If you want it - don’t give up!

Nilet

Nilet

5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2015
Messages
50
I throw this thread out every year as the as the appointments (and rejections) start rolling. Please feel free to ask any/all questions about the various topics.

I was a three time applicant to USAFA, and am glad I did it! Below is where I started, where I’ve been, and where I am. Just because it’s a long shot, doesn’t mean it won’t be worth it!

-High School 2012 (Class of 30 students)
-USAFA Rejected c/o 2016
-USAFA Rejected c/o 2017
-AFROTC 2012/2013
-NCAA Runner 2012/2013
-USAFA Appointment c/o 2018
-USAFA Precision Flying Team (2015-2018)
-USAFA Club Hockey Team (2014-2018)
-USAFA Graduate 2018
-Pilot Training Laughlin AFB (T-6->T-38)
-IFF Randolph AFB
-F-22 B-Course Eglin AFB
 
Nilet said:
I throw this thread out every year as the as the appointments (and rejections) start rolling. Please feel free to ask any/all questions about the various topics.

I was a three time applicant to USAFA, and am glad I did it! Below is where I started, where I’ve been, and where I am. Just because it’s a long shot, doesn’t mean it won’t be worth it!

-High School 2012 (Class of 30 students)
-USAFA Rejected c/o 2016
-USAFA Rejected c/o 2017
-AFROTC 2012/2013
-NCAA Runner 2012/2013
-USAFA Appointment c/o 2018
-USAFA Precision Flying Team (2015-2018)
-USAFA Club Hockey Team (2014-2018)
-USAFA Graduate 2018
-Pilot Training Laughlin AFB (T-6->T-38)
-IFF Randolph AFB
-F-22 B-Course Eglin AFB
Click to expand...

Nilet,
I want to thank you for this simple yet inspirational post. I also saw on one of your earlier postings a certain quote that resonated with me!

"Quitting - it's the easiest thing in the world to do; but to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, now that's true strength."

-Nilet's Mother

Thank you so much !
You're an inspiration to me and so many others!

Mountain_Patriot
 
Nilet said:
I throw this thread out every year as the as the appointments (and rejections) start rolling. Please feel free to ask any/all questions about the various topics.

I was a three time applicant to USAFA, and am glad I did it! Below is where I started, where I’ve been, and where I am. Just because it’s a long shot, doesn’t mean it won’t be worth it!

-High School 2012 (Class of 30 students)
-USAFA Rejected c/o 2016
-USAFA Rejected c/o 2017
-AFROTC 2012/2013
-NCAA Runner 2012/2013
-USAFA Appointment c/o 2018
-USAFA Precision Flying Team (2015-2018)
-USAFA Club Hockey Team (2014-2018)
-USAFA Graduate 2018
-Pilot Training Laughlin AFB (T-6->T-38)
-IFF Randolph AFB
-F-22 B-Course Eglin AFB
Click to expand...
Did you have an AFROTC scholarship. I do but I’m worried that if I don’t get into USAFA and I am in AFROTC that if I apply again while in ROTC they won’t let me transfer to USAFA since I have the scholarship.
 
Ilikeplanes35 said:
Did you have an AFROTC scholarship. I do but I’m worried that if I don’t get into USAFA and I am in AFROTC that if I apply again while in ROTC they won’t let me transfer to USAFA since I have the scholarship.
Click to expand...
That's a needless worry. An academy appointment ALWAYS overrides a scholarship. You could go to the academy with no obligation to any ROTC program. It happens every year to many ROTC proram participants.
 
Ilikeplanes35 said:
Did you have an AFROTC scholarship. I do but I’m worried that if I don’t get into USAFA and I am in AFROTC that if I apply again while in ROTC they won’t let me transfer to USAFA since I have the scholarship.
Click to expand...
Yes, I did. I had a Type 7 converted to a type 2, so I had used one of the three years by the time I got accepted. Even though I got accepted before my second semester of college that year, and the Air Force knew I would be leaving to go to USAFA, they insisted I stay in college for another semester, and paid me to do it!
-Nilet
 
Nilet said:
I throw this thread out every year as the as the appointments (and rejections) start rolling. Please feel free to ask any/all questions about the various topics.

I was a three time applicant to USAFA, and am glad I did it! Below is where I started, where I’ve been, and where I am. Just because it’s a long shot, doesn’t mean it won’t be worth it!

