USAFA Vs. USNA.. decision time

hma12345 said:
She doesnt want to make an account and then have someone put her username and state, etc in that appointee forums....
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Huh??? She could make a SN like "confusedappointee" and not provide any other info so I don't get your point. Why wouldn't she want to be on any appointee list? She should be proud of it. My post was more for her being her own advocate and asking her own questions in preparation for the academy. There will be no one there to ask her questions for her if she doesn't do it herself. But hey, whatever works for you... Good luck with her choice.
 
I'll give my perspective. Going to a service academy is not just about the academy itself, it is about the life it leads to. The lifestyle and culture in the various services differ greatly and should be an important factor.

Generally speaking, USAFA is a good (the best IMHO, but I'm a bit biased) choice for a technical major or career field, or if flying is of interest.

I also agree with the advice given above to research the branches and career options.

Also I'd recommend talking to a few women who went to USAFA/USNA about their experiences. Mine at USAFA was very positive but I'd recommend talking to as many people as possible.

Hope that helps and I'm always happy to answer any questions although my experiences are apparently starting to be a bit outdated
 
My DD also would love to fly and in choosing which SA's to apply to this was a factor. However, on a visit to AFA she found out that she was too small and that it would definitely not be a possibility there. This brought up the question of whether Navy or Army would allow her to, and they will but only certain platforms. So, she had to start looking at which SA would provide her the best possible options if aviation was not in her future. This completely changed how she looked at each school and in the end completely changed her first choice. Your friend needs to give some serious thought to all the options available to her at each of the SA's and then follow her gut. Honestly as my DD has said, there is really no bad choice if the end desire is to serve and lead others.
 
Hma, while I am skeptical about the whole "friend" thing, please make sure you don't tell us later it becomes a matter of school color, mascot, or who has the better looking backpack being the deciding factor. I recall someone did that last year in the spring, while many are barely holding on hopes for one offer of appointment because their MoC combined only gives one nom to one SA. Please be considerate.
 
ktnatalk said:
Hma, while I am skeptical about the whole "friend" thing, please make sure you don't tell us later it becomes a matter of school color, mascot, or who has the better looking backpack being the deciding factor. I recall someone did that last year in the spring, while many are barely holding on hopes for one offer of appointment because their MoC combined only gives one nom to one SA. Please be considerate.
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She got taken off of presidential for all 3 so they'll just hand whichever school she doesn't accept off to the next person with a presidential so do not worry she's not taking anyone's congressional noms! :)
 
hma12345 said:
She got taken off of presidential for all 3 so they'll just hand whichever school she doesn't accept off to the next person with a presidential so do not worry she's not taking anyone's congressional noms! :)
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Stop. Just stop. You don't know what you are talking about and will confuse other visitors to this forum. Charging to the source can change in this process. Should I recommend you read all the stickies on the forum?

Oh boy! Sorry if I sound harsh...
 
ktnatalk said:
Stop. Just stop. You don't know what you are talking about and will confuse other visitors to this forum. Charging to the source can change in this process. Should I recommend you read all the stickies on the forum?

Oh boy! Sorry if I sound harsh...
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Man I didn't know it was a crime to ask a question on here... even if it wasn't for myself! I thought this forum would have a lot of good advice for her(and thank you to those who have taken this serious! Y'all are greatly appreciated!) but some of you guys so SO condescending and judgy! Please do not respond if you don't have any good advice to give or just want to contribute negativity! Everyone's reasons for going to an academy are different... some people just go for sports and don't even realize what they're getting into... my friend does know a lot and isn't just choosing based off of stupid things... if that were so she wouldn't have gotten In to ALL three:) Thanks!!!!
 
hma12345 said:
Questions for people who had to make a choice like this- Did you guys have like that feeling (if you were tied) and you were like this is it... this is the one for me. Or was it just like let me pick one based off of this one thing and get on with it?
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I had to make this same choice two years ago. To be honest, USAFA was always my #1 pick, even before I started the application process. However, I think I would have been extremely happy at USNA as well.

Looking back on the decision, I have absolutely zero regrets about choosing USAFA. However, I doubt that I would have regrets if I had chosen USNA instead. The bottom line is that for someone who is committed to serving our country, either school is an awesome choice. It is very possible that whichever one your friend picks, she will feel that she chose the "right" Academy because she will fall in love with the opportunities and culture of the place. In that regard, it's difficult, if not impossible, to say that there is a "right" and "wrong" school.

