Rejection, Possible vacancy due to decline?

Hi USAFA84,

I don't know if different letters went out to different candidates.

My son's letter did not say "waitlisted", but did state he was fully qualified and had met all of the Academy's entrance requirements. It also stated that although the selections were essentially complete, he would be notified immediately if he was chosen to fill a vacancy due to a candidate declining an appointment (in his nomination category.)

3Q means medically qualified (Dodmerb), academically qualified and physically (CFA) qualified.
 
Well, we certainly don't want to "hope" that someone will turn down an appointment . . but there are many individual circumstances out there. Thanks for sharing your daughter's. You are correct, the same end, just a different path.

We are just praying that everyone's path is made clear to them and grateful to all these wonderful young people who are willing to serve this country.

Thanks TPG, and to the moms who are alone right now because of military service, thanks to you and your husbands. My husband is no longer in the military, but in federal sales, so he travels quite a bit. But, at least I can expect him home on the weekends and he is no longer in harms way.
 
what is weird is that I received the waiting list letter also, and my ALO says that I am a very qualified candidate. My Congressman's office called out to dig deeper, and they were told that I am not qualified, due to lack of athletic groups. I don't know who to believe.

I have tried to contact my admissions counselor, but she has been out for over a week
 
xTxMANx said:
what is weird is that I received the waiting list letter also, and my ALO says that I am a very qualified candidate. My Congressman's office called out to dig deeper, and they were told that I am not qualified, due to lack of athletic groups. I don't know who to believe.

I have tried to contact my admissions counselor, but she has been out for over a week
Click to expand...
You won't like my answer.

Trust your US Representative's office.

As an ALO (been one for almost 15 years) I can tell what makes a "strong" candidate. However I can't tell you how an individual's total "Weighted Composite" was determined. I can't tell you what little portion scored "X" or "Y" or ?

And literally it can be tenth's of a point. Two people with virtually identical qualifications could fall within 1/10th of a point: the higher is selected. What was the "difference?" It might have been one thing...but that is what would be highlighted to a congressional query.

So...speak with your ALO, and if you can reach the counselor do that too. But don't be surprised if nobody can really tell you precisely what it was.

I told you that you would NOT like my answer.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
Steve knows what he's talking about. Heed his comments. You would be so surprised to see how little the point difference can be between 100 applicants.

Jacksmom; don't feel bad about wanting someone to turn down an appointment. Approximately 1700 appointments are sent out with the academy KNOWING that when the dust settles; only 1300-1400 will actually walk in the door in June. There will easily be about 400 people who turn down the appointments. Many applied to more than one academy, and the air force isn't their first choice and they received another appointment. Many, are academically competitive with many of the Ivy league and higher tier universities in the country. Most applicants are. As such; many will also get accepted to yale, harvard, princeton, brown, USC, stanford, and ALL THE OTHER places they applied to. Also; some will be recruited athletes who are also being recruited by other schools. So don't feel guilty about wanting people to turn down the appointment. About 25% will turn it down. later... mike....
 
A quick note off topic. We lost a fellow Test Pilot School Grad at Edwards yesterday. He died in a F22 crash. This certainly puts things in perspective. It is a risk they all share everyday and I know his family is in pain today. Our sorrow and prayers are with them.
 
One thing to keep in mind to those still waiting is that some people will turn it down due to multiple appointments. I was accepted to both West Point and Air Force Academy and chose AFA. After talking to a lot of my friends from summer seminar I know a few of them applied to multiple and a few actually turned some down in the same way. Just hold on tight as the letters come out and I hope I get to see you all in June.
 
Thank you for the words of encouragement. I am still waiting for notification from the AFA.
 
The F-22 test pilot was also an USAFA grad from the Class of 1982.
 
I figured that the extra appointments that show up are appointments offered as LOAs....If around 300 people receive LOAs by say January, and of those 300, 75% choose another of the 5 academies, then they'll send 225 more appointments to replace those lost with addition to a few more appointments to assure that between 1300 and 1400 are received. That would make it 525 appointments sent out outside of the "regular" waves of letters where not even 300 appointments are accepted. Confusing? yes, sorry lol.

But in conclusion- appointments are often given to people who are applying to more than one elite school (Air Force A., West Point, Naval Academy, Coast Guard A., Merchant Marine A, Harvard, Yale, etc) so chances are slim that everyone will choose their AFA appointment, thus leaving those on the waiting list open for one. In the end- there is always hope.
 
Scooters, you are an amazing young person. I wish the best for you and God willing you will be part of the 30% next year. Never give up your dream!
 
My son got the same letter today. Just as Guitarhero, I am much worse off than my son. He is already planning his next step. I just can't stop crying for thinking of how much he wanted this. Some support system I am! Anyway, we will continue to pray for you all and look forward to a second chance. God bless you all.
 
