Why are academically qualified candidates receiving Falcon Foundation Scholarships?

Son received a FFS offer. Top 10% of his highly competitive high school and took the highest rigor. SAT was 1480 and did well on CFA. Resume was heavy on leadership, varsity captain, school president, has PPL etc.

After receiving the offer he asked admissions what lacked in order to improve. They said his application was strong, they wanted him, and nothing was lacking, he just didn't win his nomination category (received 2 noms). We live in a very competitive district. We visited one of the prep schools and admissions said this upcoming year they'll have the most academically inclined falcon scholars they've seen.

Is USAFA really using these prep schools as a repository for desired candidates for whom they have no room?

He's having a really hard time accepting this as he will have to take all the AP classes that he aced over again. He wants the academy so bad but has a full ride at a university where he can graduate in three years due to AP credits. His ALO told him he was his strongest mentee, and felt this offer was inappropriate and told him that if it was him, he probably wouldn't take the FFS.

I've read some similar stories recently on here.

If these kids really have nothing to prep for it seems cruel to offer it.

USAFA is 1000% using prep schools as repositories for candidates they don't have room for. And your kid's ALO is not in the room reviewing packages so can't fairly say what they told you. You said the key issue: you're in a very competitive district. If they want USAFA they should go to prep school on the ffs, if they want to finish school in 3 years they should go do that. But there is nothing cruel in him being offered basically a guarantee for next year.

jwells02 said:

Son received a FFS offer. Top 10% of his highly competitive high school and took the highest rigor. SAT was 1480 and did well on CFA. Resume was heavy on leadership, varsity captain, school president, has PPL etc.

After receiving the offer he asked admissions what lacked in order to improve. They said his application was strong, they wanted him, and nothing was lacking, he just didn't win his nomination category (received 2 noms). We live in a very competitive district. We visited one of the prep schools and admissions said this upcoming year they'll have the most academically inclined falcon scholars they've seen.

Is USAFA really using these prep schools as a repository for desired candidates for whom they have no room?

He's having a really hard time accepting this as he will have to take all the AP classes that he aced over again. He wants the academy so bad but has a full ride at a university where he can graduate in three years due to AP credits. His ALO told him he was his strongest mentee, and felt this offer was inappropriate and told him that if it was him, he probably wouldn't take the FFS.

I've read some similar stories recently on here.

If these kids really have nothing to prep for it seems cruel to offer it.

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The end goal is becoming an officer in the US Air Force if he desires the academy so much, college will get you to that same end goal. Look at it as 5 years vs 3-4 years for becoming an officer. Nobody in the service is gonna care how you got there or where you came from being a ring knocker or not.

Okay, this ALO is going to say something about his colleague: If an ALO told a candidate "You're my strongest mentee, this is an insult, I wouldn't take it."

Sir/Ma'm...you need to cease being an ALO because you're not properly advising your mentee, you're interjecting yourself into this equation and it's NOT about YOU. The FFS is a golden ticket...not taking it ENDS the USAFA journey this cycle. What does your "best ever" mentee do now? Do they initiate Plan B and give up their goal, that which you should be mentoring them toward: USAFA? Or does the mentee have an excellent plan B that will see them commissioned in four years and they're fine with that, the academy was just one method to do it?

IF that's the case, and the MENTEE has so stated, then you work with them on their plan B.

But to arrogantly say "I wouldn't take it..."

I'll stop now before I get going...

Steve
USAFA ALO
(Mentor & Evaluator)

If it helps
Almost all of the falcons I went to school with at nwp were strong academically. I was probably the "weakest" with a few B's. There's other reasons, and yes room at usafa is one of those. My father told me this saying " the military doesn't owe anyone the right to win, only the right to compete."

It'll be a common occurrence when he gets here. This is the best of the best. And unfortunately someone has to be 1201 of those best. Doesn't mean they aren't amazing. Heck I was told by a job here "you're exactly what we're looking for" I didn't get the position. Doesn't mean I wasn't a good candidate or that it wasn't worth trying

Interesting discussion.

I read the original post several times and dd not see mention of AFROTC at the civilian university offering the full ride. Or re-application to USAFA.

