Answers for: Turnbacks, Reapplicants, AFROTC, and NCAA prospects

Nilet

Nilet

5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2015
Messages
50
Back at it again,

I like to start a thread a few times per year for this because I get so many questions, so here's where I have answers from experience:

  • I was denied two times from USAFA, and made it into the class of 2018 on my third try
  • Walk on NCAA runner before coming, declined to join here for eligibility reasons
  • Attended state university for two years, and did ROTC
  • Currently pursuing cross commission into the marine corps to fly
  • Currently on the USAFA Precision Powered Flight Team
  • Familiar with inner workings of USAFA, and AFROTC
Feel free to ask anything! This usually turns into a pretty busy thread, but I'll do my best to keep up!

-Nilet
 
I'd like to revive this thread for any who may be interested in the topics above, now that we may be at a more applicable time. I currently participate on the USAFA precision flying team, as well, and am more than willing to contribute whatever answers on that topic I can. Good luck, everyone!

-Nilet
 
About to go in for round three of applying to USAFA- went to nwp last semester and am going to do ROTC at state school next year.
Couple questions:
Why did you keep applying to USAFA?
What's the process of getting a nomination through ROTC?
What do you think pushed you over the edge the third time?
 
Good, keep up the persistence! To answer your questions:

1. I kept applying to USAFA out of pure desire to come to a place where I had wanted to be since I was about 12. I looked at USAFA as the means to an ultimate goal. Every day I would wake up and ask myself the question "Would I be able to look back 5 years and be content with not having tried again?". Every time, the answer was no.

2. Really easy. You just apply as you would normally, but your nomination will come through your ROTC commander (usually a LtCol). You can still get a nomination the classic way, through a Senator or Representative as well (I did).

3. The third time I shamelessly pursued a principle nomination from my congressman, which he granted me at last. I also continued working, getting good grades, got my PPL, continued competing in intercollegiate sports, tried hard in ROTC, and got in contact with whoever would listen to me at the Academy. I lived, breathed, slept, and ate with it on my mind. Honestly, you will see one day that not everyone at this place thinks that way, and some do not need to. It is not the same goal for all people, and not the same road - but for some it is what is required to get that appointment.

Let me know if there is anything else you have questions about! Happy to give any insight I can.

-Nilet
 
AFROTC Cadet and accepted for USAFA c/o 2021. Did BCT go any differently for you from having had two years of AFROTC? Should I expect to take a stronger leadership role among my flightmates or would it be more appropriate to keep my head down and go about my business like I know nothing?

I don't want to be THAT guy during BCT that thinks they already know everything but I want to know how I can best help others to do well in BCT through what little experience in AFROTC I have.
 
USCGA2020Candidate said:
AFROTC Cadet and accepted for USAFA c/o 2021. Did BCT go any differently for you from having had two years of AFROTC? Should I expect to take a stronger leadership role among my flightmates or would it be more appropriate to keep my head down and go about my business like I know nothing?

I don't want to be THAT guy during BCT that thinks they already know everything but I want to know how I can best help others to do well in BCT through what little experience in AFROTC I have.
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I honestly can't say that it was any different, but I think it shifts your focus a bit. You will have a little bit of a head start on the basic military functions such as marching, decorum, and uniform wear - however USAFA is much, much different than what I expected. Don't keep your head down out of the fear of being seen as arrogant, but rather focus on yourself and developing your own person. When doing this, it will be apparent of your knowledge and maturity, and others will naturally gravitate towards you when they feel that you may be help for them. Some appreciate others reaching out, while some other cadets feel that basic is something that they want to figure out more personally.

BLUF: Yes. AFROTC will absolutely be a help early on, but there will be a natural learning curve at some point where everyone will be learning new things together. Good luck, and I will see you during first BCT ;)

-Nilet
 
Just food for thought for everyone:

ANY Commissioning source is great - the fact that you are all willing to serve in general speaks monuments to your character.

