Official USAFA Class of 2016 Appointment thread

SilverWings said:
Hi everyone. This is my first post here. I don't know the acronyms, so bear with me. I'm the Dad of a candidate for 2016. We're from No. VA. Here's our status; I have to say we're nervous at this point, and unsure what to do:

We've checked in with our Congressman and our Senator (two nominations), both have not heard anything. My son's application page still says Candidate. We have not received a letter (TWE?). Our ALO has no further information, but indicates my son is at the top of his list and says hang in there.

My son has strong credentials (2240 SAT, 4.0 GPA), scored well of the physical test, and he attended the Summer Program last June. His dream is to be an AF physician....or fly fighters (ah...if only I could be 17 again :smile:). Thanks for listening.
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TWE came today. Shocked. Have to believe USAFA is turning down everyone who did not indicate engineering. Shame on us for putting all of our SA eggs in the AF basket. This kid was top nomination pick for both our Congressman and our Senator. He plays two varsity sports, and is NHS President in addition to his academic record. He scored high on the physical test. The only plausible explanation for his rejection has to be the interest he expressed in a medical career. He also got rejected for ROTC; I suspect for the same reason.

Salt in the wound is the lame rejection form letter that recommends this kid, who has 7 AP courses with 5's and 4's, including 5 in Calculus, should take Calculus 1 and 2 next year, and try again. Really? Best of luck to you AF.
 
Medicine

Not to be rude or insulting Silverwings, but I received an appointment and specified that i wished to pursue a medical career through the academy. Though was denied a senator and governor nomination due to my desired career path (interviewers explicitly stated that they wouldn't give me a nomination, preferring I do ROTC) . It was just really hard to get into the academy this year, and especially hard for people in very competitive areas. Seeing your son's scores, he shoukd definitely apply next year if he still wishes to attend. The military needs individuals with such exemplary talent. Best of luck with whatever he chooses to do :smile:
 
SilverWings said:
TWE came today. Shocked. Have to believe USAFA is turning down everyone who did not indicate engineering. Shame on us for putting all of our SA eggs in the AF basket. This kid was top nomination pick for both our Congressman and our Senator. He plays two varsity sports, and is NHS President in addition to his academic record. He scored high on the physical test. The only plausible explanation for his rejection has to be the interest he expressed in a medical career. He also got rejected for ROTC; I suspect for the same reason.

Salt in the wound is the lame rejection form letter that recommends this kid, who has 7 AP courses with 5's and 4's, including 5 in Calculus, should take Calculus 1 and 2 next year, and try again. Really? Best of luck to you AF.
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I intend on majoring in chem and going OSI (Office of Special Investigations)... I know that doesn't help...:redface: But yes, try again
 
SilverWings said:
Salt in the wound is the lame rejection form letter that recommends this kid, who has 7 AP courses with 5's and 4's, including 5 in Calculus, should take Calculus 1 and 2 next year, and try again. Really? Best of luck to you AF.
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OK, the letter is a bit lame but we can't really expect them to write thousands of personalized letters. If he wants to re-apply and know what he needs to improve he needs to call his counselor.
 
Don't pounce on me! This is a perspective only! My I ask when your DS's application was complete Silverwings? My DS is from CA and a varsity athlete(captain this year), Eagle Scout, has a few AP and honors classes. Super scored a 2000 on the SAT and carries a 3.87 gpa. He did well on the CFA, but did not Max anything. Had three additional letters of recommendation beyond high school teachers. His only nomination was Presidential (his appointment came before the interviews for Congressional nominations). His application was completed in August of 2011. The earlier your application is finished the fewer people you are competing with when they rack and stack applications. With the cut backs I think it got real competitive late in the game. My point here is the longer you wait to finish the application the more the odds are stacked against you. I am sure that I am way off base and someone will let me know. As I stated earlier this is just my perspective.
 
Regarding who is accepted...

