Falcon Foundation Scholarship

metroeagle

5-Year Member
Joined
Apr 21, 2012
Messages
10
Hi, I just registered but have been following this forum for months now. I got my TWE a few weeks ago and was pretty disappointed, but got a full ride to OU so I planned on doing that. Then last Friday I got an email saying I received a Falcon Scholarship. I know some stuff about it, but was wondering if you guys could answer some questions from experience.

1) Did your time at one of the military academies benefit you?
2) Which academy is best for the money?
3) Would going to a regular university and re-applying be better than accepting the scholarship?
4) If you guys have any other info that would be great.

Thanks for your help, I hope these questions aren't stupid
 
Hey there Metroeagle,

If your sole purpose is going to USAFA, then I would recommend you take the falcon scholarship. This scholarship is USAFA's way of saying they want you, but they can't take you just yet. By taking this scholarship, you are virtually reserving a spot in next years class, and it will be yours provided you don't make a huge mistake, or fail in school. The appointment is yours to lose.

I am not actually been a falcon scholar, but I know at least that much about it. Somebody else can confirm and tell you more about the different academies. Congratulations on your scholarship!
 
1) Did your time at one of the military academies benefit you?
My son attended NWP in California this year and it was a great experience for him. His ACT scores improved, he developed lots of friendships, his study skills improved and he really enjoyed all the guest speakers that were brought in.
2) Which academy is best for the money?
I don't think anyone here can answer this for you. You need to research and talk to the prep schools yourself. Find one that fits you. Each one is a bit different. To find out about NWP, call Mrs. D. She is great and will probably answer the phone today.
3) Would going to a regular university and re-applying be better than accepting the scholarship?
Absolutely not. As JB10 said, if your goal is to get an appointment for the USAFA class of 2017, there is no better way than a Falcon scholarship. The appointment is yours to lose.
4) If you guys have any other info that would be great.
Falcon scholarships are first come first served. Last year, a candidate was offered a scholarship but it took him some time to accept it. He was then notified that he had to be on the wait list which was very stressful for him. In the end he was accepted. But it you want this, you need to move on it as the acceptance rate maybe higher this year than last.
 
just wondering how do you become eligible for the falcon scholarship?

Quoted from www.falconfoundation.org:

Eligibility requirements for a Falcon Scholarship:

  • Must be at least 17 years of age and not have passed their 22nd birthday on 1 July of the year they are admitted to a prep school.
  • Must be a citizen of the United States.
  • Must be unmarried and have no dependent children.
  • Must, as a minimum, meet the established medical standards for a commission in the United States Air Force.
  • Must have completed the USAFA Pre-candidate Questionnaire (PCQ), have been entered into the candidate phase, and have completed all parts of the candidate kit if entered into the candidate phase.
  • Be qualified for entry to USAFA by the USAFA Admissions Office.
The USAFA Admissions Office will consider each application, school records and references. Based on all available information, the USAFA Admissions Office will compare each applicant's qualifications to the following criteria:
  • Motivation to enter and graduate from USAFA and, thereafter, to follow a lifetime career as an officer in the United States Air Force.
  • Scholastic achievements.
  • Qualities of maturity, truthfulness, courage, unselfishness, fellowship, and devotion to duty.
  • Exhibition of moral force of character and leadership and an interest in others.
  • Physical vigor as shown by a fondness for, and participation and success in, sports.
 
Falcon scholarships are first come first served. Last year, a candidate was offered a scholarship but it took him some time to accept it. He was then notified that he had to be on the wait list which was very stressful for him. In the end he was accepted. But it you want this, you need to move on it as the acceptance rate maybe higher this year than last.

So does this mean that I should make my decision in the next few days because it says that I have till May 4th to make the decision. I really don't want to lose my place. I was also wondering if you receive paperwork on the schools before or after you accept the scholarship, because on the pdf letter it says information is attached, but I haven't gotten anything else.
 
So does this mean that I should make my decision in the next few days because it says that I have till May 4th to make the decision. I really don't want to lose my place. I was also wondering if you receive paperwork on the schools before or after you accept the scholarship, because on the pdf letter it says information is attached, but I haven't gotten anything else.

I have not seen this year's letter so I guess that I should not have attempted to address the timing of acceptance this time around. In the past, it was first come, first served and stated so in the letter. But if the letter says you have until May 4th then I would take it at face value. Lots of things are different this year which makes my answer to your Question #4 just flat wrong. Sorry about that.

Last year, the only information on the schools enclosed with the letter was cost, website URL, and phone number. But you can check the schools out from the Foundation website.
 
1) Did your time at one of the military academies benefit you?
2) Which academy is best for the money?
3) Would going to a regular university and re-applying be better than accepting the scholarship?
4) If you guys have any other info that would be great.

1) Yes, immensely. Not only did it help my academics ten-fold, it also helped me get used to living a regimented life and aided my time management skills. And I made some friends, too! :thumb: It has been a fantastic experience.