If the overarching goal is USAFA, and then serving as a commissioned officer in AF or SF, he has in hand the golden ticket. He would report to USAFA in peak academic form, become more mature and have dealt with any homesickness after living away from home, and undoubtedly made some friends who will go with him to USAFA or whom he can visit at other SAs. All he has to do is complete the program successfully and meet any requirements - do the prep lap and rejoice in an appointment this time next year. He has an opportunity to excel as a servant and peer leader, if he finds the academics easy, by giving selflessly of his time to tutor and coach others. He will not be teetering at grave’s edge upon reporting in for Class of 2029. He will be in great shape to validate classes, which opens the door to double majors, minors, exchange semesters away.

If the free ride at the civilian school where he can finish in 3 years, and from what I can understand from the original post, does not involve AFROTC or a plan to commission and serve, then perhaps service as a commissioned officer is not the dominant goal. If it was USAFA on first try or bust, prep-free, then it seems he can let that go reasonably easily and happily turn to his alternate plan. Clearly he has worked hard for that. If the desire to serve bubbles to the surface, he can explore a commission via OTS after he obtains his college degree. Outstanding, good, mediocre and poor officers come out of all commissioning sources. OTS is a fine way to go.

I apologize if I have misunderstood any aspect of the situation. He has great options.

He should evaluate this using head, heart and gut, setting aside injured feelings, if any. Which path would eat away at him with regret years from now, if he does not choose it? What does he see himself doing in 5 years?
If it’s the photo below, he knows what to do.

And welcome OP/new member of about a day!

jwells02 said:

He's having a really hard time accepting this as he will have to take all the AP classes that he aced over again. He wants the academy so bad but has a full ride at a university where he can graduate in three years due to AP credits. His ALO told him he was his strongest mentee, and felt this offer was inappropriate and told him that if it was him, he probably wouldn't take the FFS.

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Be careful that he doesn't cut off his nose to spite his face. That seems to be the case by choosing the civilian college route.

Be careful that he doesn’t succumb to hubris. Many top-notch, high-level cadets/mids with an endless list of APs have found themselves struggling in the rigorous confines of an SA.

Be careful about calling the prep option a “cruel” alternative. It’s indeed a golden ticket, and those who get it are very fortunate indeed.

Heed @flieger83. The only untoward aspect here seems to be the ALO’s lack of professionalism.

jwells02 said:

Son received a FFS offer. Top 10% of his highly competitive high school and took the highest rigor. SAT was 1480 and did well on CFA. Resume was heavy on leadership, varsity captain, school president, has PPL etc.

After receiving the offer he asked admissions what lacked in order to improve. They said his application was strong, they wanted him, and nothing was lacking, he just didn't win his nomination category (received 2 noms). We live in a very competitive district. We visited one of the prep schools and admissions said this upcoming year they'll have the most academically inclined falcon scholars they've seen.

Is USAFA really using these prep schools as a repository for desired candidates for whom they have no room?

He's having a really hard time accepting this as he will have to take all the AP classes that he aced over again. He wants the academy so bad but has a full ride at a university where he can graduate in three years due to AP credits. His ALO told him he was his strongest mentee, and felt this offer was inappropriate and told him that if it was him, he probably wouldn't take the FFS.

I've read some similar stories recently on here.

If these kids really have nothing to prep for it seems cruel to offer it.

Click to expand...

Not following your line of reasoning when you were told the reason why: he wasn't competitive enough in his slate. What are you asking for? The USAFA said, "they wanted him." Your son is now being afforded an opportunity that can possibly open up other avenues of appointment. For instance, an AFROTC nomination. Or, he becomes more competitive next cycle and wins his slate by virtue of having prepped for a year. Explain how being afforded the opportunity to try again is cruel and how there is nothing to prep for because you deem that unnecessary? I would venture to say almost every single SA candidate who ultimately earned an appointment via either a sponsored prep or self prep program would state that year of prep was extraordinarily invaluable, without regard to academic capability.

A Service Academy is a wonderful path to become a military officer, but it definitely is not for everyone and certainly not for the prestige seekers. Perhaps I am misinterpreting what you are conveying. However.....

"He wants the academy so bad but has a full ride at a university where he can graduate in three years due to AP credits."

If these are your son's sentiments, he should take the full ride and graduate early. I am fairly certain no Service Academy graduates anyone early, no matter how academically remarkable they are. There are myriad reasons for that and they are worthy of contemplation in this context.

