Any USAFA Questions (Current Freshman Female)

elj33 said:
On the topic of showers, how long do we get to shower? Hot water? Not that it matters too much but just curious
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Not long at all, but it is enough. It changes daily but it is definitely helpful to have a three and one. Always hot water though.
 
elj33 said:
Should we bring a hairbrush, hair ties, bobby pins? The packing list does not have these items so I was wondering if we were just issued these. Thank you for starting this thread for all the girls :)
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Yes bring a hairbrush, lots of hair ties, bobby pins, gel/hairspray! You will not have a lot of time in the morning to do your hair so if you have short enough hair to put it in a ponytail that's super helpful. Something worth considering is cutting your hair to a ponytail length that is in regulations. Most of the academic year you will have it up anyways, so the convenience is definitely a benefit. If not, a bun is also perfectly fine and not something to worry about.
 
jb2023 said:
How was the adjustment to basic training and the academy overall from a civilian life? Was it shocking? And what about the academic rigor, although obviously relative, could you rate the difficulty of classes, and how much does your major effect this? What skills (academic or general) should I brush up on before coming? I'm joining the class of '27 this summer. Thank a lot, sorry for all the questions
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Having known nothing about military life, it was quite the shock on iday. Iday is probably the worst day by far and throughout basic you will get a little more comfortable each day. It gets substantially better so after Iday just know you've made it past one of the most mentally challenging parts. It also took me a while to not take every little thing so seriously and I had to learn how to brush off getting yelled at. You'll learn to just roll with the punches and laugh about it. Basic is filled with some of the funniest memories and its where you grow the closest with your classmates. It's hard not to be jealous of my friends at a civilian college going out every night and wearing what they want to wear, hardly any rules/etc. However, there are so many opportunities at the academy that you can't get anywhere else and that definitely outweighs the cons, I mean last week I got to ride in a helicopter for a training session! And there is nothing like the chills you get from a fighter flyover. Looking back now, I have grown so much since basic and learned a ton about myself that I am super grateful for. There are also 1000 other cadets in your shoes so it's helpful to know you aren't going through this alone.

You will definitely have some late nights, but I would not say its anything to be concerned about. Most of it just depends on how productive you can be. They are pretty fast paced classes but also organized well so you can always work ahead and very small class sizes so the teachers are always willing to help. My largest class so far has probably been 20 people if not less. Freshmen year it will defintley seem like they prioritize military training but the classes are still manageable. Biggest tip is to not procrastinate and to get help as soon as possible. There are so many different helping agencies here that are available until late at night. Your courses freshmen year are generally going to look like every other freshmen unless you were able to validate them. If you can validate out of a language and don't plan to minor in it, validate it! You will also take a language placement exam during basic so if you want a competitive language like Spanish, brush up on those skills. That way you have a better shot of being placed into the language and not just restarting in a new one. Personally, I was a little sad to be placed in Calc 1 again having taken AP Calc in high school. However, this was actually very nice because I was able to have a class I already knew a decent amount in which allowed me to focus on other things. You will already have a rigorous schedule so having an easy class here and there is helpful. Calc classes here are also very different than high school as at the academy there is a lot of coding involved so I was still learning a decent amount.

Even if you declare a major early into freshmen year, your classes won't change unless you have validated a lot. It will help you plan out your classes for the following years. You will also have the opportunity to push required core classes up a semester. For example, if I spoke to my academic advisor about being interested in aeronautical engineering, I could take an aero course earlier than most of the other freshmen. Definitely something I would recommend doing so that you can gauge an interest about what you want to study.

Obviously to even get accepted to the academy you have to be excelling academically so don't stress about the academics, it will take some adjusting but you can do it!

And don't apologize for asking questions! I had so many questions and there is so much I wish I knew before coming here that I wish I had asked about.
 
HKane said:
What’s it like going to a school that’s majority male? Does the male/female ratio become something you stop noticing? Did you notice it much?
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During basic it is a little more noticeable especially when it comes to the physical part. However, all the guys in your flight will help you to succeed whether that means taking a load off your pack, helping you with pushups etc. Most of the people that are training you will also be males which can sometimes get annoying when trying to put your hair up fast, periods, bathroom situations etc. during basic but most of them are pretty understanding you just have to speak up. Other than the physical aspect, I never notice the ratio especially during the academic year. There are times that I am one of the only females in a class but I wouldn't notice it unless I really tried to. Almost all of my friends are guys, and I would not change it.
 
