Advice needed

G

Gable#1

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I'm reaching out because my son recently received a Falcon scholarship offer from USAFA, which is definitely better than a rejection, but I can't shake the feeling that something might have gone awry in the admissions process. He ticks all the boxes for admission: top 3% of his class, nailed the CFA, serves as Class President, Boys State attendant, varsity letter winner, takes upper-level AP classes with a perfect 4.0, scored a 32 on the ACT, and even secured primary nomination from our HR, with an additional nomination from our US senator where he ranked #1 among their nominees.

There was a hiccup with a medical disqualification, but he received a waiver back in February. The thing is, after looking into the curriculum of the prep schools affiliated with the Falcon scholarship, it seems like it would just be a repeat of what he's already excelling in at his current high school.

I'm at a loss for advice to give him, and I'm left wondering if there might have been some mistakes made in the admissions process. I feel like I might know the answer, but is there any possibility for an appeal in a situation like this?

Any insights or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
 
The way I look at it, is that they wanted him bad enough to save him a seat in the next class. Vs a straight out rejection.

The reality is that there simply isn’t enough room for everyone. And you sons resume is like many, many other resumes.

Who know the intangibles, not within his control: how he interviewed. How others interviewed. Other slate resumes. Strength of his school.

I would advise mine to take the offer if USAFA is where he wants to attend. Beyond his resume, a year of prep will also make him a more confident and mature appointee. Freshman year in and of itself is such a transitional one, into young adulthood, no matter where you go. He will be able to validate things (most likely), freeing up opportunities for trainings/academic/ECA’s/majors that will be amazing.

I suspect his classes will still be challenging. They can always move him around I would think to more challenging things if needed.

He can also reach out to whomever and inquire. Maybe that would help with his decision.
 
He’s been given an opportunity that most candidates would jump on with joy. He can accept that, or continue wringing hands and wondering why. Why would you want to appeal a golden ticket? Tell us what you “feel” the answer is as to why he got this opportunity?
 
Gable#1 said:
I'm reaching out because my son recently received a Falcon scholarship offer from USAFA, which is definitely better than a rejection, but I can't shake the feeling that something might have gone awry in the admissions process. He ticks all the boxes for admission: top 3% of his class, nailed the CFA, serves as Class President, Boys State attendant, varsity letter winner, takes upper-level AP classes with a perfect 4.0, scored a 32 on the ACT, and even secured primary nomination from our HR, with an additional nomination from our US senator where he ranked #1 among their nominees.

There was a hiccup with a medical disqualification, but he received a waiver back in February. The thing is, after looking into the curriculum of the prep schools affiliated with the Falcon scholarship, it seems like it would just be a repeat of what he's already excelling in at his current high school.

I'm at a loss for advice to give him, and I'm left wondering if there might have been some mistakes made in the admissions process. I feel like I might know the answer, but is there any possibility for an appeal in a situation like this?

Any insights or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
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What is a “Primary “ nomination?
 
Gable#1 said:
I'm at a loss for advice to give him, and I'm left wondering if there might have been some mistakes made in the admissions process.
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I suspect he was a very competitive candidate on two slates, but it is possible another candidate on each slate edged him out.

My advice would be to shake it off, and accept this excellent opportunity.
 
I'm also wondering if by "primary nomination" the OP actually meant "principal nomination". . . in which case I would wonder why a direct appointment was not forthcoming (considering he is qualified everywhere else).
 
Gable#1 said:
I think this may be the point of confusion that I need to look into.
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First, I would say that your DS needs to look into it. Not you.

Second, this was just posted on FB in the Parents of Applicants group, and I think it was written for you:
"There was an anonymous poster here yesterday who's child received a Falcon Foundation scholarship and had questions. My son also received this scholarship yesterday, so I thought I would post here to help anyone else that has questions. My son (note: not the parent) contacted admissions today to ask what the weak points of his application were to be offered prep instead of direct admissions. Her response was very helpful...........
You were not lacking . As you know ten students are nominated by your Congress person for each opening and it is in a competitive status. Unfortunately. not everyone can be selected from all the nominations granted. Receiving a Falcon Foundation scholarship means that you were considered a desired addition to our next class, and it is a great way of attending USAFA next year.
The majority of candidates will go on to the academy as long as they keep their grades up, have no discipline problems, stay physically fit, and do not have any medical issues. Not getting into USAFA normally involves one of the reasons mentioned above. Your DODMERB physical is good for two years so you should not have to do that again unless a medical issue comes up.
You will have to apply for a congressional nomination next year as a Falcon but we do let the Congress folks know that you are a Falcon. This normally is a big factor for the congressional folks and they take that into consideration. You should apply to all nomination sources to include the Vice-Presidential nomination.
I hope this helps in your decision as this is one of the best ways to get into the Academy. There are not a lot of these scholarships offered and I hope you will take advantage of this great opportunity towards your Air Force career.
Let us know if you have any other questions regarding your Falcon Scholarship and you can certainly reach out to the Foundation itself if you have other questions."
 
