i have just been reading the posts on these forums for the last 2 months or so and have finally worked up the courage to post here. my daughter got her letter of assurance last december and a follow up phone call from our MOC. She has been seriously considering the academy over the national universities that she was accepted into as well for reasons that include financial, educational opportunities and the fact that she wants to live away from home. as more of these acceptances come in, she now seems to be wavering.
what would you tell her to encourage her to look at this path more over the others? sometimes (or most times) kids dont listen to us because we are just parents but would listen to others telling them the same thing. with all things equal is there any downside of graduating from the USAFA on future job applications. im sure there are a lot of parents out there with the same issues.
basically what im asking for is advice on how to say "you should really consider this option over the others because..."
Most here who know me, know that I am an ALO. Which means, I work for the air force academy admissions. Having said that, I will be the first person to say that the academies and the military are NOT meant for everyone. The 2nd thing I will say, as others already have, is that it MUST BE YOUR CHILD'S CHOICE!!!
Now; having said that, in your post, no where did I see you say that your child "WANTED TO SERVE HER COUNTRY AND BE IN THE MILITARY". You mentioned financial; obviously an advantage at the academy. Educational; definitely an advantage being it's in the top-10 schools in the country; and living away from home; if you aren't from Colorado Springs, then that too is definitely an advantage. But again; does she WANT to be in the military? She has to realize that this isn't a "4 year thing". At MINIMUM it's a "9 Year Thing". 4 at the academy, and a minimum of 5 more in the military.
Another thing you didn't mention is, with all the acceptances to these other schools, are they just acceptances or do some of them have scholarships attached. If we're talking full ride scholarships to some, then ALL 3 of the things she wants; financial, education, and moving away are all satisfied. She doesn't need the academy for that. Again; it all comes down to whether or not she wants to be in the military; wants to serve her country; wants to be an officer; wants to be part of something much bigger than herself; willing to be disciplined more than she ever has; etc...
Not trying to discourage you, or her. But this has to be her choice and it has to be for the right reason. Do some come to the academy and military strictly for financial reasons and job security? Yes. And we, the air force, hope that during their training and education, they also develop a desire to SERVE and to be part of something much larger than themselves. Many will and some won't. Those who don't, will put in their time, serve honorably as restitution for their education, and move on. Some will embrace their service. And whether they only stay 5 years or make it a 20-30 year career, the military will become a big part of their lives and inner being. But again; this has to be her choice.
So, in other words, if serving her country and being a part of the military, isn't that important to her; and she can get scholarships to pay to go to some of these other schools; then I WOULDN'T try to get her to consider the academies.
What I tell all those interested that I speak with, interview, or visit at high schools, is:
"Attending the academy and serving in the military, MUST be a CHOICE; not a LACK of OPTIONS". There are always other options. If someone is applying to the academies because they don't think they can get an affordable, quality, education by some other means, then they are mistaken and simply are ignorant of the many options out there. When it comes to affording a quality education, the academies don't have a lock on that market. When I've seen individuals TURN DOWN Full ride 100%, 5 year scholarships, to schools like Purdue; USC; Stanford; Michigan State; Tulane; Georgetown; University of Texas; and many others, to accept an appointment to one of the military academies,..... Then you KNOW they really want the academy, the military, and to be part of something much bigger than themselves.
Let your daughter reads the many posts and advice given. Let her realize that only SHE can decide what she wants. If it's time for her to grow up and become responsible as an adult, then this is a real good time to start. SHE must make the decision. Best of luck. Mike....