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CincyAFACandidate

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Aug 31, 2021
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Before I begin, yes I realize that there is no way to accurately guess if I will make it in, as nothing is guaranteed. However, I am mostly looking to get feedback on areas I can improve upon.

I am a senior in high school in Ohio and I am currently working on my applications for the academy and congressional nomination as well as training for the fitness test. Here are some of my stats.

Academic:

  • GPA: 140.3/100 weighted (my school does a 100 point scale, but I think this equates to around a 5.0/4.0)
  • Class Rank: 1/187 (Valedictorian)
  • ACT: 34 superscore (31 math, 34 science, 34 reading, 36 english)
  • AP classes: I have taken- World History (4), Chemistry (4), Calculus AB (3), Physics C: Mechanics (4), English Language (5), US History (dual credit, didn't take test). I am currently taking: Computer Science A, Government and Politics, Calculus BC, English Literature, Spanish Language and Culture. I am also taking a dual credit fundamentals of engineering class.
  • National Honor Society
  • National Merit Commended (may or may not be semifinalist, still waiting)
  • Various subject awards in math and sciences
Athletic:

  • 4 years of cross country and 3 of Track (COVID took one season)
  • Varsity letter in cross country for Junior year
  • This is the category I am most worried about, as I am not going to be team captain, and I am maybe top 14, but probably never going to be in top 7 for cross country
Leadership:

  • Senior Patrol Leader in Boy Scout Troop for almost 2 years
  • Attended National Youth Leadership Training
  • Eagle Scout
  • President of Spanish National Honor Society
  • Co-leader of student formed and led service group at my school
  • Student Ambassador
Other ECs:

  • Winter Running Club
  • IT and Business Club
  • Academic Team
  • Maybe a couple other clubs I can't think of because I am not as involved in them
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
 
Dear OP,
From what you have stated, your application looks balanced and it seems you have invested your time wisely. No one knows how your local competition looks like though.

You have depth in your chosen sports and that is a good. You have leadership skills in other areas so if you are not a captain of your sport team, would it matter, not sure. Keep excelling in your academics.

Hit the CFA out of the park and let the chips fall where they may.
 
Academics look strong. You may want to consider running for a class officer to add another leadership credential.
 
Overall the student resume looks strong in all areas. You have leadership outside of sports, so I would not be overly concerned about the Team Captain role. To ensure you address this head on, my suggestion would be to prep solid examples of leadership from scouting. My guess is that you have a few examples if you have been SPL for 2 years. If you believe there to be a gap in the resume - FILL IT with your own words in the essays and interviews. Don't leave room for interpretation by the interview/admissions panel.
 
Allectus said:
Academics look strong. You may want to consider running for a class officer to add another leadership credential.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately my school does not have class officers; hopefully I can show my leadership pretty well through my role as Senior Patrol Leader in my essays. I am also getting one of my optional letters of rec from my Scout Master.
 
Not helpful in answering your question, but I’m curious about you being Senior Patrol Leader in scouts for 2 years. Typically, BSA leadership roles are for a 6-month term. I know in my sons’ troop, neither of my boys would have been able to sit as Senior Patrol Leader for that long as other troop members would have come along pursuing the role for their needed advancement requirements for Eagle. I mean, nothing would prohibit someone from running for back-to-back elections, I guess. It just wasn’t something done, probably more as a courtesy to the group and as a nod to bringing in the new ideas and fresh perspectives that can come from new personnel/leadership. Plus, often the SPL role went to older scouts who might age out before they could serve for 2 years. Is yours just a small enough troop that there are more than enough leadership roles to go around? I’m a fan of the BSA program and am always interested in tales from other troops. Best of luck with your USAFA application. You sound great to me!
 
RJB1690 said:
Not helpful in answering your question, but I’m curious about you being Senior Patrol Leader in scouts for 2 years. Typically, BSA leadership roles are for a 6-month term. I know in my sons’ troop, neither of my boys would have been able to sit as Senior Patrol Leader for that long as other troop members would have come along pursuing the role for their needed advancement requirements for Eagle. I mean, nothing would prohibit someone from running for back-to-back elections, I guess. It just wasn’t something done, probably more as a courtesy to the group and as a nod to bringing in the new ideas and fresh perspectives that can come from new personnel/leadership. Plus, often the SPL role went to older scouts who might age out before they could serve for 2 years. Is yours just a small enough troop that there are more than enough leadership roles to go around? I’m a fan of the BSA program and am always interested in tales from other troops. Best of luck with your USAFA application. You sound great to me!
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I have actually been the SPL for a little under two years, but it will be about that when I age out in a few months. I am in a very small and struggling troop, and unfortunately there is little motivation for advancement and there really isn't anyone to take my place at the moment.
 
CincyAFACandidate said:
I have actually been the SPL for a little under two years, but it will be about that when I age out in a few months. I am in a very small and struggling troop, and unfortunately there is little motivation for advancement and there really isn't anyone to take my place at the moment.
Click to expand...
Bummer for your troop. Sorry to hear it. Good for you for sticking with it. Sounds like you have been an excellent model for younger scouts - I always like to see Eagles staying active in their troops. No doubt your experience there will lend itself to some good stories about leadership for essays and interviews.
 
Have you considered Girls State?

It seems you have a strong resume and I would consider Girls State to add to your resume....
 
CincyAFACandidate said:
I have actually been the SPL for a little under two years, but it will be about that when I age out in a few months. I am in a very small and struggling troop, and unfortunately there is little motivation for advancement and there really isn't anyone to take my place at the moment.
Click to expand...
I just got Eagle in my Troop and all of our boys are seniors now. I was the SPL for one year before giving one of the other boys a chance at it but we’re struggling just as much. We are not renewing our charter this year and the troop will be dead until a group of boys comes up to revive it. Best of luck with your application! It sounds like you are taking a rigorous course load, have plenty of leadership, and athletic depth. I think side-by-side you look more impressive than I do, academically, as my school does not offer math classes beyond Calculus 1 and science classes beyond Physics 1. Hope to see you there!

-Hatchet
 
You look strong all around. Fortunately, Eagle Scout maxes out your leadership. For SA, your chance will depend on competitiveness of your Nomination in your district and state. Do well in your interviews and be sure to apply to AFROTC, NROTC, AROTC programs as well. This demonstrates your further commitment and a great back up to commissioning through a CIV school. Air Force ROTC interview is very important as interview has the most weight. First question is what is the Air Force motto? Also important is what you declare for major in AFROTC. This determines your scholarship level. T1, T2, T7. NROTC awards 85% to STEM major 15% to non STEM. Army don’t care majors.

FYI, my DS is a Firstie at USNA and DD is 4/C MIDN at UCLA. Both Eagle Scouts and Summit. DS received appointments and scholarships from all SAs and all ROTCs. It looks like he’s commissioning as a Naval Aviator. DD Attended USAFA and USNA Seminars and Summer Athletic programs this summer. She’s decided on UCLA because she fortunately received admissions in her Junior year so decided to graduate early and take the NROTC Scholarship to start early this month, actually her NSO starts next week. Cannot plan life exactly the way you want it but you can have it in many ways. Good luck to you. Your future looks bright!
 
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