Questions About Virtual Summer Seminar at USAFA

[User251]

Hello all,

A short while ago, I was fortunate enough to be accepted to the summer seminar for the virtual session. I am happy to do the virtual, don't get me wrong. However, I am wondering what the differences between in-person and virtual are.

• CFA (I would assume no)
• Other athletic activities
• Should I do anything to prepare
• Do you still get the same information/understand life at the academy
• What is the program like (more of a lecture or more open to participation
• Silly question, but do you still get the goodies (shirts, hoodies, etc.) the other in-persons get

Another question I have is when I am applying for a nomination from my congressmen/senators, should I choose to/not to mention the fact that I was a virtual summer seminar participant, or should I even mention the summer seminar at all?

Thank you

 

[DomerDad]

My DD didn't do USAFA SS but she did to Virtual SS at USNA. Covid forced all SS sessions at USNA to be virtual at the time and she didn't apply for USAFA SS.

I can't speak to the difference because she only did it virtually. You won't get a chance to spend time on campus, but you can always visit at another time. I wouldn't worry about it being virtual. The SAs all had to get creative during the Covid lockdowns, and they developed a way to deliver the experience effectively online. I'd mention that you were selected for USAFA SS (because you were). I wouldn't mention anything about it being virtual because I don't see it as a lesser session.

You should get in shape ahead of time. Enjoy your experience and congratulations on your selection.

 

[HSGrad25]

I don't know too much about it either. Has anyone else received anything from the Academy after they sent in their registration stuff?

 

[Jbalyeat]

Hello all,

A short while ago, I was fortunate enough to be accepted to the summer seminar for the virtual session. I am happy to do the virtual, don't get me wrong. However, I am wondering what the differences between in-person and virtual are.

• CFA (I would assume no)
• Other athletic activities
• Should I do anything to prepare
• Do you still get the same information/understand life at the academy
• What is the program like (more of a lecture or more open to participation
• Silly question, but do you still get the goodies (shirts, hoodies, etc.) the other in-persons get

Another question I have is when I am applying for a nomination from my congressmen/senators, should I choose to/not to mention the fact that I was a virtual summer seminar participant, or should I even mention the summer seminar at all?

Thank you

I was told they would still get all the swag. There are several posts on here about it and they’re all positive

 

[JacoAZ]

Summer seminar at USAFA is quite limited in headcount as it is and it is probably be hard to find someone who has dual insights comparing in-person vs. virtual. My DS attended in person to multiple academies last summer and mentioned that the briefings / classes were great at USAFA and USMA was more physical and outdoor based. Naturally the physical activities at USAFA are limited due to the short time to adjust to altitude, so no CFA. It seems with the virtual seminar you will get a decent opportunity to learn from the cadre/officers. Remember most attending summer seminar/SLE won't be appointed or attending for a variety of reasons so use this seminar to learn about the academy for your purposes and no need to worry about anyone else getting any inherent advantage being in person especially since in this case you weren't given a choice. As you apply over the next year, you will learn what activities are important to note and I would expect that attending summer seminar - whether virtually or in person - matters because it will shape your interests one way or another. Good luck!