Recent content by Falcon74

For the record, I had no military family members. I arrived at USAFA without knowing exactly what to expect. Like many of my classmates, we survived. Although I heard that hazing wasn't allowed, I didn't understand the difference between hazing and "Fourth Class Training" when I arrived on...

Each graduate will have a different story and most of them will be quite illuminating about how USAFA prepared them for a life full of experiences. To say that USAFA was a pivotal point in my life would be a GREAT understatement. In my case, I had three days between high school graduation and...

The issue of service academy credit for federal civil service retirement isn't an onboarding issue - nor would one want it to be. The only time that the issue is relevant is when you approach retirement as a government civilian. When you get to the point where you know that you will retire...

USNA2028, I understand. Good luck. A few years ago, my DS had the reverse problem. He kept taking the SAT to improve the critical reading score. English was his third language growing up in Europe. We moved to the USA in time for him to start 5th grade in the US. I think he struggled...

My last USAFA roommate completed his first year of college in Texas A&M's Corps of Cadets before coming to USAFA to start basic training (again). Yes, 25-30% of entering cadets have some prior college of prep school background. Unless things have changed a lot, you have a better chance of...

I don't know of any restrictions; however, in addition to the advice above to not do something he will later regret, I would add don't participate in any activity that could result in an injury. An injury could "nix" his appointment offer. As a past parents Club president, I used to tell...

USNA2028, Wow! Although I have no way of evaluating interviews, the resume seems great. One area seems to stick out a bit when compared with the rest of your resume - the SAT Math score. I hate to be picky, but your math SAT score seems a bit low when compared with the strength of the rest...

About 18,000+ acres

If you had said that that you were in your third year of ROTC, I would have suggested that you were already past the point of no return. However, if you are in your second year of ROTC, the answer to the question is yours to make. You can justify either direction at this fork in the road. If...

Your DS has outstanding credentials! The SS would be a great opportunity for USAFA to observe him and for your DS to observe the Cadet way of life. Regarding his musical interests, your DS might be pleasantly surprised. In my days, all cadets were given the opportunity to audition during...

In my case, the first five years probably don't answer your question. Engineering was interspersed in my total career. I graduated from USAFA with a degree in both aeronautical engineering and mathematics. Due to overloads, I averaged 8 major courses each semester. I was one of two cadets...

Normally, a candidate wouldn't know. I happen to discover the truth through another channel.

Keep waiting.

USAFA, 1974 USAFA faculty, 1982-1986 USAF, 1974-2002

Unfortunately, even those applicants that are deemed "qualified" will not all receive an appointment offer. Backup plans are essential! A reasonable plan may be to reapply the following year or pursue ROTC. A significant number of appointees have completed one or more years of college...