Can Falcon Foundation Scholars still gain an appointment this year?

justwalkinby

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I’m a USAFA class 26’ applicant and this is my first time creating a thread on this forum. I am currently in a “good” dilemma because I have received the FFS and I have received an appointment to USNA. My heart was completely set on attending USAFA after attending the Summer Seminar but when I received my “rejection” on March 26th, I thought it would be a no brainer to choose USNA.

However I have read that some applicants who are completely rejected have gained an appointment around May because of unused slots. I would like to know if this is the same for FFS students or if it is even true at all?

I keep reading that the FFS is basically a “golden ticket” to USAFA, but I would also feel like im turning down a huge opportunity at USNA to instead try again to a place that isn’t sure about me. However I am also trying to avoid living ships for long periods of time and would instead love to be an Air Force Officer.
I believe that I would have a fun time at USNA but an even BETTER time at USAFA.

I also feel like if I choose the FFS scholarship then I may be throwing away all of my work. I feel like I got lucky this year as I have a 1210 SAT score, 4.1 gpa, XC Team Captain, 4 years XC, 4 years Track & Field, 2 years Wrestling, NJROTC Officer, NHS, and 2 other community service clubs. I also received a Senator nomination so how much better can I make my profile.

My father and everyone I know thinks I would be an idiot to take this scholarship, pay to attend GMC and wait another year to get in. My heart is saying take the risk but my brain is saying, take the opportunity gifted to you.
 
So your choice is either accept a USNA appointment, or accept a Falcon Foundation scholarship for a year of prep and then attend USAFA.

First off, getting the FF scholarship is not a rejection. AFA has decided they want you at the academy, but they think you need a bit of preparation. They want to invest five years of college in you to make you an Air Force officer. That's a lot of time to put into you, so they obviously think you're worth the investment.

The Navy thinks your ready now, though. So the end result is what do you want to do after graduation. Why do you want to go into the Air Force? What made you consider the Navy? How much effort are you willing to put toward your goals? And you will have to put in effort. Remember the everyone at the academy was top in their class, class officers, varsity athletes, community service leaders, etc. Where you think you are outstanding makes you one of the crowd at the academies.

I'm guessing you applied to each academy because you want to fly. If you don't get a flight slot, which service would you be happier serving in? I think that's the actual question to answer.
 
Ok a little confused but I'll try to answer the question I think is being asked.

You received a falcon scholarship. Which means you were rejected by USAFA and you've heard candidates who were rejected some of them later on got accepted correct?

Look those people were put on the NWL, USAFA has determined for whatever reason that without work you wouldn't be a good fit for this year's class. If they want to give out an acceptance they will later on but that's really really low and if they do change their mind accepting the FFS wouldn't prevent you from accepting the acceptance. Why hold out on hope of getting in with this class when not messing up for one year means 100% next year?

I'll give you tip. Your profile could be the best and they would still send you to prep school for something! I thought other's profiles were outstanding. Almost everyone at prep school thought they deserved to be at USAFA with class of 2025. Heck I was the outlier for the first few weeks! USAFA has been doing this awhile. They know something you can't see. It's probably that SAT test btw. Remember most of this class has over 1400's.

But it's just a test score! Right? Well it doesn't match with your gpa. They told me the exact thing with my act 24 for math. Pretty good math grades terrible act. Why? Because I didn't know how to study. They saw it, deep down I knew something was wrong but USAFA knew what it was. Then challenged my a** to do the damn work before I got it handed to me.

The real question is not "should I hold out?" But " should I go for one extra year or USNA?" that's a question worth asking. I get it. I spent the money. My "free college" is costing alot more than expected. It's something my family jokes constantly. Yet I never once rejected my choice. Nor have they.

Prep school should be seen as a challenge. They're betting on you! They're taking a chance that you'll be even better! They've sent out the white glove and it's you job to prove them right. That you deserve every cent by making yourself better, because there's always something to improve!

So which challenge will it be?
 
I’m a USAFA class 26’ applicant and this is my first time creating a thread on this forum. I am currently in a “good” dilemma because I have received the FFS and I have received an appointment to USNA. My heart was completely set on attending USAFA after attending the Summer Seminar but when I received my “rejection” on March 26th, I thought it would be a no brainer to choose USNA.