Gable#1 said:
, which is definitely better than a rejection, but I can't shake the feeling that something might have gone awry in the admissions process.
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The most common feeling we had at nwp was "we weren't good enough to get in the first time" many parents including my own felt "how could they not get in! You're amazing" get each one of us once we made it to usafa felt the same way "we're so glad we did that"

Don't think of it as being rejected he wasn't. As justdoit said they want him so bad they gave him a slot for next year. Also they want him to graduate top. Here's why I think that. Prep schools gave all of us more than just "wow I know this subject" they taught many us how to study, how handle stress, learning to manage our time effectively etc. Again I have friend who took ap calculus and ap chem yet they learned so much more. USAFA looks at your son and goes "oh yes this one will be on top and we're making sure he has all the tools" he may be really good academies and sports but usafa is stressful and a lot to handle. They want him to be number one so bad they're giving him something extra. That's how we see it
 
AFrpaso said:
in which case I would wonder why a direct appointment was not forthcoming (considering he is qualified everywhere else).
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You and the parent are ASSUMING that he is qualified. The Admissions Board makes that determination and at least for USNA are the ones who actually push the "Prep button". We have the parent's view of the qualifications and I as a parent get it but I am also a BGO just as you're an ALO.
We do not have the specific courses taken nor do we have the specific math and english scores. For instance, I have seen candidates with pretty good composite scores that were so-so in the Math score and that is pretty important to the academies. As for course, we see 4.0 and APs but was there AP Calc and if so, which was it and the same goes for the Science APs. Also, If the 4.0 was weighted, what were the specific grades in math and sciences.
I am not in any way picking on this candidate, just trying to illustrate the kinds of thing that could push the Admissions Board to go for Prep.

As for being selected for prep, I think it is a cause for celebration, USAFA has SELECTED HIM and in this case, it's a 5 year program.
 
OldRetSWO said:
You and the parent are ASSUMING that he is qualified. The Admissions Board makes that determination and at least for USNA are the ones who actually push the "Prep button". We have the parent's view of the qualifications and I as a parent get it but I am also a BGO just as you're an ALO.
We do not have the specific courses taken nor do we have the specific math and english scores. For instance, I have seen candidates with pretty good composite scores that were so-so in the Math score and that is pretty important to the academies. As for course, we see 4.0 and APs but was there AP Calc and if so, which was it and the same goes for the Science APs. Also, If the 4.0 was weighted, what were the specific grades in math and sciences.
I am not in any way picking on this candidate, just trying to illustrate the kinds of thing that could push the Admissions Board to go for Prep.

As for being selected for prep, I think it is a cause for celebration, USAFA has SELECTED HIM and in this case, it's a 5 year program.
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Yes, of course assuming he is qualified. That is why I put "(considering he is qualified everywhere else)" at the end of the sentence. Perhaps I should have said "under the condition that he truly is qualified everywhere else in the eyes of USAFA admissions." I agree that there is too little information in this case to know and that there is more likely than not a reasonable explanation for a Prep offer. I also agree that a Prep offer is a cause for celebration. I was very happy with my USAFA Prep school appointment and would strongly encourage they accept. I think its a great opportunity.

Now, all that aside, it is not beyond the realm of possibility for USAFA admissions or the Congressional office to make a mistake. I was actually initially rejected from USAFA and USAFA Prep. Then someone on this forum who fortuitously worked in USAFA admissions noticed my posts and that my situation didn't make sense. They PMed me, did some digging on their end, and low-and-behold found that I'd fallen through a "crack" in the USAFA admissions system. My portal updated later that day with an offer. I've witnessed similar circumstances for OTS applicants. It is extremely rare but it does happen.

I think the OP has received some excellent advice so far. That their son should be grateful and happy to be given this opportunity but also that he could do the legwork to respectively request feedback from admissions. They will either get an opportunity to reflect on their application or admissions might notice a mistake when they take a second look. There really is no harm in a call/email. I can't imagine the Falcon Scholarship offer being rescinded for a respectful inquiry.
 
