A desperation question!

[CAP_C/2dLt]

Well, sorry to bug you guys with another question, but I have to let it out. Well, I called my admissions officer at the Academy and she said that they've already given me a rank. In addition, I asked her about my SAT scores and she said there fine (Math 610, Critical Reading 600, Writing 650). Also, they haven't told me I'm not qualified in any of the areas. Finally, I have received two nominations. So, what are my chances? What do you guys think is going on? Yes, I know: I have to be patient and wait...Just let me know.

 

[HNeedle]

wait til march

 

[texan101]

yup all you can do is wait. i'm in basically the same situation, 2 noms and around the same sat scores. just wait

 

[Christcorp]

Too many variable to answer your questions. You've been scored and ranked. Nothing can change that. You've got nominations. That too is good. But what about all the variables? How many others in your state/district received nominations? Where are you on that list of nominations? How many slots does your senators/rep have open at the academy? You showed your SAT's; but how did the others in your state/district do? How will these scores, gpa, class rank, sports, etc.... compare with them and against the national pool? What do you bring to the academy that these others don't bring? Were some of the others nominated in your state looking at air force as a primary academy or a backup to navy and army? Did they receive offers from those academies.

Do I really need to go on? Look; if you've read my posts, then you know that generally I am a very positive and up beat guy. The glass is ALWAYS half full. But I also live by the "Serenity Prayer". You know, the one that says: "God grant me the serenity to ACCEPT the things I CAN NOT CHANGE; Courage to CHANGE the things I CAN; and Wisdom alway to TELL THE DIFFERENCE." Well my friend; you are at one of those "THINGS I CAN NOT CHANGE" points in your life. Sit back, relax, enjoy your senior year, and wait it out. It's February 1st. That means you will know in the next couple months. Just hang in there. I won't blow sunshine up your butt. Yes, your SAT look good. That's ALL YOU GAVE us, but it really doesn't matter. As long as you don't fail a class this semester, nothing you do is going to change your scores or rating. So; make sure all your other college applications are done and completed. Have all your backup plans ready to go. Then; should you get the appointment, you will be ready. If you don't get the appointment, you'll still be ready. Best of luck to you. later... mike....

 

[CAP_C/2dLt]

Thanks

 

[Luigi59]

So, what are my chances?...

7.8 out of 10 for an appointment.

 

[weston]

Ok, I'm just a senior in high school, but I got an appointment offer so I'll try to give you an idea of why I think they sent me an LOA.. It's not AT ALL about SAT scores. They do help show that you study hard and have the mental ability to succeed, but everyone who gets candidate status has over 600 on each section i believe. What the Air Force wants leading its men are leaders, and that means people who are never content with where they are. My idea of a leader is someone who pushes himself/herself to be the best and brings up everyone around them as well. They also want to see that you want the academy to be the best for your country and not for yourself (I think anyone can agree thats not an efficient means). Another thing is they don't want mediocre. They look for well rounded, but were you good at everything as well? Were you not just in a sport, but did you letter? Did you stay in boy scouts till you got eagle? From what I know, the academy lives and breathes these principles. Thats what got me set on USAFA and thats why 2013 will see me at BCT this June.

The fact that you're on here "desparate" to go shows that you probably have these principles as well. Good luck I hope to see you there

 

[flyersboy114]

Hey I'm in a similar situation, 630 630 sats, and two Noms

Hang in there bro, there are many of u saround the country that are just as impatient as you are : )

 

[Christcorp]

Ok, I'm just a senior in high school, but I got an appointment offer so I'll try to give you an idea of why I think they sent me an LOA.. It's not AT ALL about SAT scores. They do help show that you study hard and have the mental ability to succeed, but everyone who gets candidate status has over 600 on each section i believe. What the Air Force wants leading its men are leaders, and that means people who are never content with where they are. My idea of a leader is someone who pushes himself/herself to be the best and brings up everyone around them as well. They also want to see that you want the academy to be the best for your country and not for yourself (I think anyone can agree thats not an efficient means). Another thing is they don't want mediocre. They look for well rounded, but were you good at everything as well? Were you not just in a sport, but did you letter? Did you stay in boy scouts till you got eagle? From what I know, the academy lives and breathes these principles. Thats what got me set on USAFA and thats why 2013 will see me at BCT this June.

