Leaving USAFA


In my opinion (and everyone is entitled to one so here is mine) - the language of Salinger is dated and doesn't ring true with most teens these days. I think the themes are great - maybe timeless. Also, it works for a certain age and then it doesn't. FWIW, I went to a Catholic high school where it was banned.
You could say the same of Shakespeare. I think it's a great book, probably the best of the 20th century lit required readings I had. It was required reading (by me) for my kids. Yes, there is a certain age where it hits them harder, but I don't think it ever loses its relevance. Another in this category would be Lord of The Flies.

And now back to your regularly scheduled programming...

Both of the books you reference, "Catcher" and "Lord" are very much love 'em or hate "em type reads. No sense stating where I fall on either...nobody cares.

IMO, kids in the 60's/70's related more easily with Holden...I don't think kids these days would relate as much (as was mentioned above, due to language, slang). It's not required reading in our HS any longer, though "Lord of the Flies" still is. Very sad that Kurt Vonnegut is not required in our HS; his books are game-changers; even if you're not a sci-fi person (which I am not).
I am a big science fiction reader but never got into Vonnegut. I did have to read some of his books in high school but i was rather disappointed with them in terms of being science fiction. They are in a class on to itself
 
"If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth."

This was the beginning of Holden Caulfield's autobiographical essay for USAFA. With that kind of attitude, it's no wonder he didn't get in.
 
Holden's bad attitude did not resonate with me as a teen and it did not resonate with #1, #2, and #3 (The Baby).
Actually, #1 thought he was a spoiled brat and The Baby said, "Where are his parents?"

Good luck @Merlinity As a total mom, I hope you finish strong and continue to pursue your dreams while learning USAFA's Wild Blue Yonder ways. (and really, don't worry about your grades, it is '2.0 and go' for a reason--an someone has to be the goat--although for your sake and the sake of your mother, let's hope it is not you.) Also, don't you want to hang out and have a fabulously, fun summer? I bet there are one or two GREAT things to do between now and the start of school in August. You don't want to miss that!
 
This was the beginning of Holden Caulfield's autobiographical essay for USAFA. With that kind of attitude, it's no wonder he didn't get in.

If that was really his application essay, I’m not surprised he didn’t get in. That essay could’ve been written by any candidate. And it said nothing about his true desire to attend USAFA or become a commissioned officer.

Whatever became of young Holden anyway? Doubt he was ROTC material either.
 
it is '2.0 and go' for a reason--an someone has to be the goat--although for your sake and the sake of your mother, let's hope it is not you.)

Wait...I thought the GOAT was "Greatest Of All Time"?

It typically is, except when referencing a SA graduate with the lowest class rank in their graduating class.
After that they are referred to as 2nd LT.....
 
I don't know what am missing here "Dr.Mom" but a 2.0 and go your first year you would lose about 200+ cadets the first year. I had a 1.88 and I am leaving this year (graduating) with a 3.67. So for anyone thinking a 2.0 and go is a reality think again. Your first year is extremely tough and USAFA makes it that way for a reason. OP good luck to you whatever you decide.
 
It is 2.0 and go to graduate. In the catalog there is a table with the required GPA for each term.
However, if the OP was thinking of leaving because of bad grades (compared to awesome grades in high school), then he should take comfort in being with a good crowd--fighting for the 2.0.

Also, congratulations @CurrentFlyGal ! Go forth and do great things.
 
Former President George W Bush was PROUD of his 2.0 undergrad degree (which, it turns out was higher than John Forbes Kerry's at the same school, and he was a genius).

Do they still have the GOAT? I thought they'd cancelled that.
 
I know this is getting off the OP’s topic, but regarding grades, does anyone have any data on Prep grades vs. grades on the Hill? My son has done pretty well at USAFA Prep. I’m wondering if the classes on the Hill are similar or significantly more demanding?
 
I know this is getting off the OP’s topic, but regarding grades, does anyone have any data on Prep grades vs. grades on the Hill? My son has done pretty well at USAFA Prep. I’m wondering if the classes on the Hill are similar or significantly more demanding?
My DS is in his second year and was a direct appointment, his roommate came from the Prep school and did very well his first year on the Hill(much better than my DS). DS's roommate said first year on the Hill was a repeat of the Prep school and was a breeze. Not sure if that helps but it's one perspective.
 
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