So currently I'm on the waiting list. I have been accepted to several schools, some of which have AFROTC, but I missed to AFROTC deadline for scholarships.
My main question is how are second year applications looked at differently?
Does the academy mix in your college grades with high school grades and then just review your same application from last year?
I know that I should probably join some more athletic groups and continue to have active leadership and service but since I am a qualified candidate this year, having met all of the academy's requirements, do I basically have a good shot at getting in next year just for the sheer fact that it will be my second time applying?
Thanks, this is a tough time for me and I am just trying to figure out what I can be doing to set myself up for success.
Hi!
Okay...this is something I know quite a bit about.
First...breathe....again...relaxed? (NO, what are you thinking?!)
Okay...the BIGGEST decision you must make is: GO TO SCHOOL! Yes, really. GO TO SCHOOL and take a "full" load of at least 12 semester hours. And take the tough classes. Try to "mirror" the first year at the academy.
Next...decide where to go to school. Junior College, state university, or ? In truth it really does NOT matter; going to school is the biggie.
IF that school has an ROTC program, enroll in it. That will give you a taste of the military, on a small scale. It will also allow you to gain experience and also to show the military members there that you are SERIOUS about service. It also looks good on your application, should you try for the academy again.
Okay...you've decided to reapply. First things first: speak with your ALO, your AFA counselor, etc., and try to get their opinions as to why you didn't get in this time. Trust me, that's going to be TOUGH. Why?
Because decisions on acceptance can literally come down to "tenths" of a point of the weighted composite score. Yes, that close. BUT...if there's ONE area that I see that can ALWAYS be improved it's the standardized tests: SAT/ACT. TAKE THEM AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN...and get the software to help prepare, do whatever it takes to nail those suckers.
Now...get at least a 3.0 in your college classes. And let your congressman and ALO know that you're reapplying; you're not done, and to expect a better "you" this next go around.
Trust me, as an ALO, I LOVE to have a "repeat" candidate because they are so much sharper, know the ropes, and are TOTALLY focused on the goal. And they typically do better the second time around.
GET IN THE BEST PHYSICAL CONDITION OF YOUR LIFE! You have a FULL year to do that! If you can't MAX the CFA now, then you're not there. I had a candidate that did NOT make it the first year...his SAT's were OH SO CLOSE but...and his CFA was "average."
He spent the next year in a local CC, and did ROTC at the "U" and really got in condition. When I gave him the CFA the next cycle, I said "So...John...how will you do?"
He proceeded to blow the test away, nailing everything with a max.
He graduated with the class of 2008 and is in UPT today.
I could go ON AND ON AND ON...but this should give you a start to the thought process.
I'm living proof: IT CAN BE DONE the second time around...you just have to want it a bit more.
Final thought: HS grads (read: college students) are viewed DIFFERENTLY from HS students...you're considered to be more mature, have a better "feel" for where you're going, and if you have a 3.0 GPA in college classes, then you have proven you can succeed in college (read USAFA academics) and that's the BIG thing "they" are trying to "guess" with the HS student applicant.
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83