Ask a doolie!

How are the academics (HS vs. USAFA)? And, what was/is your most challenging class? Did you validate any AP's?

Thanks!
 
How are the academics (HS vs. USAFA)? And, what was/is your most challenging class? Did you validate any AP's?

Thanks!
They are really hard. I had nearly a 4.0 in HS and then I came here and I have a 2.7 which isn't bad since I got all B's. You'll have a 60% in a class and just be glad you're passing. Some people are really smart and do not struggle but most of us do so expect some low grades. You're taking STEM classes with the limited amounts of time you do have a doolie. They are not impossible though and help is everywhere. My most challenging classes right now is physics and Calc II. I did not validate any AP classes but if you do you just move onto harder classes so honestly I wouldn't to keep my GPA decent for my freshman year but if you can handle it go for it! Most highschools tend to "inflate" your grades, but they absolutely do not do that here. There's not a lot of extra credit and there's no asking "can you bump my grade" or "can I retake it". The academics here I think are a little more serious than what HS offers. But I'm comparing it to my school.
 
I'm a junior also beginning my application process to the academies. However I know I have one "achille's heel", so-to-speak, in my resume. I have lots of leadership experience, good grades, my first SAT was good, I have lots of volunteering hours, and I play in the school band too. The catch is that is that I played JV baseball for only two years. Nevertheless I'm in good shape and continuing to prepare for Summer Seminar and eventually the CFA. So what I'm asking is, from what you've seen and heard, how much will my application to the academies be impacted by the fact that I don't have a varsity letter? Thank you in advance.
My DS is also a doolie and never played a sport in high school. It is possible.
 
They are really hard. I had nearly a 4.0 in HS and then I came here and I have a 2.7 which isn't bad since I got all B's. You'll have a 60% in a class and just be glad you're passing. Some people are really smart and do not struggle but most of us do so expect some low grades. You're taking STEM classes with the limited amounts of time you do have a doolie. They are not impossible though and help is everywhere. My most challenging classes right now is physics and Calc II. I did not validate any AP classes but if you do you just move onto harder classes so honestly I wouldn't to keep my GPA decent for my freshman year but if you can handle it go for it! Most highschools tend to "inflate" your grades, but they absolutely do not do that here. There's not a lot of extra credit and there's no asking "can you bump my grade" or "can I retake it". The academics here I think are a little more serious than what HS offers. But I'm comparing it to my school.
My doolie would agree physics and Calc II are his hardest classes this semester! He has a similar GPA and graduated HS with a 3.8. We just had a conversation yesterday about how he underestimated the difficulty of this semester going into it.
 
Aside from keeping in shape, is there anything you would recommend we do between now and July to make the doolie year better/easier? E.g. - Any Physics/Calc prep? Not that I have an appointment yet, so still just hoping and pretend-planning.
 
Aside from keeping in shape, is there anything you would recommend we do between now and July to make the doolie year better/easier? E.g. - Any Physics/Calc prep? Not that I have an appointment yet, so still just hoping and pretend-planning.
I don't think you can do anything to prepare. I would say just prepare to be very optimistic.
 
Not sure if you are a female or male doolie... but wondering if you could talk to differences between female cadets and male cadet experiences... I have a daughter that wants to follow her brothers footsteps and go to USAFA (assume he gets an appointment to Class of 2025 after prep school)... I support her 100% - just like I support my son... just wondering the difference.
 
Not sure if you are a female or male doolie... but wondering if you could talk to differences between female cadets and male cadet experiences... I have a daughter that wants to follow her brothers footsteps and go to USAFA (assume he gets an appointment to Class of 2025 after prep school)... I support her 100% - just like I support my son... just wondering the difference.
It's like any college I would say, but there are a lot more males than females here so as a female our reputation can be smeared rather easily. I am a female and I don't really notice much of a difference. Most of the guys here are respectful and the staff always try to put females in leadership roles. If she does apply here I would tell her to be mindful on how she represents herself to her male counterparts. If you do your work and maintain appropriate relationships then she shouldn't have anything to worry about but if she finds herself "flirting" around a bit then guys might start to think differently of her. The double standards here are just like any workplace, but as long as she's focus on what she came here for it'll be okay. There's also support network for females here as well!
 
