Current Cadet- Ask Away!

Well put. This rings true for so many.
Agree. DD said it was the biggest thing for her. Time management. Using the rare "down time" to get ahead on some studies etc. I think particularly important as a Plebe. Go underwater quickly
 
As a parent of a current USMA plebe I’m going to interject my 2 cents. Technology has given grade school parents the ability to monitor their child’s grades, due dates, test dates, etc..almost daily. This affords us the ability, if we so desire, to micromanage and stay on top of their success. This goes away the minute you say goodbye to them on R day. If up to this point you have relied upon your parents to manage your schedule, stay on top of your homework, remind you of test dates, motivate you to study, etc. then the schedule, academic rigor, military/physical demands and responsibilities will quickly become overwhelming. All this can wear on even the most prepared cadet which in turn can outwardly appear as a lack of motivation. It’s an emotional and physical roller coaster. Understanding and buying into the concept of delayed gratification is crucial.

I have three children and not surprisingly they are all very different. With my middle son we rarely had to manage his academics, the other two, not so much. My gut instinct was that he would be prepared to navigate the USMA journey. This has at least held true to date. He told me the cadets that are struggling are the those who do not know how to manage their time, work ahead and utilize every waking minute wisely. It is extremely difficult to wait to the last minute to complete homework, cram for a test or write a paper because you never know when you are going tasked to do something for which you hadn’t planned. West Point provides a myriad of emotional, spiritual and academic support for those that are struggling and need help, but no one is going to be there to constantly micromanage your free time.

So my advice is to look long and hard at your self discipline and motivation. If you have it then more than likely you will be successful. If not, and you truly believe in your heart that West Point (or any other SA) is for you, then begin now learning and implementing these habits of success.

Piggy backing off this. If you want to be here. And want to succeed here. You have to put forth the effort. Perfectly put, thank you!
 
Something I’ve realized coming here is a lot of people didn’t really know what they’re getting in to and are caught off guard by the intensity as well as the change of pace and work load. If anyone has any questions about the application or cadet life please ask. The more informed you are the better off you’ll be!
What freedom do you have? What can you bring with you?
 
Current Air Force Academy Cadet, what credits would be excepted from my doolie year?
 
I am currently a Junior at Bellarmine Preparatory Highschool in Tacoma WA. I am hell-bent in getting into USMA by whatever means necessary, however a very rough freshman and sophomore year gave me a 3.1 GPA overall. This year I currently have a 4.0 and am in many aspects of leadership including a leader of the L’Arche service club, an ASB officer in charge of assemblies, I worked at a Christian camp last summer, and am a member of the social justice team. I’m also in vocal ensamble and taking AP US history. I am working on my Eagle Scout and an ASPL of my troop, I am going to Evergreen’s boys state, and play varsity Wrestling Football and Lacrosse. I am a lector at my school for prayer services and mass. I was selected as a leader for the Sophmore boys Retreat this year and every Sunday work as a youth group leader. My SAT and ACT scores are not in yet as I am taking the tests in Dec. and further from there, though I think I can get over a 1350-1400. I’ve also been training everyday for CFA and let’s say I do well on that, how competitive would I be to gain admission to either the academy or prep or civil prep schools?
 
I am currently a Junior at Bellarmine Preparatory Highschool in Tacoma WA. I am hell-bent in getting into USMA by whatever means necessary, however a very rough freshman and sophomore year gave me a 3.1 GPA overall. This year I currently have a 4.0 and am in many aspects of leadership including a leader of the L’Arche service club, an ASB officer in charge of assemblies, I worked at a Christian camp last summer, and am a member of the social justice team. I’m also in vocal ensamble and taking AP US history. I am working on my Eagle Scout and an ASPL of my troop, I am going to Evergreen’s boys state, and play varsity Wrestling Football and Lacrosse. I am a lector at my school for prayer services and mass. I was selected as a leader for the Sophmore boys Retreat this year and every Sunday work as a youth group leader. My SAT and ACT scores are not in yet as I am taking the tests in Dec. and further from there, though I think I can get over a 1350-1400. I’ve also been training everyday for CFA and let’s say I do well on that, how competitive would I be to gain admission to either the academy or prep or civil prep schools?
Hey, I'm a current applicant in WA too, and I'm friends with some of the people from your school applying this year. From what you wrote, you seem pretty good because of your extracurricular and sports. Admissions won't throw you out of the running just because you're short in academics (unless its bad enough to disqualify you academically). I currently have no varsity letters, and I received 3 C's and 7 B's during 9/10th grade, but I was able to get into SLE and get an LOE. I think it's cuz I'm stronger in other areas, and I picked up my grades last year and this year. I think if you continue your upward trend you'll have a pretty good shot.
 
Hey, I'm a current applicant in WA too, and I'm friends with some of the people from your school applying this year. From what you wrote, you seem pretty good because of your extracurricular and sports. Admissions won't throw you out of the running just because you're short in academics (unless its bad enough to disqualify you academically). I currently have no varsity letters, and I received 3 C's and 7 B's during 9/10th grade, but I was able to get into SLE and get an LOE. I think it's cuz I'm stronger in other areas, and I picked up my grades last year and this year. I think if you continue your upward trend you'll have a pretty good shot.
Thank you, I will try my best.
This information is very much appreciated.
 
Hey, I'm a current applicant in WA too, and I'm friends with some of the people from your school applying this year. From what you wrote, you seem pretty good because of your extracurricular and sports. Admissions won't throw you out of the running just because you're short in academics (unless its bad enough to disqualify you academically). I currently have no varsity letters, and I received 3 C's and 7 B's during 9/10th grade, but I was able to get into SLE and get an LOE. I think it's cuz I'm stronger in other areas, and I picked up my grades last year and this year. I think if you continue your upward trend you'll have a pretty good shot.
Do you mind me asking what your ACT and SAT scores are?
 
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