Hi everyone, new gal here. Trying to learn about AFA admissions and feeling overwhelmed by all the acronyms. My youngest S will be a 9th grader in the fall. It's been his dream to attend AFA and fly for AF, like thousands of other kids. He knows that admissions is very competitive, and I've told him to keep aiming high; if he is a competitive candidate for the academy, he'll be a competitive applicant at many schools.
We are homeschoolers, which is a plus (flexibility) but poses challenges (team sports). I downloaded the homeschooler guidelines, and am starting to do research so that we have a game plan when he begins high school.
A little of his background:
Academics - above average student.
Fitness - second-degree black belt in taekwondo. Likes to run, recently ran a couple 5ks.
Extracurricular - competitive speech club, plays cello in a band. Considering joining robotics club. I suggested he check out Civil Air Patrol.
Leadership - very hard worker and natural born leader. At church, he is on the set up/tear down team. Everyone comments on his leadership skills, and adults go to him for direction.
He may have to find other outlets to demonstrate this ability, but at the very least our pastor would be able to write a strong rec letter.
When is a good time to go to an AFA outreach event?
He wants to continue in taekwondo. Can he be a competitive applicant without a team sport, or is it a deal breaker? A long time ago, an acquaintance told us that they knew an admitted cadet who got in with just martial arts, but I can't remember who it was.
What else should we know or consider? We would be very grateful for words of wisdom from you veterans. Thanks in advance!