I am so sad about all of the extremely talented and gifted people who received TWE's today. I realize that you are wounded and hurt and I know that you cannot fully comprehend how your sons and daughters (whom I have no doubt are fully qualified and capable), did not receive their own BFE's.
Well, last summer we met with the head Captain (Navy) in charge of all of the BGO's (Blue and Gold Officers for the Navy) for Northern California. This is what he explained to me: Imagine that you have a huge auditorium and the ENTIRE auditorium is filled with candidates just like your son. They are:
1) The ASB President of their entire school
2) They were the school representative to Boys' State in Calif.
3) They are Eagle Scouts
4) They are varsity lettermen in 2 or more sports
5) They are scholar athletes
6) They are "A" students
7) They scored well on SAT's and did well on their CFA tests
8) They have done hundreds of hours of community service
Now, he said- How do you pick the right candidates from this incredible arena of talent? I stared dumbfounded, and realized that most of the candidates are worthy of that appointment. I believe that it is a miracle that my son received an appointment when so many others did not. I pray for all of you to find a path that will lead you to your dream. I hurt for you because I believe it is an agonizing letter to receive. My prayers will continue for all of you to find the right path for your lives. Congratulations to all of you talented young men and women. YOU have all inspired me!
 
batmom said:
I am so sad about all of the extremely talented and gifted people who received TWE's today. I realize that you are wounded and hurt and I know that you cannot fully comprehend how your sons and daughters (whom I have no doubt are fully qualified and capable), did not receive their own BFE's.
Well, last summer we met with the head Captain (Navy) in charge of all of the BGO's (Blue and Gold Officers for the Navy) for Northern California. This is what he explained to me: Imagine that you have a huge auditorium and the ENTIRE auditorium is filled with candidates just like your son. They are:
1) The ASB President of their entire school
2) They were the school representative to Boys' State in Calif.
3) They are Eagle Scouts
4) They are varsity lettermen in 2 or more sports
5) They are scholar athletes
6) They are "A" students
7) They scored well on SAT's and did well on their CFA tests
8) They have done hundreds of hours of community service
Now, he said- How do you pick the right candidates from this incredible arena of talent? I stared dumbfounded, and realized that most of the candidates are worthy of that appointment. I believe that it is a miracle that my son received an appointment when so many others did not. I pray for all of you to find a path that will lead you to your dream. I hurt for you because I believe it is an agonizing letter to receive. My prayers will continue for all of you to find the right path for your lives. Congratulations to all of you talented young men and women. YOU have all inspired me!
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I feel as though I have no room to talk, but thank you @batmom for this. Goodnight from SC.
 
batmom said:
I am so sad about all of the extremely talented and gifted people who received TWE's today. I realize that you are wounded and hurt and I know that you cannot fully comprehend how your sons and daughters (whom I have no doubt are fully qualified and capable), did not receive their own BFE's.
Well, last summer we met with the head Captain (Navy) in charge of all of the BGO's (Blue and Gold Officers for the Navy) for Northern California. This is what he explained to me: Imagine that you have a huge auditorium and the ENTIRE auditorium is filled with candidates just like your son. They are:
1) The ASB President of their entire school
2) They were the school representative to Boys' State in Calif.
3) They are Eagle Scouts
4) They are varsity lettermen in 2 or more sports
5) They are scholar athletes
6) They are "A" students
7) They scored well on SAT's and did well on their CFA tests
8) They have done hundreds of hours of community service
Now, he said- How do you pick the right candidates from this incredible arena of talent? I stared dumbfounded, and realized that most of the candidates are worthy of that appointment. I believe that it is a miracle that my son received an appointment when so many others did not. I pray for all of you to find a path that will lead you to your dream. I hurt for you because I believe it is an agonizing letter to receive. My prayers will continue for all of you to find the right path for your lives. Congratulations to all of you talented young men and women. YOU have all inspired me!
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Wow, what a great way to put it into perspective.
 
SilverWings said:
TWE came today. Shocked. Have to believe USAFA is turning down everyone who did not indicate engineering. Shame on us for putting all of our SA eggs in the AF basket. This kid was top nomination pick for both our Congressman and our Senator. He plays two varsity sports, and is NHS President in addition to his academic record. He scored high on the physical test. The only plausible explanation for his rejection has to be the interest he expressed in a medical career. He also got rejected for ROTC; I suspect for the same reason.

