Appointed Now what?

[BarbieK]

My son was offered an appointment last week and would like to visit the facility as we've not been there yet. Earlier someone had posted about appointee tours including a schedule for the tours on April 5th and April 19th. I called the Academy this morning and the woman asked me if my son had received an invitation. I said "no not an invitation he's been offered an appointment". At that point she told me only appointees that receive special invitations are allowed to take the appointee tours and that all those invitations have been sent out earlier so if he does not have one yet he will not be receiving one. Does anybody have any knowledge of this or information about the "special" invitations? My son has not yet accepted his appointment but plans to do so. I'm thinking maybe once he accepts it on his portal he will receive other information about when to report, what to bring, what to expect? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Capri120]

You are correct. Once your DS actually accepts his appointment, then lots of information will come and many, many more forms will need completed and more things to do.

Read through some of the various threads for USAFA on this forum, and many of your questions will be answered.

 

[Christcorp]

Unless your son applied to, and is hoping for a different academy; like west point, annapolis, coast guard or merchant marine; I suggest he accept his appointment immediately.

Unlike a traditional university, he isn't legally bound by the acceptance. He can change his mind all the way up to the day of arriving to the academy. Matter of fact, he could simply not show up. It's not a legal issue.

But by accepting immediately, he will have access to much more information. Plus, if he does accept and attends the academy, there's a lot of preliminary preparation he will want to get started on. The sooner the better. Immunization, background security clearance, if he's considering at all getting wisdom teeth taken out prior or other orthodontist work completed, etc. Point is; accept the appointment today, now, immediately. It will make life easier. Like I said, if he has a change of heart later, he can always change his mind and say no later. No harm... No foul....

 

[Hoodlum15]

Once he accepts his appointment he'll get a massive packet of information detailing everything he needs to know and needs to do. Unfortunately, he's probably out of luck with an appointee tour. I know a lot of people see USAFA for the first time on the day they report so in that regard he wouldn't be necessarily unusual.

 

[BarbieK]

Once he accepts his appointment he'll get a massive packet of information detailing everything he needs to know and needs to do. Unfortunately, he's probably out of luck with an appointee tour. I know a lot of people see USAFA for the first time on the day they report so in that regard he wouldn't be necessarily unusual.

 

[BarbieK]

Thank you and everyone else - really appreciate it!!!

 

[Hebaragi]

You are correct. Once your DS actually accepts his appointment, then lots of information will come and many, many more forms will need completed and more things to do.

Read through some of the various threads for USAFA on this forum, and many of your questions will be answered.

After accepting the appointment, how do we get the information that needs to be filled out? By mail or by email?

 

[Navyblujumpsuit]

You are correct. Once your DS actually accepts his appointment, then lots of information will come and many, many more forms will need completed and more things to do.

Read through some of the various threads for USAFA on this forum, and many of your questions will be answered.

After accepting the appointment, how do we get the information that needs to be filled out? By mail or by email?

It will come to you through your portal. It's exactly the same as the application, just different paperwork. I think you will also get an email saying that your portal has been updated.

 

[gaufmom]

Should a DS/DD accept an appointment if still waiting to hear from a different academy? My DS has an offer of appointment from USMA but has not heard from USAFA. We would like to get started on all the required paperwork but do not want to if that would close the door to USAFA.

 

[Applestrander2021]

You are correct. Once your DS actually accepts his appointment, then lots of information will come and many, many more forms will need completed and more things to do.

Read through some of the various threads for USAFA on this forum, and many of your questions will be answered.

After accepting the appointment, how do we get the information that needs to be filled out? By mail or by email?

It will come to you through your portal. It's exactly the same as the application, just different paperwork. I think you will also get an email saying that your portal has been updated.

So there is no actual BFE that comes in the mail? It is the items on the portal once you accept. Is that correct?

 

[Capri120]

Should a DS/DD accept an appointment if still waiting to hear from a different academy? My DS has an offer of appointment from USMA but has not heard from USAFA. We would like to get started on all the required paperwork but do not want to if that would close the door to USAFA.

Accepting an appointment to one SA will not close the door to another SA. They do not "compare" or necessarily check with each other.

 

[Navyblujumpsuit]

You are correct. Once your DS actually accepts his appointment, then lots of information will come and many, many more forms will need completed and more things to do.

Read through some of the various threads for USAFA on this forum, and many of your questions will be answered.

