Ask Us (current cadets) Anything

If I recall correctly sponsor families can request a specific cadet. Otherwise cadets will fill out a small information card which will be used to match up families to cadets after basic. I think you get some info shortly after basic.
 
AFrpaso said:
If I recall correctly sponsor families can request a specific cadet. Otherwise cadets will fill out a small information card which will be used to match up families to cadets after basic. I think you get some info shortly after basic.
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Yes, sponsor families can request a specific cadet AND the cadet should also request that family.If I remember correctly, the form DD filled out allowed her to do that.
 
What leadership roles would you recommend? (Ropes, Honor Guard, ect.) I want to be able to make a positive influence and help other cadets throughout my time at the academy.
 
Einstein_Airmen said:
What leadership roles would you recommend? (Ropes, Honor Guard, ect.) I want to be able to make a positive influence and help other cadets throughout my time at the academy.
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This is completely dependent on where you want to make an impact and what you hope to learn and accomplish. There are many, many opportunities, but it's usually a matter of preference. Initially, I took a serious interest in training and impacted the wing in that position. Now, I am focusing more on the line positions as well as trying out the character job in my squad and trying to lead and impact people in that manner. Variety is good if you are looking to learn a lot through leadership and become better.
During four degree year, your job is to follow. Some get antsy because they want their chance to lead, but this is a vital part in leadership that you should learn from instead of constantly wishing for it to be over. Take it as an opportunity to observe others and consider what leadership roles you see yourself in.
 
I imagine it's probably common during doolie year, but even after being at the Academy for 2 years or so, do you still get homesick or does it mitigate to a lower level of missing home?
 
Question for the former academy prep cc's: do you remember if the Falcon Foundation Scholarship offers came out before you got offered your prep academy spot? DS is still a candidate, but not a recipient of the Falcon Scholarship. Nobody is posting about receiving a prep school slot. Just wondering!
 
AFA2020 said:
I imagine it's probably common during doolie year, but even after being at the Academy for 2 years or so, do you still get homesick or does it mitigate to a lower level of missing home?
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I probably missed home for a couple of months, but I don't miss it at all now. Don't get me wrong, I miss my family a ton and I love going home, but I'm excited about where I am and where I'm going.

2020 wannabe said:
Question for the former academy prep cc's: do you remember if the Falcon Foundation Scholarship offers came out before you got offered your prep academy spot? DS is still a candidate, but not a recipient of the Falcon Scholarship. Nobody is posting about receiving a prep school slot. Just wondering!
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4 years ago? I think FF scholarships were awarded before prep school appointments (pretty sure haleym got hers before me), but that can definitely change in four years.
 
kylieM said:
I'm still waiting to hear back, but if I end up not getting accepted is Northwestern Prep a good plan B? Do you guys know of people that went there and are doing well at the academy now?

Thanks
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I was a Falcon at NWP last fall but I have many friends who were "free agents" that also received appointments to USAFA and other service academies. I also know free agents who did not receive appointments but received full ROTC scholarships. There are a lot of options to consider, but I think NWP is definitely a great one!
 
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How are the grades determined for each academic class? I know that with traditional colleges, tests/quizzes/final exams are the largest components of your final grade with much less value given to individual homework (you do it or don't, the professor doesn't care).

How does USAFA compare since you are in the classroom every day. Is homework regularly assigned AND graded, and if so how much does it factor into the final grade for that class? Or is it like other colleges where homework is your responsibility but the tests/quizzes are what impacts your grade?
 
20ta said:
How are the grades determined for each academic class? I know that with traditional colleges, tests/quizzes/final exams are the largest components of your final grade with much less value given to individual homework (you do it or don't, the professor doesn't care).

How does USAFA compare since you are in the classroom every day. Is homework regularly assigned AND graded, and if so how much does it factor into the final grade for that class? Or is it like other colleges where homework is your responsibility but the tests/quizzes are what impacts your grade?
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It really depends on the department and course director. Some classes only have a few tests/papers/projects while other classes have a lot of homework in addition to tests/papers/projects. Finals are mandated to be something like 25% of the final grade (I'm not exactly sure). There's also something called prog on lesson 20 (out of 40 lessons) where grades are assessed and people are put on academic probation if necessary. I think around 33% of points in a class must come before prog.

So overall there is a lot of variation. My history class has had 3 tests and one paper due in addition to a 20 min presentation and a final exam. My computer simulation class has had 15+ programming exercises and quizzes in addition to two tests and a data analytics project.
 
LFry94 said:
I probably missed home for a couple of months, but I don't miss it at all now. Don't get me wrong, I miss my family a ton and I love going home, but I'm excited about where I am and where I'm going.


4 years ago? I think FF scholarships were awarded before prep school appointments (pretty sure haleym got hers before me), but that can definitely change in four years.
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That's reassuring! I honestly think I'd feel the same way after the first few months. Thank you.
 