2) Well, I'm assuming you mean which Falcon school is best for the money. Couldn't tell you since I didn't attend all of them. NMMI has been great for me. And if you look financially, I believe it is one of the least expensive since preps pay in-state tuition.

3) IMPO, no. You're being offered a scholarship with an over 90% acceptance rate upon completion of one year of college. If you reapply without taking the scholarship, your chances are far less. This scholarship flags you for the Academy. They told us early on: "Your appointments are yours to lose, they're pretty much set aside for you, so don't lose them." I honestly think this is the best way to obtain an appointment next year and I highly recommend you take it or at least give it very serious thought.

Congratulations on being offered an FF scholarship, and best wishes!
 
Metro, I agree with those here who say that if your goal is USAFA (or other S.A.), take the Falcon!

It's a golden ticket for you!

Please let us know what you decide.
 
Today I have been looking at all of the prep schools and I am liking the New Mexico Military Institute the best so far, it isn't as expensive as some others and closer than alot of other schools. I was wondering if anyone has first hand experience with it and if it's a good choice. Thanks
 
Today I have been looking at all of the prep schools and I am liking the New Mexico Military Institute the best so far, it isn't as expensive as some others and closer than alot of other schools. I was wondering if anyone has first hand experience with it and if it's a good choice. Thanks

What specifically are you wondering?
 
Falcon Foundation

My son received his TWE a couple of weeks ago. While waiting for news he applied to NWP and was accepted as a free agent and plans to attend the fall semester there. If he doesn't receive a Falcon Foundation Scholarship does anyone have experience going the free agent route and how did it work out for you?
 
My son received his TWE a couple of weeks ago. While waiting for news he applied to NWP and was accepted as a free agent and plans to attend the fall semester there. If he doesn't receive a Falcon Foundation Scholarship does anyone have experience going the free agent route and how did it work out for you?

DS was a free agent at NWP this past semester and is currently waitlisted. He loved his time at NWP. It was very challenging, but if you put forth the effort, it really pays off. His scores went from 26s to 32s on the ACT. He made great friends and the Durbecks who run the school were like parents away from home (strict but fair parents!). Regardless of whether he receives an appointment, the NWP experience was incredible. His only wish was that it was year-round. The study habits and self-discipline he learned at NWP will be the foundation for his future success no matter where he ends up.

Good luck to your DS!


P.S. My DS is not a recruited athlete
 
Falcon Foundation

Thanks for the response and best of luck for your son on the waitlist. Do you have any idea how many students were free agents like your son and what was the acceptance rate of free agents.
 
Blamo,
DS was in exactly the same position as yours last year. He was in the last batch to receive a Falcon scholarship in mid May. Free agent friends of his from NWP have received appointments at USAFA and elsewhere. However since the process this year is not complete, no one will be sure what the number of free agents receiving appointments will be at this point. Once it is complete, Mrs. D will tell you the stats for NWP. NWP does encourage free agents to apply to all the SAs so some may have received appointments to a SA that was not initially their first choice. NWP has a great guest speaker program that exposes the students to all the SAs by bringing in AD and other graduates to share their experiences and perspectives.
 
Today I talked with an admissions officer at the New Mexico Military Institute about scholarships. He was really helpful and said there are lots you can apply for. I was wondering if anyone who currently goes there can tell me around how much scholarship most people receive? Thanks
 
Falcon Foundation - NWP

Can't say enough good things about NWP. The Durbecks are wonderful, thier program is successful and proven. Statistics for "free agents" have changed over the past two years with the admission cuts, its much harder for everyone.

Agreed, a FF offer is the GOLDEN Ticket. If you are serious do not let this opportunity go by.
 
Today I talked with an admissions officer at the New Mexico Military Institute about scholarships. He was really helpful and said there are lots you can apply for. I was wondering if anyone who currently goes there can tell me around how much scholarship most people receive? Thanks

Depends what you apply for. I didn't apply for any, and therefore only had my Falcon Foundation scholarship. My friend who is a West Point AOG sponsored cadet applied for tons and goes here for essentially free. There are tons you can apply for, you just gotta ask around and keep your ears open.
 
Today I talked with an admissions officer at the New Mexico Military Institute about scholarships. He was really helpful and said there are lots you can apply for. I was wondering if anyone who currently goes there can tell me around how much scholarship most people receive? Thanks

If I remember correctly, in the admissions packet that we received last year there was a scholarship sheet that asked a ton of questions such as was your parent a Viet Nam Era Vet; is your mother a breast cancer survivor, etc. We checked the blocks that were applicable to us and then forgot about it. End of the first semester, my son received notice that he had been awarded two scholarships, one retroactive to the fall semester and the second for the spring semester. We didn't do as well as USAFA 2016!'s friend but were very surprised and pleased since we were not really expecting anything. It appears that NMMI has a very generous alumni base and they offer a bunch of different scholarships both academic (which my son's were) and others.
 
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