The fact that you're on here "desparate" to go shows that you probably have these principles as well. Good luck I hope to see you there

Weston; I can understand and appreciate your position on why you think you received an LOA, but I don't believe that it's that simple. Matter of fact; what you describe is so intangible, that it would be very difficult to determine if a person has all those things you're describing as a prerequisite for receiving an LOA.

Each candidate is multi-scored on their application. There is a score for everything; including your SAT/ACT scores. You are scored on your GPA, CFA, Writing Samples, letters of recommendations, sports, extra curricular, etc... Everything on your application is scored. NOW; considering that you CAN'T get an LOA (At least in the air force) unless your application is completed; with only your DODMRB and/or nomination still being required; means that your application has already been scored. Because of 50+ years of scores and applications to base decisions on; the academy knows pretty much based on your scores which percentile you will fit in. If you fit in a high enough percentile that they realize you will be offered an appointment (Assuming you pass physically and receive your nomination) whether it's now or 4 months from now; they will have a tendency to offer you a LOA. This is similar to a traditional college offering "Early Admissions". The goal is to excite you and make you commit to the academy without committing to other schools. If you have to wait until March, and receive offers from other schools prior, you might be tempted to accept another offer.

But this LOA can't be offered unless they have scored you or at the very least know the probably score when completed. This way a higher scored individual isn't left out at the expense of a lower scored individual. This score definitely includes your extra curricular activities like scouting, CAP, JrRotc, Varsity letter sports, etc... But it most definitely also includes your SAT/ACT scores, gpa, class rank, difficulty in classes, recommendations, interviews, etc... It's really the only way to determine such an assurance. Yes, there are exceptions and additional appointment slots, but we're talking about the 90+ of appointments/LOA being offered. later... mike....

 

[unitedstatesAFA2013]

(to be a little selfish for a second):

I have a question about my situation. I just cant get a tangible answer to this:
I was informed that I received my MOC's principal slot, and everything is either at or above average (extracurriculars, Sats, gpa, cfa, etc, and my ALO's recommendation was apparently the highest they could give) what are MY chances?

 

[fencersmother]

One of the guys my boys knew from a different congressional district had 1500+ CR/M SAT, was a big deal in J-AFROTC, was in a non-school sport at which he was dedicated but not exceptional, and did about average on the CFA. He was got the nom last year, but not the appointment. He is now at a school in OH on AFROTC scholarship and loving it, but it still rankles because he really wanted AFA. He never knew why he was not given the appointment. He just didn't have what they were looking for for the Academy.

 

[Christcorp]

Hey there "Fencers-Pittsburg Steeler- Mom. Long time, no see. Great game last night.

You are correct however. There are some that you would swear should have gotten an appointment and didn't. I also know some; who we all believed had no business being at the academy; yet he did go and has since graduated. Had one young lady who wanted the academy more than anything. Went to summer seminar and came back thinking that this might not be such a good idea. Went through the application and received an appointment. Declined it and is currently at one of the Ivy leagues. The point is; the academy has a whole list of attributes they're looking for in a cadet. You all know what they are. How they score you and eventually offer or don't offer you an appointment is a complex formula. Not only for how you rate, but how you compare against the other applicants.

 

[aa2013]

unitedstatesAFA2013,

I recieved my MOC's principal nomination as well, however, I did not feel as confident as I would have liked about my packet. Needless to say, not to long ago I recieved my appointment package. If you have your principal and feel good in all the areas (medically, academically, etc.) then don't worry to much about it.

 

[oldgrad]

I also know some; who we all believed had no business being at the academy; yet he did go and has since graduated.

Good for him.

The SAs maintain and apply copious and exhaustive statistics as to what makes both a successful cadet and officer. These are probably slightly more accurate than a bunch of cadets outside the chain of command and their parents sitting around making judgments, which, in my book, is poor leadership and should not be tolerated.

 

[flieger83]

Good for him.

The SAs maintain and apply copious and exhaustive statistics as to what makes both a successful cadet and officer. These are probably slightly more accurate than a bunch of cadets outside the chain of command and their parents sitting around making judgments, which, in my book, is poor leadership and should not be tolerated.

As a "...for instance..."

I know of a gent...his HS classmates thought: "He does NOT belong at an SA...he's not worthy..." But he was appointed.