This is probably the hardest time of the year and hardest time to post. I've been involved with those interested in the academy and the military in general for quite a few years. I've been involved on different forums like this for a couple of years. And while it is such a great feeling to watch applicants that you've been chatting with, providing answers for, giving advice, and so on come back months later all excited saying they received their LOA or their appointment; the hardest thing is knowing that there will be rejection letters. And what's really hard is knowing that a person wouldn't have gotten this far if they weren't qualified. Especially on the forums. Forums usually attract much more motivated individuals. And fortunately, these much more motivated individuals will do just fine with their futures. Whether it's a year or two at a civilian school and then the academy; or whether it's ROTC, OTS, or a civilian career. But the truth is; the academy can only take so many cadets total each year. And they will take around half of those from mandatory nominations. So while I love getting emails, pm's, and phone calls about the good news those receiving appointments have; it will always tear me up a little each spring hearing of those who weren't able to receive the appointment letter

Now that my son is finishing up his first year at the academy, and has been recognized, he's really starting to see why the military is so important to me. For what it's worth; he's NEVER read any of these forums or EVER posted on any of these forums. He's never really had a need or interest. This is something I like to do. I learn so much from everyone and I like to pass it on along with my experiences. The military was my whole life. Civilian life is "OK", but it's not the same. I, as many here do, want to pass that on to those interested. But we all empathize with the disappointment that many of you are experiencing. There's still hope. Not only for this year, but for next year. Your attitudes are good. College, ROTC, leadership, GETTING NEXT YEAR'S APPLICATION DONE BY JULY 31st; etc... Best of luck to all of you. Forums like this create pretty good relationships. And yes, some of us argue and disagree at times, but the goal is to assist applicants with getting into the academy. There's active cadets, alumni, active duty, retired, parents, and applicants here. And we're all here for each other. Keep your chins up. Feel good that you were qualified. Persevere. Later.... mike.....
 
Hey Prayin Mom: Yea, the sons and daughters hold up much better than us mushy parents. We're still praying for USNA, but getting the TWE for USAF is definitely a crow-eater. These kids are treasures in today's world. Discipline, hard work, and guts. Gotta love it: Watch em go, now or later.
God has a plan.
GuitarHero
 
It hurts: a LOT...I know...

As most of you know, I can very closely relate to the pain many are feeling now after they received the "little envelope."

I still have mine: one from each service academy, as I applied to all of them. I really REALLY wanted to go to ONE of them and then to serve as an officer.

Right now you're down, disappointed, upset...again, I remember the feelings VERY WELL. BUT...let me tell you something.

The world has NOT ended. The fact you got THIS FAR is testimony to your outstanding qualifications for ANYTHING that you want to do in life! Think about that for a moment.

You made it to the VERY FINAL CUT of one of the most difficult schools in the WORLD and ONLY missed out because the law limits the numbers of students accepted annually. PERIOD. That's ALL.

I know some pretty amazing people that also have received that "little envelope." They are GOOD friends of mine. We all commiserated about those envelopes and then we made a choice: to go after it again because it's what we REALLY REALLY wanted. We decided to take the risk of a year.

How'd we do? I think I've done well...folks call me Colonel when I'm in uniform, and Steve when I'm not. But let me tell you about Brian, Jeff and "BeeBop."

Jeff is a neat guy...a LOT of fun at any party, and a great all-around guy. BeeBop was a California surfer type: long blond hair, great smile, and a work ethic that said: "I will do what it takes to succeed honestly and honorably." And "Air Guitar Man" was this long-haired rocker from Texas; turned us ALL on to Van Halen.

I really respect these guys; probably as high as any of my classmates.

Yes, we all went after it again. We went to Northwestern Prep and busted our butts. And we succeeded and graduated and then went on our way.

How'd "Big" (Jeff Fiebig's nickname) and "BeeBop" (Brian Bishop's nickname) and "Air Guitar Man" (Brian Bjornson's nickname) do? Take a gander here:

http://www.af.mil/bios/bio.asp?bioID=10443

http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/library/biographies/bio.asp?id=9602

http://www.afweather.af.mil/library/biographies/bio.asp?id=9141

Folks...it may or may not end here; it depends upon you. The academy is an amazing place but it's not the ONLY place. And upon graduation, you are a 2LT in the finest air force in the world! WHAT you become after that date is ALL up to you, not where you graduated from school.

Yes, in some occasions I will admit being a grad most likely has its advantage but...I've VERY RARELY seen it. Quality rises to the top; the ring doesn't do it. Brian Bjornson, my prep school roommate, he's done amazingly well! Note: he did NOT graduate with us from USAFA. He left early in our first year. It just didn't suit him. BUT...look how well he's done since!

Quality rises to the top.

You have two choices now: the HARDEST choices of your young lives. "Do I "give up" on my goal to serve or do I press on, perhaps with a backup plan, or reattempt the academy?"

