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Class of 2015 - Mailbox Stalkers Club
- Thread starter falconfamily
- Start date
ymg
5-Year Member
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- Apr 27, 2010
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- 67
Good morning dear stalkers! Last night I was able to sleep after taking some Dramamine...a little insomnia...wondering why!!!!!
But I woke with my soul full of hope...for me and for you guys...
I would love to take the day off just to seat by the mailbox today...but my boss is in DC and "I'm in charge when he is gone"...bummer.
My co-worker's son graduated from the AFA in 2001 so she is always giving me tips...however he was accepted in 2 wks...so she didn't have to be a stalker of mailboxes...how nice hmmmm.
But I woke with my soul full of hope...for me and for you guys...
I would love to take the day off just to seat by the mailbox today...but my boss is in DC and "I'm in charge when he is gone"...bummer.
My co-worker's son graduated from the AFA in 2001 so she is always giving me tips...however he was accepted in 2 wks...so she didn't have to be a stalker of mailboxes...how nice hmmmm.
Pima
10-Year Member
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- Nov 28, 2007
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- 13,900
Some clarification about filling if people drop out of BCT. There is a reg that they must not miss more than a certain amount of days for BCT (I believe it is 8). I have never ever heard of anyone being called up after I day in the past few years.
People are indeed called as short as a few days prior, but once it has started I believe it is all over.
Also, the SA's expect approx. 5% to drop out during BCT, for various reasons from this is not for me to medical injuries. This number is built into their system and that is why they also start with larger size classes.
The reason this yr they dropped the numbers dramatically is that the rate of losing cadets is decreasing. Rule of thumb was the starting class would lose 25% of the cadets prior to graduation. Hence, another reason why they traditionally do not fill in people during BCT. It is a numbers game, and the SA keeps an eye on those numbers. The AFA is only authorized to have up to 4400 cadets. Do the math if they start with 1250, and 25% drop out over 4 yrs the class will end shy of 1000. Lately the classes were starting in the mid 1300 range while the drop out rate is decreasing to below 20%, thus, they are graduating over 1000. Again, not everyone drops out after BCT, it is a gradual drop, in the past yrs C4C may end the yr with 1250, C3C with 1150, C2C with 1100, C1C with 1050, their total would be over 4400. That is why you are seeing this yr the lower offering in apptmts.
Additionally, for those who do leave BCT do to medical issues, some are called turnbacks. That means they will go through a medical board next yr to be cleared, but in essence the appointment still is there. They do not go through the nom process again. For that candidate to have their spot taken would mess with the MOCs slate since now if they filled it, the MOC would not have a slot for next yr since they have a medical turnback. Whereas, if they leave the slot alone for the turnback, they would have the ability to nom for the upcoming yr.
That all being said, don't bank on getting in after BCT starts, because by the time orders are cut and you get there you would have probably already missed the max days. The only way I can see that happen is if the person got to I day, and did not take their oath there and then.
People are indeed called as short as a few days prior, but once it has started I believe it is all over.
Also, the SA's expect approx. 5% to drop out during BCT, for various reasons from this is not for me to medical injuries. This number is built into their system and that is why they also start with larger size classes.
The reason this yr they dropped the numbers dramatically is that the rate of losing cadets is decreasing. Rule of thumb was the starting class would lose 25% of the cadets prior to graduation. Hence, another reason why they traditionally do not fill in people during BCT. It is a numbers game, and the SA keeps an eye on those numbers. The AFA is only authorized to have up to 4400 cadets. Do the math if they start with 1250, and 25% drop out over 4 yrs the class will end shy of 1000. Lately the classes were starting in the mid 1300 range while the drop out rate is decreasing to below 20%, thus, they are graduating over 1000. Again, not everyone drops out after BCT, it is a gradual drop, in the past yrs C4C may end the yr with 1250, C3C with 1150, C2C with 1100, C1C with 1050, their total would be over 4400. That is why you are seeing this yr the lower offering in apptmts.
Additionally, for those who do leave BCT do to medical issues, some are called turnbacks. That means they will go through a medical board next yr to be cleared, but in essence the appointment still is there. They do not go through the nom process again. For that candidate to have their spot taken would mess with the MOCs slate since now if they filled it, the MOC would not have a slot for next yr since they have a medical turnback. Whereas, if they leave the slot alone for the turnback, they would have the ability to nom for the upcoming yr.
That all being said, don't bank on getting in after BCT starts, because by the time orders are cut and you get there you would have probably already missed the max days. The only way I can see that happen is if the person got to I day, and did not take their oath there and then.
