Falcon Foundation Scholarship
- Thread starter Alpineskier
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Matthewmillr94
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Actually she has "APed" out of Math and took Differential Equations and is taking Calc 3 this semester at a local university. I am afraid she won't have any math to take to keep her prepared for the SA. This is the main thing I am worried about and I cannot find any answers to my concerns since she is in a unique situation. Any advice is appreciated
I was in a similar situation before I went to NWP. I had taken AP Calculus BC (self studied the BC material - my school only offered AB) and gotten a 5 on the exam. Outside of that, I had self studied calc 3 and verified the class for the university I was going to attend before I got the scholarship. I also self studied linear algebra concepts as they were integrated into my calc 3 class. This being considered, I admittedly went to NWP thinking that their precalc class was going to be very easy for me. Not the case - I met another student at NWP that had about the same level of math as I did and I know that we both learned a lot of abstract algebra and trigonometric concepts that aren't even touched on in high school. And the material that I did understand, I learned how to derive the respective equations and became more consistent in my mental math.
This isn't to say that your daughter is in the same situation I was, I'm just making a point that NWP will prepare you to excel further at the academies regardless of skill level.
Alpineskier
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I was talking to my parents about the Falcon Foundation and surprisingly they did not seem that on board. They said that if I got a AFROTC scholarship I should turn down the Falcon Foundation and reapply next year and I would have a better chance. I was actually surprised by their answer because my dad was enlisted in the Army and applied to the prep school and went to West Point.... I think its because they think that the Falcon Foundation is only a massive unknown and if i don't get an appointment im screwed. Also this is all hypothetical... i dont have an appointment, AFROTC scholarship, USAFAPS, or Falcon Foundation. I am just setting up plan B and C. Any advice that I can tell them or statics? Thanks.
Our daughter received an AFROTC scholarship last year before receiving the Falcon Foundation scholarship. She chose the FF scholarship as she understood that her chances of an appointment this year were greater than if she used her AFROTC scholarship and reapplied. It is my understanding that the FF scholars are basically assured a spot in the incoming class as long as they meet the requirements set forth in the scholarship and stay out of trouble
From the FF website: "Barring unusual circumstances, the Air Force Academy is committed to appointing Falcon Scholars who:
Successfully complete their preparatory program
Continue to meet the admissions guidelines
Obtain a nomination valid for the year of entry into USAFA"
Stats from their website show that for 2012 92% of FF scholars received appointments and for the past 5 years 94% of FF scholars received appointments. I don't know what the stats are for students reapplying while in college.
You may also want to share this with your parents http://www.usafa.org/Documents/FalconFoundation/Checkpoints092012-FalconFoundationAdvantage.pdf
Pima
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Alpine,
At this time I am pretty sure you know the traditional college you want to attend. Have you talked to the cadre there?
They may have insight on what your chances will be if this becomes your path. It maybe that for the last 3 yrs they have supported cadets, but only 50% were offered appointments.
Than again, they may have had 100% appointed too.
On a whole, I think chances are always better for reapplicants. It would be interesting to see if the AFA has stats for applicants reapplying from an appointment rate. That may also help for your folks to see. For example if only 50% of reapplicants get appointed, than that should calm their nerves.
At this time I am pretty sure you know the traditional college you want to attend. Have you talked to the cadre there?
They may have insight on what your chances will be if this becomes your path. It maybe that for the last 3 yrs they have supported cadets, but only 50% were offered appointments.
Than again, they may have had 100% appointed too.
On a whole, I think chances are always better for reapplicants. It would be interesting to see if the AFA has stats for applicants reapplying from an appointment rate. That may also help for your folks to see. For example if only 50% of reapplicants get appointed, than that should calm their nerves.
BlahuKahuna
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If USAFA is really what you want, Falcon Foundation will give you a much better chance of getting in than AFROTC.
Could you wind up without an appointment? Sure. The people who don't get in from FF are primarily:
medically disqualified
in legal trouble
failing classes
I know NWP has had a 100% Falcon appointment rate for at least the past couple of years. They call it the "Golden Ticket" of reapplying for a reason
Could you wind up without an appointment? Sure. The people who don't get in from FF are primarily:
medically disqualified
in legal trouble
failing classes
I know NWP has had a 100% Falcon appointment rate for at least the past couple of years. They call it the "Golden Ticket" of reapplying for a reason
haleym
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If USAFA is really what you want, Falcon Foundation will give you a much better chance of getting in than AFROTC.
Could you wind up without an appointment? Sure. The people who don't get in from FF are primarily:
medically disqualified
in legal trouble
failing classes
I know NWP has had a 100% Falcon appointment rate for at least the past couple of years. They call it the "Golden Ticket" of reapplying for a reason
As does MMI. Actually, if I've been told correctly by Colonel Lewis (the Service Academy Prep advisor here), they've never had a Falcon NOT receive their appointment. Again, consider ALL of your options if you get this opportunity.
Falcon
My son received a Falcon in 2011. He is a freshman at USAFA this year. He tells everyone, that the best thing he did, was go to NWP. Matt was a good student who excelled in high school without studying . NWP taught him how to study. I do not care how smart you are, You will have to study at USAFA. I have heard that only 1%of the cadets at USAFA have a 4.0. Call your Congressman and see if they can help you get a Falcon. The Durbecks have a great school and prepare the students for a service academy.
