AIM Application

Today I was not selected for the AFA SS which was a major downer since the AFA is my top choice, but now I am focusing on my AIM app. I think a big reason why I was not chosen was because I found out about the SS a week before the deadline. So I rushed to turn in all the required info and essays. Also I have not taken the SAT or ACT. So now that I am working on my AIM app I wanted to know if there are any good ideas on how to make me get noticed by the CGA. What kinds of things should I put in the personal essay 2? Should I write the optional essay, also?
Thanks!

Its my understanding that the third essay doesn't necessarily have to be an essay. If you have taken the PSAT or PLAN you could use the "third essay" to list your scores as well as any other achievements you want them to know about. When I was applying for AIM last year, the second essay (which was about the values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty assuming they haven't changed it this year) was definitely the more difficult one. If I had any advice it would be to find examples in which you demonstrated these qualities and really make sure it is personal. Anyone can just go online and search up the definitions of these words and then just regurgitate it onto a page. Think about what most other people are going to write about, and then write about something different, it will make you stick out.

I'm in the exact same boat as you... not accepted to the AFA SS and now super focused on the AIM program. AFA is also my top choice I'm actually fairly excited for the AIM program, as I hear it is the most similar to actual military life and Swab Summer (practically CGA's BCT)

usafafam said:

I'm in the exact same boat as you... not accepted to the AFA SS and now super focused on the AIM program. AFA is also my top choice I'm actually fairly excited for the AIM program, as I hear it is the most similar to actual military life and Swab Summer (practically CGA's BCT)

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Yeah AFA is my first choice, too. I'm trying to use this setback as motivation.

CGBrat14 said:

Yeah AFA is my first choice, too. I'm trying to use this setback as motivation.

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Exactly. My parents are all concerned now that I wont make it into the actual academy, and they kind of see my rejection from the SS as a forecast of the Air Force... but its my motivation too!

usafafam said:

Exactly. My parents are all concerned now that I wont make it into the actual academy, and they kind of see my rejection from the SS as a forecast of the Air Force... but its my motivation too!

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Please share this with your parents...
At my dd's school, each year 1-2 kids get appointments to the USNA. However, those same kids almost NEVER geting USNA SS. Why? The BGO said that in part the SSs are recruitment tools. As such, they have no reason to recruit from the school nor the part of country we are in, as the USNA is highly represented in those regards.
He DRILLS into the kids that not getting into the SS has NO impact on their actual application. A few here and there get in to SS (and it is great to go and spend the week, of course), but most do not.

I would imagine it would be the same with the AFA SS. Just press on. The journey just started and those who got in would be wise also to remember that an appointment is in no way at hand because of a SS acceptance.

Good luck with your AIM application.

S

Aim

30 to 40% of academy appointees attended summer programs, so the good news is that 60 to 70% did not therefore no need to be too concerned. Remember you are at the start of a marathon so don't get de-motivated. Good luck!