snarfly
Member
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2019
- Messages
- 59
OP - As a FFS parent, I had a roller coaster of emotions when my kid got it, so I kinda get where you're coming from. I'm going to quote a couple of people here in hopes it'll pass on some experiences.
In addition to improving, growing, maturing, learning (all of which everyone can always afford to do) Falcon Scholars get to meet and speak with AF and USAFA leaders such as Deans, and Director of Admissions. Imagine how much of an honor, and all the good feelings it is to have the Director of Admissions shake your hand and personally tell you they believe in you and they will see you at USAFA in a few months? FFS also get honored while at prep and USAFA. It's where you will meet some of your USAFA classmates, befriend them, and know that you'll already know several people there on I-Day so it's not as much of a nerve wracking experience. FFS is not at all a consolation prize, but an honor, being part of a pretty exclusive club of Air Force Officers who already believe in you to be in their shoes before you stepped foot into USAFA. If anything, being a FFS helps you appreciate the journey to USAFA and realizing that USAFA is not the destination in your life's goals. Nobody gets through the military without support. Imagine having that kind of support before you even get there. That's being a Falcon Scholar.
That's exactly what happened in our case. Our district is notoriously known to be extremely competitive. You show up to SA info nights and events, take one quick look around the room, and it's allllll kids everyone's competed with since kindergarten. Despite having all of the same impressive records as OP in this post, we were up against a principal nom, and a candidate with 3 LOAs from the big 3 SAs from very influential "powerhouse" private schools. Our MOGs were very candid in the process, and how many slots they have available per SA, which was never more than 2. Usually 1. Getting a Foundation scholarship to your # 1 dream choice school is an honor, especially in those circumstances.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.
In addition to improving, growing, maturing, learning (all of which everyone can always afford to do) Falcon Scholars get to meet and speak with AF and USAFA leaders such as Deans, and Director of Admissions. Imagine how much of an honor, and all the good feelings it is to have the Director of Admissions shake your hand and personally tell you they believe in you and they will see you at USAFA in a few months? FFS also get honored while at prep and USAFA. It's where you will meet some of your USAFA classmates, befriend them, and know that you'll already know several people there on I-Day so it's not as much of a nerve wracking experience. FFS is not at all a consolation prize, but an honor, being part of a pretty exclusive club of Air Force Officers who already believe in you to be in their shoes before you stepped foot into USAFA. If anything, being a FFS helps you appreciate the journey to USAFA and realizing that USAFA is not the destination in your life's goals. Nobody gets through the military without support. Imagine having that kind of support before you even get there. That's being a Falcon Scholar.
Never met a prepster who regretted it. Including son in law.