USAFA Advice

USAFA2021

USAFA2021

5-Year Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2015
Messages
110
Good afternoon,

I am in my Sophomore year of High School and I am currently the Sophomore Class Vice President. My only dream is to be accepted into the Air Force Academy. I don't have the best GPA as my Weighted is a 3.8 and my unweighted is a 3.2. My GPA lowered from freshman year because I committed to a sport the 1st half of this year and unfortunately hindered my grades. I currently take all honors classes and have enrolled for an AP class junior year. I am well involved in my community as I am part of the Civil Air Patrol, currently A C/CMsgt, and in hold of several leadership positions. I am also involved in my church's youth group in which I have been active in the Youths band. As it is a dream to attend the Academy, I certainly would love to attend the Prep school, if I am not directly appointed. Is their any advice I may receive so I may be competitive when the time comes to apply.? Also what are my chances so far.??
I appreciate any reply.
 
Hi Christian! It looks like you are doing well with your leadership so far; great job on that!

In my opinion, you really need to improve that GPA. In general, USAFA looks for something pretty close to a 4.0 when evaluating candidates. The good news is that you still have time to boost your GPA a lot :thumb:. Take AP and Honors courses in your junior and senior years, and it will really help your GPA. Also, look into dual enrollment at your local college--I am doing this now and it is a great way to earn college credits while you are still in high school.

I understand why you want to include sports in your schedule, and I think that's a good idea. But remember: the AFA looks way more at your grades than they do at your sports (even though both are important). Focus on school first, and I think you will have a good shot at USAFA when the time comes. ;)
 
Will do, thanks for the advice!.


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Academics are the most heavily weighted component of the Whole Candidate Score. You should strive to maintain a 4.0 for your remaining classes. The closer to 4.0, the better. Also, do well on your standardized tests (USAFA superscores, so taking them multiple times will likely help.)

Good job on the extracurriculars. Leadership and fitness are important. Keep up with those.

I'd recommend having other goals than just USAFA acceptance. Start thinking about what you want to do with that degree and commission. You don't have to decide now. I changed my mind a bit while a cadet. What you should do is start thinking about it.
 
Thanks!, also my overall goal is to become a Fighter Pilot for the Air Force. I also have two other questions that have come to mind.

1.Does the Academy look more towards your SAT/ACT scores or your GPA?.

2. Does the Academy focus more on Your Weighted GPA, or your Unweighted GPA.?

Thanks in advance!


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I hope to become a fighter pilot as well! Hopefully we will be in the same squadron someday. :D

To the best of my understanding, the USAFA will 1. focus more on SAT scores than GPA, and 2. look first at your unweighted GPA.

However, SAT scores and GPA (both weighted and unweighted) are extremely important. It's kind of like asking whether passing your CFA or getting a nomination is more important--you really need to do both in order to succeed.

We will be glad to help you if you have any more questions. Again, best of luck to you! :)
 
From what I understand, your weighted GPA really has no bearing, as all schools weight differently. Admissions will take you unweighted grades and then throw them into their own weighting system that takes course rigor and high school profile in to account and come up with their own USAFA unique GPA.
 
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