Early Graduation and it's Potential Effects on Admissions

Capt MJ said:
For OP, I have the same question as @Stealth81.

People entering the military all complete a medical accession exam using the form below or similar to document medical history. The applicant certifies and signs the information is correct and complete.


The high school guidance counselor completes a form sent directly to the service academy documenting IEP, accommodations, any medication required, any other conditions known to the school related to neuro issues..

The rigor of the medical accession standard is not meant personally. The military operates in remote, harsh, dangerous, high-pressure situations often far from advanced medical care. The safety of the unit is everything; People coming into the military must be as minimally vulnerable as possible, for the safety, clear communications, and maximum operational capability of the unit.
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That part was a joke. What I meant is that it currently isn't a problem, atleast per regulations. If it ever was changed to be a problem, yes, I would have to report it, but at that point, I just wouldn't apply. It's not something you can change. The "they'll never know" is a family joke, and a really old one. A family member was a soldier in the confederacy, and joined the US army afterwards without mentioning it, and either they never knew, or it never came up. He also became a state representative. I didn't mean it as me dating I wouldn't tell them. Aspherger's, so long as it has no profound effect, i.e academic, social, or mental problems. No such effect has presented itself, and thus it changes nothing, if not just making me overly logical. There has been no medication, therapy, etc, which are some more disqualifying factors. Sorry for any confusion, I really should think more about what I say online. Best Wishes.
 
Many people will have items in their medical history which are “currently not a problem,” but must be reported as part of the medical history. Assuming a diagnosis is part of your medical history, the ethical and honest respinse is to mark “yes.” There is a place on the form to provide amplifying comments. Them you can sign the form certifying your responses are complete with a clear conscience, knowing you acted with integrity in the spirit and intent of the medical accession questionnaire.

Here is the current medical accession standard.

 
Capt MJ said:
Many people will have items in their medical history which are “currently not a problem,” but must be reported as part of the medical history. Assuming a diagnosis is part of your medical history, the ethical and honest respinse is to mark “yes.” There is a place on the form to provide amplifying comments. Them you can sign the form certifying your responses are complete with a clear conscience, knowing you acted with integrity in the spirit and intent of the medical accession questionnaire.

Here is the current medical accession standard.

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I understand. I reviewed it, and I'm technically safe. According to the school counselor it was a misdiagnosis, common among those of higher intellect. It just happens to be that that is one of the best ways to describe my personality, and at one point I was diagnosed with it, bur that has since been overruled.
 
If you have a current medical opinion from a qualified healthcare provider documenting that you were misdiagnosed when you were younger, that is exactly the kind of thing needed to submit during any DoDMERB medical review process. If you have been diagnosed, that is part of your medical history. If you do not mention it, that is essentially a lie of omission.

Unfortunately, unless the school counselor is a qualified healthcare specialist, that’s not the opinion that is needed. Similarly, someone diagnosed with asthma as a child but who currently has no symptoms, even when physically active, can’t have a coach write a letter stating that candidate plays 3 sports and has not been observed to have any asthma problem. The asthma diagnosis exists in their history and must be addressed. The candidate gets a referral to a pulmonologist, medical records are reviewed, tests are administered, results are assessed, the healthcare provider’s professional opinion is rendered, and the candidate now has an updated status, which can be considered during a waiver process.

If you decide to stay in HS, you have time to think about this. In your pursuit of intellectual development, don’t overlook the importance of integrity.

Above all, don’t let your talent for being right most of the time develop into a need to be right, or that intransigence, obduracy and adamance will complicate your life journey. We all wish you the best here. You came for some insights and opinions, and you’ve gotten some good input.
 
Athletics. Academics. Leadership. You need all three, and you don't have them yet. Stay in school, take the most difficult classes. You really need organized sports, and your CFA numbers are average, at best. Learn to study and ask for help, mature. USAFA loses 20% ish of each class, and they are all top of everything they have ever done, being very young and immature is a recipe for failure. You are off to a good start and on the right path, but you are not there yet.
 
