Answers from a Doolie

L

ldavis20

C2C
Joined
Feb 4, 2020
Messages
24
Hey everyone!

First of all, I want to say major props to y'all for applying to a service academy or more if you're doing more than one.

It's really a big investment, but trust me when I say it is all worth it in the end.

I know exactly what you are going through in the general application process. I remember looking on the forum and finding a cadet willing to talk about their experiences and their application process.

I want to pay it forward and keep this trend going because it was so helpful. Of course, COVID-19 has created more challenges and flipped the application upsidedown a bit, but I am willing to give any information I can to help ease the process.

Whether it is application-related, what to buy for BCT if you're accepted, parent experiences for both the parents and the applicants, or anything related to USAFA from my doolie knowledge, I'd love to help.

Please keep in mind that these are my experiences and thoughts on the matter and don't reflect the opinion of USAFA, the USAF, or DoD.

Best of luck to all that are applying for the Class of 2025!
 
2025mustelse said:
If you took calculus in high school how does it compare at the academy?
Click to expand...
Calculus is difficult at a college level, especially so at a STEM school as it should be. The math department does try its best to help cadets validate and transfer credits if available. You can definitely argue your case if you don't want to be in the class you are in and/or want to be in a different class. One of my squadmates was able to transfer credits all the way to calc3.

But that is all relative to the placement tests taken for the application and the placement test you take during basic training along with how well the rest of the class did.
 
If you had interview for the nominations were there any questions that tricked you up? How did you go about answering them (mine are coming up)

Oh also what would you say was the most postive aspect about BCT? We all know this year was ruff on you guys along with jacks valley but It's nice hearing some postive aspects too.
 
FlyFalcon said:
If you had interview for the nominations were there any questions that tricked you up? How did you go about answering them (mine are coming up)

Oh also what would you say was the most postive aspect about BCT? We all know this year was ruff on you guys along with jacks valley but It's nice hearing some postive aspects too.
Click to expand...
I'll need to look back in my emails and notes, but there were plenty of questions that can be elaborated on during the interviews that can cause confusion or require deeper thinking prior to going into the interviews. There are the normal "why should we choose you?" questions along with the "why are you qualified to go to the academy?" questions. Even if you work well under pressure, I'd say have a basic response to elaborate on during the time. You never know how you may react to certain questions that seem self-explanatory.

My ALO sent me some questions to brush up on in case I was asked in the interviews for my nominations and for the ALO interview.

Here are a few:

Tell me about what accomplishment you are most proud of.
What does "integrity" mean to you?
Do you know the core values? What do you know about USAFA?
Who has influenced you to want to serve your country?
!! When someone gives you a complex project to accomplish, do you prefer to do it alone or with a group? !!
Tell me about a time you served as a follower.

If you or anyone reading this wants more, don't hesitate to contact me and I'll try to dig more up.


Despite the changes and complaints from BCT that everyone had whether they are parents, basics, or cadre, the most positive aspect for me was the ability to bond with our cadre towards the end of basic.

Usually, there are two shifts of cadre, but this year we had our cadre the entire time. Because of that, everyone in the flight grew closer together and were able to meet our cadre as actual people during our transition week. It brought a sense of camaraderie that was missed for a majority of basic because of the early quarantine, COVID spacing, and environment that restricted getting to know the other basics in the flight. It made any team bonding activity so much better and way more fun than it would be in a nonCOVID environment.

Getting those shoulder boards on Acceptance Day that you spent the summer working towards also brings close to the same feeling that you receive when you get the notice that you received an appointment to the academy.

This year was rough for basic, but as long as you actively try to find the positives in every situation and don't let yourself be fazed by little jabs, it all makes every bit worth it because you earned it.
 
2025mustelse said:
If you took calculus in high school how does it compare at the academy?
Click to expand...

