USAFA admission after MMI (Marion)

peppypea

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My DS is currently attending MMI as a self-prep (sadly wasn't offered a Falcon, it's life.)

I am wondering if anyone here has self-prepped prior to application and if you thought it was a huge benefit. My DS went to a tiny school in a rural community- while he was number one in his class, there were still huge gaps in his education. We were over the moon with the opportunity to attend MMI in preparation for his next USAFA app.

As far as I can tell, the biggest factor in my son not getting in to a SA this year was his SAT score (1210.) I am wondering, however, if there is an additional benefit to his attendance at MMI. Like, do you *think * they go "Hey, this kid has enough grit to make it at MMI, maybe we outta give him a second look..."

I am dearly hoping that his SAT scores improve enough that he will be considered for the class of 2023.

Man, I wasn't mentally prepared for the roller-coaster of reapplication: here we go again!

I hope this all makes sense- I am one stressed mama, lol.

Thank you for any words of advice or encouragement.
 
My DS is currently attending MMI as a self-prep (sadly wasn't offered a Falcon, it's life.)

I am wondering if anyone here has self-prepped prior to application and if you thought it was a huge benefit. My DS went to a tiny school in a rural community- while he was number one in his class, there were still huge gaps in his education. We were over the moon with the opportunity to attend MMI in preparation for his next USAFA app.

As far as I can tell, the biggest factor in my son not getting in to a SA this year was his SAT score (1210.) I am wondering, however, if there is an additional benefit to his attendance at MMI. Like, do you *think * they go "Hey, this kid has enough grit to make it at MMI, maybe we outta give him a second look..."

I am dearly hoping that his SAT scores improve enough that he will be considered for the class of 2023.

Man, I wasn't mentally prepared for the roller-coaster of reapplication: here we go again!

I hope this all makes sense- I am one stressed mama, lol.

Thank you for any words of advice or encouragement.
Have you all started the application process yet? He did it last year and was offered a partial scholarship to an MMI? Is that correct? If so, IMO I would think they saw something in your DS. So I don't see it as a bad thing. What may I ask did he do differently this year? Leadership? Grades?
 
He applied to USAFA and USNA last year and didn't make it.

He got a full-ride to MMI on a band scholarship- fortunately for us, he's darn good at his instrument AND they needed what he plays, lol!

In HS he was #1 in his class, Mr. Leadership, perfect 4.0 GPS (they don't do that weighting thing here), all the recommendations you could ask for- I think his biggest hurdle was his SAT (ACT was awful for him, not the right fit.) In the "real world" his scores were awesome...just not strong enough for the academy. He takes a prep class at MMI, I hope it helps him this year: the time constraints are his biggest problem, I think.
 
Sounds like hes pretty talented with that instrument! If he hasn't already...he needs to start the PCQ to see if hes competitive. someone correct me if I'm wrong! Let the AFA decide. It seems a little late to just be starting....I would check with MOC's to see when they close their nomination window. If he really wants it I'm sure he will continue to go for it!!! Its also other ways to become a commissioned officer and it seems aas though hes on a good track!!!! Hopefully all the help with testing he will do well. I wish him the best!
 
Contrary to what many people post here, the admission process is fairly objective. Your son will be competing on the same MOC nomination slate and may also be eligible for a service connected nomination through MMI. He will get a boost to his WCS based on the extra semester of college but if his SAT score does not change, he will have a hard time winning an appointment. I would suggest that he keep working hard to raise that score and make him a stronger candidate as he competes on his slates. Raising your standardized test scores has the most impact on the overall ranking and would have the most impact on here he sits on those slates.
 
He's well into his applications (doing USNA, USMMA, USCGA and USAFA) so he's doing well on all of that. :)
 
He's already gotten his applications in for his MOC noms, he's well on his way.

I am mostly just wondering if this year will help his chances any. *shrugs. :)
 
It is my understanding that you can sit for the SAT in college for the purpose of transferring schools. So let's prioritize... 1st, have to have the best college academic grades for his classes taken. Too late to add/drop classes now so it is what it is; knock them out of the ballpark. SA's will take a hard look at performance at the college level. While attacking that challenge, have him buy & complete the Kaplan SAT test taking book, it's on the order of 9 prior SAT tests along with test-taking skills, test prep, etc. There is free help online I recall but can't remember the company Khan Academy?? The plan should be for a 200 point rise. It can be done, but one would have to eat, sleep, & eat SAT. Take at least a SAT from the book test 2x/week, today is the deadline for the 11/4th SAT test! Register for it!! Rationalize it as another college course he's now taking. Familiarity with the test, taking it over & over again will give him additional confidence & I guarantee he will see at least 1 question on his test from the book. November is the practice one, he has to do his best on the December test. It can be done if he believes he can do it & puts in the work. All the best wishes to him!!
 