My oldest son was born 25 hours after the DODDS cutoff date for kindergarten. I managed to get him a waiver to start early. Eventually, he attended USMA. Clearly, there are pros/cons to starting early. He ended up starting USMA at the minimum age but was about two years ahead of an age based grade level academically. For example, he took the senior level engineering design course the first time as a sophomore. He survived, but that doesn’t imply that everyone who starts school early will survive. One of his concerns was that he was going to be younger than his assigned underclassmen.

I would not recommend graduating high school unnecessarily early.
 
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Wingsofblue19,

You are obviously academically gifted; however, there is a difference between high school and college. If you should arrive at USAFA, you will be competing with 1,000 other Doolies that were also the best in their HS class.

I’m a graduate, prior USAFA faculty member (aeronautics), and pilot. I used to conduct orientation flights during basic training. I frequently asked each basic cadet if they already had planned on a specific academic major. Typically, 85-90% would tell me that they wanted either aeronautical or astronautical engineering. In those days, the reality would have been closer to less than 10%. I say this because most cadets didn’t initially recognize the level of difficulty difference in transitioning from a good HS to one of the most competitive institutions in the country.

Another example: I once had a cadet come to my office requesting to change his major to Aero. When I reviewed his transcript, I failed to find a grade higher than a “C” in a STEM course. When I asked him why he thought he could complete the aero major, he told me, “I always got A’s in HS STEM courses.” Obviously, he failed to recognize the difference in levels of difficulty between HS and USAFA.

Plan to prepare for every class and compete every homework assignment. Starting TODAY!!!!! It will be easier to practice now than to risk falling behind as a Doolie. As a cadet, you will have to manage your time to complete all coursework on time. Unlike HS, you will face more pressure as a Doolie than you do as an overachieving HS student.

After reviewing several of your comments, I continue to think that your goals would be best served by not being in a hurry to get out of HS. The delay will probably help you to continue to mature as an adult and allow you to develop your leadership skills.

Good luck
 
So first, I am a strong proponent of "tell medics nothing, tell security everything," but you ARE and WILL take another medical exam as it is part of the application process. There is no getting around that. But if DoDMERB does not find you autistic, then you are good to go. I have met plenty of cadets who are definitely autistic.

On that note.. this post by itself does not sit right with me, nor would it sit right with many cadets or young active duty members or many enlisted folk (who you would be leading if you make it that far).

You did not have to go in such detail about "how good of a candidate" you are or whatever. This post makes you seem cocky, conceited, arrogant, pompous. Regardless of if you meant it that way or not, learn some humility IF this is how you brag about yourself in the real world. Which you may not.

And like someone else said, losing two years of that social experience will not do you any good, but that sort of varies depending on your situation. Its usually better to exercise your social intelligence before becoming a cadet.

You are young and rushing into things, so I'm just giving you blunt feedback. Better now than later. You got a good head on your shoulders, and you seem like a decent kid. Slow it down. There are major differences on going ROTC vs Academies that that the internet wouldn't say. But i recommend finishing your four and try usafa. If you do rotc, finish with rotc.

And like someone else said, you can be 4.0 gpa in high school, but you can easily end up 2.5 at usafa.
 