However I have read that some applicants who are completely rejected have gained an appointment around May because of unused slots. I would like to know if this is the same for FFS students or if it is even true at all?

I keep reading that the FFS is basically a “golden ticket” to USAFA, but I would also feel like im turning down a huge opportunity at USNA to instead try again to a place that isn’t sure about me. However I am also trying to avoid living ships for long periods of time and would instead love to be an Air Force Officer.
I believe that I would have a fun time at USNA but an even BETTER time at USAFA.

I also feel like if I choose the FFS scholarship then I may be throwing away all of my work. I feel like I got lucky this year as I have a 1210 SAT score, 4.1 gpa, XC Team Captain, 4 years XC, 4 years Track & Field, 2 years Wrestling, NJROTC Officer, NHS, and 2 other community service clubs. I also received a Senator nomination so how much better can I make my profile.

My father and everyone I know thinks I would be an idiot to take this scholarship, pay to attend GMC and wait another year to get in. My heart is saying take the risk but my brain is saying, take the opportunity gifted to you.

Why do you feel you are throwing away your work by accepting the scholarship?
 
I also feel like if I choose the FFS scholarship then I may be throwing away all of my work. I feel like I got lucky this year as I have a 1210 SAT score, 4.1 gpa, XC Team Captain, 4 years XC, 4 years Track & Field, 2 years Wrestling, NJROTC Officer, NHS, and 2 other community service clubs. I also received a Senator nomination so how much better can I make my profile.

My father and everyone I know thinks I would be an idiot to take this scholarship, pay to attend GMC and wait another year to get in. My heart is saying take the risk but my brain is saying, take the opportunity gifted to you.
First paragraph quoted? Is just not correct. It’s EXACTLY all your years of work that resulted in your two offers. And the prep offer is NOT a waste. In fact, it’s a gift!! There is no downside to a year of prep, imo. Where you will have an awesome year of transition to ‘college’ life. Learn to study at the collegiate level. Mature and develop into an ‘away from home’ young adult, who will bring all that to your USAFA mates when you join up next year (prepsters are highly valued and have unique easy to support their buddies). While it’s true that you do have to reapply, it’s said that as long as you successfully complete prep programs (no discipline issues, pass classes and don’t voluntarily leave), you are “guaranteed” a spot.

Another way of looking at this, is that USAFA identified there was something you need to be the best student, while USNA didn’t see it.

I would suggest that you and your parents inquire and ask your questions together, of someone in the prep program. Cannot help with Air Force prep, but I’m sure someone here can. I have yet to hear of anyone in any prep program, regret attending.

10,000 percent you need to make the choice for YOUR future. Whichever you would pick, all things equal, is the route you should take. You are right to look beyond the academy, to the career. That said, it’s also prudent to consider where you would prefer to plant you feet, if you don’t get a pilot slot. It happens every year. BTW, You aren’t on a boat for 5 years (plus) after graduating usna, even as a SWO. And Navy has the most pilots between Navy and Marines (right?). Not trying to sway you, but something to ponder. Make sure you have an accurate picture of what you life would be like.

Hopefully your heat and brain can meet up, with more information. Bc that will make you the happiest Officer, whichever you choose. But I would not worry/consider one little bit any ‘risk’ related to a year of prep. And my j derstanding is that there is a great deal of financial aid/assistance in those programs (someone else can help with that…). But that prep money over your lifetime won’t matter, either. In the big picture.

Good luck. Talk to some prepsters!

BTW…including this active link, just because I ran across it and it shows some ‘USAF vs NAVY’ discussion.

Thread 'USAFA vs USNA'
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/usafa-vs-usna.85484/
 
If you want to be an AF officer, accept the FFS. It’s your golden ticket. If you successfully complete the program, you will be at USAFA the following year. USAFA isn’t investing in you for a year to reject you. You control your destiny on this one. Do everything they say and you will get in.
 
First world problems. Buy a brand new Ferrari Pista or a slightly used Pagani Zonda. I will go with the Pagani. Navy and Air Force are very different. I do not understand why some people apply to all the academies and then go, which one do I chose? I will never get it. But that is me, just me.
 