However, I would caution against "making a decision and getting on with it". The choice isn't one that should be taken lightly, nor does it need to be made quickly (most people don't even receive appointments until March/April). I would suggest that she talk to current AF/Navy officers about their respective branches and the lifestyles involved. IMHO, the most important factor for her to consider is her career after graduation. Would she rather be on a ship or a land base? Which branch offers more accessible career options for her area of interest? If she wants to study something specific, which school has a better program in that field (this may even be a tie in lots of cases)? If possible, she should also try to talk to current cadets/mids and/or recent grads from both schools.

I really like @697biling's advice from the USAFA grad. It is spot on, and I think that is a solid way to look at the decision and its consequences. If I were her, I personally wouldn't decide based on whether or not I needed to cut my hair during Basic (as someone else mentioned). Regardless of her reasons, though, she likely won't go wrong if she is truly committed to her choice. Good luck and congratulations to her. :thumb:
 
My DS went through the decision process between 2 academies 2 years ago. He could see him being happy serving in either service. What did it for him was his overnight visits. He felt a calling toward the academy he chose, as he felt that it like it was "his tribe." He is also very spiritual, so he prayed intensely about it. Once he made his choice, he never looked back and never regretted his decision or thought "what if?" Good luck in your decision.
 
scoutpilot said:
Does she want to be one of the world's premier jet pilots? Or does she want to be in the Air Force?
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o_O
As approximately half the graduating class (400-450 slots) @ USAFA tracks to pilot, her chances of flying are greatly increased there. That being said, many cadets enter wishing to be pilots then change their mind once exposed to other careers. IMPO it seems that eyesight along with airsickness knocks a lot of candidates out of potential pilot careers, but I will defer to those who have been through the process who have a more informed perspective. Good luck to her.
 
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Wishful said:
o_O
As approximately half the graduating class (400-450 slots) @ USAFA tracks to pilot, her chances of flying are greatly increased there. That being said, many cadets enter wishing to be pilots then change their mind once exposed to other careers. IMPO it seems that eyesight along with airsickness knocks a lot of candidates out of potential pilot careers, but I will defer to those who have been through the process who have a more informed perspective. Good luck to her.
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I was remarking on quality, not quantity! :)
 
Congratulations to her for having so many choices. I would agree that she needs to know which branch she wants to serve in, not the SA itself. Most important about wanting to be a pilot is that ANYTHING along the way can eliminate that possibility. Not just her current size, but other physical limitations that can occur or be found that would not make her pilot qualified. There is something we call 'needs of the Air Force'. You have to be willing to do whatever your branch requires of you. That's why it is called a 'service' academy. If she is not interested on being on a boat/sub, she should definitely not be in the Navy. As mentioned, she should do more research about opportunities in both the Navy and Air Force. If she has a presidential, certainly her parent can help connect her with people in all branches.
 
As many have said it is important to consider what is the best path to your desired career. With that being said it's also important to consider 2nd, 3rd and even more options as many change their minds at the academy. One of my friends was absolutely set on pilot before coming here, took a flight in AM-250 (freshmen glider intro), and is now trying to become a JAG. Just that one flight getting airsick caused him to change his dream into something entirely different. Myself as well have questioned do I still want to be a pilot or something else completely different?
 
hellofriend123 said:
I may be wrong, but I remember a BGO telling me that the Naval Academy produces more pilots than the AFA.
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Short answer?

Uh...no.

Although, in fairness, the USNA does send quite a few graduates to flight training...but unless the numbers I've seen while I've been an ALO are incorrect, they don't produce more at USNA. BUT...for an academy which is dedicated to providing the fleet with surface officers, and marines, they do VERY well on flight slots!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
Don't mind Scout, be just likes to rib The AF.

She should choose the service before the service academy. It is the more important factor.
 
Wow, thank you everyone for you're intelligent answers. I showed my friend some of these good responses and I think shes really starting to think about which academy would be best for the service and career field she really want to do which I think it AF for her but who knows... shes got a while to decide still. Hopefully she strays more away from thinking about what that specific academy offers and more of what the service offers. I'll help remind her of that. She seems super stressed out right now though so I only want to help with her confusion. Thanks again guys! if anyone has anymore good input i would and im sure she would love it too!
 
Where do you reside now? The weather and altitude may make a difference in her comfort?
 
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