Falcon Foundation Scholarship Question

A

aw25

NWP ’23
Joined
Oct 30, 2021
Messages
39
Hello, I've recently been notified that I have received a Falcon Foundation scholarship and am a little confused. I did some research and what I have found says that the scholarships are only given to those that USAFA have interest in but still need to improve on their academics. This makes no sense as I have a 33 ACT and a 4.12 GPA. Any ideas on why this happened? Other than that, I am very happy to have received something other than a rejection letter and would like to learn more about my options. Also, if I have the option of choice, which prep school is the most recommended?
 
I had a friend in the same position. She went to NWP and kept the same ACT score, which still far exceeded the standard. She earned her appointment just last month. It could be because they want you, but they simply didn't have enough spots, but I really can't say for certain.
 
I was a prepster at NWP and I know our year there were some extremely academically qualified candidates who received scholarships. They were told it was because the Academy wanted them but there just weren't enough spots. Regardless, I highly recommend going and using that year to better yourself to excel at USAFA. I may be a little biased about NWP being the best (even if we do send the most to AF every year) but if you have any questions!
 
ajwalls said:
Hello, I've recently been notified that I have received a Falcon Foundation scholarship and am a little confused. I did some research and what I have found says that the scholarships are only given to those that USAFA have interest in but still need to improve on their academics. This makes no sense as I have a 33 ACT and a 4.12 GPA. Any ideas on why this happened? Other than that, I am very happy to have received something other than a rejection letter and would like to learn more about my options. Also, if I have the option of choice, which prep school is the most recommended?
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I have no input on your question, but do you mind if I ask how far along you will be able to get in math and lab sciences in high school? Great gpa and act BTW.
 
It's quite possible you CFA wasn't exactly where they wanted you, you had one or two grades that were iffy ( for me it was my two high but B's in math) or it could be something like they think you need a year. Most people on here are went to NWP or at least those are the more vocal one. Fantastic school. Highly recommend going over to prep schools threads and reading more there

Pros: One semester, on top of mountain so you get a feeling for altitude training. Second semester is at a college of your choice. No uniforms

Cons: it's on top of a mountain so you can't leave campus, you have to pay for second semester. You'll be doing math, chem, physics, English and pt every day. School is more than 5 days a week ( it's not exactly 6 but definitely something to look into). You have study hall.

I can't give all pros and cons as well that gives some of the fun away 😎. Highly recommend looking each of the schools up. Finding out the cost and weighing each option carefully. I loved my time at NWP and our GC with all 69 students talk regularly. Congratulations and keep fighting!
 
mach01 said:
I was a prepster at NWP and I know our year there were some extremely academically qualified candidates who received scholarships. They were told it was because the Academy wanted them but there just weren't enough spots. Regardless, I highly recommend going and using that year to better yourself to excel at USAFA. I may be a little biased about NWP being the best (even if we do send the most to AF every year) but if you have any questions!
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Thanks for the info! I have a couple of questions:
1 - What is the success rate for Falcon Scholars getting in after a year of prep?

2- Is the daily structure about the same as what the academy is? Is there a basic training? May sound stupid to ask but I know nothing right now. Any extra info is appreciated as well
 
ReDux said:
I have no input on your question, but do you mind if I ask how far along you will be able to get in math and lab sciences in high school? Great gpa and act BTW.
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For my school (small town school in central Oklahoma), the highest math class we have available is math analysis (which is the equivalent to pre-calc), and there isn't really a highest science, just a bunch of AP versions of stuff like chem and psych. Obviously this is most likely very different from other schools in other areas, but for my area that's about as good as it gets.
 
My DD attended NWP as a Falcon this past fall. As you look at your options, I highly recommend that you (and your parents) set up a 1:1 call or Zoom with Mrs. Durbeck to learn more.
 
There is a difference between a Falcon Foundation scholarship and an Air Force Prep School appointment. The Prep School is at USAFA and generally is for students who need some academic sharpening. Falcon Foundation scholarships can be used at any of the approved military prep schools and are for prospective cadets who did not make the cut for whatever reason (not just academics), but the Foundation sees something that they feel is worth keeping. Sponsored preps have a very good acceptance rate if they follow the curriculum at their chosen school.

Stealth_81
 
Also, the Falcon Foundation publishes a lot of data on its website...just poke around a bit and you'll find it. We found that reassuring.
 
FlyFalcon said:
It's quite possible you CFA wasn't exactly where they wanted you, you had one or two grades that were iffy ( for me it was my two high but B's in math) or it could be something like they think you need a year. Most people on here are went to NWP or at least those are the more vocal one. Fantastic school. Highly recommend going over to prep schools threads and reading more there

Pros: One semester, on top of mountain so you get a feeling for altitude training. Second semester is at a college of your choice. No uniforms

Cons: it's on top of a mountain so you can't leave campus, you have to pay for second semester. You'll be doing math, chem, physics, English and pt every day. School is more than 5 days a week ( it's not exactly 6 but definitely something to look into). You have study hall.