After accepting the appointment, how do we get the information that needs to be filled out? By mail or by email?

It will come to you through your portal. It's exactly the same as the application, just different paperwork. I think you will also get an email saying that your portal has been updated.

So there is no actual BFE that comes in the mail? It is the items on the portal once you accept. Is that correct?

Correct

 

[jmoakley]

I can understand and respect this thread with regards to options and choices but I feel that one decision should be made and it's a matter of honor to keep to that one decision. A click of acceptance should not be taken lightly as SAs take extreme commitment. Remember there is a snowball effect with your choice. A multitude of people are affected (both positively and negatively) so please make your decision to the best of your ability and see it through.

 

[Christcorp]

I can understand and respect this thread with regards to options and choices but I feel that one decision should be made and it's a matter of honor to keep to that one decision. A click of acceptance should not be taken lightly as SAs take extreme commitment. Remember there is a snowball effect with your choice. A multitude of people are affected (both positively and negatively) so please make your decision to the best of your ability and see it through.

I've replied to posts before where some people didn't agree. And that's ok. We don't always have to agree. But when it comes to "OPINIONS", that is one area that I'm POSITIVE that I am more than capable of Pi$$ing someone off. And I have a feeling, this is going to be "One of those times".

When little Frankie or little Matilda applied to the academies, their application will be graded and scored based on THEIR accomplishments. If they receive an appointment, it's because THEY EARNED it. No one else had anything to do with it. I'm not talking about mom and dad staying on them to get the application done and making sure they did their homework.

In the end, no matter what mom or dad or anyone else did, it was little Frankie and Matilda who sat in the classes and took the tests. It was they who went to football, baseball, soccer, basketball, track, etc. practice after school and sweated for hours. And many times gave blood. It was they who was the member of the NHS, Band, Choir, Spanish Club, etc. They are the ones who volunteered to help grade school kids read, helped the homeless, volunteered for meals on wheels, sent packages to our troops overseas. Frankie and Matilda are the ones who studied and went in and took the ACT or SAT numerous times. It is they who interviewed with their ALO and sat in front of the representative or senator's nomination selection panel. And the list goes on of what THEY DID FOR THIS APPOINTMENT.

As such..... They have EARNED THE RIGHT to do WHATEVER they feel is BEST FOR THEM. I will not debate "Honor" with anyone here. But Honor starts within. The only responsibility the applicant/appointee has concerning their appointment, is TO THEMSELVES. They don't owe anyone else for the decision they are to make. And if they want to keep their options open by accepting the appointment and changing their mind later, that is totally their prerogative. THEY EARNED THAT RIGHT!!! And yes, some will say that by accepting an appointment and later on tuning it down, that they have potentially stopped someone else from getting an appointment. Yes, that is possible. But little Frankie and Matilda are making one of the most important decisions of their life. A decision, that could potentially affect their life for the next 20-30 years. Sorry; but that decision is 100% theirs; and should not have anyone else in mind when they make that decision.

The same goes when a person complains and expresses their anger because an individual accepts an appointment, gets to basic training, and quits half way through it. People come out of the woodwork to say how "Some poor applicant who wanted the academy their whole life, COULD HAVE HAD that appointment if this person hadn't accepted it and then quit". Well guess what; that same appointee who accepted it and then quit half way through basic training, most times ALSO WANTED the academy their whole life. I have seen that way too many times. No one knows what the academy is REALLY LIKE until they get there. Anyone who says they've wanted it their whole life, still has absolutely no idea what they are getting into until they get there. Even the applicant who THINKS they know what they are getting into; e.g. JrROTC, CAP, Scouts, Military Brat, etc. has NO IDEA what they are headed for.

So forgive me if it doesn't bother me if an individual accepts an appointment and then changes their mind later. Whether it's before BCT or during BCT or after their 1st-4th semesters at the academy. I do not think any less of these individuals. They are making one of the most important decisions of their life. And THEY EARNED THAT RIGHT!!! They don't owe ANYONE else. When I interview applicants, I want to make sure that the academy is THEIR CHOICE. Not mommy or daddy's choice. And if it IS THEIR CHOICE, and they are the one who did the studying, took the tests, made the grades, got the ACT/SAT scores, sweated and bled on the field, and put in the hundreds of hours volunteering, and everything else that's required......... Then THEY have EARNED the RIGHT to handle their selection any way they feel is right. It is a decision that they will have to live with. They don't owe anyone for the decision they are about to make. They EARNED THAT RIGHT.

