Ask a Doolie Anything

[moho]

Sorry to hear about your TWE for last application year but in my experience candidates who went to FVE had a high chance of going to the academy as long is nothing egregious with their application. Think about it, the academy spend thousands of dollars fly you out, feed you, and house you. The logistical planning of that is insane - not to mention the paperwork that needs to be sent up - so the fact the the Admissions Board did that for you shows that they truly want to invest in you. If you weren’t qualified, admissions wouldn’t have picked you plain and simple. They see value in you and want you to succeed at their Academy. Best of luck on your journey and hope you get a letter of acceptance.

Sounds corny but getting a TWE was a very good experience for me in hindsight. I am much more academically competitive now than I was a year ago. I thought the same thing that they must see something, but I don't know what they saw since my Candidate Kit wasn't even submitted and my SAT was a 1270 at the time. Don't get me wrong, I hope it does mean that, and that I am favorable for an appointment....

FVE was practically a perfect week (and I got to skip a week of college ) - my only issue was knowing some of the younger candidates may have trouble managing expectations given what many said.

The bottom line is I don't know until I get an appointment offer. Until I get one, I have no clue. Just gotta wait

 

[BBF2003]

Do you know anybody at USAFA who didn’t do varsity athletics in high school and got in? (Without a principal nomination)

I am one of these people

 

[raimius]

It’s well… crazy
5:30 wake up
6:30 minutes
7:30-11:20 classes
11:20-11:35 noon meal formation Monday Wednesday Fridays
11:35-12:15 mandatory lunch
12:45-3:38 school
3:50-6 training session or sports practice
7-1am study
1-5:30 sleep

Everyone has different sleep requirements, but I would highly recommend trying 6-7hrs minimum for a while. You may find you are far more efficient after getting enough sleep.

Personally, I needed about 6hrs to do well in class. Then, at UPT, I found I needed 7hrs to fly well.

 

[Hut234]

Did you consider non-service academy universities and why did you choose USAFA?

Yeah I did, I got into Norwich and my flagship state school. I chose USAFA for a lot of reasons but the main one is it's a great place to be from. Also, free college, almost guaranteed pilot slot, language and travel opportunities, networking and leadership opportunities as well.

 

[PyroSweets]

I've heard that the last portion of BCT is a 2 week teamwork segment, in which all of the doolies go into the forest and camp out. does this actually happen, and if so, what was your experience like?

 

[arishipshape]

I've heard that the last portion of BCT is a 2 week teamwork segment, in which all of the doolies go into the forest and camp out. does this actually happen, and if so, what was your experience like?

Didn't happen for me, we had one week in Jack's Valley and there wasn't exactly a lot of teamwork involved. HOWEVER, our BCT was made from the shell of the last Commandant of Cadets's BCT schedule. I've read that Brigadier General Moga is personally planning every element of the next BCT so future cadets are unlikely to have the experience I did.