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To answer your question, (keeping in mind I'm not admissions) I've widely heard that it does help. The re-applicant shows dedication and a serious interest in attending USAFA, which has to help their subjective rating. Furthermore, the choice of a school like MMI shows a commitment to the military and an ability to handle the military lifestyle.
 
Back in May at the ceremony for the members of last year's SAP group who had received Academy appointments the head of USAFA admissions was the featured speaker. During his speech he said "MMI has cracked the code for gaining their cadets Academy Appointments" he also said "We at the Air Force Academy love to accept MMI alums because we know exactly what we are getting".. Take that for what it's worth...
 
My son is currently at MMI on Falcon Scholarship. He is took SAT this morning and is hoping to improve his score from 1320 last spring. He says honestly the test prep class isn’t as helpful as he’d like- basically here’s websites- like Khan Academy- that you can use on your own time to help you. I would def suggest registering for Nov and Dec test date and getting the Kaplan book. My DS’s goal is to get a high score on math portion- shooting for 710- so he doesn’t have to do test prep. Overall, he is being fully challenged academically at MMI and we are very happy with his progress there- it’s not a cake walk for sure and he is doing more studying this year than all the years of high school put together. [emoji23] That being said, he is happy there so that makes my heart happy too. He is involved with clubs and continues to strive for leadership opportunities. As far as his USAFA app, there are things he has to redo and things they kept from last yr’s app, but not much was kept. Nominations are still key so he still completed all those apps within the set deadlines and has his interviews set up. I would say it’s totally possible if your son has a good year at MMI and has completed all required parts of application. But we always have to keep in mind- what makes him stand out from the crowd of others that are true leaders just like him? Hope that helps with some perspective...[emoji4]
 
My son is currently at MMI on Falcon Scholarship. He is took SAT this morning and is hoping to improve his score from 1320 last spring. He says honestly the test prep class isn’t as helpful as he’d like- basically here’s websites- like Khan Academy- that you can use on your own time to help you. I would def suggest registering for Nov and Dec test date and getting the Kaplan book. My DS’s goal is to get a high score on math portion- shooting for 710- so he doesn’t have to do test prep. Overall, he is being fully challenged academically at MMI and we are very happy with his progress there- it’s not a cake walk for sure and he is doing more studying this year than all the years of high school put together. [emoji23] That being said, he is happy there so that makes my heart happy too. He is involved with clubs and continues to strive for leadership opportunities. As far as his USAFA app, there are things he has to redo and things they kept from last yr’s app, but not much was kept. Nominations are still key so he still completed all those apps within the set deadlines and has his interviews set up. I would say it’s totally possible if your son has a good year at MMI and has completed all required parts of application. But we always have to keep in mind- what makes him stand out from the crowd of others that are true leaders just like him? Hope that helps with some perspective...[emoji4]

Makes me wonder if our boys are working on thing together!

DS is amazed at how little extra time he has.

He took the test today and will take all the ones he can sign up for. Unfortunately he ended up really sick today, so I am not sure how it will go: pinkeye AND a bloody nose, twice. Ugh. DS was surprised that the SAT prep classes weren't as helpful as he had hoped.

I will cross my fingers for your boy as well.
 
My DD is in the same circumstance as your DS, self-prep at MMI (and in Band) after receiving TWE from Air Force Academy. It was a rollercoaster for me then and I'm sure it will be again as nomination and appointment times come around again. It's a bit of a blow when someone who stood out in their high school years becomes just another average one in the crowd when surrounded by all the others who stood out the same way and are competing for much the same thing.
I was fortunate to be able to help my DD get settled in at MMI this past August, and attended the parent's meeting in the chapel as she set up her dorm room with her new roommate. The MMI president's speech was inspiring and I always recall the statistics he gave when doubts creep in and I need encouragement: He stated that chances of receiving an appointment to SA fresh out of high school are 3%. After a prep-year at MMI, they increase to better than 50%. If there is still no appointment, after another year at MMI there is a 100% chance that your DS or DD will receive their associate's degree and their appointment to SA on the same day. My DD was surprised and happy to hear those statistics as well, feeling not-as-bad to have received a TWE, and encouraged that all her hard work is worth it now.
I hope this is helpful for you, and your DS as well, as we all hop on that roller coaster once again for the upcoming adventure that we are so proud our kids are taking us on. And of course, can't help wondering if our respective cadets know each other...
 
I have heard nothing but positive things about MMI but feel that I need to comment on the President's Speech you mentioned. I do not want to be a party pooper but it is easy to tailor statistics to support your cause. Using the Class profile published by admissions for 2021, almost 60% of qualified candidates were offered admission. That 3% number comes from any candidate that starts a file and is not representative of true applicants who complete the application. The other outside influence to MMI's numbers would be sponsored applicants. These individuals are basically guaranteed an appointment the next year as long as they complete the program at any of the prep schools.