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Please read this post...the poster...their user name says it all
(They really ARE in the know)

Falcon Foundation

I just opened my portal, and while I was not offered an appointment, I was offered a falcon foundation scholarship to attend a prep school. I think I’m going to take it, but what’s the next step as far as selecting a school, applying, etc?
www.serviceacademyforums.com
 
Gable#1 said:
I'm reaching out because my son recently received a Falcon scholarship offer from USAFA, which is definitely better than a rejection, but I can't shake the feeling that something might have gone awry in the admissions process. He ticks all the boxes for admission: top 3% of his class, nailed the CFA, serves as Class President, Boys State attendant, varsity letter winner, takes upper-level AP classes with a perfect 4.0, scored a 32 on the ACT, and even secured primary nomination from our HR, with an additional nomination from our US senator where he ranked #1 among their nominees.

There was a hiccup with a medical disqualification, but he received a waiver back in February. The thing is, after looking into the curriculum of the prep schools affiliated with the Falcon scholarship, it seems like it would just be a repeat of what he's already excelling in at his current high school.

I'm at a loss for advice to give him, and I'm left wondering if there might have been some mistakes made in the admissions process. I feel like I might know the answer, but is there any possibility for an appeal in a situation like this?

Any insights or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
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My son also received this scholarship. He has similar stats to your son. He emailed admissions and they said there was nothing lacking in his application. They encouraged him to accept it and it's basically a sure thing that he would be admitted next year. They said to look at it as he is someone that they want at USAFA, but won't fit until the class of '29. Congratulations to your son!
 
Gable#1 said:
I'm reaching out because my son recently received a Falcon scholarship offer from USAFA, which is definitely better than a rejection, but I can't shake the feeling that something might have gone awry in the admissions process. He ticks all the boxes for admission: top 3% of his class, nailed the CFA, serves as Class President, Boys State attendant, varsity letter winner, takes upper-level AP classes with a perfect 4.0, scored a 32 on the ACT, and even secured primary nomination from our HR, with an additional nomination from our US senator where he ranked #1 among their nominees.

There was a hiccup with a medical disqualification, but he received a waiver back in February. The thing is, after looking into the curriculum of the prep schools affiliated with the Falcon scholarship, it seems like it would just be a repeat of what he's already excelling in at his current high school.

I'm at a loss for advice to give him, and I'm left wondering if there might have been some mistakes made in the admissions process. I feel like I might know the answer, but is there any possibility for an appeal in a situation like this?

Any insights or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
I will also add that he hasn't made a decision yet. His top choice is USMA. If he accepts the falcon scholarship, he won't get a chance to re-apply to USMA. He has a 4 year AROTC scholarship that he is not ready to give up yet. He feels that if he goes to the engineering school with his scholarship, he can re-apply to both academies. This would give him a year to prove himself in higher level engineering courses. He is going in with 70 dual credit hours. If he doesn't get in to either academy, he will be content to finish out 3 more years and commission as an army officer.
 
Gable#1 said:
I'm reaching out because my son recently received a Falcon scholarship offer from USAFA, which is definitely better than a rejection, but I can't shake the feeling that something might have gone awry in the admissions process. He ticks all the boxes for admission: top 3% of his class, nailed the CFA, serves as Class President, Boys State attendant, varsity letter winner, takes upper-level AP classes with a perfect 4.0, scored a 32 on the ACT, and even secured primary nomination from our HR, with an additional nomination from our US senator where he ranked #1 among their nominees.

There was a hiccup with a medical disqualification, but he received a waiver back in February. The thing is, after looking into the curriculum of the prep schools affiliated with the Falcon scholarship, it seems like it would just be a repeat of what he's already excelling in at his current high school.

I'm at a loss for advice to give him, and I'm left wondering if there might have been some mistakes made in the admissions process. I feel like I might know the answer, but is there any possibility for an appeal in a situation like this?

Any insights or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
My son was a direct report to USAFA but if it weren’t for the “preppies” who came with a year of expertise, knowledge, and motivation, I’m not sure how things would have turned out for him. The preppies seem to lead the way of incoming classes.

You and your son could look at it as a leadership training year prior to heading up the Hill.
 
A1Janitor said:
I suspect he was a very competitive candidate on two slates, but it is possible another candidate on each slate edged him out.

My advice would be to shake it off, and accept this excellent opportunity.
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By this, you are saying they compare you to those who fall under your nom category right? Basically competing against them only?
 
ApplicantCO2028 said:
By this, you are saying they compare you to those who fall under your nom category right? Basically competing against them only?
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You compete against every candidate on any slate you are on.

If you lose them, you compete for discretionary appointments with everyone else in the country that didn’t win their slates.
 
A1Janitor said:
You compete against every candidate on any slate you are on.

If you lose them, you compete for discretionary appointments with everyone else in the country that didn’t win their slates.
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So for example, I applied for the deceased and disabled veteran nom category, do I only compete against them in that scenario? Also I know they aren’t super common but how competitive is that category?
 
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