Only you can answer those questions. But whatever path you choose, LOOK WHAT YOU HAVE ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED! :thumb:

You are already SO far ahead of the pack...success WILL be yours!

As I said: QUALITY rises to the top!

CONTINUE to AIM HIGH!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
All SA's "small envelope recipient" '82
 
Great news for our son. He just received his acceptance to Notre Dame. Of course coming from the only NCAA school to beat Notre Dame four years straight in football (yes...USAFA), I am a little bias to the other school, but it will make Fall football season interesting when the two schools play. In the meantime, my wife and I couldn't be more proud...he needed to hear some good news this week after not getting his appointment to USAFA and this was it! Now I'm in the throes of "what do you mean you didn't start the financial aid paperwork to meet the 15 Feb 09 priority deadline for Notre Dame"...ugh!!! Yes, we did FAFSA...but did you know one needs to do the CSS profile as well as IDOC:? IDOC will be mailed first thing Monday! We'll keep our fingers crossed for something to pop in to help him pay for tuition.
 
And to ALO Steve: absolutely concur with your last post!!! On a side note, I'll admit that the hell week you gave us was.....
 
AFAplease said:
I got the thin letter today. Waitlisted. Any way to find out where we stand on the waitlist?
Click to expand...

Sorry you are waitlisted. But please don't give up on your dream. Go back to flieger83 (Steve) posts and read his comments about his experience and also his success.

I am still waiting here in the deep south and the mailman is delivering mail later each day it seems. No love from the USAFA but also no TWE, so I am hopeful but also faithful to leave it in God's hands. He is in control of my future so I am trusting Him. I am praying for you and all of those who have been waitlisted for now.

Good luck and remember you are awesome to have gotten this far!
 
flieger83 said:
As most of you know, I can very closely relate to the pain many are feeling now after they received the "little envelope."

I still have mine: one from each service academy, as I applied to all of them. I really REALLY wanted to go to ONE of them and then to serve as an officer.

Right now you're down, disappointed, upset...again, I remember the feelings VERY WELL. BUT...let me tell you something.

The world has NOT ended. The fact you got THIS FAR is testimony to your outstanding qualifications for ANYTHING that you want to do in life! Think about that for a moment.

You made it to the VERY FINAL CUT of one of the most difficult schools in the WORLD and ONLY missed out because the law limits the numbers of students accepted annually. PERIOD. That's ALL.

I know some pretty amazing people that also have received that "little envelope." They are GOOD friends of mine. We all commiserated about those envelopes and then we made a choice: to go after it again because it's what we REALLY REALLY wanted. We decided to take the risk of a year.

How'd we do? I think I've done well...folks call me Colonel when I'm in uniform, and Steve when I'm not. But let me tell you about Brian, Jeff and "BeeBop."

Jeff is a neat guy...a LOT of fun at any party, and a great all-around guy. BeeBop was a California surfer type: long blond hair, great smile, and a work ethic that said: "I will do what it takes to succeed honestly and honorably." And "Air Guitar Man" was this long-haired rocker from Texas; turned us ALL on to Van Halen.

I really respect these guys; probably as high as any of my classmates.

Yes, we all went after it again. We went to Northwestern Prep and busted our butts. And we succeeded and graduated and then went on our way.

How'd "Big" (Jeff Fiebig's nickname) and "BeeBop" (Brian Bishop's nickname) and "Air Guitar Man" (Brian Bjornson's nickname) do? Take a gander here:

http://www.af.mil/bios/bio.asp?bioID=10443

http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/library/biographies/bio.asp?id=9602

http://www.afweather.af.mil/library/biographies/bio.asp?id=9141

Folks...it may or may not end here; it depends upon you. The academy is an amazing place but it's not the ONLY place. And upon graduation, you are a 2LT in the finest air force in the world! WHAT you become after that date is ALL up to you, not where you graduated from school.

Yes, in some occasions I will admit being a grad most likely has its advantage but...I've VERY RARELY seen it. Quality rises to the top; the ring doesn't do it. Brian Bjornson, my prep school roommate, he's done amazingly well! Note: he did NOT graduate with us from USAFA. He left early in our first year. It just didn't suit him. BUT...look how well he's done since!

Quality rises to the top.

You have two choices now: the HARDEST choices of your young lives. "Do I "give up" on my goal to serve or do I press on, perhaps with a backup plan, or reattempt the academy?"

Only you can answer those questions. But whatever path you choose, LOOK WHAT YOU HAVE ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED! :thumb:

You are already SO far ahead of the pack...success WILL be yours!

As I said: QUALITY rises to the top!

CONTINUE to AIM HIGH!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
All SA's "small envelope recipient" '82
Click to expand...


Thanks for all of this! I will hang on to your comments and the links to your succesful friends. You are a good ALO and we all need to hear your words of encouragement. Keep posting.........
 
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