I can't give all pros and cons as well that gives some of the fun away 😎. Highly recommend looking each of the schools up. Finding out the cost and weighing each option carefully. I loved my time at NWP and our GC with all 69 students talk regularly. Congratulations and keep fighting!
Click to expand...
The more I read on this the better it sounds. I already replied to someone else with the same question but what is the acceptance rate to USAFA for Falcon Scholars after their one year? That may be the only deciding factor so far because everything else I've read basically screams that I should accept the offer. Also to answer what you said up top, my CFA was well above average, and I have only made 2 B's total, which were both 88's in math classes in past years. The more I think about it, the more I realize that this may be a better offer overall in terms of figuring out if this is something I really want to do. Better to find out at a prep than at the academy. But according to what you said it sounds like I'll be just fine. Thanks for your response
 
Stealth_81 said:
There is a difference between a Falcon Foundation scholarship and an Air Force Prep School appointment. The Prep School is at USAFA and generally is for students who need some academic sharpening. Falcon Foundation scholarships can be used at any of the approved military prep schools and are for prospective cadets who did not make the cut for whatever reason (not just academics), but the Foundation sees something that they feel is worth keeping. Sponsored preps have a very good acceptance rate if they follow the curriculum at their chosen school.

Stealth_81
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Sounds good, thank you!
 
ajwalls said:
Hello, I've recently been notified that I have received a Falcon Foundation scholarship and am a little confused. I did some research and what I have found says that the scholarships are only given to those that USAFA have interest in but still need to improve on their academics. This makes no sense as I have a 33 ACT and a 4.12 GPA. Any ideas on why this happened? Other than that, I am very happy to have received something other than a rejection letter and would like to learn more about my options. Also, if I have the option of choice, which prep school is the most recommended?
Click to expand...
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth!


The Falcon Foundation scholarships are awarded by the Association of Graduates/Foundation (AOG). They get a list of candidates who USAFA wants, but there's no space at either USAFA or the prep school. If you want to go to USAFA, then take the scholarship. They will prep you to succeed at USAFA and even help you get the appt.

Note that their are only about 40-ish of these scholarships every year. So, I personally consider them the "Golden Ticket" if you don't mind prepping for another year to get into USAFA.
 
Randolph-Macon Academy, in Front Royal, VA, is a great HS with a strong successful Falcon Scholar program. The FS success rate has been 100% last few years. DD has loved it for the last 2 years and I can’t speak highly enough for the school. If you have questions, DM me when you can. (DD received appointments to 3 SAs including AF)
 
SpiritCommitteeLiaison said:
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth!


The Falcon Foundation scholarships are awarded by the Association of Graduates (AOG). They get a list of candidates who USAFA wants, but there's no space at either USAFA or the prep school. If you want to go to USAFA, then take the scholarship. They will prep you to succeed at USAFA and even help you get the appt.
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My moment of grief was a very short one once I found out what the scholarship actually was. I'm happy to take the extra year and can assure you it won't be wasted on me!
 
RAI923 said:
Randolph-Macon Academy, in Front Royal, VA, is a great HS with a strong successful Falcon Scholar program. The FS success rate has been 100% last few years. DD has loved it for the last 2 years and I can’t speak highly enough for the school. If you have questions, DM me when you can. (DD received appointments to 3 SAs including AF)
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I found that one online, and I agree from what I've seen it's a great opportunity. I'll definitely DM you if I have questions later
 
ajwalls said:
My moment of grief was a very short one once I found out what the scholarship actually was. I'm happy to take the extra year and can assure you it won't be wasted on me!
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AWESOME attitude! You will do well at the prep school and at USAFA. You've already shown that you can adapt and adjust. Congratulations on the scholarship! I look forward to seeing you succeed!
 
ajwalls said:
For my school (small town school in central Oklahoma), the highest math class we have available is math analysis (which is the equivalent to pre-calc), and there isn't really a highest science, just a bunch of AP versions of stuff like chem and psych. Obviously this is most likely very different from other schools in other areas, but for my area that's about as good as it gets.
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98% as long as you follow the contract it really is a golden ticket. I receive my appointment back in Feb. Only requirement for me now is to pass my classes with B's or higher and don't get in to trouble.
 
SpiritCommitteeLiaison said:
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth!


The Falcon Foundation scholarships are awarded by the Association of Graduates/Foundation (AOG). They get a list of candidates who USAFA wants, but there's no space at either USAFA or the prep school. If you want to go to USAFA, then take the scholarship. They will prep you to succeed at USAFA and even help you get the appt.

Note that their are only about 40-ish of these scholarships every year. So, I personally consider them the "Golden Ticket" if you don't mind prepping for another year to get into USAFA.
Click to expand...
40 is a bit low. According to General Lorenz 100 can be given out each year if funding provides. Normally about 60-80 are given out. However they are definitely rare and an amazing opportunity. We had 32-36 falcons at NWP.
 
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