WingsofBlue19 said:
I'm going into my sophmore year of high school, I have a >4.0 GPA, a 30 ACT composite(as of freshman year), and more credits than I should. On that point, I am faced with a choice; I can either graduate this year(sophmore year), or go through all four years. To give a bit of background, I am an AFJROTC cadet who takes several AP classes, am in the top 5% of my class, and#1 in unweighted GPA(230 people), have taken FAA created and accredited Aeropsace and leadership classes, I am a CAP cadet, the commander of our Kitty Hawk Air Society(JROTC's academic honor society), the captain of our J-LAB(JROTC Leadership & Academic Bowl) team, where we almost made it to nationals, and I am the Vice-Commander of Drill/Color Guard. I' still 15, but I' fairly physically fit(top 15%), with 48 pushups in a minute, 53 situps in a minute, and a 6:58 Mile run as of my last PT assessment. I can also do 9 pull ups, probably more if I really pushed it. The problem here is that I don't meet the credit recommendations suggested by USAFA. I have a credit plan, which covers every one, but it would require me to stay all four years. Plus, staying all four years would allow me to spend more time in JROTC, which will likely get me a better leadershop position, and give me time to write my congressman, up my class rank, increase my ACT scores, get more involved in ECAs/Athletics, etc. However, if I decide to graduate early(correct me if I'm wrong, please, I've been wanting to know)then I'll apply for an AFROTC scholarship at EKU for aviation, however, I'm not sure if the lack of the recommended classes(from the USAFA website) would affect my chances of this, and I' you're you know better than me, so please tell me, atleast your opinion. Anyways, at the very least graduating early would afford me two years to attend college beforehand, and possibly even complete college level ROTC and commision(I'd be 20 upon college graduation.) Anyways, now that you know the background, I'd love to hear your opinion. Should I stay all four years for the greater chance of admission, or should I graduate 2 years early, take the calculated risk(The American Creed, read it if you haven't, please), and either get two years of college in before I apply to USAFA, or try and go to AFROTC? I only have 28 days or so to decide my future, so Godspeeed, and God Bless you.
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@WingsofBlue19 Pursue whatever dream you wish, but in your due diligence analysis, options to consider could include:
1. Staying in HS, completing the prerequisite courses USAFA would like to see, getting additional experience in JROTC and apply as a rising Sr in 2 years.
2. Split the difference, and spend 2 more years in HS instead of 1 incl sophomore year (is this an option too?) - pursue AP and dual credit, perhaps project lead the way and summer actual college courses so that you could have an abbreviated actual college years to pay for to get a bachelors - perhaps get an associate degree from HS. If you do this, you could still graduate college by 20 - if your goal is to serve as an officer, ROTC or OCS could be a path for you. Admission to a SA or ROTC program on scholarship is not guaranteed, nor is advancing to actually commission and serve.

If you were one of my children, I would advise you to consider taking at least 2 more years in HS , heavy on AP and dual credit, and building toward an associates degree/ HS diploma, and filling out your coursework so that you check all boxes for the SAs. That way, even if you *despite all your strengths* don't get into your dream academy, you still have a lot of options for completing college affordably, and even getting to commission and serve in a faster path than most. If you decide not to serve or get injured, too, you'll have a very affordable path to an undergrad degree.

Have a good talk with your close circle and yourself to decide how ready you are to leave HS and compete in college. Have brutally honest conversations and factor the feedback to the extent you wish. Arm thyself to go in ready - mentally, maturity-wise, physically, etc. You won't get a pass for only being 17 or whatever at an academy or in ROTC.

Next year, one of my daughter's will likely graduate college a year early, despite having missed a semester to have reconstructive surgery from a sports injury- college in 5 semesters- her path in HS taking actual college courses part time, dual credits, and, APs positioned her to do this. Maybe in your future it would help you to do the same. She has to retake a lot of the APs she got a 5 on in HS, because med schools want to see some of these courses taken directly at college instead of tested out- but she's breezing through them since she has such a solid foundation. that foundation would serve you well at any SA or college.

Good luck to you.
 