AFrpaso said:
This is a thread where appointees (and others) are free to ask current cadets questions about life at the Academy.

There are a few of us on here so I'm sure we'll be able to field most questions. That being said, don't expect to always get a full answer. There are aspects of life at the Academy which cannot be understood until you are a cadet and some parts we simply don't want to spoil.

Ask away.

My background:
Civ college -> Active Duty AF -> AFA Prep '13 -> USAFA '17.

Majoring in Applied Mathematics.
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AFrpaso said:
This is a thread where appointees (and others) are free to ask current cadets questions about life at the Academy.

There are a few of us on here so I'm sure we'll be able to field most questions. That being said, don't expect to always get a full answer. There are aspects of life at the Academy which cannot be understood until you are a cadet and some parts we simply don't want to spoil.

Ask away.

My background:
Civ college -> Active Duty AF -> AFA Prep '13 -> USAFA '17.

Majoring in Applied Mathematics.
Click to expand...
 
AFrpaso said:
This is a thread where appointees (and others) are free to ask current cadets questions about life at the Academy.

There are a few of us on here so I'm sure we'll be able to field most questions. That being said, don't expect to always get a full answer. There are aspects of life at the Academy which cannot be understood until you are a cadet and some parts we simply don't want to spoil.

Ask away.

My background:
Civ college -> Active Duty AF -> AFA Prep '13 -> USAFA '17.

Majoring in Applied Mathematics.
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Hi!
Can you tell me when cadets find out their summer schedules? I know that it is divided into 3 three week periods but I'm wondering which period by son would be coming home.
Thanks!
 
Kec said:
Hi!
Can you tell me when cadets find out their summer schedules? I know that it is divided into 3 three week periods but I'm wondering which period by son would be coming home.
Thanks!
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Not sure of the exact day, but they came out a couple of months ago. Your son should know what leave period he has unless he has some special circumstances.
 
I'm prior enlisted AF and I was just accepted to the Prep School about a month ago (YAY!:))
I earlier in this forum I read that Prep School classes get out at 12pm? What did you do for the rest of the day besides PT/study of course?
I haven't taken any math or chemistry classes in a few years.. Should I go out and buy "Chemistry for Dummies" or some other materials to catch up? Do you have any other advice to give to someone preparing to enter the P school..(besides getting into shape)
 
FlyGirl88 said:
I'm prior enlisted AF and I was just accepted to the Prep School about a month ago (YAY!:))
I earlier in this forum I read that Prep School classes get out at 12pm? What did you do for the rest of the day besides PT/study of course?
I haven't taken any math or chemistry classes in a few years.. Should I go out and buy "Chemistry for Dummies" or some other materials to catch up? Do you have any other advice to give to someone preparing to enter the P school..(besides getting into shape)
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During my year, the rest of the day was yours. If I didn't have any homework and already worked out, then I'd usually just hang out! I wouldn't worry about buying any materials or trying to catch up. That's the Prep school's job. The pace of the coursework is relatively slow, don't worry. My advice is to be a role model for the civilians who will be going through everything with you. Try not to play the prior card and stay humble.
 
AFrpaso said:
During my year, the rest of the day was yours. If I didn't have any homework and already worked out, then I'd usually just hang out! I wouldn't worry about buying any materials or trying to catch up. That's the Prep school's job. The pace of the coursework is relatively slow, don't worry. My advice is to be a role model for the civilians who will be going through everything with you. Try not to play the prior card and stay humble.
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Thank you very much! Awesome advice. I was also wondering about off-base liberties at the prep school? Are there mandatory football games you have on Saturdays like up on the hill? Do you also have to wait until Parent's weekend to go off base?
 
FlyGirl88 said:
Thank you very much! Awesome advice. I was also wondering about off-base liberties at the prep school?
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What do you mean by off base liberties? Will you get to go off base? Yes. Do you have to wear blues? Yes, but that is later upgraded to either husky gear or civilian clothes (depending on phase).

FlyGirl88 said:
Are there mandatory football games you have on Saturdays like up on the hill?
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Yes, you attend every home football game with the rest of the cadet wing.

FlyGirl88 said:
Do you also have to wait until Parent's weekend to go off base?
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The prep school uses a phase system to determine when you will be restricted/when you can wear civilian clothes/etc. The phase system changes frequently, so I'm not entirely sure. When I was a preppie, parents weekend was the first opportunity I got to go off base.
 
LFry94 said:
I probably missed home for a couple of months, but I don't miss it at all now. Don't get me wrong, I miss my family a ton and I love going home, but I'm excited about where I am and where I'm going.
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I hope my son would feel the same way. Don't get me wrong, I love my son and I will definitely miss him, but I am excited that he is going to his dream school and eventually serving our country.
 
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