Salt in the wound is the lame rejection form letter that recommends this kid, who has 7 AP courses with 5's and 4's, including 5 in Calculus, should take Calculus 1 and 2 next year, and try again. Really? Best of luck to you AF.
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SilverWings, I was in the exact same boat three years ago: 2 varsity sports, tons of community service/involvement, lots of leadership experience, good GPA, 33 ACT, etc. The only difference is that I actually was planning on majoring in engineering.

I did a year of AFROTC (like your son, I didn't get a scholarship), reapplied to USAFA, and got accepted. Fast forward to the present (I'm a 3 degree): I'm currently ranked 15th in my class out of 1,000+ cadets. I can't tell you how many times I've been asked, "how in the world did you not get in your first try?" or "I can't believe I got in and you didn't."

Similar to your son, the only advice the admissions office gave me was to retake the ACT and reapply. Yeah right! I'm pretty sure a 33 was sufficient.

I am in no way trying to toot my own horn. Instead, I'm merely pointing out that the admissions people do make mistakes and that your son shouldn't necessarily give up on USAFA b/c of this setback. In retrospect, doing a year of ROTC + civilian college was an absolute blessing (although I didn't see it that way at the time). Unlike just about everyone I know at USAFA, I've never once doubted that I made the right decision by coming here since, unlike most people, I had already experienced "regular" college and knew it wasn't for me.

I know the TWE sucks, but it doesn't have to be the end of his SA dream.
 
batmom said:
I am so sad about all of the extremely talented and gifted people who received TWE's today. I realize that you are wounded and hurt and I know that you cannot fully comprehend how your sons and daughters (whom I have no doubt are fully qualified and capable), did not receive their own BFE's.
Well, last summer we met with the head Captain (Navy) in charge of all of the BGO's (Blue and Gold Officers for the Navy) for Northern California. This is what he explained to me: Imagine that you have a huge auditorium and the ENTIRE auditorium is filled with candidates just like your son. They are:
1) The ASB President of their entire school
2) They were the school representative to Boys' State in Calif.
3) They are Eagle Scouts
4) They are varsity lettermen in 2 or more sports
5) They are scholar athletes
6) They are "A" students
7) They scored well on SAT's and did well on their CFA tests
8) They have done hundreds of hours of community service
Now, he said- How do you pick the right candidates from this incredible arena of talent? I stared dumbfounded, and realized that most of the candidates are worthy of that appointment. I believe that it is a miracle that my son received an appointment when so many others did not. I pray for all of you to find a path that will lead you to your dream. I hurt for you because I believe it is an agonizing letter to receive. My prayers will continue for all of you to find the right path for your lives. Congratulations to all of you talented young men and women. YOU have all inspired me!
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Well said! I feel the same way about my son's appointment. he and I both have moments when it just strikes us again that he's going to the Academy. Its a bit overwhelming at times. He's being given the opportunity to live his dream. We are so thankful!

I too pray that those who received the TWE will continue to pursue their dreams, even if it means being on a different path than they thought it would be to get them there.
 
Huge disappointment Silverwings, and yes, you have every right to be disappointed for your son. Rejection hurts - and it hurts big time. But things happen for a reason.

The process is in no way perfect, and USAFA/ROTC make errors in their selections, but now it's up to your son - not you - to pick up the pieces and carry on. HE needs to decide what HE wants to do next.

He can still do ROTC this year without a scholarship - apply for a scholarship while at school, or reapply to USAFA.

IMPO USAFA messed up on their process this year. They knew they were limited to 1050 for their class, and thus didn't do many LOA's or early appointments. Kids who normally would have received early offers didn't - I assume it's because they wanted to look at the whole group. As Batmom said - that's comparing thousands of kids who all deserve a slot - how do you choose? Next year there will be more slots, and a kid with a year of college under his belt (with good GPA in those math & science classes) will have an edge on kids right out of HS.

kdc246 had a valid question - when was his application completed? Earlier is so much better than later.

You say he was 2 sport varsity athlete and NHS president. That's great, but what other EC's? If that was it - maybe that was the differential. -- was he recruited at all? Did he at least contact the coaches in his sports? If not, why?