WingsofBlue19 said:
I'm going into my sophmore year of high school, I have a >4.0 GPA, a 30 ACT composite(as of freshman year), and more credits than I should. On that point, I am faced with a choice; I can either graduate this year(sophmore year), or go through all four years. To give a bit of background, I am an AFJROTC cadet who takes several AP classes, am in the top 5% of my class, and#1 in unweighted GPA(230 people), have taken FAA created and accredited Aeropsace and leadership classes, I am a CAP cadet, the commander of our Kitty Hawk Air Society(JROTC's academic honor society), the captain of our J-LAB(JROTC Leadership & Academic Bowl) team, where we almost made it to nationals, and I am the Vice-Commander of Drill/Color Guard. I' still 15, but I' fairly physically fit(top 15%), with 48 pushups in a minute, 53 situps in a minute, and a 6:58 Mile run as of my last PT assessment. I can also do 9 pull ups, probably more if I really pushed it. The problem here is that I don't meet the credit recommendations suggested by USAFA. I have a credit plan, which covers every one, but it would require me to stay all four years. Plus, staying all four years would allow me to spend more time in JROTC, which will likely get me a better leadershop position, and give me time to write my congressman, up my class rank, increase my ACT scores, get more involved in ECAs/Athletics, etc. However, if I decide to graduate early(correct me if I'm wrong, please, I've been wanting to know)then I'll apply for an AFROTC scholarship at EKU for aviation, however, I'm not sure if the lack of the recommended classes(from the USAFA website) would affect my chances of this, and I' you're you know better than me, so please tell me, atleast your opinion. Anyways, at the very least graduating early would afford me two years to attend college beforehand, and possibly even complete college level ROTC and commision(I'd be 20 upon college graduation.) Anyways, now that you know the background, I'd love to hear your opinion. Should I stay all four years for the greater chance of admission, or should I graduate 2 years early, take the calculated risk(The American Creed, read it if you haven't, please), and either get two years of college in before I apply to USAFA, or try and go to AFROTC? I only have 28 days or so to decide my future, so Godspeeed, and God Bless you.
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Honestly from what I see it you can definitely improve your ACT score and your CFA scores. I think you should at the minimum go for a 33 on the ACT to ensure that you are relatively competitive for USAFA admissions, without being in the weird area where you are somewhat competitive but not really. Also, most of your CFA scores are below average from what you said, so you should definitely work on improving those throughout the next 2 years. The next two years will allow you to gain much more leadership experience and build on your resume a lot more. I am definitely impressed with the current leadership positions you hold, but you can definitely build more on top of that and have more time to solidify yourself as an applicant to admissions. Definitely recommend staying in for the next 2 years. Taking more challenging courses both at your high school and through dual enrollment will also make you more competitive as well.
 
In the event there is a potential USAFA cadet reading these posts who finds themselves in this situation, I would like to add another perspective. My DD was skipped forward two grades in math, and then the school skipped her completely past 8th grade. It was a very small school with combined classes, so her peer group really did not change. Forward to her senior year... she was too young to enter USAFA when she graduated HS. DD chose to attend 2 years of community college and obtain an engineering degree while applying for the Academy. While always a good student, she learned what it meant to be in college, how to manage time, how to communicate with professors, and how to be an independent learner. DD took advantage of leadership opportunities in college and worked very hard to complete with a 4.0 GPA. Those two 'extra' years in college were not wasted at all. Some of the courses were validated, and she found her niche being able to help her fellow cadets. Is this the right path for everyone? No, definitely not. But if you do find yourself on this path, don't be discouraged. Just look at every experience as a life lesson and find ways to prepare yourself as a student and as a leader.
 
Serenity2517 said:
In the event there is a potential USAFA cadet reading these posts who finds themselves in this situation, I would like to add another perspective. My DD was skipped forward two grades in math, and then the school skipped her completely past 8th grade. It was a very small school with combined classes, so her peer group really did not change. Forward to her senior year... she was too young to enter USAFA when she graduated HS. DD chose to attend 2 years of community college and obtain an engineering degree while applying for the Academy. While always a good student, she learned what it meant to be in college, how to manage time, how to communicate with professors, and how to be an independent learner. DD took advantage of leadership opportunities in college and worked very hard to complete with a 4.0 GPA. Those two 'extra' years in college were not wasted at all. Some of the courses were validated, and she found her niche being able to help her fellow cadets. Is this the right path for everyone? No, definitely not. But if you do find yourself on this path, don't be discouraged. Just look at every experience as a life lesson and find ways to prepare yourself as a student and as a leader.
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That is awesome.
 
