I have three students selected for the virtual session this year, too. Several are all looking to change due to schedule conflicts. If you son is not able to trade, the good news is that USAFA Admissions 'sees' your son and expects him to be a good, competitive candidate for an appointment.
Hey, I'm a newbie here and since you seem like you know your stuff I'm gonna ask you a question. I just got my results too and I also got session C, which was kind of a bummer but I'm also pretty excited and extremely grateful. I don't want to sound like a negative Nancy by any means, but do the sessions go by preference or "appeal" of the person? As in, are those in the session C not as appealing or qualified to go to the in-person sessions? I know it sounds like a horrible assumption, but I would rather know the truth even if it hurts haha.
Keep in mind this quote from the Academy Admissions Summer Seminar web page, particularly the last sentence:
That's very reassuring and I probably would've continued to beat myself up over the whole "not getting in-person" ordeal. It's not that I'm unhappy by any means, I just got a little too excited.
This same situation happened to me. I emailed them about it, and they swapped me into B! I can't guarantee they'll do the same, but it was worth a shot. I can't imagine the virtual coming anywhere near as good as the in-person..
Was this recently? We emailed too and are hoping for a switch but still grateful for any.
when'd you email? still waiting on a response. Also, who did you email?
I was originally waitlisted for USAFA Summer Seminar, and later got accepted to the virtual session. But when I finished up my application for the class of 2028, I received my appointment in mid-December (which was before the vast majority of others). So if your goal is to eventually get an appointment, then I wouldn't worry too much about the difference between in-person and virtual Summer Seminar. Also, you'll still get all the USAFA swag for doing it virtually (I got a backpack, polo shirt, USAFA flag, and a bunch of Air Force themed school supplies).
Wow, congrats on getting appointed in December! When did you finalize your application, and do you have any tips for the process?
Just to echo AFrpaso, Summer Seminar is not necessarily indicative of your application overall. Don't overthink which group you got placed in or what it means to your chances for appointment. Oldest DS was not selected for Summer Seminar but got appointed to USAFA Prep and youngest didn't even apply for it and got in direct. Both now there and Summer Seminar played no part. Several cadets that went to Summer Seminar know people that were there and didn't get appointments so you are a good candidate no matter what until USAFA says otherwise and you get the TWE. Take every opportunity to gain as much insight as possible and put together your best application and you will be fine no matter which group you are in or if you are in no group at all. Good luck.
I finalized my application in early November. One tip I have is to start an application to West Point because if you submit a competitive SAT score and complete the first couple questionnaires then you can start the DoDMERB process a lot earlier than if you solely apply to USAFA. Because of that, I had my medical exams in September and was deemed "medically qualified" by the time I finished my USAFA application.
Thank you for sharing. This is all very helpful! I have no interest in going to West Point, but if I apply and go through the DoDMERB process and become qualified, do I need to finish the application? Or can I just finish the medical portion to help my USAFA and USNA application?
There's no obligation to finish the application, they'll just discard your application if you don't finish everything else. Once you completed the DoDMERB exams then each service academy will independently reach out to DoDMERB to get your medical once you've completed enough of that academy's application. From there they will hopefully deem you "medically qualified" and then you won't have to worry about the medical process anymore.
I'm sure Aviation Nation's reply back is accurate - no obligation to finish the application, but I think it offers you the opportunity to refine your essay responses, and even more importantly, gain more interview experience. A great chance to 'practice' without the pressure.
Pretty sure I emailed team blue. Honestly could not tell you when I did, but I know I accepted my reallocated slot about a month after the letter was originally sent out
When did you get accepted to summer seminar?Pretty sure I emailed team blue. Honestly could not tell you when I did, but I know I accepted my reallocated slot about a month after the letter was originally sent out