It also might be worthy contemplating if the USAFA understood that he may benefit from a year of preparation beyond academics and his other stellar stats.

Here's to your son making the choices that align with his objectives and those of the USAFA and United States Air Force if such choices are ultimately afforded him.

A lot of very experienced people above saying the same thing. The ALO was out of line with their comments, no doubt. To basically believe you are too good for Prep School is a pretty common reaction for many applicants. It's quickly overshadowed by the knowledge that the AF and USAFA in particular are so keen to have your DS that they will pay for an additional year of training and basically guarantee him a spot next year. At the end of the day, there are a LOT of high ranking Preppies and the exposure prior to the real I-Day can be a difference maker in an appointee getting through BCT or not. Remember, as impressive as your DS may be in their own school or area, they are up against a very different applicant pool than a regular college and all have their reasons for being there. The goal should be a life of service in the AF/SF leading the future war fighters in a time of global unrest not rapid graduation. Best of luck to your DS with their decision, it's not as bad as they think and may end up being some of the best stories of their USAFA journey.

USAFA “builds a class” and doesn’t take 1-1200 in numerical order. For whatever reason they would like him in next year’s class. Take a moment to let the sting of the rejection fade and make an informed decision.

As a side note, his ALO should not be one based on your description of his actions.

jwells02 said:

Son received a FFS offer. Top 10% of his highly competitive high school and took the highest rigor. SAT was 1480 and did well on CFA. Resume was heavy on leadership, varsity captain, school president, has PPL etc.

After receiving the offer he asked admissions what lacked in order to improve. They said his application was strong, they wanted him, and nothing was lacking, he just didn't win his nomination category (received 2 noms). We live in a very competitive district. We visited one of the prep schools and admissions said this upcoming year they'll have the most academically inclined falcon scholars they've seen.

Is USAFA really using these prep schools as a repository for desired candidates for whom they have no room?

He's having a really hard time accepting this as he will have to take all the AP classes that he aced over again. He wants the academy so bad but has a full ride at a university where he can graduate in three years due to AP credits. His ALO told him he was his strongest mentee, and felt this offer was inappropriate and told him that if it was him, he probably wouldn't take the FFS.

I've read some similar stories recently on here.

If these kids really have nothing to prep for it seems cruel to offer it.

Click to expand...

My DS is in the exact same position. Competitive test scores, 4.0 uw gpa, 70 dual credit hours, associate of Science degree when he graduates high school, tons on leadership, good CFA. He was also offered FF and admissions also told him he had nothing lacking. It took him a week to get his head around it, but then he realized it is a golden ticket that many people didn't get. He is very excited now.

Great responses already. As a mom of 4 of my own that headed to college, all smart, intelligent, and competitive high achievers, I would add that even those kinds of kids would be edit from having traditional year lfrom living at home, into full fledged adulting.

I would be grateful for that transitional year. He will come into a very difficult and challenging SA experience already having managed the freshman transitional year. And be ready to test out of subject, opening his schedule for opportunities he would never have at a civilian college.

BTW, no guarantee he graduates in 3 yrs at a civilian college. What if scheduling his classes as a freshman prohibits that? What if he changes majors and has to add courses? What if he double majors? What if he takes a year abroad? So many unknowns. BUT, if this is the over arching decision maker, go civilian. BC none of this is military service focused.

I guess it’s how you/he looks at it. Y'all can be offended. Or? Grateful that they wanted him enough to find a way to get them there. Instead of issuing a TWE. Bc he DIDN’T win his slate. Others did. For whatever reason (the resumes here on the forums are unbelievably amazing!!!).

I’ll also add that unless the poster heard the ALO’s comments directly, with body language and in context of the convo, I would be cautious in assuming that the verbiage repeated to the student was again repeated here as stated. We all know how the old game of ‘telephone’ can go. It’s human nature. If OP did hear it all directly, the. I’m with @flieger83 and it should be reported and looked into further. Imo.

And to address USAFA’s options with their prep programs? They can do whatever they want. I think it’s pretty cool they are getting great, qualified candidates into their Officer programs. OP’s alternative was a TWE, take a year of classes and reapply. Essentially ending up in the same position as attending FFS: 4 more years of learning. I fail to see how they are out anything. Assuming they want to be a USAFA commissioned officer.

