Glad to see so many people This proactive about coming here.
Currently a preppie right now we received our appointments about a month ago. Most peoole got them as long as they met the standards and didn't do anything stupid. Well here's a few tips to try and give some foresight as for what to expect next year.
-The priors will be running basic next year for the prep school. I think this was brought up because people were complaining about the utilization of the priors. It should be interesting to see what happens. I think militarily it will be better for everyone, but once basic is over how will the relationships between the priors and the direct entries be?
-"never forget you were a prior, but forget you were a prior" I know it's an oxymoron but essentially what I'm saying is don't forget you're enlisted roots but understand you're a cadet canidate just like the direct entries and most of them could care less what you did before you came here. This probably be most important when during your freshmen year when you have someone fresh out of high school telling you that you don't deserve to be in the air force and you've already served your country.
- football players receive preferential treatment and that's just the way it is. It sucks and there's no fairness to it what so ever, but once you accept it as reality the easier your life will be. To give an example we had a kid go AWOL for prom and was suppose to be automatically disenrolled. He's still here and will be in the class of 2015
-the hardest thing to accept is that this isn't the active duty Air Force and the standards don't match up at all. It was very difficult for me to accept this initially especially when you see just blatant disrespect for the uniform and customs and courtesies all together. Understand that it's blearing process for everyone and the academy doesn't at a different pace compared to tech shool or enlisted basic
-they have what's called EI which is extra instruction or tutoring, for all of your classes. I highly urge everyone to use this. Personally I found it to be the most affective way of learning, and the teachers are damn good. The teachers are hands the best people at the Prep school, they will go above and beyond to help you if you seek it.
-establish a good group of friends. At some point you will question is this the place for you. Having a good group of friends really helps you get past the hard times and sets the blueprint for life long friendships.
-everyone will be fighting for your time. Wether it be academics or athletics or military stuff. Remember that you came here for academics and make that the priority. Obviously don't just say to he'll with everything else but there will be people who will try to make it seem like athletics or military are more important because that's there element.
-last but not least enjoy your prep year. It's been of the best years in my life. It truly is a learning experience for everyone involved so treat as such and you'll enjoy yourself.
Sorry forth massive wall of text. If anyone has any questions about next year and I'll try my best to help out