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CaptRon811
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2011
- Messages
- 4
Now really confused, yesterday status says administratively disqualified again, how?
hoping it is a clerical error. DS is calling AFA Counselor today
Only other thing I can think is CFA not passing? any comments, suggestions? anyone seen anything like this, and does clerical errors happen on the status page?
his scores
BB 70
Pullups 8
Pushups 58
situps 77
shuttle 9.4
1 mile run 7.00
falconfamily
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2011
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- 670
Definitely worth exploring. At one point this spring my DS had his height incorrectly inputted by Concorde, the third party medical company that did his physical. Basically they had him as being 5 feet tall with 22 inch long legs (he is actually 5'11"). He showed as qualified by DODMERB, but could have been DQ'ed by the board (legs would have been too short to reach the pedals in a car!). I found the admissions couselors very helpful - so definitely find out why.
Good Luck!
Tailwind Angel
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2010
- Messages
- 129
Good morning MBS (Mail Box Stalkers)! It's a new bright shiny day. Who cares if I have bronchitis and a mountain of clothes folding awaiting me later tonight. Who cares I have a busy day of work plus 5 other appointments this week? I don't care! I woke up and remembered it's a new day and good things happen (blessings) each and every day! I have a pep in my step and knew I would get an extra boost by reading this forum. All the stories the kids are relating about the funny "hyper-alert waiting for news" incidents (getting called out in class, etc) are so humorous. Keep them coming. Helps pass the waiting time! PIMA, thanks for jumping in with relevant info. You can be our group therapist (anxiety expert for parents). Everyone have a wonderful day!
ymg
5-Year Member
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- Apr 27, 2010
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Wishing a happy day to you as well...which state r u from?
vamom
5-Year Member
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- Feb 16, 2011
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- 413
Kidding OF COURSE! LOL I just hope that she did an appropriate amount of stalking for that BFE! It seems as if it should be mandatory.......
Everyone have a nice day today and may you all get what you are waiting for!
vamom
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2011
- Messages
- 413
Well, with any luck, we will KNOW each other forever! 
If not, I'll be lurking for the next 7 or 8 months because DS will reapply! (unless he drinks WAY too much of the Hokie koolaid and can't tear himself away from the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia!) But I swear this: if he does not get admitted now and does not receive a prin. nom in November ("Eric" selects on Oct., Notifies in November and throws a breakfast shindig for all the noms for all of the academies in December.) He's no nonsense. So , back to my thought, and I did have one!, if no prin nom in November, I will not obsess on Round Two. I will be attending Hokie "stuff" and proudly sporting the lovely maroon and orange of VT! .......until March rolls around...... LOL
If not, I'll be lurking for the next 7 or 8 months because DS will reapply! (unless he drinks WAY too much of the Hokie koolaid and can't tear himself away from the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia!) But I swear this: if he does not get admitted now and does not receive a prin. nom in November ("Eric" selects on Oct., Notifies in November and throws a breakfast shindig for all the noms for all of the academies in December.) He's no nonsense. So , back to my thought, and I did have one!, if no prin nom in November, I will not obsess on Round Two. I will be attending Hokie "stuff" and proudly sporting the lovely maroon and orange of VT! .......until March rolls around...... LOL
Pima
10-Year Member
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- Nov 28, 2007
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- 13,900
Therapist speaking.
One thing is to understand, the military life is not only about what you know, but timing.
Let me give you a real life story. Back in 92 the AF announced a RIF for specific yr groups. 95% of ADAF ROTC commissioned officers for 1986 were to be cut. They were offered a very generous buy out, back at that time some walked away with 6 figure checks. During the Gulf one of our friends who flew the EF111 circled over the crash in enemy territory for hours until the bodies of the other jet could be rescued. They both got the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Silver Star. One was in that hit group. Due to those heroic actions he was selected and sent to Fighter Weapons Instructor Course (Top Gun for the AF). He decided to take his chances believing surely he was safe. 3 days after unpacking his household good in Vegas he was handed his pink slip from the AF.
The point is had he graduated in 87 he would have been safe, regardless of getting his DFC or Star or FWIC. He didn't, he graduated in 86 and it was all timing, nothing in his resume(what he knew/did) could save him.
I hope as the TWEs come out that some of you think of this story and understand, it was nothing more than timing and what the AF needed now.
There are going to be a ton of these ups and downs for yrs, some you can control and some you can't. It is important to be able to understand/sort between timing and personal control.
IMPO, yes, you had control over creating the best resume/packet, but you had no control over the AFA saying this yr they would reduce by 10% the amount of appts. If your child feels pain, turn to them and say it is our fault, had we had a crystal ball 19 yrs ago I would have had you a yr earlier to get your dream of attending the AFA.
One thing is to understand, the military life is not only about what you know, but timing.
Let me give you a real life story. Back in 92 the AF announced a RIF for specific yr groups. 95% of ADAF ROTC commissioned officers for 1986 were to be cut. They were offered a very generous buy out, back at that time some walked away with 6 figure checks. During the Gulf one of our friends who flew the EF111 circled over the crash in enemy territory for hours until the bodies of the other jet could be rescued. They both got the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Silver Star. One was in that hit group. Due to those heroic actions he was selected and sent to Fighter Weapons Instructor Course (Top Gun for the AF). He decided to take his chances believing surely he was safe. 3 days after unpacking his household good in Vegas he was handed his pink slip from the AF.