While you say he got a 5 on a Calc AP, what was his Math SAT portion? You can score 2240 on SAT and only have 640 on Math; maybe they wanted that higher this year.

I think the TWE letter tells everyone to take Calc 1 & 2 and reapply. They can't personalize the TWE letter. Have him talk to his ALO & USAFA contact and ask where he was lacking.

Northern VA is extremely competitive - to get two nominations is huge. I'm pretty sure though N.VA doesn't rank their slate.

Listen to soccerdude - he took the rejection the first time and turned it into a positive.

Best of luck to your son.
 
It is shocking to see some of the stats for candidates that got TWE's this year--very very competitive, I would think in a typical year most of them would have gotten in. For those of you reapplying, I think Packer was right on when he said to call your counselor to see if there is something that can be improved. A lot is focused on academics, since that is 60% of the WCS, but don't forget about some of those things that are less obvious, that maybe you don't know FOR SURE how you were scored, that could make the difference of a few points on your WCS and possibly the difference between an offer or not. Here are a few thoughts:
1. ALO interview--very impt. to rock this--practice interview skills ahead of time. Think about why you want this and be able to articulate it. Make yourself stand out from every other 4.0, 3 sport, NHS candidate out there. Know your strengths and weaknesses (and what you're doing to improve on your weaknesses). Know your resume inside and out, as an ALO will try to determine if activities listed are resume fillers or if there is substance there. Don't be shy about telling what you've accomplished, this can be done without coming across as too cocky.
2. Teacher recommendations--it sounds obvious, but make sure that the teachers you ask to do the online recommendations are behind you 100%. Talk to the teacher first, tell them your plans, and ask them how they see you doing at an academy. You may assume that just because you got an A+ in the class that the teacher will rate you highly--but some of the questions asked are about work ethic, perseverance, teamwork on projects, etc. not just did this student do well in your class.
3. Letters of recommendations--similar to teacher recs, but make sure that the person writing a letter for you will be able to compose a meaningful letter that will address specifically your character, drive, work ethic, personality, etc and not just be a listing of all the things you've done--your resume will show those facts. The AFA will want to know from an outside source what that person saw within you that allowed you to accomplish something. And make sure you send in letters of rec--last year it was listed as optional but highly recommended, not sure about this year's app. But if your application file doesn't have them, and someone else's with similar scores as yours has glowing letters with specific points that help give the board a picture of how he/she may be successful at the AFA, that's definitely a plus for the other candidate.
4. Some of you have mentioned your overall ACT scores, which are great, but if math and/or science are lower than your English/writing/etc scores, take the test again to improve your individual area scores--the AFA looks at those as better indicators than just the overall.

These are just some thoughts--good luck with whatever your plans are for this fall, and with the reapplication process for those that choose to do that. From the sounds of it, you all have great opportunities to be successful at whatever you end up doing!
 
SilverWings said:
TWE came today. Shocked. Have to believe USAFA is turning down everyone who did not indicate engineering. Shame on us for putting all of our SA eggs in the AF basket. This kid was top nomination pick for both our Congressman and our Senator. He plays two varsity sports, and is NHS President in addition to his academic record. He scored high on the physical test. The only plausible explanation for his rejection has to be the interest he expressed in a medical career. He also got rejected for ROTC; I suspect for the same reason.

Salt in the wound is the lame rejection form letter that recommends this kid, who has 7 AP courses with 5's and 4's, including 5 in Calculus, should take Calculus 1 and 2 next year, and try again. Really? Best of luck to you AF.
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SilverWings, you are correct in your assessment as far as ROTC is concerned. ROTC is very upfront that they are looking for engineers, and if none of the three choices they require you to make are technical your chances for any scholarship go to next to zero.

USAFA doesn't care about stated major, however. Sometimes it is difficult to understand why a very strong record would fall short. In my experience this usually boils down to the candidate's motivations, either directly stated, reflected in evaluations, or perceived through interviews or written communications. Remember that an appointment to the Academy is not a reward for high accomplishment and has very little to do with a candidate's potential. It's all about the "needs of the Air Force" and whether or not USAFA judges him or her to be likely to succeed here.