-High School 2012 (Class of 30 students)
-USAFA Rejected c/o 2016
-USAFA Rejected c/o 2017
-AFROTC 2012/2013
-NCAA Runner 2012/2013
-USAFA Appointment c/o 2018
-USAFA Precision Flying Team (2015-2018)
-USAFA Club Hockey Team (2014-2018)
-USAFA Graduate 2018
-Pilot Training Laughlin AFB (T-6->T-38)
-IFF Randolph AFB
-F-22 B-Course Eglin AFB
Click to expand...
First of all, congrats on how far you have gone! Because you fly F-22's, I assume that you did very well at UPT and graduated near the top of the class. Is there any advice or tips you have for someone going into UPT that could help them get to the top of the class and earn a slot as a fighter pilot?
 
Nilet, thank you for this inspiration. As a father of a candidate it killed me to see his disappointment the first time he was denied (last year). He also received an AFROTC Type 7 converted to a Type 2 and reapplied this year, like so many others we know he made it to the top 2200, but waiting on the appointment is a tough wait, when so many have been already. He has already told me if denied again he is reapplying next year. My concern is that he goes to field training next year (between sophomore and junior year) with AFROTC, and once complete spends the last 2 years working to commission. I will support him without a second thought, but to get that far in the process only to start over is going to be tough to watch. In the end though, I am his cheering section and this is his goal. I PRAY THIS IS THE YEAR, not sure I can keep it together like I did last year if it is another rejection, but as a parent we need to be the rock. Congrats to you again, and your story and my DS are almost identical, thank you for sharing.
 
Nilet said:
Yes, I did. I had a Type 7 converted to a type 2, so I had used one of the three years by the time I got accepted. Even though I got accepted before my second semester of college that year, and the Air Force knew I would be leaving to go to USAFA, they insisted I stay in college for another semester, and paid me to do it!
-Nilet
Click to expand...
I have a type 7 as well and may concern it depending on where I go. How did that exactly work so u applied as a Freshman in college got in but didn’t go till after sophomore year. Or did u apply during sophomore year and get in then. Because I want to still have that possibility to go to USAFA but idk if it is after sophomore year then it is not possible or if it still is.
 
Ilikeplanes35 said:
I have a type 7 as well and may concern it depending on where I go. How did that exactly work so u applied as a Freshman in college got in but didn’t go till after sophomore year. Or did u apply during sophomore year and get in then. Because I want to still have that possibility to go to USAFA but idk if it is after sophomore year then it is not possible or if it still is.
Click to expand...
It doesn't matter how many years you've invested in ROTC. You apply in the autumn one year, your appointment comes in the spring, and you start at the academy that summer. In the meantime you finish your academic year in college, whether you're a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior.
 
USAFA_86 said:
First of all, congrats on how far you have gone! Because you fly F-22's, I assume that you did very well at UPT and graduated near the top of the class. Is there any advice or tips you have for someone going into UPT that could help them get to the top of the class and earn a slot as a fighter pilot?
Click to expand...
First off - you have to do the cliche things which generally make you be successful. As my mentor at the Academy told me (also an F-22 guy) “work hard be a bro, that’s it.” But obviously extend it to everything you would expect. Work out, study hard, sleep, etc...

Start developing good habits at the Academy (or in college). Time management will be the most valuable skills both at the Academy, and in UPT. Don't only learn, but learn *how* to learn. Focus on how you best digest information, and continue developing those habits. Most importantly, get your life completely in order (financially, relationships, living situation, etc...) prior to showing up. The ability to have a laser focus while you are training at UPT is a huge asset.

Now tangibly, there are a few things that help not just you, but your ENTIRE class do better. You’ll hear the saying “Rising tides make the whole boat float higher” and that certainly is true about UPT. Classes that do well as a whole, also do better as individuals *most* of the time. Bond with your wingmen early on. Just like in flying, mutual support between each other will help everyone do better, and you will each be better off for that. Utilize the knowledge of those who went before you. Share information between classmates, and never withhold things while trying to "get ahead" (true outside of UPT as well). Finally, be passionate about what you are doing, and try to instill that passion among the people around you. The first thing a group needs to be successful is a common goal, and if you can accelerate as a group towards that goal fueled by passion, the class as a whole will excel. Then, it just comes down to Luck, Timing, and Skill. But give yourself, and those around you, the best shot you can with the factors you can control.

Most of these habits and traits are common among aiming at success in general; whether applying for the Academy, being at the Academy, or training for a profession.

