Received an Appointment.... Now what?

cc17

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Jul 15, 2016
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I have just received an appointment to the Air Force Academy and I am absolutely thrilled. I am just wondering what comes next in terms of what kind of grades I need to maintain and what kind of actions follow an appointment.
 
Congrats. My DS continued to do well in school after getting his appointment. He also continued his hard physical training. Slacking off in high school at times makes it difficult to get back into the hard studies when you start the academy classes. You would want to ramp up your physical training because it would be one less thing to worry about while in BCT.
 
FATAL ERROR: "I've got an appointment! I'm in...now to cruise until graduation...wait, what's this, a D- / F in XXXXX class? How'd that happen...what, USAFA calling...appointment rescinded?!!!"

It has happened; and not just once or twice.

The thing to do now is continue as if NOTHING has changed! Because in truth, you could be hurt, get sick, etc...etc...press on like you would if you didn't have that golden ticket!!

And then when you report there...then you can relax!
(well, not really...)

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
First, congrats as you have accomplished something very difficult. There will be many who would love to have the opportunity you have been given.

Second, the opportunity was earned and not given to you. It took hard work and sacrifice. However, the hard work is just beginning and keeping that in mind should drive you to continue to strive for excellence. I am not driven from fear of failure so only an understanding that an acceptance can be withdrawn is enough to make me avoid the real costly mistakes. I am driven by competition and now you are competing with the other 1,100 or so future cadets in your class.

Third, continued academic improvement helps you this summer. During BCT you take test to validate courses. The more courses you validate the more options you have for classes while at USAFA. If you want multiple majors or a minor this is very important.

Fourth, stay in shape. Consider ordering boots and run some in them to get used to it. It helped my DS. Focus on improving areas of fitness you struggled on during the test. These test continue once you get to USAFA. My DS felt he was in shape and didn't struggle to much from a physical standpoint during BCT.

Finally, enjoy the time between now and BCT. Watch some videos of cadet life and BCT on youtube if you haven't done it yet. It helps give you some perspective of what to expect although my DS said nothing really prepares you for BCT. The first year at a SA is tough. You live in tight quarters with very limited freedoms. The school work is tough and everyone is an exceptional student. Learn to understand and live with failure and improvement. This is essential to success. My DS said those who understand and accept it do well while others struggle with it. Failure is part of the lesson even when you think you didn't fail. I say this so you can prepare yourself for the first year. Those who say it is a dream and perceive a SA to be somewhat a normal college experience do not last long.

Congrats again and best of luck.
 
Besides keeping up your grades, wrapping yourself in "bubble wrap" and staying in good physical shape, stay out of trouble. Senior pranks can go too far, traffic tickets that aren't resolved can cause issues, young people doing seemingly harmless things that wouldn't have any effect in attending a traditional college can have serious consequences leading up to and attending SA's. While it is important to enjoy the remainder of your senior year (all have earned that), keep making good decisions as your have chosen a path that is very different and difficult for many outside of this "world" to understand........
 
No drinking, no drugs, no liaisons with anyone of any gender...

And continue to do well in every class.

And especially if you are a low-lander, begin a workout regimen that will prepare you for high altitude.
 
Do not get into the car late at night with a group of kids. Each additional teenager in the car significantly increases your chance of being in a road traffic crash. Be safe on the roads always. Don't drink. Don't get in the car with anyone who has been drinking (not just now, but ever.)
 
I have just received an appointment to the Air Force Academy and I am absolutely thrilled. I am just wondering what comes next in terms of what kind of grades I need to maintain and what kind of actions follow an appointment.

Congrats
 
I have just received an appointment to the Air Force Academy and I am absolutely thrilled. I am just wondering what comes next in terms of what kind of grades I need to maintain and what kind of actions follow an appointment.

Congratulations !! For some idea on what to do next, go here and plug in "USAFA" where you see "USNA"
 
Be careful and mindful of what you post on social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) Also be careful who tags you on those sites. All posts can never truly be deleted, there is always a way of retrieving them. Don't post anything that you can't say to your parents/teacher/priest to their face. If you think it's pushing limits, it probably is.
 
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