Complete but Disqualified

Is there any hope?

  • I can help

    Votes: 1 16.7%
  • forward information

    Votes: 5 83.3%

  • Total voters
    6
A couple things here:
aside from the same PT concerns. He did well, not great on the run, but not bad either and smoked everything else....so it made ZERO sense.

Please note all: the inability to "smoke" the entire CFA is a problem, and not a small one. That is why here many people say practice practice practice for the CFA, in order of tests. And, failing any part of the CFA is a failure of the whole thing - so no small issue. In addition, recall please: your child is competing against the best-of-the-best, candidates who smoke every part of their applications are denied all the time. Some reapply and are appointed the following year.

Disappointing, yes. Strive for an excellent all-around CFA next year, or strive for that SAT to be 800/800, or a 36 ACT, or a leadership position, or another year of foreign language... whatever holds you back: go for it, with your nose to that grindstone. Let no one distract you! And, fencersmother allows 24 hours only of woe-is-me. That's it, not one more second. Now, get to work.

And from the old fencersfamily adage: Practice doesn't make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect.
 
A couple things here:
aside from the same PT concerns. He did well, not great on the run, but not bad either and smoked everything else....so it made ZERO sense.

Please note all: the inability to "smoke" the entire CFA is a problem, and not a small one. That is why here many people say practice practice practice for the CFA, in order of tests. And, failing any part of the CFA is a failure of the whole thing - so no small issue. In addition, recall please: your child is competing against the best-of-the-best, candidates who smoke every part of their applications are denied all the time. Some reapply and are appointed the following year.

Disappointing, yes. Strive for an excellent all-around CFA next year, or strive for that SAT to be 800/800, or a 36 ACT, or a leadership position, or another year of foreign language... whatever holds you back: go for it, with your nose to that grindstone. Let no one distract you! And, fencersmother allows 24 hours only of woe-is-me. That's it, not one more second. Now, get to work.

And from the old fencersfamily adage: Practice doesn't make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect.
He was surprised, not disheartened. His CFA results were solid and no one expected the "disqualified" rating as a result (yes, some make perfect scores, but again the issue is qualified vs selected). We can all strive to do better and he took it well. At the end of the day it is about getting a good education and chasing ones dreams, though sometimes our paths may be more winding than we would like.
 
Update...

My son is doing great...Thank you all for your concern and advise.
We went with our plan "B".
Since my son's dream is to be a Pilot in the Air Force...and already with pilot flight training/time under his belt at our local State Accredited School, it was natural for him to continue his study in Flight. So...

My son is enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University...The School is one of the Top Schools to help meet his goals in the Air Force, plus it has one of the Best ROTC programs of all University's in the country to lead into top positions in All Branches of the military.
Yes it is Pricey...specially for a pilot...OMG is it pricey.

So make sure you have your child enroll into an ROTC program before the deadline for a Scholarship, While He or She is proceeding with the Academy Plan during High School, you can enroll at the same time...their is no obligation doing so.
This is to help with plan "B". Important >>> Know the deadlines to apply <<<

Besides the previous fight training/hours my son accumulated, he has also completed four years of MCJRROTC reaching rank of Captain and Commanding Officer during his High School years...I mention this is because what I will be writing below that helped him in the coming what he is today.
He is now passed, and exceeded all of the CFA's and has earned the right to wear the Air Force Cadet uniform, Det. 157 at ERAU.

It's been going on two months now since my son started College/AFROTC and he loves it...keep in mind it is stressful for him and all the other cadets...with little time for anything else.
All the college courses including Air Force Study courses/training along with other meetings (and clubs that is strongly recommended and required), It is stressful...noting some cadets already dropped out...but for Kyle, he loves it and is thriving.
For those who are considering the same route; ROTC does advise to take the min. college credits for the first year...they say this for a reason.
Good luck.

I will keep this thread updated as time goes on... God Bless our children and families.

Robert T.
 
PIMA's son took the ROTC path after acceptance at USAFA (his dad is Bullet who occasionally posts here too), and has been at UPT with my son, and they now are ADAF at the same base, flying the same airframe. There are many ways to skin the proverbial goose.

Glad your son is doing well at Embry-Rid. Ouch on that money - college tuitions & fees are not for the faint-hearted.
 
Update...

My son is doing great...Thank you all for your concern and advise.
We went with our plan "B".
Since my son's dream is to be a Pilot in the Air Force...and already with pilot flight training/time under his belt at our local State Accredited School, it was natural for him to continue his study in Flight. So...

My son is enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University...The School is one of the Top Schools to help meet his goals in the Air Force, plus it has one of the Best ROTC programs of all University's in the country to lead into top positions in All Branches of the military.
Yes it is Pricey...specially for a pilot...OMG is it pricey.

So make sure you have your child enroll into an ROTC program before the deadline for a Scholarship, While He or She is proceeding with the Academy Plan during High School, you can enroll at the same time...their is no obligation doing so.
This is to help with plan "B". Important >>> Know the deadlines to apply <<<

Besides the previous fight training/hours my son accumulated, he has also completed four years of MCJRROTC reaching rank of Captain and Commanding Officer during his High School years...I mention this is because what I will be writing below that helped him in the coming what he is today.
He is now passed, and exceeded all of the CFA's and has earned the right to wear the Air Force Cadet uniform, Det. 157 at ERAU.

