Possibility of Appointment, and suggestions?

GradWife is correct: the language one is assigned at USAFA is not necessarily one that one has any knowledge of at all.
 
Update:

This year has started off great! I am loving my classes, and doing quite well in all of them. I'd like to inform the people who replied to this thread prior, that both math classes were somehow fit into my schedule(I will include my full schedule at the end of my post). This means that, if I am able to double up again next year, I will take AP Calculus my senior year. In addition, I will be talking to my guidance counselor, and a friend who works for the county about my options. One of my friends, who is a sophomore as well, was able to get an AP Stats class next semester. I cannot remember what he called it, but he doesn't technically go to the class. It's an extra class, which he just goes and gets the work and take tests. I will find out if this would be possible for me, and find out for sure if I can two languages in one year(Ex. French I in the fall, French II in the spring). I've heard of it being done before, and I believe my older brother did it.. Not sure... I just wanted to catch you guys up, and to let you know what's going on. Also, my dad spoke with the ALO for our area. He said that everything I am doing is excellent, and that if possible, just look into one more club/activity. He said that I don't have to be doing a sport, but that sports are just the easiest way for the academy to see someone who can work with a team, and is healthy/fit, etc.. My dad was told that marching band + my physical endurance and strength will be fine. I'm in good shape as-is, so I can only improve. Here is my schedule...

Fall

1.) Honors Geometry
2.) Honors Chemistry
3.) Marching Band
4.) AP Government

Spring

1.) Drivers Ed.(my parents are forcing this)
2.) Honors Algebra II
3.) Honors English II
4.) Symphonic Band



Thank you,

- Noah

 
I don't see Math on there, or a foreign language.

Looking back at my own tenth grade schedule, I studied:

English
US History
Biology
Trig/Geometry
German
Latin
Band
Public Speaking/Economics (1 semester each)
PE/Health (alternate days)

Of course, that was back in the day, and the school I attended did not have AP/IB/honors... they hadn't been invented yet. Everyone just went to school and the kid with the best grades was the Val. We had 7 fifty-five minute periods a day and classes started at 8.

Most amazing of all is that I found this old report card and voila! my old life was right there before me.
 
fencer he does have Math, both Geometry and Alg II. However, you are correct there is no foreign language.
 
Ahh, yes, you're right PIMA.

Noah, do you go to school only half a day?
 
fencersmother said:
Ahh, yes, you're right PIMA.

Noah, do you go to school only half a day?
Click to expand...

I'm assuming you're asking about it being 1/2 day because Noah lists only 4 classes per semester? I'm guessing they are on a block schedule. In our school district they went from 8 classes/day to a block schedule which was 4 classes but the classes were twice as long. So the classes that were generally taken over 2 semesters now only took one semester.
 
I agree with Rocko. The system mimics college semesters. Our kids had that in NC.
 
There are four blocks in one day. I am planning on doubling a language next year, and then taking the third year of it, my senior year.
 
fencersmother said:
Should change my SN to oldfencersmother
Click to expand...
No you are not old, your just from a different state. In our district in VA it is also block, but it basically all year long. The students take 4 classes one day, and the next day it is 4 different classes. He would not be able to do this schedule if he is in my county. My nieces in NJ do the 8 classes everyday all year long.

To me this is why they also want to see the school profile. Although all of these kids take 8 classes, only my DS that was in NC could possibly pull off waiting until their junior year if they even wanted to have the minimum of 3 foreign languages.
 
Let me clear the confusion up, completely.. I take 4 classes(blocks) all day, for the fall semester. Then, I take 4 other classes(blocks) in the spring semester, also all day.
 
Just my input. Remember, I don't write specifically to the poster, but also to those just lurking and wondering about their own application to the academies.

When looking at your high school schedules, it's real simple if you're in a program like the IB program. I say simple, because except for 1-2 electives, you have no choice. Your scheduled is chosen for you. But for those not in the IB program, you need to maximize your schedule. Remember, the academies want to see that you have done the most, with what you have offered. Each school and what they offer is different. But maximize what they have.

Very few schools have sports during the school day, so if you have any free time, then you are not maximizing your opportunities. If you have enough time to take 6 classes per semester, then that's what you do. Of course, each school is different and the layout of the scheduling may only allow less. What I'm saying is, you should never have a free semester unless it's part of a program like the IB program. In high school, my son never had less than 6 classes per semester. Usually 7. If you include time in between for TOK (an IB thing), you could say he sometimes had 8 classes in a semester. Of course, they had "A" "B" days. But if you have free periods, rethink your schedule.

Also, in the 4 years of high school, besides the minimum school/state requirements, make sure that what you take are of higher level. AP, honors, IB classes. At least 2 years (4 semesters) foreign language. At least 1 year (2 semesters) computer classes.

By your junior year, your schedule should only include upper level classes. You should have all your school requirements met without trying. As for electives, if you are doing multi year things like band, stay with it. If you have free periods, put in some more AP or honors classes, even if as an elective.