In my mind, the true measurement of MMI would be two parts excluding sponsored cadets:

1. The number of non-academically qualified applicants who become qualified after a semester at MMI
2. The number of qualified applicants who were not competitive on their initial slate and then become more competitive and win a slate after a semester at MMI.

With all that said, re-applicants have a good chance at gaining admission as long as they were a strong candidate the year before. The WCS process values an extra year of post high school education and the ACT/SAT prep can really impact your overall application. They are also eligible for an additional service connected nomination. Having an extra year to mature is usually a hidden blessing when they get to the academy.
 
Peppypea - I watched the threads last year and cheered every step of the way last year and will continue to do so! I hope that he retakes the ACT as well as I hear that many find it easier. Good luck!
 
My DD is in the same circumstance as your DS, self-prep at MMI (and in Band) after receiving TWE from Air Force Academy. It was a rollercoaster for me then and I'm sure it will be again as nomination and appointment times come around again. It's a bit of a blow when someone who stood out in their high school years becomes just another average one in the crowd when surrounded by all the others who stood out the same way and are competing for much the same thing.
I was fortunate to be able to help my DD get settled in at MMI this past August, and attended the parent's meeting in the chapel as she set up her dorm room with her new roommate. The MMI president's speech was inspiring and I always recall the statistics he gave when doubts creep in and I need encouragement: He stated that chances of receiving an appointment to SA fresh out of high school are 3%. After a prep-year at MMI, they increase to better than 50%. If there is still no appointment, after another year at MMI there is a 100% chance that your DS or DD will receive their associate's degree and their appointment to SA on the same day. My DD was surprised and happy to hear those statistics as well, feeling not-as-bad to have received a TWE, and encouraged that all her hard work is worth it now.
I hope this is helpful for you, and your DS as well, as we all hop on that roller coaster once again for the upcoming adventure that we are so proud our kids are taking us on. And of course, can't help wondering if our respective cadets know each other...

My DS is in the band, too. Feel free to message me. I'd love to have another band mom to chat with! <3

Did you go to parent's weekend? I went and surprised my cadet- it was so fun to surprise him! It was a little expensive to get there, but I think it was worth it.
 
I have heard nothing but positive things about MMI but feel that I need to comment on the President's Speech you mentioned. I do not want to be a party pooper but it is easy to tailor statistics to support your cause. Using the Class profile published by admissions for 2021, almost 60% of qualified candidates were offered admission. That 3% number comes from any candidate that starts a file and is not representative of true applicants who complete the application. The other outside influence to MMI's numbers would be sponsored applicants. These individuals are basically guaranteed an appointment the next year as long as they complete the program at any of the prep schools.

In my mind, the true measurement of MMI would be two parts excluding sponsored cadets:

1. The number of non-academically qualified applicants who become qualified after a semester at MMI
2. The number of qualified applicants who were not competitive on their initial slate and then become more competitive and win a slate after a semester at MMI.

With all that said, re-applicants have a good chance at gaining admission as long as they were a strong candidate the year before. The WCS process values an extra year of post high school education and the ACT/SAT prep can really impact your overall application. They are also eligible for an additional service connected nomination. Having an extra year to mature is usually a hidden blessing when they get to the academy.
Thank you for your post! Very helpful and informative! I am hoping his SAT scores really improve this year- I think that's part of what held him back. The next big hurdle is having time to complete all of his applications and do all the parts in time- the SAP course is so rigorous.

After having visited MMI last week, I am very pleased with what they have offered my DS- this is an amazing opportunity, whether he goes SA or ROTC. As you stated, not getting in this year was a HUGE blessing in disguise, truly. If he does go SA, he will be so much better prepared.
 
My DS’s goal is to get a high score on math portion- shooting for 710- so he doesn’t have to do test prep.
Wait! They don' have to prep if they got a 710 math? My DS scored higher than that but is in SAT prep... Oh well can't hurt! He isn't in ACT prep but got his best score in September. Hopefully all our MMI cadets will crush the tests and receive appointments!!
 
After having visited MMI last week, I am very pleased with what they have offered my DS- this is an amazing opportunity, whether he goes SA or ROTC. As you stated, not getting in this year was a HUGE blessing in disguise, truly. If he does go SA, he will be so much better prepared.[/QUOTE]

Peppy pea-I'm so happy your surprise was a success! I agree, we were devastated when our DS did not receive an appointment last year (very strong academically not so strong athletically!) but his backup plan was always a SAP program. His experience at MMI has solidified his desire to attend a SA. A blessing in disguise.
 
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