Mike

 

[jmoakley]

Mike, I can't argue with your logic and you have not pissed me off.... I love that we are free to disagree. I work in education so I whole heartedly accept that Frankie and Matilda have to earn it and there is quite a difference between kids that want it and kids that are trying to make someone happy. My husband, an 82 grad, actually spent a lot of time sharing his reality as a Zoomie and refused to support our DS until he was certain that our DS was making an informed, independent decision. We are not 'spread the wealth' kind of people....you did the time, now you reap the reward. However, we do expect a level of commitment to decisions made hence my point about honoring your word.

I'm curious what you think about the new rule that kids can't quit during BCT (if I read that correctly). Is that part of your conversation when you interview? I've noticed a trend in my high school that kids have more difficulty committing to and seeing things through over the past few years.... just my observations.... thoughts?

 

[Christcorp]

I am definitely with you that people need to "Commit". Especially in today's world. There are too many times I'm seeing people apply to schools, start, then quit. Even applying for jobs, getting hired, working a few weeks or months, then quitting. Many people, and a lot more in recent years, has a problem with committing. I definitely think there's an "Integrity" issue with a lot of people today.

As for the academy, if the new rule is enforced that you can't quit until BCT is over with; then I am all for that. It still gives little Johnny or Mary the time needed to start their Plan B school if they've determined the academy isn't for them. But I think it's good, because too many kids today, and even many adults, simply quit too soon. I interview and hire a lot of people where I work, and I see a lot of quick turnover. "God forbid, you should actually have to WORK for a paycheck". I think a lot of kids who get to BCT aren't use to having to be subservient to a "BOSS". They aren't use to having their life directed each step of the way, every day, for 5-6 weeks. Too many are too quick to simply "QUIT". And the problem is; they are quitting out of "IGNORANCE". They don't even know what it is that they don't like. Simply that they don't like it. "Well; grow up Johnny. There's a lot of things in the (REAL WORLD) you're not going to like". But if they are forced to stay for the 5-6 weeks of BCT, and they still want to quit; "After knowing the feeling of "Accomplishment""; then that's fine. They can quit then.

That's why I'm not opposed to them accepting an appointment and changing their mind before entering the academy. If you change your mind about something, get better offers from some other school, or simply change your mind on what your goals are..... I'd rather you change your mind and turn down the appointment and not waste theirs or the academy's time. That's much better than having doubts or second thoughts and going anyway. But either way, it is their life; it is their prerogative; it is their choice. They earned it. My experience is mainly anecdotal, but I've seen more kids quit the academy who you thought would never have quit. The kids you'd think knew what they were getting into and wanted it their whole life. Appointees with JrROTC and CAP experience. I've seen others quit, but I've seen a lot with the background that quit who you'd think would "Breeze Through".

Most who have attended the academy will confirm that BCT and the academic life there are 2 totally different worlds. Not because it's physically harder, but because of the initial shock. Most kids simply aren't expecting or prepared for the mental side of BCT or the Military. This is why, in my experience, I've seen that Jocks and Brats tend to do better during BCT. It's an environment that they're quite accustomed too. A team environment, a hard a$$ in charge and controlling. So I'm all for if the academy doesn't allow quitting until BCT is over with. Most of those who quit prior to the end of BCT are doing so out of ignorance and emotions. They need to see the bigger picture and make an informed decision.

 

[Capri120]

The new "cannot quit until the end of BCT" rule may even keep many "I'll just try it out and see if I like it" types from even accepting an appointment, which could be good. I will be curious to see how it affects the attrition rate at the end of the summer and early academic months compared to previous years.

 

[swatdude]

My 2 cents- If a person "accepts" his/her appointment then they should decline any other appointments received. I have no problem with them waiting until the deadline to accept/decline and keeping all options open until that time. However, once a person officially "accepts", I feel like a commitment has been made to that institution and should be honored.

 

[Christcorp]

Swatdude. Logically; what you say makes sense. It seems practical and realistic. The problem is; the Military, and especially the academies, aren't like anything most people have experienced before. And even the brats, who grew up in a military family, aren't necessarily prepared for what they are going to get into.

