If you don't mind, send me your stats and I'll point out strengths and items for improvement in the same way my ALO did for me.
Thanks OP, I can’t send a DM cause the Admins don’t trust me, but:
ACT: Reading 650, Math 660 (just to clarify it’s the new one)
GPA (UW): 3.89
College Courses: 12
7 APs, including Physics, Calc 1/2, Stat
5 in College most notably CompSci, intro engineering, and a Cybersecurity course
Age: 20, would be 21 in 2020
As far as activities in high school:
2 years (jr/sr) Track
5 (on varsity my 8th grade year) years swimming (Capt jr/sr years)
NHS
Boy’s State
Idk how much it matters, but worked full-time in the summer and part time during the year
Military stuff:
1N031 as of 27SEP18
Honor Guard
AMN of the Qtr
MAF IFTU/FP IFTU/AAMIC-IE/SV-80
1N051 as of 27SEP19
SrA as of 01JAN20
Should get a TLN for ALS as soon as my 2096 for SrA is processed
((recent)) Volunteering:
Habitat for Humanity
Meals On Wheels
Volunteer Coach for a Swim Team
Anything else you’d like to know just ask, I appreciate this a ton.
Thanks for your stats!
If I were you, retake the SAT or take the ACT. Both are available at the education center usually with the first time being free. There are books available at the base library and online as well.
If you really want direct entry, you are going to have to score at least 30 on the ACT or 1360-1380 on the new SAT. You might be able to gain entry into the Prep School with your scores but they are below the median for direct entry.
College courses didn't seem to put weight on my application, but I have my CCAF as well as two associates degrees. They will most likely only matter to validate courses offered at USAFA, meaning you will be placed in a higher level course if you passed.
The varsity positions and working could add to your application, if it shows leadership in any way. Think "I led my team to state" not "I went to state," this shows your dedication to the team effort and your natural leadership abilities.
Before I start with military stuff, MAKE SURE YOUR SUPERVISOR AND COMMANDER ARE AWARE OF YOUR GOALS. Your squadron commander has to sign your recommendation/nomination, and will be notified if you are appointed.
On to the military stuff, you need to get 3 letters of evaluation which need to be completed by your squadron commander, supervisor or first sergeant, and a commissioned officer from any branch. Brush up on AFH 33-337 Tongue and Quill, write some drafts and forward through chain of command to have letters of recommendation included on the evaluations.
Make sure all awards, volunteering, career bullets are elongated and understandable on your resume.
Your volunteering looks good but how do they show leadership? Did you organize events? Did you lead others? How do the core values apply? How are the five pillars of wellness apply? Like an awards package, look at less of what you did and more of the effect on others, yourself, etc.
Anyone on this forum will tell you, PREPARE FOR THE CFA!!!!! NOW!!! Take the CFA in a timed order and record your scores. If you are not meeting averages, you may need more practice.
Off the top of my head, request the letters of recommendation early and it is in good taste to write your own and ask for signatures in order to expedite.
Finally, there is an essay section on your application. One of the essay prompts talks about setbacks. Be real and raw with this one, showing your true self and resiliency. USAFA is really big on the honor code which is sort of like the core values for the Air Force, live by these and you are a natural peer leader.
If you have other questions, send me a private message or reply here. You have plenty of time before your application is due, but start on it early.