yep, I know that feeling. Although it was a little hard, I totally understand why I was not selected (test scores). This will only push me to become a better applicant next year.

 

[Blackbird]

Just called Admissions....

I will not be offered an appointment for the USAFA class of 2016.

I am so sorry. But as Pima often reminds us, things happen for a reason. NWP is a great option and it sounds like you are in play for a Prep School appointment. Have you already applied to NWP? If not, call Mrs. D and get that going. If you receive a Falcon, then they will just flip your deposit and app over to that.

 

[Insider]

Will people eligible for the prep school receive this as well as an appointment or solely a P school appointment? Thanks for the info!

Even the candidates being considered for Prep School will receive non-select letters. The Prep School offers will be made later (it's a separate process altogether).

 

[skydivingkittens]

I am so sorry. But as Pima often reminds us, things happen for a reason. NWP is a great option and it sounds like you are in play for a Prep School appointment. Have you already applied to NWP? If not, call Mrs. D and get that going. If you receive a Falcon, then they will just flip your deposit and app over to that.

Yes, I have already talked to Mrs. D and have gotten accepted. It looks like an awesome program. Either way, I think this will help improve my chances next year!

EDIT: Thanks Insider!

 

[MD_SPIRIT]

Skydivingkittens,

My DS is a re-applicant who attended NWP as a free agent last year. He still says it was the best thing he ever did regardless of whether he receives an appointment this year. His downfall was also test scores but with a lot of hard work in a supportive environment like NWP, he was able to really improve. You have a great attitude and that will help carry you through. Good luck and if you have any questions about NWP just PM me so we don't get in trouble for hijacking this thread

 

[Pontiac33]

TWE

DS received his TWE in the mail today. So sad. I am so proud of him for making it this far. His Plan B is to use his AFROTC scholarship at VMI. He plans to reapply next year--I believe he will. Thank you to everyone for all of your insight and support. I have said it before and will say it again, I can't imagine going through this process with out all of you. Good luck to all who are waiting.

 

[highflyer]

DS received his TWE in the mail today. So sad. I am so proud of him for making it this far. His Plan B is to use his AFROTC scholarship at VMI. He plans to reapply next year--I believe he will. Thank you to everyone for all of your insight and support. I have said it before and will say it again, I can't imagine going through this process with out all of you. Good luck to all who are waiting.

Sorry your DS didn't get the news he wanted. He still has a good path through AFROTC!
Wondering why more kids aren't seeing AFROTC path as viable, vs NWP or re-applying to the AFA next year. Seems like an AFROTC scholarship is valuable and a path that gets them to becoming an AF officer. Curious why this isn't plan B for more kids on this site.

 

[Pontiac33]

Sorry your DS didn't get the news he wanted. He still has a good path through AFROTC!
Wondering why more kids aren't seeing AFROTC path as viable, vs NWP or re-applying to the AFA next year. Seems like an AFROTC scholarship is valuable and a path that gets them to becoming an AF officer. Curious why this isn't plan B for more kids on this site.

Thanks highflyer. In 2005, when DS first declared he was joining the Air Force, the initial goal was to be an officer in the armed forces. He is right on track to fulfill that goal. A few weeks later he added that he was going to USAFA--that part of the dream will take a little longer. But, if that never happens, he will still be on track to be an officer--he can't go wrong either way!

 

[highflyer]

Thanks highflyer. In 2005, when DS first declared he was joining the Air Force, the initial goal was to be an officer in the armed forces. He is right on track to fulfill that goal. A few weeks later he added that he was going to USAFA--that part of the dream will take a little longer. But, if that never happens, he will still be on track to be an officer--he can't go wrong either way!

You are right on, he can't go wrong. I am sure he is an outstanding young man and via whatever path the AF will be better because of him. Best Wishes.

 

[2016USAFA]

Well this really sucks... Here I thought I stood a chance because I had still heard nothing. And now people who are (allegedly) much more qualified than I am are receiving TWE's? I have no doubt that I will receive a TWE now. (I live in CT so it'll take longer to get here).
They should have told us earlier... I held out on the hope that they fabricated and now I have to just accept that I'm going to a regular, non-prestigious college...

 

[SMB]

Well this really sucks... Here I thought I stood a chance because I had still heard nothing. And now people who are (allegedly) much more qualified than I am are receiving TWE's? I have no doubt that I will receive a TWE now. (I live in CT so it'll take longer to get here).
They should have told us earlier... I held out on the hope that they fabricated and now I have to just accept that I'm going to a regular, non-prestigious college...

C'est la vie. You don't always get what you want; all you can do is your best. I know it's frustrating, but that really isn't the best attitude to have at this point.