Does anyone know if the SF-86 form needs to be brought to basic completed or just the form itself?
 
Godspeed_13 said:
Does anyone know if the SF-86 form needs to be brought to basic completed or just the form itself?
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Needs to be completed. During Basic, you will be briefed on how to fill out the form electronically, but you need to bring the completed paper version with you so you can use it for reference.
 
Ank said:
Hey! I know I had a lot of questions especially trying to figure out appointment packet details, packing for BCT, what to expect on iday etc. so leave any down below! I’m a current female in the class of 2026!
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Question for BCT/doolie year! Do you recommend using a toiletry bag? I'm guessing shower caddy is not an option.
 
702mom said:
I will add just a few suggestions since my DD is a 2026. She brought a regular bra along with way more sport bras then what was on the BCT list. She was glad she did that. She did also bring a small amount of makeup which she put on for A day parade. She brought a regular cheap watch but they took those on day 1 of BCT. She never used it. Bring lots of stamps and prelabled envelopes along with some paper. Also she kept a journal which was fun to go back and read thru.
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On the topic of journal. I made a sketchbook/journal specifically for USAFA thinking I could keep one during BCT. Can I bring this without them taking it away?
 
Ank said:
Hey! I know I had a lot of questions especially trying to figure out appointment packet details, packing for BCT, what to expect on iday etc. so leave any down below! I’m a current female in the class of 2026!
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Regarding class placement (math, foreign language, etc.), how much control do we have over the classes we are placed in? I am mainly asking about math, as I am concerned about being placed in a class I am not ready for. In high school I went through Calc 3, however I do not feel confident in my knowledge, for my school simply did not teach these courses to a caliber anywhere near USAFA. Ideally, I would like to retake all calc classes starting from calc 1 in order to “actually learn” these skills (and especially the coding aspects - I have absolutely no background). So, my question is do the math placement tests/AP scores have all the power in determining placement? If I score above a calc 1 level on the placement tests, may I still elect to take calc 1? If not, would it be a better idea to undershoot my ability on these tests? I appreciate any clarification!
 
bigplane87 said:
Regarding class placement (math, foreign language, etc.), how much control do we have over the classes we are placed in? I am mainly asking about math, as I am concerned about being placed in a class I am not ready for. In high school I went through Calc 3, however I do not feel confident in my knowledge, for my school simply did not teach these courses to a caliber anywhere near USAFA. Ideally, I would like to retake all calc classes starting from calc 1 in order to “actually learn” these skills (and especially the coding aspects - I have absolutely no background). So, my question is do the math placement tests/AP scores have all the power in determining placement? If I score above a calc 1 level on the placement tests, may I still elect to take calc 1? If not, would it be a better idea to undershoot my ability on these tests? I appreciate any clarification!
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I placed into calc 2 and decided to take calc 1, it’s pretty easy to do, just talk to your assigned ac advisor after basic. In retrospect though I think it would have been better to just take calc 2, frees up more space in your schedule later when you need it, especially if you want to pick up a minor (although the easy A was nice)
 
Ank said:
Congrats on your appointment! As for BCT, follow the checklist as much as you can. I would definitely recommend brining a razor as there is a day late in basic that you'll be in a swimsuit. They issue you spandex but I wish I brought my own. Don't worry about bringing cleats or a hairdryer as you won't really have a chance to use them. Laundry can get messed up during basic so definitely bring more underwear than suggested and don't worry too much about the style. I brought all granny panties trying to follow the list to a t and looking back I just wish I brought some that I was more used to. My roommate had leave in conditioner and that was a lifesaver after showering. Bring lots of stamps too! They will give you some but I ended up losing or giving half of them away so its always better to have extra. Also- a lot of us just used a 3 in one instead of bringing shampoo, conditioner and body wash, it was definitely a time saver. I stressed a ton trying to pack for Iday and doing a bunch of research but honestly just try and follow the list and you will be perfectly fine. They will issue you most stuff (it might not be what you like) and there is a chance to go to the store to get anything you might later think of. You can also share with your roommates too if you really need something in a pinch.

