Dear members of the Service Academy forums,
I am currently a junior at a military preparatory academy in Minnesota. Needless to say, I came here to seek the advice of alumni, cadets, and those well-versed with the admissions of the United States Air Force Academy. I am a well-above average student, and I currently have a 4.1 GPA. I have yet to take the ACT, but I am determined to do the best I can and to get above a 30. I participate in a multitude of extracurricular activities including the school newspaper, peer mentoring/counseling, Color Guard, CHOOSE (an anti-drug/alcohol awareness group), Boy Scouts (Currently working on my Eagle Service Project), Diversity Club, Jazz Band (I have been playing guitar for 9 years in the styles of classical, rock, and jazz), Varsity Wrestling, JV Track, JV Cross Country Running, and I am a cofounder of the ultimate frisbee club.
Despite a good track record overall, I should mention something: I was diagnosed with clinical depression in my sophomore year of high school which affected my grades tremendously. I recovered over the summer and I am unstoppable, fueled by an ardent desire to succeed in every area of my life, but never forgetting my experience with failure because it has served as a great teaching tool for myself and others in my influence (peer mentoring and helping underclassmen and those my age as well). I would be devastated if I were turned down because of one year in which I suffered but learned the most about myself.
Lastly, I would like to discuss my aspirations for the future. I am of mixed backgrounds; My father is from El Salvador and my mother is from the U.S, and is white. I believe that this detail has been greatly influential in my life and as a part of who I have become. I have learned to accept all people from all walks of life, which is especially relevant in the military; being able to cooperate with those around is crucial to delegation of tasks and in general, accomplishing a mission. I have no connections to the U.S. military, but I am determined to create a legacy of excellence and I know that USAFA will provide me the necessary lessons to become a leader in every aspect of my life. I plan to study law at Northwestern, working in JAG. After I become a captain, I plan to work in the private sector in a law firm practicing Civil Law. After 15 years of working in the private domain, I intend to run fo the U.S. Senate for the state of Minnesota. I know that the lessons that USAFA taught me will set me apart from my colleagues, thus improving my chances of election. As a senator, I will focus on the significance of education, military spending, and environmental conservation.
I know that I can change the world for the better, and USAFA will put me on the right path to success. God Bless!
Sincerely, A Future Cadet