Two Questions

Boater

5-Year Member
Joined
Mar 30, 2010
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I am a candidate for 2015 - received nom, 3 qd. I am of hispanic heritage. I filled all that out on my application. Am I automatically considered for a diversity slot or do I have to ask to make certain?

Also, do I have to let someone know that I would be honored to attend the prep school and to consider me in case I don't get directly in, or does the committee consider everyone? Thanks.
 
I am a candidate for 2015 - received nom, 3 qd. I am of hispanic heritage. I filled all that out on my application. Am I automatically considered for a diversity slot or do I have to ask to make certain?

Also, do I have to let someone know that I would be honored to attend the prep school and to consider me in case I don't get directly in, or does the committee consider everyone? Thanks.

The answer is "NO" on both questions. The academy will determine if your additional diversity "Points" (For lack of a better word), added to your application points, is enough to get you an appointment. Remember; race, color, and gender aren't the only diversity factors the air force considers. They consider single parent family, 1st generation to attend college, economics, and many other areas. You don't have to contact them or apply.

As for the prep school; if you aren't selected for an appointment, the academy will decide who they want to "OFFER" a slot at the prep school. You have to apply to the academy to be considered for the prep school. There's nothing you need to do.
 
FYI, for the Prep school, you'll find out about that ~ Mid April. I got my offer for that 2 weeks after I got my initial rejection letter.
 
FYI, for the Prep school, you'll find out about that ~ Mid April. I got my offer for that 2 weeks after I got my initial rejection letter.

If you possibly don't mind me asking, when did you receive your rejection letter? I was under the impression that they were all mailed during May...
 
I hope to God I don't get a rejection letter. I have a nom and am 3 q'd. My status says Candidate and Complete so I am in the waiting game. I just wanted to make certain that I don't miss out on any opportunities by not looking into them - like the prep school. I want the USAFA to know that I would be honored to attend that school as well. I just want to be a part of this amazing community and serve my country. Good luck to all!
 
I hope to God I don't get a rejection letter. I have a nom and am 3 q'd. My status says Candidate and Complete so I am in the waiting game. I just wanted to make certain that I don't miss out on any opportunities by not looking into them - like the prep school. I want the USAFA to know that I would be honored to attend that school as well. I just want to be a part of this amazing community and serve my country. Good luck to all!

Boater; I hope only great news for you. But I think you should realize that while a Nomination and being qualified physically, medically, and academically is required for an appointment; there will be MORE APPLICANTS with a nomination and 3Q who DO NOT GET AN APPOINTMENT, than those who DO get an appointment. And there's even more who have a nomination and may not be qualified 100%.

I only write this because there are many people who think because they received a nomination; and are qualified for the academy; that somehow they have some additional chance. If 1200 receive an appointment; there are many more than 1200 who have nominations and are 100% qualified that won't receive an appointment. I say this to make sure everyone is still keeping their other options open. I've seen way too many people put all their eggs in one basket. Then when they don't receive an appointment, they become very discouraged; and because they didn't plan well; they wind up in a local Community College. Nothing wrong with a community college. But if you're good enough to apply to a military academy; you're good enough to be applying to the top 20% of universities in the country. Don't hurt yourself by not having options. Just in case.

FWIW: We're also talking about individuals who DID get their appointment, and then a week before basic training, they changed their mind and decided not to go. Also; the individual who got to the academy, got on the bus to the student area, tripped getting off the bus and busted up their knee and was sent home immediately. There's a lot of reasons to have your backup university choices well planned out. For my son, we even put some money down (couple hundred dollars) to hold a spot for him. (Considering how much money we saved at the academy, it was worth it, just in case). My son got the appointment in October/November, and we still put that money down, JUST IN CASE. I could have asked for it back, but we donated it to the school for any student who might have financial issues. Point is: ALWAYS HAVE OPTIONS!!! Even if you are fortunate enough to receive an appointment, DON'T THROW AWAY YOUR OPTIONS!!!
 
I think CC stated it all, but, missed one thing

Boater said:
I just wanted to make certain that I don't miss out on any opportunities by not looking into them - like the prep school. I want the USAFA to know that I would be honored to attend that school as well.

This is the most common mis-conception.

Prep aka Falcon Foundation is not about giving a slot for the ones who just missed the mark. I.E. 1200 apptmt go out and 1201-1300 get prep.

Prep exists for candidates that they see as needing 1 more yr of ACADEMIC growth to get into the SA.

The cadet with a 1330 out of 1600, 4 APs and 3.4 gpa would not be seen as a candidate for prep.

The cadet with a 1220, 3 APs and a 3.3 gpa would be a better fit.

The reason why is academically they are not on par, but they have it in them to meet the incoming class academic median, if they were just given one more yr.

Prep does not exist as the bridesmaid or best man....in other words back up.
 
Thanks for the feedback. I am fully aware of the odds of getting an appointment. I was not asking the questions because I don't have a back-up plan. I was just not certain if somewhere along this long road I needed to indicate that I would be interested in the prep school. Maybe others would not take that opportunity. I also was not certain how diversity plays a role. ChristCorp was helpful with his answer. I am a college freshman on scholarship now just wanting to keep all my options open, that's why I applied. The AF community has been really awesome to me and I would love to join them. Best to all!
 
There have been some very wise words spoken on this thread, but I just want to pick all your brains just a little more. I've been accepted to BYU, Provo and I was curious if you guys had any ideas of how to beef up an application for 2016 in case the appointment doesn't come. As an Eagle Scout, I can't help but try and be prepared.
 
Boater; I hope only great news for you. But I think you should realize that while a Nomination and being qualified physically, medically, and academically is required for an appointment; there will be MORE APPLICANTS with a nomination and 3Q who DO NOT GET AN APPOINTMENT, than those who DO get an appointment. And there's even more who have a nomination and may not be qualified 100%.