First world problems. Buy a brand new Ferrari Pista or a slightly used Pagani Zonda. I will go with the Pagani. Navy and Air Force are very different. I do not understand why some people apply to all the academies and then go, which one do I chose? I will never get it. But that is me, just me.
Some apply to collect appointments. But most, in my experience, apply bc they want to serve, but not sure where yet, as a 16/17 yr old just coming off the their junior year. And with the unique application process, they will always be advised to apply to any/all of interest, to have doors open for them when the time comes to make their choice.

You will grow, mature, and change your mind a lot during your senior year. But unless you have applied? You won’t have that branch as an option or choice.

I always advice those that inquire to apply, and then make the decision when the time comes. Can’t walk through a locked door. But you can choose to close an open one.
 
Some apply to collect appointments. But most, in my experience, apply bc they want to serve, but not sure where yet, as a 16/17 yr old just coming off the their junior year. And with the unique application process, they will always be advised to apply to any/all of interest, to have doors open for them when the time comes to make their choice.

You will grow, mature, and change your mind a lot during your senior year. But unless you have applied? You won’t have that branch as an option or choice.

I always advice those that inquire to apply, and then make the decision when the time comes. Can’t walk through a locked door. But you can choose to close an open one.
I completely agree, and as adults, we change our minds as well. I was in the Army but would have loved fly a F-14 from a carrier. Live takes you to other places as well.
 
Ok a little confused but I'll try to answer the question I think is being asked.

You received a falcon scholarship. Which means you were rejected by USAFA and you've heard candidates who were rejected some of them later on got accepted correct?

Look those people were put on the NWL, USAFA has determined for whatever reason that without work you wouldn't be a good fit for this year's class. If they want to give out an acceptance they will later on but that's really really low and if they do change their mind accepting the FFS wouldn't prevent you from accepting the acceptance. Why hold out on hope of getting in with this class when not messing up for one year means 100% next year?

I'll give you tip. Your profile could be the best and they would still send you to prep school for something! I thought other's profiles were outstanding. Almost everyone at prep school thought they deserved to be at USAFA with class of 2025. Heck I was the outlier for the first few weeks! USAFA has been doing this awhile. They know something you can't see. It's probably that SAT test btw. Remember most of this class has over 1400's.

But it's just a test score! Right? Well it doesn't match with your gpa. They told me the exact thing with my act 24 for math. Pretty good math grades terrible act. Why? Because I didn't know how to study. They saw it, deep down I knew something was wrong but USAFA knew what it was. Then challenged my a** to do the damn work before I got it handed to me.

The real question is not "should I hold out?" But " should I go for one extra year or USNA?" that's a question worth asking. I get it. I spent the money. My "free college" is costing alot more than expected. It's something my family jokes constantly. Yet I never once rejected my choice. Nor have they.

Prep school should be seen as a challenge. They're betting on you! They're taking a chance that you'll be even better! They've sent out the white glove and it's you job to prove them right. That you deserve every cent by making yourself better, because there's always something to improve.
Thank you for responding to my thread! I see your responses on this forum frequently and I appreciate your help.

I have told my parents about this as an option for me and they support me. I now fully under that this FFS is a sure way to get into the academy. However, paying for the prep school year is not an easy task in my position. I might have to obtain some scholarships, depending on what I have to pay for out of pocket.

So, I have boiled down my optionof attending either USAFA or USNA. I would like to attend GMC because I live in Georgia. I would like to know if I take the SAT again to get a better score, but end up getting the same score or a little bit better, how will that affect my application? I tried really hard on that SAT to get a 1210, so hypothetically say if I get a 1250, will that prove to admissions that I have shown improvement?

Have you had any friends that have not been admitted because of test scores?

Have you had any friends that have been appointed to another academy and chose the FFS?

What have you heard about GMC?
 
I would like to know if I take the SAT again to get a better score, but end up getting the same score or a little bit better, how will that affect my application? I tried really hard on that SAT to get a 1210, so hypothetically say if I get a 1250, will that prove to admissions that I have shown improvement?

Have you had any friends that have not been admitted because of test scores?

Have you had any friends that have been appointed to another academy and chose the FFS?

What have you heard about GMC?
1) test scores: I only improved my math score by one for act. My English jumped up three points. Those where the only improvements I had. In my class the falcons who passed prep school have received appointments

2) In my class, there were a few falcons who got into the Usma/ USNA durning the 2025 cycle. They chose FFS as air force was what they wanted to do.