Pretty much all of the 4,300+ degree offering universities/colleges in the United States are the same. You pay money, go to school, live on or off campus, take your tests, pass or fail, and move on to the next one. Most schools, you can decide you simply don't want to go to class today. They don't care. If you pay your money, you can do ANYTHING you want to. The school doesn't care. They don't care if you're physically fit; you can weigh 400 pounds. They don't care if you drink underage or do drugs. The only time the care about you at all, is when you're in the classroom. And as long as you aren't causing a problem for the instructor and other students, they don't even really care then.

Military academies are so much more different. This is where so many Parents hate what I say. Your little boy or girl did NOT GO OFF TO COLLEGE!!! They JOINED THE MILITARY. It just so happens, that for the next 4 years, THEIR JOB/AFSC/MOS is "STUDENT". These are NOT COLLEGE STUDENTS. Unfortunately, many of them think they are. And most of that is the academy's fault for promoting it more as such. But when little johnny gets to the academy, they are no longer Mommy and Daddy's dependent or tax write off. Even the form some parents have to sign, because their son/daughter is 17 years old, is actually a form of "Emancipation". Their 17 year old is from that point on, legally allowed to make all decisions. Mom and Dad can't even demand or expect the academy/military to inform them of ANYTHING unless little Johnny/Mary ALLOWS IT. But besides all that, they are now being told when to wake up, when to sleep, when to eat, etc. If they don't follow direction, they can be kicked out or disciplined. So actions can even get a cadet put in Jail. Actions that would not result in such things at a civilian college. One reason so many opt for going ROTC. They can have it both ways.

Point being; I can't expect a 17-18 year old to make a 9 year commitment based on information that they simply don't know or understand. Yes, it's a 9 year commitment. 4 at the academy and 5 on active duty. In the enlisted world, it's much simpler. Most people understand that when you ENLIST, you have "Sold your Soul" and you BELONG to uncle sam. Most understand you go to basic training, then to a technical school to learn your job, then you do your job. And even many of these kids have a hard time adapting. But that is only a 4 year commitment. Closer to 3 once basic and tech school are completed. A lot easier to "PUT UP WITH"; compared to putting up with 9 years because you "Committed" to going to the academy. That is why they allow up to the beginning of your 3rd year at the academy, that you can still change your mind and quit.

So, it doesn't matter if you change your mind prior to going to BCT or 1-2 years into it. There has to be a way to change your mind. And I am 100% behind that. I do prefer if a person DEFINITELY wants to change their mind, that they do it BEFORE going to BCT. It's a waste of everyone's time if they go. However; once there, I think it's great to not allowing quitting until AFTER BCT is over. Mainly because most kids who quit during BCT, aren't doing so because they have determined the military isn't for them. They are doing it 100% out of emotions and ignorance. They need to realize that BCT is designed specifically to develop and instil teamwork. To give 1200+/- individuals from every state in the country and with different backgrounds; SOMETHING IN COMMON. They need to get through BCT, understand what just happened, understand what is ahead of them in a normal academic academy, and THEN they can make an INFORMED decision.

The academy isn't new at this. They know they want 1200+/- to start the class. The reason they want that, is because they KNOW about 200+/- are going to quit some time in the next 4 years. Matter of fact, they NEED 200+/- to quit in the next 4 years. The LAW, yes THE LAW, states that the academy can only Commission up to 1000 cadets each year. Each year MORE than that graduates and gets commissioned, they have to get waivers and bring in LESS students the next year. The law says that the academy can't have more than 4400 students and no more than 1000 getting commissioned. So, the academy has to play this game every year. And that's why there's a different amount appointed every year. It does not bother them in the least to have people change their mind and quit. They are simply trying to make it more efficient. If they can keep all 1,200 til the end of BCT, then instead of 70-80 quitting during BCT, maybe it's only 40. Then, they'll have to bring in only 1,100-1,150 the next year. Because in 4 years, they still can't have more than 1,000 getting commissions. They'd love to bring in exactly 1,000 and know that all 1,000 will make it through all 4 years, graduate, get commissioned, and stay AT LEAST the minimum 5 years. That would be very convenient. Unfortunately, that's not the real world.

So, whether someone accepts an appointment and changes their mind before entering BCT, or they quit later on. The academy already has this figured in to their numbers for how many they are appointing.

 

[esteller1]

If your wisdom teeth are not bother my DD, then I shouldn't worry about pulling them out, right?