I applied to the USAFA when I graduated high school in 2008 but didn't finish my application because of an injury. I am applying again after spending two years in college. My question is, does if applying out of college gives you a step up on other applicants assuming you have good grades?
College Students Applying to the ASAFA
- Thread starter bjschick
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I understand candidates are evaluated without bias, but what I am asking is if spending a few years in college and then applying to the USAFA is going to help because A. you're willing to start as a first year (which shows commitment), and B. you are most likely more mature than many applicants out of high school. Idunno just wondering
frisbforce
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I am a third time applier this year and I would have to agree. Somewhere last year I heard they look at third year students first and then second and then first. Also, I have heard former college students do the best at USAFA. This might just be an opinion but who knows.
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Okay, I'll end speculation.
Yes, college students are looked at differently from high school students.
Why?
Because when we evaluate high school students, we're focused upon HS grades, activities, extracurriculars and in a HUGE way: SAT and ACT results. Why?
Because these are the "best" predictors we have of SUCCESS in college! And that's the concern we have with our candidates: can they succeed in the SA environment? Let's be honest here: if the SA's were simply about academics, almost anyone could "succeed" here. But they're not "just academics." There is SO much more there; and the difficulty skyrockets.
A student applying from college will be reviewed differently because of their college record. Now...it you've been pulling "C" grades in college...don't get your hopes up. You'll be "just another candidate." However...if you're in college, taking a full academic load, are involved in other activities (think sports, job, etc.) and are pulling better than a 3.0 GPA...then the SA's will look HARD and say: "Hmm...succeeding in college...what else do they bring to the table?"
Will having been a college student give you an "advantage" over the high school student? It "might" but probably won't. What it WILL give you is a review on a different level...and it that regard, it might help you.
To end this...I have seen many students apply from college. MOST are "typical candidates" that have some college. They're evaluated along with all the other candidates; they might get a few extra "points" in the process (hey, they've got college). Then there were those few college students that were OUTSTANDING in college; blowing away the GPA, activities, etc. THEY were looked at differently and they usually ended up very happy in March/April.
But you can't "paint with a broad brush" here and "guesstimate" because that's all it'll be.
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
Yes, college students are looked at differently from high school students.
Why?
Because when we evaluate high school students, we're focused upon HS grades, activities, extracurriculars and in a HUGE way: SAT and ACT results. Why?
Because these are the "best" predictors we have of SUCCESS in college! And that's the concern we have with our candidates: can they succeed in the SA environment? Let's be honest here: if the SA's were simply about academics, almost anyone could "succeed" here. But they're not "just academics." There is SO much more there; and the difficulty skyrockets.
A student applying from college will be reviewed differently because of their college record. Now...it you've been pulling "C" grades in college...don't get your hopes up. You'll be "just another candidate." However...if you're in college, taking a full academic load, are involved in other activities (think sports, job, etc.) and are pulling better than a 3.0 GPA...then the SA's will look HARD and say: "Hmm...succeeding in college...what else do they bring to the table?"
Will having been a college student give you an "advantage" over the high school student? It "might" but probably won't. What it WILL give you is a review on a different level...and it that regard, it might help you.
To end this...I have seen many students apply from college. MOST are "typical candidates" that have some college. They're evaluated along with all the other candidates; they might get a few extra "points" in the process (hey, they've got college). Then there were those few college students that were OUTSTANDING in college; blowing away the GPA, activities, etc. THEY were looked at differently and they usually ended up very happy in March/April.
But you can't "paint with a broad brush" here and "guesstimate" because that's all it'll be.
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
thanks for the response
Thanks for the response. I have done well, but not exceptional (3.0 exactly), but have been heavily involved in extra curricular activities (sports, clubs, newspaper editor etc. It sounds like I may just be evaluated as normal, but hey, I had to ask.
Thanks for the response. I have done well, but not exceptional (3.0 exactly), but have been heavily involved in extra curricular activities (sports, clubs, newspaper editor etc. It sounds like I may just be evaluated as normal, but hey, I had to ask.
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frisbforce
5-Year Member
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That's about what I have so we are in the same boat!! Good luck!!