Quick story about my son. Last year this week my son got the TWE from USAFA, which was the only academy he applied to. So he doubled down and went to Marion Military Institute this year. Got appointments this time to West Point and USAFA. After visiting both and spending the year at MMI, he did a complete 180 and just yesterday accepted West Point and declined USAFA.
I can't say for sure, but places like MMI are known commodities to the AFA (and other SAs). If I were to guess, I'd say that is the biggest advantage over going to generic U.
Thank you for the encouraging words!
Yes, the academic curriculum and environment of semi-military discipline at MMI, etc. is well known to the Academies and are certainly significant factors why they send their sponsored candidates there. I also think there is a lot to be said for being surrounded and motivated by others striving for the same goal: appointment to a Service Academy.
In a word, fit. He still wants to fly, which is what attracted him to the AFA in the first instance. But in comparing everything else between WP and the AFA, he felt strongly that for him WP was a much better fit. And since he can still fly in the Army, although of course it isn't identical to doing so in the AF, he decided that overall WP was the better choice for him. To paraphrase what he said, he visited WP last month and left wanting to be a part of the Long Gray Line. He visited the AFA this past Monday and didn't come away with the same feeling.
absolutely
Sounds like better news than the majority received yesterday, good luck!
Thank you. It was a really sad day around here yesterday. He received 2 noms, could have gone for music, or sport, but really just wants to fly for USAF.
Yes, I reapplied and received an appointment this year.
Praying for an appointment soon for your DS!!!!