It's been going on two months now since my son started College/AFROTC and he loves it...keep in mind it is stressful for him and all the other cadets...with little time for anything else.
All the college courses including Air Force Study courses/training along with other meetings (and clubs that is strongly recommended and required), It is stressful...noting some cadets already dropped out...but for Kyle, he loves it and is thriving.
For those who are considering the same route; ROTC does advise to take the min. college credits for the first year...they say this for a reason.
Good luck.

I will keep this thread updated as time goes on... God Bless our children and families.

Robert T.

Thank you for the update! You have a lot to be proud of there- those were some tough decisions, that takes a real leader and man of courage to look beyond himself and his inner desires. Like I said: a LOT to be proud of!
 
As an aside: one of my bridesmaids nearly 20 years ago (gulp!) went to ERAU and it was one of the best educations she could have ever received. She is an incredibly successful and accomplished pilot working in our nation's capitol. Great school!
 
Update...

My son is doing great...Thank you all for your concern and advise.
We went with our plan "B".
Since my son's dream is to be a Pilot in the Air Force...and already with pilot flight training/time under his belt at our local State Accredited School, it was natural for him to continue his study in Flight. So...

My son is enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University...The School is one of the Top Schools to help meet his goals in the Air Force, plus it has one of the Best ROTC programs of all University's in the country to lead into top positions in All Branches of the military.
Yes it is Pricey...specially for a pilot...OMG is it pricey.

So make sure you have your child enroll into an ROTC program before the deadline for a Scholarship, While He or She is proceeding with the Academy Plan during High School, you can enroll at the same time...their is no obligation doing so.
This is to help with plan "B". Important >>> Know the deadlines to apply <<<

Besides the previous fight training/hours my son accumulated, he has also completed four years of MCJRROTC reaching rank of Captain and Commanding Officer during his High School years...I mention this is because what I will be writing below that helped him in the coming what he is today.
He is now passed, and exceeded all of the CFA's and has earned the right to wear the Air Force Cadet uniform, Det. 157 at ERAU.

It's been going on two months now since my son started College/AFROTC and he loves it...keep in mind it is stressful for him and all the other cadets...with little time for anything else.
All the college courses including Air Force Study courses/training along with other meetings (and clubs that is strongly recommended and required), It is stressful...noting some cadets already dropped out...but for Kyle, he loves it and is thriving.
For those who are considering the same route; ROTC does advise to take the min. college credits for the first year...they say this for a reason.
Good luck.

I will keep this thread updated as time goes on... God Bless our children and families.

Robert T.
This is so great that your son is doing so well at ERAU. Is he at the Daytona or the Prescott campus?
 
I'm a father of A Candidate...
My heart dropped in disbelieve this morning when my son showed me the online email received.

My son is also in disbelieve, filled with emotions...His heart and soul wants so badly to be part of the "Whole Air Force Academy Experience"...He wants nothing less but to be a "fighter Pilot" since he was a young boy...this is his dream, nothing less... Plan A period. He does not want to do plan "B" which is Embry-Riddle and applying to ROTC...his heart is with the Air Force Academy.

He's already a pilot, holds rank as a Captain and is the C.O. in the US Marine Jr. ROTC sponsored through his High School, he is also a Color Guard. He is outstanding young man by many who know him...

He wants nothing but to Start his career in the Academy right after High School...

This is what we don't understand...He has an avg GPA of 4.0, An Outstanding young man, completed the Application process. Not a big Sports person except did Play Little League Baseball for several years and enjoys Volley ball.
He is Physical fit and strong. Goes to the local gym on a normal basis...Matched and Exceeded the max on all but one of the CFA's (running was not the best).

But yet he received the following:

"Admissions has received and evaluated the results of your candidate fitness assessment. Unfortunately your performance indicates that you may have difficulty with the physical demands of the Air Force Academy. The CFA is a key component of our application process and your results were not strong enough to make you a competitive
candidate therefore we have closed your file."



I'm sorry but this blows my mind...I also understand they do receive military physical training before the Academy begins, Right? I mean it is the military correct?
...and what about the Preparatory School?

I myself am a veteran...Army. I/we were not physical fit like my son is today...not before I/we entered into the military, but the Army made us fit and before our BT ended we ran like we never did before. I guess what I am saying is...the Air Force seams like they are only looking for Athletes the excel with with High Grades. I thought they were a Military Institution?
They need Pilots...my son is ready!

I guess this is why they are short over 1000 pilots today... A whole discussion can begin on this subject of why they are short Pilots?

Anyway, I apologize if I offend anyone, the Air Force Academy is a Great institution but I think it can be even Greater...this is my conclusion after I have listened to so much news and read all the forums from others.

Congrats to all those who do and don't make it through the process...All the Candidates are very well deserving and are exceptional young man and women. I'm sure you will All Excel in life and happiness.

Anyway...if anyone has any thoughts, help or advise please contact me...

