Prep Schools and Experience

blakeUSAFA18hopeful

5-Year Member
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Apr 1, 2013
Messages
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Hello All,

I'm currently in the process of applying for the Class of 2018 and I know that, as always, competition will be high. At a recent information meeting, I was told by someone who works in the Senator's office that last year they didn't even look at applications that had an ACT cumulative score that was less than a 31.
Unfortunately, my ACT cumulative score is in the upper 20's. This new info got me thinking about alternative routes to the academy. If I am not accepted to the class of 2018, I plan to attend a prep school. The real question is, which one? Do you know of any prep schools that have higher academy appointment rates than others? Any information would be greatly appreciated!

-Class of '18 (or '19) hopeful.
 
Hello All,

I'm currently in the process of applying for the Class of 2018 and I know that, as always, competition will be high. At a recent information meeting, I was told by someone who works in the Senator's office that last year they didn't even look at applications that had an ACT cumulative score that was less than a 31.
Unfortunately, my ACT cumulative score is in the upper 20's. This new info got me thinking about alternative routes to the academy. If I am not accepted to the class of 2018, I plan to attend a prep school. The real question is, which one? Do you know of any prep schools that have higher academy appointment rates than others? Any information would be greatly appreciated!

-Class of '18 (or '19) hopeful.

So, there is some important information that wasn't given to you. Sponsored prep schools (both USAFAPS and Falcon Foundation) are not things you apply for - they are offered via the respective committees based on your USAFA application. As far as non-affiliated prep schools, I don't know much there and didn't know any classmates personally that came via non-affiliated prep programs.

You would be better off doing all your application for USAFA with non-USAFA back-up options (universities) on the table. Many people don't get in the first (or second or third!) times and eventually are accepted based on exceptional performance in post-secondary education.

In the meantime, continue studying and re-taking the ACT. If you haven't already, take the SAT as well as they will superscore both tests. Some people are better at the SAT than the ACT and vice versa.

I hope this helps answer your questions.
 
If you aren't offered USAFAPS or a Falcon scholarship, it sounds like you are interested in doing what is referred to as "self-prep". These students go to the same schools the Falcon Scholars go to, however they are full pay.

I don't know statistics, but I do know that self-preps from these schools have been successful gaining appointments to USAFA. Two popular schools seem to be North West Prep and Marion Military Institute.

You may want to head over to the prep school forum and do some research over there. The AFA prepsters seem to be especially active posters.

Nicole
 
That statement isn't true at all. Granted, I'm a falcon foundation scholarship recipient, but you're looking at someone right here (along with many others) who got into USAFA without an ACT score of 31 or higher. Always have a good outlook and don't let others change that. Don't forget that you have to have the motivation as well, though, and taking the ACT again is not a bad idea (pretty sure I've taken it at least 5 times now). Best of luck to you!
 
That statement isn't true at all. Granted, I'm a falcon foundation scholarship recipient, but you're looking at someone right here (along with many others) who got into USAFA without an ACT score of 31 or higher. Always have a good outlook and don't let others change that. Don't forget that you have to have the motivation as well, though, and taking the ACT again is not a bad idea (pretty sure I've taken it at least 5 times now). Best of luck to you!

It's possible that the senator's aide was talking about the application to receive a nomination from that office. From what I've gathered, senator's nominations are much more competitive than district nominations because their pool of applicants is much higher. I'd apply to every possible source anyway.

Secondly, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you need some sort of nomination to be offered a prep school scholarship by the AFA. Now at the prep school you are required to complete the application process again along with acquiring a new nomination for that particular year. I've gathered that officials usually look more favorably at nomination applications from prep school students because they are on a dedicated track towards an academy.

Good luck!
 
Secondly, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you need some sort of nomination to be offered a prep school scholarship by the AFA.

I don't know the official rules, but can share my DDs experience.

She recieved a nom to USNA, but not to USAFA. We thought her application was closed at that point. A few weeks later she received a letter from USAFA asking her to have her doctor clarify something regarding her medical exam. We called USAFA and asked if we should bother complying with this, as she did not have a nom. The woman replied that she was still eligible for prep school, so if she was interested in prep, she should.

Sooo, at least according to this nameless woman, you don't need a nom for prep school - at least as of last February!

Nicole
 
Secondly, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you need some sort of nomination to be offered a prep school scholarship by the AFA. Now at the prep school you are required to complete the application process again along with acquiring a new nomination for that particular year. I've gathered that officials usually look more favorably at nomination applications from prep school students because they are on a dedicated track towards an academy.

Good luck!

You do NOT need to be nominated to receive a prep school scholarship (at least for Falcon Foundation.) I know some Falcons who did not have a nomination going into prep year. For a few of them, that was the only thing holding them back from getting in the first time around. Obviously, you do need to get nominated during prep year in order to attend the Academy but it is not required in order to get a scholarship.
 
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