Building an Application

Giantatom

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Mar 31, 2019
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Hello, I am going to start high school next year and wanted to ask for some pointers as to what classes I should take and what I can do to increase my chanced of being admitted to USAFA. As of now, I am taking JROTC next year and plan to start CAP this summer.

I also want to ask whether or not JROTC, if I were to join a drill team or something similar, would be good in terms of sports, or a varsity letter if I am able to get one, for the Academy.

Another question I want to ask is whether or not I should contact my ALO now, or wait until some time like my Sophmore year, at which point I would have more to tell them about myself and what I have done. Any information or input is appreciated.
 
Take the hardest classes your school has to offer, especially for STEM, and excel.

Don’t just participate in extracurriculars, but make a leadership impact. That’s not the same thing as holding a title.

Play sports at the highest level you can, varsitu ideally. It’s all about teamwork, perseverance and discipline.

And read as much as you can about the military — not just USAFA but also ADAF. Seek out cadets, alum, officers and veterans for their perspective.

And wait until spring before junior year to contact your ALO. You’ll want to show you’ve done your homework and are on track. First impressions matter.
 
Not required but apply for summer session end of your junior year and start practicing your basketball throw early!!!! I was awful when I started in sophomore year but was able to toss it 83ft by jr year.
 
Not required but apply for summer session end of your junior year and start practicing your basketball throw early!!!! I was awful when I started in sophomore year but was able to toss it 83ft by jr year.
Did you play sports, and did you get in?
 
Not required but apply for summer session end of your junior year and start practicing your basketball throw early!!!! I was awful when I started in sophomore year but was able to toss it 83ft by jr year.

That darn BBall toss. I think that thing will haunt me til my dying days. #BaneOfMyExistence
 
Not required but apply for summer session end of your junior year and start practicing your basketball throw early!!!! I was awful when I started in sophomore year but was able to toss it 83ft by jr year.
Did you play sports, and did you get in?

My DS got in on his second try, he was in Cross Country and a bit of Track (he hated running in ovals, lol.) That's it for sports. However, he was team captain from his sophomore year on.

Like someone else said, do lots of leadership and volunteer things...but develop a real passion for service and leadership. They can ABSOLUTELY tell when you are trying to pad your resume.
 
Academics
Do your best on all your subjects. Always take the hardest classes in your school whether if it's just Honors or AP class (even better).

Educational Tip: Focus on Chemistry, Physics and Calculus. They are very good subjects to focus on for STEM schools like SAs.

Physical Fitness
Join team sports such as football, basketball, and soccer. Do things that will keep you active. This will enhance your physical activity, communication skills, and teamwork.

While you're at it, this will also help you get better on your CFA or PFE. If you're unsure about your CFA, make sure you search it up online and practice it every now and then.

Leadership/ Extracurricular Activities
You have a lot of leadership options in and out of school. Just choose which ones you love the most. I personally wanted to lead my class and my school. I had the chance to be the Class President and Student Body President (a lot of work, but it payed off). Your leadership doesn't have to be something grand. You can be the team captain of your club soccer team or you can be the president of chess club. Just as long as you hold leadership positions in or out of your school.

Join clubs that can benefit you. This is my opinion okay. Some people say that you can join any club that you want, but I still believe that you should join clubs that will benefit you in your long run. Don't join clubs like video game club for example. You can join them, but make sure you have clubs that will solidify and make you a better candidate/person.

Lastly, be you. Always be you throughout your process. Stop thinking too much about getting a TWE, receiving that BFE, pressure from your parents/coaches, and all that. You will get here somehow and you will soon receive your decision from the service academy or ROTC scholarship. You will soon receive that beautiful BFE or that ugly TWE. Always be you and always look on the bright side. People will try to pull you down and some of them will tell you that this is not for you. If you really want it, work hard for it. Do everything that you can to push yourself even if you have to stay up all night studying for multiple exams. Wake up early in the morning so that you can put in extra work for your sports to achieve that team captain spot and be all-state. At the end of the day, we are just humans and that means anything is possible. If they can do it, so can you!

Let the Service Academy games begin!!

-CallSignGaspar
 
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Not required but apply for summer session end of your junior year and start practicing your basketball throw early!!!! I was awful when I started in sophomore year but was able to toss it 83ft by jr year.
Did you play sports, and did you get in?
Still wait
Not required but apply for summer session end of your junior year and start practicing your basketball throw early!!!! I was awful when I started in sophomore year but was able to toss it 83ft by jr year.
Did you play sports, and did you get in?

I’m still in the hunt. I do play sports. Played sports for 4 years and I was a 2 year swim team and water polo Captain as well. But I do live in a very large and competitive State.
 
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