Do I have a chance of getting in to the Air Force Academy

i_like_planes

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Im a junior in high school and am just wondering if the Air Force Academy would be a realistic goal for myself.

ACT: 33
I've taken only one official test but since then my scores on practice tests have been 35/36 and i'm taking an official test next week.

GPA: 3.7

AP Physics: B+
AP U.S. History: B+
English: B+
Honors Spanish: B-
Pre-Calculus: B+ (less than half a percent from an A-)

Class Rank: my school doesn't do that

Extracurriculars: School newspaper, cross country, track, flight lessons since I was 10, summer jobs, independent courses on stuff like aeronautical engineering. Also I will be captain of the cross country team next season.

Fitness: I consider myself to be relatively fit. I workout a few times a week but don't focus too much on strength. I can do about 8-9 pull ups and 50 push ups. I really shine in running though. My mile time is 5:20.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
 
Is there any way to find out how competitive your area is?
There are some states that are well known as highly-competitive, but otherwise it depends on the year. There might be 0 qualified people one year, and then the next might have 50-100 qualified people. You just never know
 
There are some states that are well known as highly-competitive, but otherwise it depends on the year. There might be 0 qualified people one year, and then the next might have 50-100 qualified people. You just never know
Oh, okay. Thanks.
 
I'll say this we don't know what your chances are however yes you do have a chance. You always do. Complete the application even if you don't "feel like it" ( aka when it seems like alot of work). Just finishing it from what I'm told is the hardest part. Then nominations then cfa then well that's up to how you handle things. For me mom's weren't too bad and finishing was easy but I'm also the person who sat down for 6+ hours, put on music and got all of my essays done, reviewed then sent them off to someone else for review in a single day. You've got this! We've got this! Because we're right here helping you out!
 
I'll say this we don't know what your chances are however yes you do have a chance. You always do. Complete the application even if you don't "feel like it" ( aka when it seems like alot of work). Just finishing it from what I'm told is the hardest part. Then nominations then cfa then well that's up to how you handle things. For me mom's weren't too bad and finishing was easy but I'm also the person who sat down for 6+ hours, put on music and got all of my essays done, reviewed then sent them off to someone else for review in a single day. You've got this! We've got this! Because we're right here helping you out!
Thanks for the encouragement, i'm also the type to sit down with music and get everything done in one sitting. I feel like i've heard somewhere that the largest reason for people not getting in is that they don't finish the applications. Do you know if that is true?
 
Thanks for the encouragement, i'm also the type to sit down with music and get everything done in one sitting. I feel like i've heard somewhere that the largest reason for people not getting in is that they don't finish the applications. Do you know if that is true?
From what the outreach teams says, yes. They say it like every. Single. Time. Apparently around 11,000 people apply while 2,400 nominationas are earned so if even 40% didn't complete the application it would make sense to say that's them main reason. Also if people don't get a nomination they may not complete that application anyway.
 
Is there any way to find out how competitive your area is?
What others have said, but people will tell you off-hand if you live in a competitive area. I live in PA06 and have been told that I live in a tough district from academy liaisons (and etc.). I’ve heard the same about a few other regions too.
You could also talk with your peers. I know a few kids from my grade at school (‘21) applying to the academies, and I’ve heard about other applicants through them as well. It doesn’t tell you the level of competition necessarily, but it does let you know if you live in an area where there’s some common level of interest in the SAs.
 
From what the outreach teams says, yes. They say it like every. Single. Time. Apparently around 11,000 people apply while 2,400 nominationas are earned so if even 40% didn't complete the application it would make sense to say that's them main reason. Also if people don't get a nomination they may not complete that application anyway.
If you get a nomination, are you most likely going to get in? Or is that barely a first step?
 
Don't worry about stats, you seem set. As FlyFalcon said, the best thing you can do for yourself (assuming you complete the ACT, even though your scores are great as is) is to navigate the application process well. Be aware of all nomination deadlines and the intricacies of the process. For example, I spent extra time preparing for my MOC interview because USAFA was my goal and without the principal nomination from my MOC, I would likely be unable to compete for a slot. Get your medical qualification done very early and the CFA as well. Good luck!
 