It's like any college I would say, but there are a lot more males than females here so as a female our reputation can be smeared rather easily. I am a female and I don't really notice much of a difference. Most of the guys here are respectful and the staff always try to put females in leadership roles. If she does apply here I would tell her to be mindful on how she represents herself to her male counterparts. If you do your work and maintain appropriate relationships then she shouldn't have anything to worry about but if she finds herself "flirting" around a bit then guys might start to think differently of her. The double standards here are just like any workplace, but as long as she's focus on what she came here for it'll be okay. There's also support network for females here as well! But I would also caution her that not every guy here is a saint, so be careful who she decides to be alone around or hangout with. However, this should apply to everyone. If you have more specific questions I can answer I would love to!
 
Thank you! I was just accepted to summer seminar and I am going to be attending session A. I am in the state of Pennsylvania and I do not think it is very competitive for nominations but I am not exactly sure. Thank you so much! One more question. Do you play sports for them or did you just go for education?
My son will be in session A. :) From Nebraska. Daughter went to Navy but would be thrilled to have son at a “drivable” distance. What have been your biggest challenges thus far? Thanks for coming on the forum.
 
How was the Prep school math? Math is my weakest subject, and I have been told that as long as I am invested, the Prep school will catch me up to the Academy standards in math. Also, are tutors available for Prep schoolers?
 
How was the Prep school math? Math is my weakest subject, and I have been told that as long as I am invested, the Prep school will catch me up to the Academy standards in math. Also, are tutors available for Prep schoolers?

The prep school will spin you up on algebra, geometry, and pre-calc. All are necessary to be successful in calculus. I'll be teaching math when you are freshman. Do not hesitate to come see me (or any other instructor) for extra instruction. We will get you squared away.

The instructors in the math department at the Academy make themselves very available for extra instruction; the prep school arguably more so. Take advantage of that.
 
LOL NONE. I did JV Track for two years and the thing that sent me to a prep school was because of my CFA. It really is dependent on background/ethnicity/gender/race etc. They want a school of diversity and honestly I know kids who had a really good resume and didn't get selected. Try your best and just have a good attitude. You won't have everything perfect, but they look at more than accomplishments. However, this all just based on my experience so please do not take what I say as scripture but I do know a thing or two.
Is it easier for a girl to get in rather than a boy. And does going to summer seminar actually help you for your real application or not.
 
My son will be in session A. :) From Nebraska. Daughter went to Navy but would be thrilled to have son at a “drivable” distance. What have been your biggest challenges thus far? Thanks for coming on the forum.
My biggest challenges so far has honestly been making it day by day. There are a lot major milestones from I day to graduation and honestly looking at all of it at once is pretty daunting. Being positive when everything seems to be going wrong is a huge challenge. Some day you want to quit but you keep going because you know things will get better.
 
How was the Prep school math? Math is my weakest subject, and I have been told that as long as I am invested, the Prep school will catch me up to the Academy standards in math. Also, are tutors available for Prep schoolers?
The prep school math was honestly extremely helpful! I thought I was so bad before the prep school but last semester I pulled out with a B- in Calculus so highly recommend. Honestly, just put your best foot forward and do the work and study. Other preppies tutor as well as other teachers.
 
Is it easier for a girl to get in rather than a boy. And does going to summer seminar actually help you for your real application or not.
So I don't think I have the authority to answer this question. I would like to think the academy looks at more than just gender. Of coarse they want more diversity but you still have standards to meet and once again it looks good but it is not a deciding factor. Great if you go, okay if you don't.
 
If I may ask, what made you choose AF and not another academy or means of service?
 
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