It is my belief that the Falcon Foundation Scholarship is what most everyone here is saying. It is a year of prep to get a desired candidate to become more likely to succeed at the Academy. The question often asked by those offered a FS is why was I selected for this and not a direct appointment? That answer unless obvious may never be known. It is more important to accept the FS and do well at prep knowing you are extremely likely to be offered an appointment the following year. You will also be much better prepared for success at the USAFA. I believe most anyone who went that route has zero regrets, quite the contrary imo.
It has been said to be the “Golden Ticket “ to USAFA, which it essentially is as long as you also secure a Nomination as well. If attending USAFA is your goal for commissioning, this is a great route to take if offered (the same can be said for other SA offers of prep for your choosing).
DS was offered a FS via phone call a few years ago in July. He had applied to USAFA but had no Nomination. His overall application was not lacking in any area, so while the year of prep wouldn’t hurt, it wasn’t necessary as he seemed fully qualified. While that’s only my opinion, stats are stats and if that is the only reason they use and offer the FS is based on qualifications or lack of, it should be that black and white . He had scholarship offers to other schools and a 4 year AROTC from 1st board. So my belief was he simply didn’t have a NOM and they still wanted him.
When the phone call came from USAFA I took the call. The lady explained what the FS was and that DS had to accept or decline the offer on the spot. I thanked her very much for the offer and explained DS was at BEAST and would have to decline. We chuckled and had a short Military Branch smack talk session before our final humble and kind exchange of words.
So like Appointments, so is Prep school FS, there is a lot going on behind the curtain to shape each class. We will never know the answers to the millions of questions about the process, but the SAF certainly shines an entertaining light on it with these discussions!