A proud Father.
 
I can tell you, we were there. My DS got 3 nominations but was was not accepted to the Airforce Academy and disqualified from West Point (sight). Had everything you could want in a candidate... but his sight. He was devasted...
Got eye surgery, (PRK with approval).
He ended up going ROTC. We visited the college and the first thing his Cadre said was, " I know you wanted the academy, but I think what you will learn here will be so important. You will learn to be responsible for your decisions, deal with relationships, and be accountable for your actions " At the time, he couldn't imagine not being at the academy. He didn't even want to attend college after his rejection. He was ready to enlist.
Flash ahead 4 years.
The best thing that happened to him was going ROTC. He was always by the book in high school. He learned...alot. All his ROTC friends who wanted pilot, got it.
He applied for a rated slot (ALO), got it.
It stings now for your DS, but this journey might be the path that is best for him. He can still be a pilot, just flying a different flight plan to the destination.
Many blessings to your son for his future service.
 
Recall: USAFA is a means to a career as an AF Officer. It is not an end in itself.

Congrats on your son's success!

PIMA's son and my sons have overlapped in many of their duties and duty-stations. He chose ROTC, mine were at USAFA. I don't suppose any of them cares five years out how they got to their pilot slot.
 
Update...

My son is doing great...Thank you all for your concern and advise.
We went with our plan "B".
Since my son's dream is to be a Pilot in the Air Force...and already with pilot flight training/time under his belt at our local State Accredited School, it was natural for him to continue his study in Flight. So...

My son is enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University...The School is one of the Top Schools to help meet his goals in the Air Force, plus it has one of the Best ROTC programs of all University's in the country to lead into top positions in All Branches of the military.
Yes it is Pricey...specially for a pilot...OMG is it pricey.

So make sure you have your child enroll into an ROTC program before the deadline for a Scholarship, While He or She is proceeding with the Academy Plan during High School, you can enroll at the same time...their is no obligation doing so.
This is to help with plan "B". Important >>> Know the deadlines to apply <<<

Besides the previous fight training/hours my son accumulated, he has also completed four years of MCJRROTC reaching rank of Captain and Commanding Officer during his High School years...I mention this is because what I will be writing below that helped him in the coming what he is today.
He is now passed, and exceeded all of the CFA's and has earned the right to wear the Air Force Cadet uniform, Det. 157 at ERAU.

It's been going on two months now since my son started College/AFROTC and he loves it...keep in mind it is stressful for him and all the other cadets...with little time for anything else.
All the college courses including Air Force Study courses/training along with other meetings (and clubs that is strongly recommended and required), It is stressful...noting some cadets already dropped out...but for Kyle, he loves it and is thriving.
For those who are considering the same route; ROTC does advise to take the min. college credits for the first year...they say this for a reason.
Good luck.

I will keep this thread updated as time goes on... God Bless our children and families.

Robert T.
This is so great that your son is doing so well at ERAU. Is he at the Daytona or the Prescott campus?
Daytona Beach...Loves it.
He is so happy he decided to go ROTC...He thinks now it was the best way to go without a doubt.
Anyone who is planning ROTC...Don't schedule to many classes for the first year or second, ROTC recommends this to all future cadets to take the minimum credits...reason, they will keep you very busy.
 
I can tell you, we were there. My DS got 3 nominations but was was not accepted to the Airforce Academy and disqualified from West Point (sight). Had everything you could want in a candidate... but his sight. He was devasted...
Got eye surgery, (PRK with approval).
He ended up going ROTC. We visited the college and the first thing his Cadre said was, " I know you wanted the academy, but I think what you will learn here will be so important. You will learn to be responsible for your decisions, deal with relationships, and be accountable for your actions " At the time, he couldn't imagine not being at the academy. He didn't even want to attend college after his rejection. He was ready to enlist.
Flash ahead 4 years.
The best thing that happened to him was going ROTC. He was always by the book in high school. He learned...alot. All his ROTC friends who wanted pilot, got it.
He applied for a rated slot (ALO), got it.
It stings now for your DS, but this journey might be the path that is best for him. He can still be a pilot, just flying a different flight plan to the destination.
Many blessings to your son for his future service.

Yup, been there...your words are so familiar. I am so happy for you and hope others will find this forum and find a new flight path to their final goal.
...First Semester down and he Already knows he made the Right and Best decision (I known it, but he had to realize it for himself). He loves it, he knows its not going to be easy but he looks forward to continued growth.
He is so pumped....and I am so proud of him.
God Bless to you and all our son's and daughters.
Continue to Aim High.
 
Daytona Beach...Loves it.
He is so happy he decided to go ROTC...He thinks now it was the best way to go without a doubt.
Anyone who is planning ROTC...Don't schedule to many classes for the first year or second, ROTC recommends this to all future cadets to take the minimum credits...reason, they will keep you very busy.

That's one approach. My son was NROTC Marine Option. He took normal hours early and even ganged up on credit hours a couple semesters. This left him with a couple semesters late junior and senior year where he could skate on 12 credit hours leaving him time for the heavier responsibilities and workload of the more senior leadership positions. YMMV.
 
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