I only write this because there are many people who think because they received a nomination; and are qualified for the academy; that somehow they have some additional chance. If 1200 receive an appointment; there are many more than 1200 who have nominations and are 100% qualified that won't receive an appointment. I say this to make sure everyone is still keeping their other options open. I've seen way too many people put all their eggs in one basket. Then when they don't receive an appointment, they become very discouraged; and because they didn't plan well; they wind up in a local Community College. Nothing wrong with a community college. But if you're good enough to apply to a military academy; you're good enough to be applying to the top 20% of universities in the country. Don't hurt yourself by not having options. Just in case.

FWIW: We're also talking about individuals who DID get their appointment, and then a week before basic training, they changed their mind and decided not to go. Also; the individual who got to the academy, got on the bus to the student area, tripped getting off the bus and busted up their knee and was sent home immediately. There's a lot of reasons to have your backup university choices well planned out. For my son, we even put some money down (couple hundred dollars) to hold a spot for him. (Considering how much money we saved at the academy, it was worth it, just in case). My son got the appointment in October/November, and we still put that money down, JUST IN CASE. I could have asked for it back, but we donated it to the school for any student who might have financial issues. Point is: ALWAYS HAVE OPTIONS!!! Even if you are fortunate enough to receive an appointment, DON'T THROW AWAY YOUR OPTIONS!!!

Christcorp, you mentioned someone getting injured and being sent home immediately...was that cadet readmitted for the next year though?

Also, what happens if a cadet is seriously injured at any other time after BCT?
 
Christcorp, you mentioned someone getting injured and being sent home immediately...was that cadet readmitted for the next year though?

Also, what happens if a cadet is seriously injured at any other time after BCT?

Actually; this rule is quite simple. GET to BCT; take your oath; and then you're part of the academy. If you get injured or sick and can't complete BCT, you are "Automatically" authorized a slot the next year to try again. If for some reason you get sick or injured prior to starting BCT; at home or in the case of the individual who hurt their knee getting off the bus at the academy; if you HAVEN'T taken the oath yet, then you would have to start the entire application process all over again next year. Including nominations and everything.
 
Thanks Christcorp, great info. I was unclear when an appointee actual became part of the academy.

Well; that's a little simplified. For the discussion of "Injury/Illness" and getting sent home; you are considered part of the academy after taking your oath. if you get injured or sick after that, and can't finish Basic Cadet Training (BCT), you are authorized an automatic slot the following year.

Now; you're not actually a "Cadet" and part of the "Cadet Wing" until you've successfully completed "BCT" and make it to "A-DAY" (Acceptance Day). That is when you are "Accepted" into the cadet wing. Now; once you complete BCT and become a cadet; then it's all up to you. It's your academics, physical fitness, military studies, etc... that will determine if you get to stay as a cadet. But you will definitely be given every possible opportunity to succeed. Best of luck to you. mike....
 
Well; that's a little simplified. For the discussion of "Injury/Illness" and getting sent home; you are considered part of the academy after taking your oath.

It wasn't my intent to oversimplify the acceptance process. DS is waiting and hoping for an appointment this year, but ready to reapply next year. Hearing stories about an appointee being injured getting off the bus just brings up questions about under what circumstances do they have do the entire application process again?
 
It wasn't my intent to oversimplify the acceptance process. DS is waiting and hoping for an appointment this year, but ready to reapply next year. Hearing stories about an appointee being injured getting off the bus just brings up questions about under what circumstances do they have do the entire application process again?

If they didn't take the "Oath", then they start all over, just like they NEVER applied in the first place. Just like a person who got turned down one year, starts all over again the next season. However; if they take their oath, then get hurt/sick during BCT, they don't have to start anything over. All they have to do is get one medical form filled out from the doctors that says whatever it was that they were sick/injured and couldn't finish BCT, is now fixed/corrected/and no longer an issue. Other than that, they come straight back in. But ANYTHING PRIOR to the oath at BCT requires starting the process all over again. Including interviews, nominations, etc... The only thing is the DODMRB. I believe that's good for 2 years. But everything else starts over.
 
Many wise people as you all have seen are on these boards, so not to override anything they have shared, but as a mom of a Falcon Foundation recepient we have received from the Academy and the Foundation some clarification on that program vs USAFA Prep, that I can share.

As stated previously, USAFA Prep is traditionally for Athletes and Enlisted or those that require that additional year of academic strenthening.

On the other hand, Falcon Scholar's are chosen for several reasons:

Mainly they, as some have said, are academically prepared but may be slightly deficient in an area which while 100% qualified keeps them out of the intial cut. It could be their CFA while passing does not bump their WCS up enough, or it could be instead of a 3.4 GPA they have a 3.3. It can be anything that brings their WCS down such that they are just below the cut off. Most are fully qualified. Just where do they rank. Also they are pilot qualified and chosen by USAFA Admisions in connection with the Falcon Foundation.

While these are all great opportunities which my DS was blessed to receive, they are small opportunities in numbers so please do not as others have said hope for this as your secondary option. Make a solid Plan B. My DS was blessed with a great Plan B, headed to Purdue engineering when he received the Falcon letter. Because of his dream and with quite a bit of angst chose the Falcon opportunity. Attended NWPrep with many others you have seen on this board.

The other item to note is yes please make your ALO aware you would be interested. They only offer a few of these and if your ALO knows and admissions knows you are interested then they at least know if chosen you would probaly accept. Some are pulled off the waitlist for this option others receive rejection letters but be patient and if this is meant to be it will be for you and MAKE your PLAN B...

Good Luck to all!

Karek
 
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