There's actually a decent amount of storage your freshman year because you will get issued a trunk and can buy bins for your desk. A lot of stuff I just ordered on amazon after basic. You can't have a lot as a freshman, to include no civies and you can't go off base until after parents' weekend (September) so your friend would need to bring you the bag. If you wear earrings, bring earrings! Also, a light blanket and fan would be super helpful as well. These are things my parents brought for me on iday. As for school, I currently use an ipad to take notes and would highly recommend it as well as a watch. There aren't really restrictions on how many shoes you can have so brining another pair of tennis shoes wouldn't be a bad idea. Pack new braws/underwear as the ones you used during basic will be kinda gross.

As for the bulletin board throughout the academic year, the only restriction really is that everything has to be flush with the board and pinned on all four sides. Currently mine is completely covered in photos and then my name tapes for my uniform and I love it. I dont think you can have anything dangling off of it though so just keep that in mind. If you wanted to put a calendar on it, it would just have to be pinned on all four sides.

And yup! They do issue you a swimsuit but they are pretty big and having also swam competitively, you will likely want to bring your own. Just make sure it is dark blue or black trying to match the issued one. Caps and goggles are completely fine as well.
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Hello, My daughter and I thought the 3 in 1 instead of shampoo, conditioner, and bodywash was a great tip! But, we haven't found any. Can you remember what brand it was that you found? Or specifically what you used?
Thank you!
 
StarMom3 said:
Hello, My daughter and I thought the 3 in 1 instead of shampoo, conditioner, and bodywash was a great tip! But, we haven't found any. Can you remember what brand it was that you found? Or specifically what you used?
Thank you!
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While you’re waiting, in my gym bag and travel kit I always have a self-filled travel bottle of Trader Joe’s All For One, One For All, Body Wash, Shampoo, Conditioner. Unisex. Clean smell. You can find it on Amazon well as in store.
 
Capt MJ said:
While you’re waiting, in my gym bag and travel kit I always have a self-filled travel bottle of Trader Joe’s All For One, One For All, Body Wash, Shampoo, Conditioner. Unisex. Clean smell. You can find it on Amazon well as in store.
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Thank you! Exactly the information I was looking for :)
 
What are the jewelry regulations after basic training, during the academic year? I know about earrings, but what about necklaces, rings, bracelets, etc.?!
 
Hello! I’m aiming to get appointed for the class of 2029, and I am a female. I appreciate this thread, you have no clue how much I needed it. As I’m heading into my junior year, is there anything extra I can do to put myself in a better light? I play varsity sports, I volunteer and I participate in clubs. I have good grades as well (that I know I must keep up). Thank you for the the help! I love seeing another female who wanted to and goes to the AFA on this platform, there’s not many of us!
 
Slippy13 said:
Hello! I’m aiming to get appointed for the class of 2029, and I am a female. I appreciate this thread, you have no clue how much I needed it. As I’m heading into my junior year, is there anything extra I can do to put myself in a better light? I play varsity sports, I volunteer and I participate in clubs. I have good grades as well (that I know I must keep up). Thank you for the the help! I love seeing another female who wanted to and goes to the AFA on this platform, there’s not many of us!
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This is general advice for candidates heading into their junior year. Some of it applies to later junior year.

  • Continue to strive for the best grades possible.
  • Reach out to your ALO to introduce yourself and express interest in USAFA.
  • Find reading material, computer programs, or school courses to prepare for the college entrance exams.
  • Make sure you take either the PLAN or PSAT in the fall.
  • Do an online search for your Representatives/Senators about their nomination application process. You may want to write a letter to the offices informing them of your interest in the Air Force Academy. The ACT & SAT scores you achieve as a junior are the scores you will typically use to compete for congressional nominations.
  • Take both the ACT and SAT exams and have your scores sent directly to the Academy and any schools where you might attend on an AFROTC scholarship (should you receive one). NOTE: USAFA super scores these exams, so that means they take the highest section scores from each exam sitting – it behooves you to take the exams multiple times.
  • Talk to teachers who will be your evaluators. Explain your desire to go to USAFA.
  • Talk to people you will use as your two optional recommendations.
  • Compete for leadership positions at school, scouts, athletics, church, non-profits, etc.
  • Begin building your resume. Possibly consult with your ALO if you have time.
  • Work on both your Academy and congressional application packages during the summer (between junior and senior years) – complete as much as possible before you go back to school in the fall for your senior year.
  • Continue with your athletic programs and training - work on your physical fitness and focus on what is required in the CFA. Practice the CFA in its entirety multiple times!
 
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