Some will say you don't need as much language or computers or upper level classes. That's fine, but I won't debate the issue. The point is, if you really want to be competitive in getting an academy appointment, then you need to take whatever classes, sports, activities, etc. that are available to you, and make the most of them. If we see you had time, and didn't maximize it, that doesn't look good. Even if you have a 4.0gpa. Part time jobs are good too, but not if you are getting out of school 2-3 days a week at 1pm. You could be taking more classes. Best of luck.
 
When you say 4 semesters of a foreign language, do you mean taking 4 courses? I.E., French I-IV
 
Depends on how your school does things. But, if French I is one semester long, and there's 2 semesters in a year, then yes, French I-IV. If the way it works is French I is the whole year, then it would be French I-II. Schools are different. They call things different than other schools in the country.

And again, I never discuss the "minimum" requirements for getting into the academies. I don't believe in doing the minimum. When I express my opinions and advice for applicants, my goal is for you to be the top 10% not only of your school, but the top 10% of applicants applying to the academy. That's why when I mention part time jobs, that's fine. But I'd rather see part time jobs on weekends and in the summer. Not during the school day when you could be taking more classes.

Don't get me wrong. I know every individual and situation is different. I've had applicants who's family needed the money, and the students part time job was needed for the family. I also have ranch and farming kids who have to work during planting season, harvest, calving, etc. simply saying you have to take what is available and do the best with what you have. Take the most difficult classes that you can succeed in. Take the most classes you can succeed in. Do the most extra curricular and sports you can succeed in. Basically, do the best that you can do. Don't worry about others. Don't worry about the average. If when the dust settles, if you can say you did the best and the most with what you have available, then you'll succeed. Whether you receive an appointment or not, you'll have developed a work ethic and goal setting of personal achievement that will continue with you in all of your future endeavors. Best of luck.
 
@Christcorp ,

I was planning on taking three semesters of a language, and I will find out if that is possible as soon as I can meet with my guidance counselor. It'd be really cool if I could take an independent study class, and then fill my regular block in with a foreign language. When my dad spoke with the ALO for my area, he told me the man said that as long as I'm in very good shape(which I am), and I'm filling my schedule, it doesn't really matter that I don't do a sport. In my school's marching band, I will be trying out for drum major next May. While everyone else will be starting private lessons and practicing during November - January, I have already started. Our band is competitive, and has aprox. 120-130 people in it. The drum major position is also the highest leadership position that a student can attain. On top of this, I will be on the school's robotics team. I'm not sure if I will have the opportunity to be on the leadership team, as I believe once you're on it, you're on it until you graduate. This, meaning that I believe all the positions are already filled and have a person waiting to fill them. Nevertheless, I will still try to get something in their leadership team. Lastly, the ALO said that if possible, I should try to fit in just one more club/activity. I have been looking into the NHS, but feel free to recommend others. I spoke with a teacher about it, and she said that I would be perfect in the NHS. I have no current community service hours, but if and when I decide that I want to try to be in the NHS, I will get working. As it stands, my only free days are Monday and Wednesday(excluding weekends). I have marching band practices all afternoon on Tuesday and Thursday, and football games on Fridays. Starting in October, I will eventually have competitions on the weekends. Do you count marching band as free time?
 
My 2 cents here and probably a moot point for Noah since his sophomore schedule seems locked in. But for lurkers, if the driver's ed class can be taken privately outside school during the early morning, evenings and summer time, it would allow another class period to be available for language classes, core and advanced classes. Driver's Ed on a transcript is certainly not a game changer for Academy/ ROTC admissions.

The school system my DD attends allows business school owners to teach at the school during the summer and before/after school, but for the students, it's on their on time and dime.
;)
 
fencersmother said:
Unless you are some kind of language whiz, I don't see any school allowing you to take French I in the fall, then FrII in the spring, unless you would then sign up for FrIII and FrIV the following year.[/QUOTE
Click to expand...

I don't see why a school would prevent you from taking a lang 1, 2, 3 across 3 consecutive semesters if you do well in the classes. I would not rule this out if you are studious, hardworking and willing to put in the effort to achieve good marks. You are better off taking it in sequence than waiting as you will forget less between each class. This is something you should be discussing with your guidance counselor and parents to see what is and is not possible. None of us here are familiar with your school or academics, thus we can't issue any meaningful "judgement."

My advice to you is get your parents involved in this process as early as possible. Sit down and share with them all the information you have regarding getting into any college (language needed) and how to best fit that into your schedule. They are your best asset when dealing with difficult guidance departments. They can push and pursue in a way you can't because you are a minor. Some high schools need to be reminded quite strongly that you are a minor and parents have a say. You and your parents may need to be very persistent and vocal. But if you do get them to change your schedule, you better perform and prove to them that it was the right decision. If you prove yourself this way once, you should have an easier time the next go around if another schedule change is needed.

Good luck!
 
