Am I competitive for an Academy appointment?

DyllanA

USAFA2019
5-Year Member
Joined
May 12, 2013
Messages
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I am currently a sophomore entering into my junior year and I wanted know if I would be competitive for an appointment. I have a 3.76 simple GPA and a 3.93 weighted GPA. I take mostly AP-level courses and 1 or 2 honors classes. I'm also ranked 38 out of 451. I'm a varsity tennis player and I am the captain of multiple JROTC-based teams, one of which were able to attend an academic bowl. I just want to know if I could be accepted and if not what can I do to improve my chances. Thanks to anyone who gives advice.
 
Dyllan, your numbers and stats are comparable (from the limited info you provided)but no one ever knows for sure. Go to the thread link I post below and you will see that it is never a sure thing, no matter how good your stats and activities. Academies look at the whole package plus geographic and diversity goals to achieve. Just do the best you can while having fun and enjoying your childhood... it will be over before you know it! Good luck!:thumb:


http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?t=6327
 
Your stats look pretty good, just keep up the hard work, apply and see where it goes! They will like diversity academically and how how you get involved in your community, Extra curriculars, etc. good luck! :)
 
I am currently a sophomore entering into my junior year and I wanted know if I would be competitive for an appointment. I have a 3.76 simple GPA and a 3.93 weighted GPA. I take mostly AP-level courses and 1 or 2 honors classes. I'm also ranked 38 out of 451. I'm a varsity tennis player and I am the captain of multiple JROTC-based teams, one of which were able to attend an academic bowl. I just want to know if I could be accepted and if not what can I do to improve my chances. Thanks to anyone who gives advice.

Take the PSAT in October. In fact take one before then, or take one online if you can, to prepare. This is the test, and only this one, used to determine National Merit scholarships. I know this doesn't directly address your goal but you also need to think about a backup plan. A lot will depend on your SAT scores.
 
As already said, you have a 100% guarantee of NOT receiving an appointment if you don't apply. If you at least apply, then your chances go up infinitely.

As for being competitive, everyone is competitive. But the most important thing in life you should know and remember, is that YOU are the only person you are competing against. Your goal shouldn't be to achieve some standard score on your application that you believe will get you an appointment. That score doesn't exist. Nationally, the gpa average could be 3.86 and the average ACT composite could be 29. But the others in your district/state that you are competing against, could have a 3.50 gpa and a 26 ACT. OR.... they could have a 3.96gpa and a 32 ACT.

Compete against yourself. Your goal should be a 4.0gpa unweighted and a 36 ACT. If you believe that your gpa is the highest that you can possibly achieve, then you should feel good knowing that you've done your absolute best. If you think you could do better, then "Do Better". It doesn't matter if you're applying to the academy, Harvard, Purdue, or the University Of WhereverTheHell. Your goal should be perfection. Then, no matter what your scores and achievements, you'll know you did your best. Best of luck to you.
 
Your SAT/ACT will be a big factor.
Also try to pick up a meaningful leadership position in a student organization. You don't have to be in 10 clubs- but you should try to be a co-chair of one. Focus is good.
Keep taking the hardest classes that you can and still get an A or B. Don't stretch yourself too thin. Better to get A's in 2 AP classes than B's or C's taking a harder course load.
High GPA and sports is always a great combo.
 
Take the time and energy to learn about USAFA. This isn't like any other college and it isn't for everyone. Make sure that you know what it is about and what it will be like (as much as you can). Schedule a tour with a cadet, talk to those who have been there. You will have to work hard mentally and physically and do lots of things that you may think are 'dumb/worthless' but you just do them because you have to and that's what it takes. Make sure you are ready for this as well. Then, work hard at what you enjoy (sports and clubs, etc), get leadership positions, keep the grades up and prepare for the ACT/SAT. These are the things that will help you get in and prepare you for success at USAFA. And if you for some reason don't get in, it will prepare you for life as well.
 
Take the time and energy to learn about USAFA. This isn't like any other college and it isn't for everyone. Make sure that you know what it is about and what it will be like (as much as you can). Schedule a tour with a cadet, talk to those who have been there. You will have to work hard mentally and physically and do lots of things that you may think are 'dumb/worthless' but you just do them because you have to and that's what it takes. Make sure you are ready for this as well. Then, work hard at what you enjoy (sports and clubs, etc), get leadership positions, keep the grades up and prepare for the ACT/SAT. These are the things that will help you get in and prepare you for success at USAFA. And if you for some reason don't get in, it will prepare you for life as well.

I agree. make sure it's what you want to do. JROTC is no guarantee. I have every confidence that it will get you in with the basics but the academy is tough, no matter how good you are. it's not just the school, or the athletics, but rather the day to day grind. You might be fine in JROTC but think about perspective. Basic training is 40 days. 4 degree year is 7 months longer. then 3 years after that til you graduate.

from what it looks like, you are very well qualified to get in and succeed, but whether or not you'll handle being here is the more important question, and thats the one that matters most. there are a lot of cadets here right now with so much potential but sometimes they just can't stand this place and they let it get in their way
 
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