I am a USAFA 2018 hopeful... but being from CO means it's going to be ridiculous for me to get in! Anybody else from Colorado?
Both my dad and my brother have gone to USAFA, and I was also wondering how that influences my chances.
Thanks!
Why do you think coming from Colorado means it's going to be ridiculous for you to get an appointment?
There are 7 representatives (For the 7 districts) in the state of colorado. PLUS, the 2 senators. So that means, if no one got more than one nomination, that 90 applicants would get a nomination out of colorado. (More, if a representative or senator has more than 1 vacancy). When a state is "COMPETITIVE" it's only competitive for a nomination. NOT FOR THE APPOINTMENT!!!
California is a very competitive state too. HOWEVER; if you're from a certain district, you are almost guaranteed to receive a nomination, because that district is so left leaning and not so very pro-military, that that representative is known to have mentioned how they barely can get 10 nominees per year.
If you have the grades, the class ranking, the ACT/SAT scores, the leadership, the sports, the social involvement, the volunteer time, the WHOLE PACKAGE, then you should have absolutely no problem receiving a nomination. And as far as receiving an appointment, that totally depends on how good your competition is.
On a side note: Did you recently move to colorado? If not, and you say your brother attended the academy, did he do it from Colorado or were you living some place else? And to answer your question: While legacy of having a parent or brother/sister attending the academy doesn't "Officially" help you get into the academy; it definitely looks good to your ALO and representative/senator when they interview you. They know that you pretty much know what you're sort of getting into. It's easier for them to tell if it's something YOU REALLY WANT or if it's something you're doing for your family; or you feel you're SUPPOSE to do it. If they feel you truly want it, it will actually help you probably get a nomination and a good score by your ALO.
No guarantees; but it definitely isn't going to hurt. Unless of course they get the feeling you're not applying because you really want it. And trust me: There's are people who apply to the academy and even accept the appointment and show up to the academy, who really don't want to be there. They are there because it's a free education; they don't have to burden their parents with college expenses; they let their parents/family talk them into the academy and military, telling them about the economy, jobs, benefits, etc... But if your dad and brother went to the academy, it will definitely help the MOC or ALO understand you better. It definitely is a plus. Best of luck.