I will certainly look into getting the drivers ed class changed to out-of-school. Believe me, I wouldn't take it if my parents didn't force it. Also, I've never really 'struggled' in math. I made a 99 on the algebra I final last year, and an A(can't remember the number) in the class. This year, I know I have at least a B, possibly an A in Geometry. In comparison to the other subjects, math has always been my 'worst' subject. My question is, how should my math classes line up from here out? I want to go into CS, or anything in computer engineering, if it matters. Here is what my idea was:

10th grade(this year)
Fall - Honors Geometry
Spring - Honors Algebra II

11th grade
Fall - Honors/AP Pre-cal
Spring - AP statistics

I'm stumped on my senior year. If all the prior math classes fit into my schedule, should I take AP Calculus AB , or BC? Or are there other options?
 
JMPO,

I think posters are getting muddied in the waters thinking all HSs are alike.
~ In NC our DS could opt out of drivers ed., but we would have to pay for him to take it privately. In VA, at our HS, there was no opting out because it was part of mandatory PE.

Noah,

Honestly, I think you are missing a big picture impo.
What is step 1 for obtaining an appointment?
~ Hint: Nomination.
~~ You can land up getting a nomination, but when they look deeper, it might matter on your WCS from the PAR aspect.

USAFA states 490 V or 24E is the bare min. Same with you only needing 2 years foreign language as a recommendation. That doesn't mean that these candidates are in the majority. My guess is they are in the minority.
~ You need to think about what will be you competition on the MoC slate. Meeting the recommendation or minimum is a far cry from winning that MoC nomination slate.
~~ The MoC may say your rigor is not as competitive as the other 150-250 candidates, thus no nomination.

You want to think not only about being competitive for USAFA, but for your MoC slates. The more nominations you have, the more chances for an appointment before hitting the national pool.

Again, please think about your plan B. Do not get tunnel vision regarding an SA appointment. Great to have the goal, but not great if you lose the true sight...graduating from college and commissioning.
~ AFROTC scholarship will not consider your SR. yr. of HS. Wait until Junior year for foreign language and you now are competing nationally against kids that have 3 yrs, and may have 4 yrs in foreign language. Academically they may see you lower from a rigor perspective.

I think we all get it. You love band, and are unwilling to bend from it. I respect it. I am just saying it is not uncommon to have 6,9 or even 12 APs. If you have to go plan B and need merit or ROTC scholarship to foot the bill, than colleges will also be looking at the rigor of your curriculum when they award merit scholarships.

I am not saying give up your band courses. I am saying see if you can take on line classes at your CC to beef up your academic profile. Talk to the GC. Is it possible to take Spanish I and II at your local CC and get credit for HS too? Maybe next summer? Do that this year, and that means next year you can take Spanish III and IV as a junior. Freeing up your senior year, but keeping you on par academically when you apply for your MoC nomination.
 
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Listen to Pima. She speaks the truth. This is why I never speak of the minimums. The average incoming academy appointee, has a 29-30 ACT score. They have a 3.86 gpa based on AP, IB, and honors classes. 85% have varsity sports. I could go on. The point is, it doesn't matter what the minimums are. Your competition is WAY ABOVE the minimum.

Is what your ALO said about sports not being important if you are in good shape and fill your schedule wrong? I won't say that the ALO is wrong.... But.... "he's wrong". What he should have said is; "It's Possible" to get an appointment without any sports in your resume. But remember when I said I push people to be in the top 10% in their school and among applicants to the academy? Well, if you're going to take sports off of the table, then you better be in the top 2-3%.

Also, don't say that Monday's and Wednesday are your only "free days". There shouldn't be free days. Not if we are talking about school hours or nothing to do after school. If it's during school hours, then take another class. Preferably upper level. If it's after school hours, then get involved in a sport. It doesn't have to be a high school sport. Maybe a city league sport. Maybe a ymca league. Maybe martial arts. Something. Use the time for your volunteer time. Use some of it for another club. One that has the potential for leadership and tea building opportunities.

When a person posts or lurks on an academy forum like this, they are obviously interested in possibly attending the academy. I am not here to discourage anyone or pop their bubbles. But the academies are not for the "Average" kid. They are for the exceptional kid. And the thing is, the academies are not that unique. If you do the things being mentioned to make you competitive in applying to the academy, you will be competitive for most any school in the country. Your work ethics and determination will make you competitive in the work force. The applicants who get accepted to Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Purdue, Columbia, brown, the academies, etc. are all competitive applicants. There is very little difference between any of them. The Harvard appointee has the same academics, clubs, usually sports, volunteer time, leadership, etc. on their applications as the academy appointees.

But again, even if you don't receive an appointment, doing the most, with what is available to you, in everything, will reward you in everything you do in life. Never try to do the minimum. Never look for the minimum requirements. Never do enough to get by. If you can finish each day, able to say that you did the best you could with what you had, you will be a happy and successful individual. It won't matter if you make $30,000 a year or $300,000 a year. It won't matter if you go to the academy or your local state college or directly into the work force. Take care. Mike.
 
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