With that in mind - don't stop if you feel that USAFA is your final goal. I promise, after two declinations, countless grey hairs, and an acceptance on my THIRD try, I know that it was all worth it. Also, my mother always had a great quote for me during times where things like this weren't going my way (USAFA Application denied TWICE. I have my TWEs framed to this day ;) )

"Quitting - it's the easiest thing in the world to do; but to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, now that's true strength."

Keep pushing, everyone!

-Nilet
 
Nilet said:
Back at it again,

I like to start a thread a few times per year for this because I get so many questions, so here's where I have answers from experience:

  • I was denied two times from USAFA, and made it into the class of 2018 on my third try
  • Walk on NCAA runner before coming, declined to join here for eligibility reasons
  • Attended state university for two years, and did ROTC
  • Currently pursuing cross commission into the marine corps to fly
  • Currently on the USAFA Precision Powered Flight Team
  • Familiar with inner workings of USAFA, and AFROTC
Feel free to ask anything! This usually turns into a pretty busy thread, but I'll do my best to keep up!

-Nilet
Click to expand...

What type of majors do aspiring pilots pursue at the academy? Are technical majors most recommended? Do the instructors recommend a major based on strengths and needs of the Air Force or is it up each cadet? Also....our DS will be in the class of 2021 and he will have just completed his PPL. Does he need to go seek out the flight team to get involved or is the initial information provided somewhere along the line? (He's spent so much time with the process of applying and reapplying and now that he's finally in, we're all wondering what comes next and what he does now. )
 
pa_ptmom said:
What type of majors do aspiring pilots pursue at the academy? Are technical majors most recommended? Do the instructors recommend a major based on strengths and needs of the Air Force or is it up each cadet? Also....our DS will be in the class of 2021 and he will have just completed his PPL. Does he need to go seek out the flight team to get involved or is the initial information provided somewhere along the line? (He's spent so much time with the process of applying and reapplying and now that he's finally in, we're all wondering what comes next and what he does now. )
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This is actually a pretty common questions!

So what I will pass on about this subject is the best advice I have ever gotten - major in something you like and can perform in. Period. The reason for this is that grades play such a pivotal role in your stratification as a cadet, and stratification largely decided whether or not you will get your pick for a job. While this is not the case 100% of the time, it is traditionally very accurate.

Majoring in something that is interesting for a person is a great way to make your time at USAFA something worthwhile, and at the same time do well in school. The only caveat to this is that the cadet MUST have an undergrad in some sort of technical degree if they hope to go to test pilot school some day.

Lastly, the flying team. I would encourage that you check out our thread on here! We are trying to keep it updated throughout the season. As far as info goes, though, cadets and prospects are always encouraged to reach out to us through any of our social media platforms (facebook, instagram, etc.) if they have any questions. There will be, however, an email sent out this fall (sometime in September or October) about beginning the tryout process, and what the team entails. BL: He is more than welcome to reach out, but if he doesn't, he will get an email from us.

Also, if anyone is interested in learning more about airfield opportunities, or would like to see what happens with the flying team down at the airfield, please feel free to DM me and I can get you set up with an exposure of these areas.

-Nilet
 
I have a good friend who is currently a Sophmore in high school. She is a phenomenal Point Guard and has started Varsity since her Freshman year. How would she go about being recruited to the girls basketball team at USAFA?
 
Nilet said:
Back at it again,

I like to start a thread a few times per year for this because I get so many questions, so here's where I have answers from experience:

  • I was denied two times from USAFA, and made it into the class of 2018 on my third try
  • Walk on NCAA runner before coming, declined to join here for eligibility reasons
  • Attended state university for two years, and did ROTC
  • Currently pursuing cross commission into the marine corps to fly
  • Currently on the USAFA Precision Powered Flight Team
  • Familiar with inner workings of USAFA, and AFROTC
Feel free to ask anything! This usually turns into a pretty busy thread, but I'll do my best to keep up!

-Nilet
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Nilet,
I was just denied this week and although so sad, I know I have to move on to plan B. I have decided to self prep at NWP in Cali. Did you do that at some point or go right into college? What do you think helped you the most the third time around finally get accepted?
 
