Christcorp
15-Year Member
- Joined
- May 21, 2008
- Messages
- 5,382
Also 10% of cadets at the Academy got accepted because of cap
I'm sure this is what you really meant; but let me qualify. There's a big difference between 10% of the cadets WERE IN CAP and 10% of the cadets got accepted BECAUSE OF CAP. I doubt very much that CAP got anyone into the academy. Same with scouts or any particular activity.
Don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with being involved with CAP. But there are literally dozens of extra curricular activities that a high school student can be involved in. The academy knows that you can't possibly be involved in all activities. CAP is no more important on your application than Scouts, band, debate, class secretary, etc... The academy wants a well rounded individual. If you are interested in CAP; then fantastic. You should definitely be involved with it. But don't get involved with CAP or ANY activity because you think it's a way to fill in a square or that it's going to give you an edge. As you realized; the overwhelming majority of cadets at the academy was never involved with CAP. Nor were they involved with JrROTC, Scouting, and a number of other activities. But they were involved in other activities.
And that's what's important. A well rounded individual who is involved in more than just their academics. Someone involved in athletics, volunteering, leadership, and the list goes on. Just as baseball isn't MORE important or going to give you an edge at getting an appointment compared to say swimming or track; neither will CAP give you an edge over the boy scout, JrROTC, Meals On Wheels volunteer, and many other activities. I know plenty of current cadets who never spent one minute as a scout, CAP, JrROTC, etc... and yet they received appointments and/or LOA early (As in October/November). So again; do CAP or whatever you want because you WANT TO. Not because you're filling in squares. And for what it's worth; as someone who was involved in scouting, JrROTC, and a little bit with CAP; there was very little that those things prepared me for with the "Real Military". Actually; I would say that Marching Band and sports were the 2 greatest things that prepared me for military life. Sports; because of the discipline, teamwork, being a follower, working up to leader, and having someone scream and yell at you. Marching band taught me how to march; conform to a large group of people (flight, squadron, group, etc...); Stand at attention for very long periods of time. Also discipline like athletics. And so on. Best of luck to you. Mike......