If you get a nomination, are you most likely going to get in? Or is that barely a first step?
There are tons of people with nominations who don’t get in. Think of the nomination process as a checkpoint in a super long race. Just because you get there, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll finish. However, if you don’t get a nomination (pass through the checkpoint) you have a 0% chance of getting in.
 
Thanks for the encouragement, i'm also the type to sit down with music and get everything done in one sitting. I feel like i've heard somewhere that the largest reason for people not getting in is that they don't finish the applications. Do you know if that is true?
Oh....if it were just a matter of completing an application. As others have recommended, start by reading and understanding the requirements. This forum is a great place to start - a very knowledgeable and supportive community. Good luck!
 
There are tons of people with nominations who don’t get in. Think of the nomination process as a checkpoint in a super long race. Just because you get there, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll finish. However, if you don’t get a nomination (pass through the checkpoint) you have a 0% chance of getting in.
I’d it only between me and other nominees in my district, or can I still get in if another in my district does too?
 
It's between you, your state, your district and more. Also you could have an even larger district than 22 which was mine
 
I’d it only between me and other nominees in my district, or can I still get in if another in my district does too?
The best way to answer you is to explain the nomination process. Your MOC and senators all get 1 slot at USAFA every year. To fill that slot, they can nominate 10 people. If they choose to do an unranked slate (which is most common), they will send USAFA 10 names, and USAFA picks out the one that they want. The remaining 9 people go into the national waitlist. If the senator or MOC chooses to do a principal nomination, they will select one person and list them as #1. That person will be offered an appointment if they are 3Q's (it's kind of like an LOA). The remaining 9 people will go into the national waitlist. In the national waitlist, USAFA ranks everybody and offers appointments to the top X amount of people. (X being however many people they need to fill the class after the nominations have been processed). So yes, theoretically, every single person who gets nominated in your district could be offered an appointment. However, only one will be "cashed" to that MOC. Everyone else would have to get in through the national waitlist. This is also why you have a greater chance of admission if you have more than one nomination. You are essentially competing on two or more different nomination slates, and you only have to win one. I hope this answers your question. Good luck!
 
The best way to answer you is to explain the nomination process. Your MOC and senators all get 1 slot at USAFA every year. To fill that slot, they can nominate 10 people. If they choose to do an unranked slate (which is most common), they will send USAFA 10 names, and USAFA picks out the one that they want. The remaining 9 people go into the national waitlist. If the senator or MOC chooses to do a principal nomination, they will select one person and list them as #1. That person will be offered an appointment if they are 3Q's (it's kind of like an LOA). The remaining 9 people will go into the national waitlist. In the national waitlist, USAFA ranks everybody and offers appointments to the top X amount of people. (X being however many people they need to fill the class after the nominations have been processed). So yes, theoretically, every single person who gets nominated in your district could be offered an appointment. However, only one will be "cashed" to that MOC. Everyone else would have to get in through the national waitlist. This is also why you have a greater chance of admission if you have more than one nomination. You are essentially competing on two or more different nomination slates, and you only have to win one. I hope this answers your question. Good luck!
It does answer it well! Thanks. I was wondering because my interviewer for the nomination said that my district typically has about half of the nominees get in as it is competitive.
 
It does answer it well! Thanks. I was wondering because my interviewer for the nomination said that my district typically has about half of the nominees get in as it is competitive.
So that means probably over twenty like mine because of the 10 slots. 20/10= 1/2. Also by state I mean senator nomination, and Vice presidental. Should have been more clear apologies
 
Don't worry about stats, you seem set. As FlyFalcon said, the best thing you can do for yourself (assuming you complete the ACT, even though your scores are great as is) is to navigate the application process well. Be aware of all nomination deadlines and the intricacies of the process. For example, I spent extra time preparing for my MOC interview because USAFA was my goal and without the principal nomination from my MOC, I would likely be unable to compete for a slot. Get your medical qualification done very early and the CFA as well. Good luck!
Thanks! Thats good to hear as I've been really stressed out thinking my grades are subpar. How hard is the interview?
 
Thanks! Thats good to hear as I've been really stressed out thinking my grades are subpar. How hard is the interview?
I found the interview was pretty easy. Especially the ALO one ( you may have senator, congressman and ALO). They're just trying to make sure you are who you say you that's all maybe get a bit more about you character.
 
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