In reflection, ask your son how he may have come across in the avenues I mentioned above. USAFA collects evaluations from high school teachers, will take up to three (optional) letters of recommendation, asks for a "writing sample" (which is essentially an admissions essay), and requests an evaluation from an Admissions Liaison Officer (ALO). The Academy is interested first and foremost in candidates that desire to make the USAF a career. If that isn't clear in the evaluations and essay, that is a major strike against the candidate and can easily derail an offer. If it appears that the candidate either feels entitled to an appointment (because of his or her achievements) or is simply looking for a free ride, USAFA has legitimate reason to expect that the candidate will have trouble succeeding here (we have 50+ years of experience that proves cadets that are here for the wrong reasons usually leave within a year or two).

The credentials you list for your son are impressive and I'm sure he can succeed in his dream to become a doctor. If he chooses to try again for USAFA he has an excellent chance (provided you can identify what went wrong this time around).

Good luck to you and your son!
 
Insider beat me to it! :thumb:

I've been an AF officer for almost 29 years now and an ALO for 17+ years. I've had the privilege of working with the USAFA selections folks at the academy and maybe that gives me a little "insight."

Insider said precisely what I would have said.

I'll add my perspective as the "old ALO" out here...this cycle has been VERY...no, EXTREMELY frustrating for "us" as well! We were well briefed. I went to USAFA several times to meet folks, discuss the cycle, etc. (A benefit of having my father live outside the South Gate.)

EVERYONE up there realized that this year was going to be simply brutal. And they also realized that "we" (USAFA/USAF collectively) were going to "miss out" on some absolutely amazing candidates!!

That being said, I can't imagine the angst they have faced...the calls, the "how do I select THIS candidate and not THIS candidate?" decisions...

For those of you receiving the dreaded TWE...please realize that you have been part of the most difficult selection process for USAFA in perhaps 40 years! With the caliber of candidates USAFA had this year, combined with the very limited slots available, candidates that in the past would have seen LOA's, etc., VERY early on...many are receiving TWE's.

Regarding class size...you all know from the admissions page that this year the total is focused on approximately 1,050 appointees. To put that into perspective...my class entered USAFA in June 1979 with 1,508! We graduated approximately 952 (going on memory here). Our attrition rate was "typical" for the time.

Today attrition rates are nowhere near that high. Subsequently appointment numbers are down.

You all have proven to ALL of us that you are the "cream of the crop" amongst ALL American high school students. That we don't get you at USAFA MUST NOT prevent you from serving in some way! Some of you will proceed with "Plan B" and will be highly successful there; others will take a year and re-apply. And of those, some will be successful and some won't.

But regardless of your path chosen, you've proven you have what it takes! DO NOT let this one disappointment shape your future!!!

You are MUCH too good for that! :rockon:

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
TWE Recipient 1978
(while my father was the Hospital Commander at USAFA)
 
Just to make clarification here for lurkers and future candidates.

AFROTC is different in selection, but also like the AFA.