-Nilet
 
Drizzt1969 said:
Nilet, thank you for this inspiration. As a father of a candidate it killed me to see his disappointment the first time he was denied (last year). He also received an AFROTC Type 7 converted to a Type 2 and reapplied this year, like so many others we know he made it to the top 2200, but waiting on the appointment is a tough wait, when so many have been already. He has already told me if denied again he is reapplying next year. My concern is that he goes to field training next year (between sophomore and junior year) with AFROTC, and once complete spends the last 2 years working to commission. I will support him without a second thought, but to get that far in the process only to start over is going to be tough to watch. In the end though, I am his cheering section and this is his goal. I PRAY THIS IS THE YEAR, not sure I can keep it together like I did last year if it is another rejection, but as a parent we need to be the rock. Congrats to you again, and your story and my DS are almost identical, thank you for sharing.
Click to expand...
I can totally relate to this. I never knew it at the time, but my father had many of the same concerns you have voiced right now. After I graduated, he shared with me what he had thought about my path at the time. He told me that there were multiple times he almost voiced his opinion against what I was trying to do after the second rejection - but he chose to support me instead. I am glad to hear that you are his cheering section, because the support was all I could have asked of my family at the time as well, and they were crucial in my decision to continue.

-Nilet
 
Incredible story! If you don't mind me asking, what were your SAT/ACT scores when you were rejected compared to those scores when you were accepted? Thank you so much in advance!
 
zisham said:
Incredible story! If you don't mind me asking, what were your SAT/ACT scores when you were rejected compared to those scores when you were accepted? Thank you so much in advance!
Click to expand...
I had a 30 ACT. Took it once more and got the same score.

-Nilet
 
I will be honest, I am a Christian man and raised my family to stand by whatever happens as it is part of God's plan for each of us and no 2 roads are the same. I am not proud to say this but I am actually starting to resent USAFA, this process is brutal and looks like we will be going through it a third time now. This is not about me, if this is what my DS wants I will support him, but going to be tough. I just wish he would focus on his AFROTC scholarship, he is doing awesome in the program, but he wants USAFA, and I shall continue to be that cheering section (through gritted teeth). Sorry to be a downer, I just have no one to speak to about what I am feeling that understands, but I know the folks here completely understand where I am coming from. God's many blessings to all the appointees, my DS is still holding out for next week, I will pray for him.
 
Drizzt1969 said:
I will be honest, I am a Christian man and raised my family to stand by whatever happens as it is part of God's plan for each of us and no 2 roads are the same. I am not proud to say this but I am actually starting to resent USAFA, this process is brutal and looks like we will be going through it a third time now. This is not about me, if this is what my DS wants I will support him, but going to be tough. I just wish he would focus on his AFROTC scholarship, he is doing awesome in the program, but he wants USAFA, and I shall continue to be that cheering section (through gritted teeth). Sorry to be a downer, I just have no one to speak to about what I am feeling that understands, but I know the folks here completely understand where I am coming from. God's many blessings to all the appointees, my DS is still holding out for next week, I will pray for him.
Click to expand...
Totally understand the feeling. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions or want to chat about it.

-Nilet
 
Nilet - Thank you for sharing. I was also a three time applicant - to USNA. Your story of perseverance will undoubtedly help motivate candidates to regroup and try again. The TWE is always hurtful. The question then becomes - what are you going to do? Some will give up and move on, while others will assess what they need to work on the next time around and make their next application that much stronger.

Best wishes with the F-22 program!
 
Drizzt1969 said:
I will be honest, I am a Christian man and raised my family to stand by whatever happens as it is part of God's plan for each of us and no 2 roads are the same. I am not proud to say this but I am actually starting to resent USAFA, this process is brutal and looks like we will be going through it a third time now. This is not about me, if this is what my DS wants I will support him, but going to be tough. I just wish he would focus on his AFROTC scholarship, he is doing awesome in the program, but he wants USAFA, and I shall continue to be that cheering section (through gritted teeth). Sorry to be a downer, I just have no one to speak to about what I am feeling that understands, but I know the folks here completely understand where I am coming from. God's many blessings to all the appointees, my DS is still holding out for next week, I will pray for him.
Click to expand...

Drizz- You're just being a parent. It's extremely frustrating. I experienced it myself and have now experienced it with my second son. Oldest is a current Mid. Take a step back and please know it's not personal against your son. There are so many factors that go into the selection process. I know it's easier to write here than to see the hopes of your kid be diminished. But I just want to say that your son is an incredible young man for wanting to try again for USAFA. He's literally willing to start all over as a freshman. Why? Because he sees something so special about being a part of USAFA that he's willing to start all over. I know the feeling as I did it too, for USNA. And I will tell you and anyone reading this, that for me and Nilet, and likely so many others, it was worth it. Some may say to stay the course in ROTC and finish strong. Get your career going. And that's likely the more rational decision. But the fire that exists in these young men and women to attend a service academy is commendable. I have no doubt that wherever you son graduates from, he will be an outstanding Air Force officer and leader. Fingers crossed for your son this time around.
 
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