ItsWes said:
I have a good friend who is currently a Sophmore in high school. She is a phenomenal Point Guard and has started Varsity since her Freshman year. How would she go about being recruited to the girls basketball team at USAFA?
Click to expand...
Typically - once she shows interest in coming to the Academy (which she can do now), a recruiter will notice her if she has a shot. Some things that she can do in order to boost her chances would be to register for sports recruiting websites, update statistics and profile, and/or contact the Academy Athletics Department. The Academy holds walk-on tryouts for *almost* every Varsity sport, as well.

-Nilet
 
slump said:
Nilet,
I was just denied this week and although so sad, I know I have to move on to plan B. I have decided to self prep at NWP in Cali. Did you do that at some point or go right into college? What do you think helped you the most the third time around finally get accepted?
Click to expand...
I actually did not go to a prep school! I was a direct AFROTC Scholarship recipient, and therefore went to College at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota for two years.

As far as what it was that got me in, it was several things combined. The third time I shamelessly pursued a principle nomination from my congressman, which he granted me at last. I also continued working, getting good grades, got my PPL, continued competing in intercollegiate sports, tried hard in ROTC, and got in contact with whoever would listen to me at the Academy. I lived, breathed, slept, and ate with it on my mind. Honestly, you will see one day that not everyone at this place thinks that way, and some do not need to. It is not the same goal for all people, and not the same road - but for some it is what is required to get that appointment.

Good luck going forward!

-Nilet
 
I'm not really in the position of needing academy questions answered; but I am curious if you're interested so much in cross commissioning to be a marine corp pilot, why didn't you apply to Annapolis? Or is cross commissioning a new desire?
 
Christcorp said:
I'm not really in the position of needing academy questions answered; but I am curious if you're interested so much in cross commissioning to be a marine corp pilot, why didn't you apply to Annapolis? Or is cross commissioning a new desire?
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Christcorp,

I definitely know you don't need any answers - I've seen you on here since I submitted my first application back in 2011!

At any rate - I should should have probably clarified that since the start of this post back in October, I have actually withdrawn myself from the BullDawg program, and am now pursuing pilot training through the Air Force. Both of my parents are Marines, and hence the Marines were always my answer to what I wanted to be when I grew up. I did develop a passion for flying along the way, though, and about the time I was 12-13 decided that I wanted to be an Air Force pilot, promptly discovered the Academy, and had my SSN in the portal the next year. Among coming here, I discovered that the Marines had a very handy way of taking Marine Corps pilots from the Academy, and decided I wanted to do Bulldawg. However, my blessings and road forward in the Air Force have been far too many for me to leave, at this point, and I have decided to stay.

-Nilet
 
Quick question for you Nilet, I see this is an old thread but what were your HS GPA and college GPA when you go accepted on your third time? I'm very oddly in a similar position that you were in, this is now my third time reapplying after being denied twice, I've now completed a year of ROTC, play football for the college I attend, and this summer will be finishing up earning my PPL. Excellent thread and I appreciate you setting it up; I'd like to get your thoughts on how else you separated yourself to gain an appointment. Big thanks, Nilet.
 
Hey everyone - this time of year I typically bring this thread back to the top of the list as I think it can be helpful for those who fall into my similar situation. The original post reads:

"Back at it again,

I like to start a thread a few times per year for this because I get so many questions, so here's where I have answers from experience:

  • I was denied two times from USAFA, and made it into the class of 2018 on my third try
  • Walk on NCAA runner before coming, declined to join here for eligibility reasons
  • Attended state university for two years, and did ROTC
  • Currently pursuing cross commission into the marine corps to fly
  • Currently on the USAFA Precision Powered Flight Team
  • Familiar with inner workings of USAFA, and AFROTC
Feel free to ask anything! This usually turns into a pretty busy thread, but I'll do my best to keep up!"

-Nilet
 
Hi Nilet,

I was medically turned back after an injury in BCT last Summer. I’m still waiting on the new appointment to pop up on my portal. Just a few questions:

1) Do you have any clue when I’m supposed to receive this appointment?

2) Will I be placed back into my original squadron or do they switch it up?

I know these are harder questions to answer, but thanks for reaching out to us!
 
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