For reference, one datapoint....my DS took AP Calc BC and scored a 5. Took the math placement test before BCT. Took a second placement test during BCT and was placed into Calc III. I am sure your mileage may vary depending on the rigor of your HS Calc class, your personal motivation, and your goals. My DS was considering re-taking Calc I just to make sure he had it down cold, but between the AP score, the placement tests, and the recommendation to take Calc III so he went ahead and validated Calc I and Calc II. I would see how the placement tests turn out for you and go from there.
 
2025mustelse said:
Are there notoriously tougher squadrons at the academy or is a level playing field?
Click to expand...
Because most of the directed development time aka DDT is squadron dependent as long as it checks boxes off the list of freshman requirements, squadrons can do anything from death by PowerPoint or death by memorial workouts. I have friends in multiple squads that are only required to listen to a presentation and understand it to my squad and a few others that go on authorized ruck runs with rifles.

There are some squads that are stricter with ROEs and create their own squadron ROEs that are more in-depth than those from wing staff, but it all varies per year from restrictions and new firsties that take charge and lead the squad.

You can make it a level playing field by putting in work and showing out when told to which helps in the long run.
 
I'm applying to USMA, but it would be great if you could let me know the rigor of calculus courses at a service academy. I am a HS senior, took AP Calculus BC last year, and am currently taking Multivariable Calculus (calc 3). What would you say is the level of difficulty for such a course since I would have to essentially retake it at my SA?
 
TheAmericanDefender said:
I'm applying to USMA, but it would be great if you could let me know the rigor of calculus courses at a service academy. I am a HS senior, took AP Calculus BC last year, and am currently taking Multivariable Calculus (calc 3). What would you say is the level of difficulty for such a course since I would have to essentially retake it at my SA?
Click to expand...
USAFA Math and physics major here:

Honestly if you had a good calc BC teacher in high school and really learned the material, the USAFA version isn't really any harder - I ran calc I and II review sessions for 4 degrees when I was a 2 degree and a firstie. I validated calc I and II based on my placement test, and because I had exposure to multivariable calculus, I also took a validation test for that. I actually passed it, but felt like my foundation was a bit shaky, so I opted to take honors calc 3 as a freshman instead of jumping to differential equations. That was a tough class, but it was definitely worth it - I really added a lot to my math foundation that year that eventually served me well in higher level physics courses.
 
USAFA10s said:
USAFA Math and physics major here:

Honestly if you had a good calc BC teacher in high school and really learned the material, the USAFA version isn't really any harder - I ran calc I and II review sessions for 4 degrees when I was a 2 degree and a firstie. I validated calc I and II based on my placement test, and because I had exposure to multivariable calculus, I also took a validation test for that. I actually passed it, but felt like my foundation was a bit shaky, so I opted to take honors calc 3 as a freshman instead of jumping to differential equations. That was a tough class, but it was definitely worth it - I really added a lot to my math foundation that year that eventually served me well in higher level physics courses.
Click to expand...
Thanks for sharing!
 
One more math data point:

DD took AP Calc AB senior year, 5 on AP exam - but this was the Covid year, with shortened online tests. She thought the AP exam was hard. She did whatever tests, like @BuckeyeDad20 says, and was placed in an "advanced? (152)" section of Calc II, and is doing very well.
 
Hi,

I don't know much about the squadron system at USAFA and I'm interested as to how it works (the image I currently have in my head right now is the hogwarts hat that assigns you to a house randomly 🤣). But in all seriousness, are you chosen by the squadron? Or does USAFA itself make that choice? What are the differences between the squadrons? Thanks in advance.
 
benfoster0 said:
Hi,

I don't know much about the squadron system at USAFA and I'm interested as to how it works (the image I currently have in my head right now is the hogwarts hat that assigns you to a house randomly 🤣). But in all seriousness, are you chosen by the squadron? Or does USAFA itself make that choice? What are the differences between the squadrons? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Short answer: they are assigned randomly by USAFA prior to your arrival for BCT.

You can read everything about how the system is set up here: https://www.usafa.edu/app/uploads/BCT_2018_Edition.pdf
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top