Once at the USAFA he did well; but many folks continued to think: "He really doesn't belong here...not the right person...etc...etc..." But he graduated solidly.

Once on active duty, MANY folks didn't like him; thought him a martinet, too "old school" too "black and white" etc...etc....yet he did well.

I worked for him for almost two years; he was my earliest mentor, and a person I still greatly respect!

To this day, there are people that do NOT know him...that still say the same things.

But today he wears 4 stars...

So I guess the USAFA folks saw something that the "rest of the folks" didn't.

And he's shown it since.

 

[Christcorp]

oldgrad/flieger; don't get me wrong. I am definitely not judging whether individuals should or shouldn't be given an appointment to the academy. But we do need to sometimes be realistic and see all sides of the academy process. For instance, we all agree, or SHOULD all agree, that there are some that make it to the academy because of their athletic abilities. I say that with a lot of caution, because my son happens to be an IC. However; he received his appointment very early and BEFORE he was actively recruited for athletics. Which definitely sits better in his mind knowing that he got in without the help of athletics. But we do know that some are selected because of athletics. Is that right or wrong; that debate has gone on for years and will continue to. But you can tell that it is obvious that a lot of athletes apply and come to the academy for only that reason. Unfortunately, many don't realize that when they are recruited for athletics at the academy, it's not like a traditional college where a set number of scholarships are given out; and as such; you are definitely going to stay on the team for 4-5 years being they're paying your education. Many find out when they get to the academy that instead of 18-20 athletes being freshmen and all are expected to be major parts of the team within their time; that 50-60 were recruited, because they aren't scholarship. As such, it is common to cut half of them by spring practice. (Or whatever the sport is). As such, many choose to leave the academy because they realize they can't continue with their sport.

I'm all for athletes and athletics. As I said; my son is one. However; I think it's important that they WANT to go to the academy for the right reasons, and if they can also do athletics at the collegiate level, that should just be a bonus. But this process is not really one the recruiters explain too well to many of the kids.

But most definitely; if someone applies, gets in, goes 4 years, and graduates; then good for them. Best of luck to them and they deserved every bit of the great opportunities they've been given. Whether it's for 5 years after or a 20 year career. But I do stand by my "opinion" that there are some that get appointments that probably wasn't the best choice. I used athletics as an example, and that's probably the most common time this happens. Anyway, it is just an opinion. mike.....

 

[oldgrad]

oldgrad/flieger; For instance, we all agree, or SHOULD all agree, that there are some that make it to the academy because of their athletic abilities.

What is the percentage of varsity athletes who make the Air Force a career as opposed to the non-athletes? Not sure about AFA but the other two SAs have a significantly higher percentage of varsity athletes remaining in the service beyond their mandatory obligation than their non-athlete contemporaries. Remember what MacArthur said at WP.

What one must realize is that the recruit who walks through the door on I-Day is, by no means, the 2nd Lt who graduates in four years. Goals and perspectives change. Give the academy a qualified candidate and, if they are doing their job, they will do the rest and develop them into a competent officer. 1200 walk in the door. 1200 different reasons for being there.

 

[Christcorp]

Again; don't read into this. I said that there were some; in this case athletics; that applied and were accepted mainly for the athletics. This is obvious when the athletics don't pan out for them, and they choose to leave the academy and enroll in a traditional college/university. Of course many/most/whatever amount go through the academy with or without athletics and continue on to be great officers. Whether it's for the 5 year minimum commitment or a 20+ year career. I only mentioned, which is getting WAY OFF TOPIC; "Which was that some believed they were almost guaranteed to get an appointment, and didn't"; that it's true in both directions. And it is. But please, don't read into this more than that basic premise. later... mike.....

 

[marciemi]

Once on active duty, MANY folks didn't like him; thought him a martinet, too "old school" too "black and white" etc...etc....yet he did well.

Just curious what "martinet" means in cadet/AF slang. This is the second time I've read the word today and I've never heard it before. I know I could look up the official definition, but often it doesn't mean the same thing as at an academy.

Sorry - totally OT I know!

 

[flieger83]

A "martinet" at the Academy is the same as elsewhere; the definition is simple, and there's no "academy" connotation at all.

Websters will tell you that a martinet is:

"...1 : a strict disciplinarian
2 : a person who stresses a rigid adherence to the details of forms and methods "

MANY people view this individual I'm "speaking" of as this...I disagree.