Texark147 said:

My DS is in the exact same position. Competitive test scores, 4.0 uw gpa, 70 dual credit hours, associate of Science degree when he graduates high school, tons on leadership, good CFA. He was also offered FF and admissions also told him he had nothing lacking. It took him a week to get his head around it, but then he realized it is a golden ticket that many people didn't get. He is very excited now.

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He is already creating his special niche at the academy. He will be a valued contributor as a ‘got through the freshman year’ cadet who will be able to give in ways others cannot. Congrats!!

Prep school mom here.
For what it’s worth, My DS just did a 19 mile ruck with a 25lb pack in standard issue combat boots for 19 miles until 1 AM. He has really bad blisters all over his feet. He wakes up at 5 AM for PT five days a week. He has stood in formation in the rain for hours. He has room inspections, uniform details. He has been woken up in the middle of the night for stupid reasons. Not coming from the military background, all of this was new to me - and if I were to use the word “cruel,” putting a kid through repeat academics would not be my first thought.

DS left high school as an 18-year-old who very smart and athletic. This past year of prep has changed him in many ways. The respect that we have for him at this point is more than I can describe in this post. ( he is self-prep with multiple medical disqualifications but has an appointment - so if waiver is an approved, journey ends). Without an approved waiver, he would take his earned college credits and transfer back home. The amount of growth that he has shown this past year, and the persistence and the leadership and character that he has built upon, is enough that we know he will do great things in life, regardless of where his journey takes him.

SAT scores, varsity letters really don’t matter. What your son is going to get from the prep school is far more. So I would encourage you to think beyond the academics and try to have a different perspective. Your son will be challenged - and will be much better off in a year.

Ept1983 said:

Prep school mom here.
For what it’s worth, My DS just did a 19 mile ruck with a 25lb pack in standard issue combat boots for 19 miles until 1 AM. He has really bad blisters all over his feet. He wakes up at 5 AM for PT five days a week. He has stood in formation in the rain for hours. He has room inspections, uniform details. He has been woken up in the middle of the night for stupid reasons. Not coming from the military background, all of this was new to me - and if I were to use the word “cruel,” putting a kid through repeat academics would not be my first thought.

DS left high school as an 18-year-old who very smart and athletic. This past year of prep has changed him in many ways. The respect that we have for him at this point is more than I can describe in this post. ( he is self-prep with multiple medical disqualifications but has an appointment - so if waiver is an approved, journey ends). Without an approved waiver, he would take his earned college credits and transfer back home. The amount of growth that he has shown this past year, and the persistence and the leadership and character that he has built upon, is enough that we know he will do great things in life, regardless of where his journey takes him.

SAT scores, varsity letters really don’t matter. What your son is going to get from the prep school is far more. So I would encourage you to think beyond the academics and try to have a different perspective. Your son will be challenged - and will be much better off in a year.

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This mom just slapped us with some FACTS!

Thank you and congratulations to your DS on his persistent pursuit of the dream.

My son and I are on our way to a visit for a football scholarship offer and also has afrotc nearby. He hasn’t received a decision yet but if he got a FF right now we would turn around.

Something worth considering… how competitive is Plan B? Is it UVA or Directional State? Does it place graduates in the fields the student is interested in?

This is not elitism or arrogance, it is just the real world. Graduating at 21 from a less prestigious school will not yield the same lifetime career opportunities as as graduating at 23 from a service academy.

DW8Ch said:

My son and I are on our way to a visit for a football scholarship offer and also has afrotc nearby. He hasn’t received a decision yet but if he got a FF right now we would turn around.

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More likely that a potential football player would be offered a spot at the USAFA Prep School on the academy grounds and he would play for the Huskys for his Prep year if that was the option.

To the OP: Would you rather that your DC received a turn down, instead of the FFS offer? We all think that our kids are the bestest, brightest, and most awesomest of all possible candidates. However, the reality is that there is always someone else that is bester, brighter, and awesomer. It is just bad luck that your DC was competing against that individual or individuals. Instead of rejecting your kid and implicitly inviting them to apply next year with no guarantees at all, the Academy has made a pretty generous offer that amounts to a (nearly) guaranteed offer of admission to the next class.

That does not seem at all cruel to me. It seems a whole lot awesomer than that.