3) Heard all good things about GMC. Each prep school is different but so far this cycle falcons have done very well on earning appointments across the board. The falcon foundation also publicly publishes their numbers for those appointmented. For me I ruled out everything but NWP because of wearing a uniform. I also wanted to get a feel for the mountains.

I do understand the out of pocket cost. Currently my total cost has been around 5,000. My college is more expensive than most because well IL community colleges aren't the cheapest. If you do decide to go this route, you can always try a fundraiser or ask for donations. Scholarships work well too as you have time to apply. Lastly look around at the prep school threads, there's valuable information there too.

Best of luck to you!
 
I’m a USAFA class 26’ applicant and this is my first time creating a thread on this forum. I am currently in a “good” dilemma because I have received the FFS and I have received an appointment to USNA. My heart was completely set on attending USAFA after attending the Summer Seminar but when I received my “rejection” on March 26th, I thought it would be a no brainer to choose USNA.

However I have read that some applicants who are completely rejected have gained an appointment around May because of unused slots. I would like to know if this is the same for FFS students or if it is even true at all?

I keep reading that the FFS is basically a “golden ticket” to USAFA, but I would also feel like im turning down a huge opportunity at USNA to instead try again to a place that isn’t sure about me. However I am also trying to avoid living ships for long periods of time and would instead love to be an Air Force Officer.
I believe that I would have a fun time at USNA but an even BETTER time at USAFA.

I also feel like if I choose the FFS scholarship then I may be throwing away all of my work. I feel like I got lucky this year as I have a 1210 SAT score, 4.1 gpa, XC Team Captain, 4 years XC, 4 years Track & Field, 2 years Wrestling, NJROTC Officer, NHS, and 2 other community service clubs. I also received a Senator nomination so how much better can I make my profile.

My father and everyone I know thinks I would be an idiot to take this scholarship, pay to attend GMC and wait another year to get in. My heart is saying take the risk but my brain is saying, take the opportunity gifted to you.
Wow, impressive you got into USNA with only a 1210... I thought the cutoff what like 1270 or 1300. Tough decision, especially if your hearts on USAFA. Good luck and make whatever decision you can be happy with.
 
I’m a USAFA class 26’ applicant and this is my first time creating a thread on this forum. I am currently in a “good” dilemma because I have received the FFS and I have received an appointment to USNA. My heart was completely set on attending USAFA after attending the Summer Seminar but when I received my “rejection” on March 26th, I thought it would be a no brainer to choose USNA.

However I have read that some applicants who are completely rejected have gained an appointment around May because of unused slots. I would like to know if this is the same for FFS students or if it is even true at all?

I keep reading that the FFS is basically a “golden ticket” to USAFA, but I would also feel like im turning down a huge opportunity at USNA to instead try again to a place that isn’t sure about me. However I am also trying to avoid living ships for long periods of time and would instead love to be an Air Force Officer.
I believe that I would have a fun time at USNA but an even BETTER time at USAFA.

I also feel like if I choose the FFS scholarship then I may be throwing away all of my work. I feel like I got lucky this year as I have a 1210 SAT score, 4.1 gpa, XC Team Captain, 4 years XC, 4 years Track & Field, 2 years Wrestling, NJROTC Officer, NHS, and 2 other community service clubs. I also received a Senator nomination so how much better can I make my profile.

My father and everyone I know thinks I would be an idiot to take this scholarship, pay to attend GMC and wait another year to get in. My heart is saying take the risk but my brain is saying, take the opportunity gifted to you.
tbh, I wish I had your problem. I am still waiting for both naval and air force :(
 
What is the criteria for Falcon Scholars and Prep School appointments? If you have a good SAT and high GPA will you even be considered for these if you aren't appointed?
 
I wish you the best, I worked hard and I got lucky that I didn’t do it all for nothing. My friend just got into usafa prep yesterday, so I still believe in you!!
Thanks. I believe that I will get a decision later because I completed everything in January 31 for both naval and air force.
 
Also lack of nomination....or they simply don't have a spot. The second part I am speculating, but I can deduce based on some recently gathered info. If your nominating MoC has all of his/her slots filled at USAFA and USAFA wants you, a FFS or Prep may be offered.
I'm going to second this one. Had the nomination but was straight up told I was ranked third. Proud of that but still third. So that with a confirmation from USAFA that my math was shaky= prep school. A decision I'm very happy happened
 
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