Summer Seminar

Sam2018

10-Year Member
Joined
Nov 11, 2013
Messages
608
Applications opened today so my question is this, does USAFA do rolling admissions or is ds better to wait until semester grades and updated gpa and class rank comes in, and psat scores? USMA does rolling admissions, USNA does not, can't find it spelled out about USAFA. Thanks!
 
Thanks! I could not get the brochure to open but that link worked :) It is two years old but I would think it is the same year to year.
 
Thanks! I could not get the brochure to open but that link worked :) It is two years old but I would think it is the same year to year.
I'm hoping someone from the forum who is more knowledgeable can speak to this issue. Best wishes to you, Sam2018.
 
Unless it has changed since last year, USAFA summer seminar does not do rolling admissions. Last year everyone found out on the same day in March, if I remember correctly. It may very well be different this year, though.
 
I got this message from our state admissions guru and was asked to pass it on:

Apparently there is a "glitch" in the online Application for Summer Seminar. If you've tried applying, please give them about a week to iron it out. Cheers!!

Stealth_81
 
Stealth- so glad to hear that because it won't let me submit my application. Thanks so much!
 
Thanks for the info! I think ds was going to wait until he gets semester grades, PSAT scores and his latest ACT scores. That will be the end of the month so the glitches should be worked out by then.
Thanks!
 
The glitch preventing final submission should be corrected now. Log in and finish your application (let us know if you have any additional issues).

Insider
 
The glitch preventing final submission should be corrected now. Log in and finish your application (let us know if you have any additional issues).

Insider
Should a Summer Seminar candidate wait until he/she receives final standardized test scores (eg Oct's PSAT or Dec's ACT) to fill out the Summer Seminar application? Or is there a way to update application until the deadline?
 
Suggest wait for the scores. DS waited, and was selected for both USNA and USAFA.
 
Should a Summer Seminar candidate wait until he/she receives final standardized test scores (eg Oct's PSAT or Dec's ACT) to fill out the Summer Seminar application? Or is there a way to update application until the deadline?

No selections will be made until after the application closes on January 15 so there is no harm in waiting. Also, you cannot opt to use your SS application as a general application to the USAFA class of 21 unless your SS application included test scores. In most cases it makes sense to wait for the scores (the only reason you may not want to include them is is they are lower than you expected).

Insider
 
Should a Summer Seminar candidate wait until he/she receives final standardized test scores (eg Oct's PSAT or Dec's ACT) to fill out the Summer Seminar application? Or is there a way to update application until the deadline?

No selections will be made until after the application closes on January 15 so there is no harm in waiting. Also, you cannot opt to use your SS application as a general application to the USAFA class of 21 unless your SS application included test scores. In most cases it makes sense to wait for the scores (the only reason you may not want to include them is is they are lower than you expected).

Insider
Roger that. Thank you.
 
I was wondering about essays too. DS is struggling with the overcoming a challenge one, he feels like any of his "challenges" are minor nuisances and is concerned he would sound petty to write about them but is also worried about leaving it blank.
 
Sam, I think there are plenty of candidates who actually haven't had major challenges and struggle with this. And its good that your DS recognizes this. He could possibly write about that and how he would hope to deal with adversity and challenges.
 
DS struggled with the challenge question as well. He ended up writing about the challenges faced by some of the kids at the place he does his volunteer work and how he admires their desire to overcome obstacles. Be creative and the admissions board will recognize your efforts.
 
Son is currently working through the application now. I haven't looked at it. Is he going to need to have teacher's complete references for it? I know if application is due January 15. I just want to make sure that if he does he gets those requests in before school lets out for break so he isn't one of those kids who asks for a reference in January the day before applications are due.
 
I was wondering about essays too. DS is struggling with the overcoming a challenge one, he feels like any of his "challenges" are minor nuisances and is concerned he would sound petty to write about them but is also worried about leaving it blank.

My DD wrote about being disqualified time and time again over a two year period during her equestrian competitions and how she had to make adjustments to her psyche and training which helped her achieve her goal in the end. It was not an earth shattering experience, but it definitely tested her mettle. The struggle does not have to be "life changing", but a challenge that can provide some insight into how your DS handles the situation and how it shapes his character or shows his determination.

On another note, when applying for anything that requires an essay, one should NEVER leave it blank. It's always a good idea to answer any essay question, even if it states it is "optional". It is the only time that you can relay to the Academy information that they would not otherwise have, and it will be from the applicant's perspective. It is a time to make yourself stand out among the other applicants. Use all your spaces wisely and don't go over the character count (which includes spaces, commas and heavy sighs ;)).
 
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