The point is had he graduated in 87 he would have been safe, regardless of getting his DFC or Star or FWIC. He didn't, he graduated in 86 and it was all timing, nothing in his resume(what he knew/did) could save him.
I hope as the TWEs come out that some of you think of this story and understand, it was nothing more than timing and what the AF needed now.
There are going to be a ton of these ups and downs for yrs, some you can control and some you can't. It is important to be able to understand/sort between timing and personal control.
IMPO, yes, you had control over creating the best resume/packet, but you had no control over the AFA saying this yr they would reduce by 10% the amount of appts. If your child feels pain, turn to them and say it is our fault, had we had a crystal ball 19 yrs ago I would have had you a yr earlier to get your dream of attending the AFA.
ymg
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2010
- Messages
- 67
Therapist speaking.
"One thing is to understand, the military life is not only about what you know, but timing.
I hope as the TWEs come out that some of you think of this story and understand, it was nothing more than timing and what the AF needed now."
This is very comforting...I don't know you "Pima" but after reading some of your posts it seems like u know a lot about AFA
Thank you for reminiding me about "timing"...that is so true.
tkuser21mom
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2011
- Messages
- 18
Still waiting in IN
We've been experiencing much of the same insanity as all of you! My freshman (HS) DS, re-programmed the caller ID feature on our home phones to display "US Air Force Academy" when he calls from his cell. Imagine the excitement to answer the phone thinking it's the USAFA when it's DS2 verifying baseball practice is over @ 6:30 and we're on carpooling duty. Soy sauce on the waffles....he's going to be lucky if that's all I do to him when he gets home!
We've been experiencing much of the same insanity as all of you! My freshman (HS) DS, re-programmed the caller ID feature on our home phones to display "US Air Force Academy" when he calls from his cell. Imagine the excitement to answer the phone thinking it's the USAFA when it's DS2 verifying baseball practice is over @ 6:30 and we're on carpooling duty. Soy sauce on the waffles....he's going to be lucky if that's all I do to him when he gets home!
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2011
- Messages
- 39
Well, I WASN'T until now!!
Haha tell me about it. according to this site which list the the scores and gpa of people applying to USAFA that are also active on the site this years class is almost identical to last years average gpa and the the test scores are slightly lower. Im not sure that I trust it though because I'm unsure of how they averaged to attain these score. Still kinda interesting though.
Tailwind Angel
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2010
- Messages
- 129
YMG, we are from Texas. PIMA, thanks for advice about timing. Absolutely, I agree, and I am also firm believer in "what is meant to be, is meant to be". You do your best and don't wait around for things to fall in your lap, but work hard, and then accept how things play out, because it was "meant to be" or a multitude of factors beyond your control have played a hand. And then get up, and attack the new day and the new path with a "happy spirit." You don't let things beat you down. It is not a failure at all. It is just a new path opening up. (Wow, I sound so beautifully philosophical.) However, for just 4 more weeks, I'm going to allow myself the selfish indulgence of wishing for this particular path for my child. And CHOCOLATE.
Good luck at the mailboxes today everyone!
I am going to go run 18 miles in the rain and then check ours. Thinking of the mail with every stride or should I say old lady shuffle. lol
Funny my son has yet to check mailbox or call home during the day. I guess I am glad that he is living in the moment in his senior year. At first this worried me but now after knowing how obsessed this whole waiting has made me, I am kind of glad that he is distracted with school and sports. You know what they say...."what you do not worry about someone else will". Usually that someone is your mama!
I am going to go run 18 miles in the rain and then check ours. Thinking of the mail with every stride or should I say old lady shuffle. lol
Funny my son has yet to check mailbox or call home during the day. I guess I am glad that he is living in the moment in his senior year. At first this worried me but now after knowing how obsessed this whole waiting has made me, I am kind of glad that he is distracted with school and sports. You know what they say...."what you do not worry about someone else will". Usually that someone is your mama!
Tailwind Angel
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2010
- Messages
- 129
TKUSER, your son wins the prize for most innovative jokester. That is hysterical. Great family story for the future.We've been experiencing much of the same insanity as all of you! My freshman (HS) DS, re-programmed the caller ID feature on our home phones to display "US Air Force Academy" when he calls from his cell. Imagine the excitement to answer the phone thinking it's the USAFA when it's DS2 verifying baseball practice is over @ 6:30 and we're on carpooling duty. Soy sauce on the waffles....he's going to be lucky if that's all I do to him when he gets home!
hunterjumper67
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2011
- Messages
- 88
Those should be passing scores for the CFA. There is a calculator on the internet. Just type in PT test. It is not specific for the USAFA but it will give you an idea. Girls get different parameters so I don't know what it is for a guy. Those scores look very good though, don't think that would be your problem.