AFROTC selection is:
1. JR yr cut off
2. SAT is best sitting not Superscore
3. National, never looks at state or congressional district, nor are they like A/NROTC where college is a factor.
4. 85% go to STEM.
~~~ Selection rate is about 20% from the application pool, 911 were awarded last yr, out of @5K applicants.

AFA looks 1st at the geo-centric area of the applicant. VA is insanely competitive because they have some big time military installations. I.E. Pentagon and Langley.

Fairfax County is in No VA., their annual school budget is bigger than some states. They are just one county. Their number 1 public HS, TJ, (magnet) is no. 1 in the nation, has been for yrs.

Too lazy to go back and search through the threads, but Flieger warned everyone last fall that a 700 was no longer a safety for applicants.

Silverwings,

My heart goes out to you and your child, as a parent it is the hardest thing in the world. You feel helpless and do not know how to console them, you are looking for answers to give them, and yourself because it just doesn't make sense. Life rarely makes sense.

All I can say is that there is a path for him. It didn't end yesterday, and it won't end until he decides it is over, or he is 23.

I will make one promise. If he wants the AFA he will get there, because he will re-apply next yr. However, he may just want the AF and go off to college this fall and decide that was his fate, his path, to be at a certain college and commission AF that way.

Every yr this board is littered with I will be back for 17, and look at how many you have that re-apply. Very, very few, less % than the AFA appts, maybe on a good day 10% from those that got a TWE. They found their place at their college, ROTC or not. That was their path all along.

People plan...God laughs!

Good luck to your DS.
 
Just an FYI for those of you who either will re-apply or who's DS/DD will re-apply. The cycle is not the same as first timers.

Do not kill yourself to get your application done early. It will not get looked at before first semester college grades are submitted, usually around early Jan. Use the time to improve your CFA or other EC's.
 
Absolutely, fritz. I would also add that it is important not just to participate in ROTC, but to succeed. Im sure earning awards and/or having a job in the det. as a freshman looks much better than just listing "ROTC paticipant" or some such term. Also, a recommendation from the CC helps
 
I would add if you go ROTC, be smart and tell the CC that your intention is to reapply as soon as you hit the ground.

CC's are not in the dog fight of ROTC vs AFA commission, their bone is the best AF officers for the class of 17. Hiding the fact that you intend to re-apply will harm yourself because ROTC is a nom source. Telling them day one your intention will allow them not only to guide you better, but give the CC a chance to highlight your success in the ROTC unit more.

Hiding it until the end of Sept., and the nom is due 2 weeks later will not make them happy.

I know the fear some of you have; it is telling AFROTC it is 2nd choice, but that is a fallacy.

Look at it from your 18 yo perspective that just got a TWE from the AFA and now going AFROTC. The unit probably boasts about how many cadets got an AFA appointment from their unit. They do this as a recruitment tool. Obviously since they have those stats, they are proud of their cadets that left their det. Hiding it harms you since they support those AFROTC cadets.

OBTW the reason they like this from an AD perspective is because it is fodder for the AD members that will be your instructors. They can place in the bullets of each instructor/staff member X% of cadets go AFA. That tells AF HQ this is a strong det. AD members going to an ROTC unit may decide to go there because they have a higher promotion rate over other units for their own career. Sending cadets to the AFA, rated, highest FT selection, etc. play into the equation.
 
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I've been following this thread for months, but have only just now joined into the discussion. I've received zero word from USAFA, my portal says the same thing that it always has (Candidate, complete, qualified, nomination received, etc.) and I haven't received anything in the mail. Still waiting, I suppose. I have been in touch with my ALO, and he told me he'd see what's going on at their end because we hadn't received news in so long.
I originally posted to ask what TWE and the similar acronym (I believe it was QNR?) stand for, because I've been seeing them a lot lately, but I'd also like to know if anyone can give some insight as to what chances I still have for admission for this year. If I missed the first couple of waves of appointments but wasn't told "no," then what does that mean for me? Is it even possible to still receive a BFE like all of the regular appointments, or is that stretch of the race over?
Reluctantly preparing the final bits of plan B, but hoping desperately for positive AFA notification.
 
TWE = Thin White Envelope
QNV = Qualified No Vacancy

The way appointments work is not by waves, it is not a rolling admissions like a traditional college.

Your nom was from a slate. Nobody from that slate can be charged to your nom source until everyone has a WCS. If the source was charged to someone and your WCS was high enough to go to the national level, you will compete there. There is no official letter stating you are going national.

They are now at the process of going through the national pool, and again WCS is the player.

BFE's are still coming down, but in the drips and drabs POV. They are regular apptmts.

Would I be banking on it right now like I would have a month ago? NO! Would I believe it can still happen? YES!

Eventually it has to end.

The fact is many posters have heard about last minute calls, and they did happen a few yrs ago, but now because they only want 1050 and will send out a few hundred more than that number, the chance of a last minute call is slim for the AFA.

Off topic, but at the bottom of this site is community feedback, and there is a thread called the acronym list, this is where you can find every acronym under the sun, it will help you trying to figure out WCS, PAR, CFA, PFA, PFT, OML, AFSC, etc.
 
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