My son received a Falcon in 2011. He is a freshman at USAFA this year. He tells everyone, that the best thing he did, was go to NWP. Matt was a good student who excelled in high school without studying . NWP taught him how to study. I do not care how smart you are, You will have to study at USAFA. I have heard that only 1%of the cadets at USAFA have a 4.0. Call your Congressman and see if they can help you get a Falcon. The Durbecks have a great school and prepare the students for a service academy.
Soccer Guy
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What do you mean by this? I thought the only way to receive a Falcon scholarship was to be given one by admissions at their own discretion sometime in May.
Dad
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You are correct.
futureflyer17
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Actually incorrect. It really depends on your congressman's office. I am with Ed Royce in CA. The congressional staffer that runs the application process for nominations is very involved, Patty Shea. She goes out and talks to the USAFA admissions workers (i.e. director of admissions, admissions board) and talks to them and sells, what we call, "her kids." For the most part, yes its up to the academy's discretion but there is a part where your congressman's office can help. That is how I received my Falcon. In fact, I was offered a first falcon but didn't accept it and then was offered a second one a month before prep school started.
------------------------------Different note-------------------------------
As far as prep schools. I went to NWP. If you are looking at attending a prep school next year please read this about NWP:
Northwestern Preparatory School is a Civilian Prep School. There is ZERO emphasis on military work. I am very, very, very, good friends with the Durbecks and have talked with them about the schools philosophy. They believe that the academies will teach you how to do military things. For them, the prep school job is to prepare a person for the academy life, mainly study skills. They believe that if they were to have a military prep school, then their students would be burned out on the military aspect before they even went to the academy.
This is just one pair of peoples beliefs. Please take it as it is and don't try to read between the lines. I have nothing against the other school (my cousin actually went to one). I just loved how NWP was run and then skills I learned. Living in a dorm with 18 people makes a difference
haleym
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As far as prep schools. I went to NWP. If you are looking at attending a prep school next year please read this about NWP:
Northwestern Preparatory School is a Civilian Prep School. There is ZERO emphasis on military work. I am very, very, very, good friends with the Durbecks and have talked with them about the schools philosophy. They believe that the academies will teach you how to do military things. For them, the prep school job is to prepare a person for the academy life, mainly study skills. They believe that if they were to have a military prep school, then their students would be burned out on the military aspect before they even went to the academy.
This is just one pair of peoples beliefs. Please take it as it is and don't try to read between the lines. I have nothing against the other school (my cousin actually went to one). I just loved how NWP was run and then skills I learned. Living in a dorm with 18 people makes a difference
Sorry flyer, but I have to disagree with the Durbecks on this one! I concur that NWP is a great place to improve academics, but I feel that I actually have an advantage because I've been living in a military based environment. You have a much better idea of what to expect the coming years when it comes to the lifestyle, and will know in your heart if it is for you or not. If you feel burnt out after one year of military prep, how in the world are you going to be able to handle it for the next 10+ years you commit? NWP is a fine institution, but certainly don't sell the military prep options short based on that idea- because personally, I feel like that excuse is bologna. Is there more adversity at a military prep option than there may be at other civilian options? Yes, I believe so. But I also feel like I've been challenged here at MMI more so than I have my whole life; and I have much higher confidence in my abilities because of it.
Dad
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Actually you are mistaken. Your Falcon Scholarship was issued by the Falcon Foundation. They take suggestions from USAFA and make selections. If your congressional staff member intercedes with USAFA, that is simply more information that USAFA uses in making their recommendations to the Falcon Foundation. Your congressional rep does NOT play an active role in the selection process.
From the Falcon Foundation website http://www.usafa.org/FalconFoundation/Scholarships
"After the PCQ is evaluated by the Academy Admissions Office, applicants eligible for admission will be entered into the candidate phase and provided a link to the candidate kit. Individuals entered into the candidate phase will be scheduled by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB) for the USAF Academy Qualifying Medical Examination. Once the candidate kit is complete, those applicants who are deemed qualified but not competitive are rank ordered and contacted for consideration of a Falcon Foundation Scholarship."
BlahuKahuna
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Being worried about being "burned out" on a military lifestyle had NOTHING to do with my selection of prep schools.
I knew my biggest weakness was academic, and I knew NWP's academic reputation. I saw some pretty dramatic increases in test scores and overall knowledge/study skills, but I would never knock one of the other prep schools based on the amount of military training or lack thereof. NWP just happened to fit my priorities very well.
None of these schools are one-size-fits-all. If you're awarded a Falcon scholarship, take the time and find the school that fits your needs best. I have classmates who called each school director-not a bad idea, IMHO.
At the end of the day, you'll see benefits proportional to the work you put into your school, whichever one you choose. I'm stoked to see my NWP classmates and Falcons from the other schools soon.
I knew my biggest weakness was academic, and I knew NWP's academic reputation. I saw some pretty dramatic increases in test scores and overall knowledge/study skills, but I would never knock one of the other prep schools based on the amount of military training or lack thereof. NWP just happened to fit my priorities very well.
None of these schools are one-size-fits-all. If you're awarded a Falcon scholarship, take the time and find the school that fits your needs best. I have classmates who called each school director-not a bad idea, IMHO.
At the end of the day, you'll see benefits proportional to the work you put into your school, whichever one you choose. I'm stoked to see my NWP classmates and Falcons from the other schools soon.
haleym
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Totally agree. I did the same thing- talked to directors at the schools I felt were most affordable. MMI was the best choice for me. No matter where you go, you'll make friends that last a lifetime!
futureflyer17
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Dad
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I apologize. I was mistaken. She called the president of the falcon foundation Gen. Kelley and asked for one. They are good friends.
It is always nice to have friends in high places. Best wishes.