WingsofBlue19 said:
I'm going into my sophmore year of high school, I have a >4.0 GPA, a 30 ACT composite(as of freshman year), and more credits than I should. On that point, I am faced with a choice; I can either graduate this year(sophmore year), or go through all four years. To give a bit of background, I am an AFJROTC cadet who takes several AP classes, am in the top 5% of my class, and#1 in unweighted GPA(230 people), have taken FAA created and accredited Aeropsace and leadership classes, I am a CAP cadet, the commander of our Kitty Hawk Air Society(JROTC's academic honor society), the captain of our J-LAB(JROTC Leadership & Academic Bowl) team, where we almost made it to nationals, and I am the Vice-Commander of Drill/Color Guard. I' still 15, but I' fairly physically fit(top 15%), with 48 pushups in a minute, 53 situps in a minute, and a 6:58 Mile run as of my last PT assessment. I can also do 9 pull ups, probably more if I really pushed it. The problem here is that I don't meet the credit recommendations suggested by USAFA. I have a credit plan, which covers every one, but it would require me to stay all four years. Plus, staying all four years would allow me to spend more time in JROTC, which will likely get me a better leadershop position, and give me time to write my congressman, up my class rank, increase my ACT scores, get more involved in ECAs/Athletics, etc. However, if I decide to graduate early(correct me if I'm wrong, please, I've been wanting to know)then I'll apply for an AFROTC scholarship at EKU for aviation, however, I'm not sure if the lack of the recommended classes(from the USAFA website) would affect my chances of this, and I' you're you know better than me, so please tell me, atleast your opinion. Anyways, at the very least graduating early would afford me two years to attend college beforehand, and possibly even complete college level ROTC and commision(I'd be 20 upon college graduation.) Anyways, now that you know the background, I'd love to hear your opinion. Should I stay all four years for the greater chance of admission, or should I graduate 2 years early, take the calculated risk(The American Creed, read it if you haven't, please), and either get two years of college in before I apply to USAFA, or try and go to AFROTC? I only have 28 days or so to decide my future, so Godspeeed, and God Bless you.
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So first, I am a strong proponent of "tell medics nothing, tell security everything," but you ARE and WILL take another medical exam as it is part of the application process. There is no getting around that. But if DoDMERB does not find you autistic, then you are good to go. I have met plenty of cadets who are definitely autistic.

On that note.. this post by itself does not sit right with me, nor would it sit right with many cadets or young active duty members or many enlisted folk (who you would be leading if you make it that far).

You did not have to go in such detail about "how good of a candidate" you are or whatever. This post makes you seem cocky, conceited, arrogant, pompous. Regardless of if you meant it that way or not, learn some humility IF this is how you brag about yourself in the real world. Which you may not.

And like someone else said, losing two years of that social experience will not do you any good, but that sort of varies depending on your situation. Its usually better to exercise your social intelligence before becoming a cadet.

You are young and rushing into things, so I'm just giving you blunt feedback. Better now than later. You got a good head on your shoulders, and you seem like a decent kid. Slow it down. There are major differences on going ROTC vs Academies that that the internet wouldn't say. But i recommend finishing your four and try usafa. If you do rotc, finish with rotc.

And like someone else said, you can be 4.0 gpa in high school, but you can easily end up 2.5 at usafa.
 
I'd like to give a bit of hard advice that many seem to be tiptoeing around. You're likely three years out from beginning your possible cadet career, but there are some things you should keep in mind.
Firstly, you're great on paper. You're certainly on track academically , you have some good ECs. You're decent athletically, but you have at least 2 years to grow and get stronger. You could use some involvement in sports but you have other leadership. All that stuff is beside the point. You'll either get in or you won't. My advice is about being ready for the academy, not the admissions process.

What concerns me is how you present yourself. Based on your initial post, it seems as though you define yourself around things like JROTC, CAP, and your academic achievements so far. The admissions board may like it, but it will not serve you well at the academy. JROTC and CAP kids have a reputation at the academy, and for good reason. I know kids that sound like you, kids that brag like you. It is easy for them to become wildly disliked. The ones who are well liked are the ones that don't broadcast it. If you show up and are above average at military things, people will respect you. If you're above average but you rub your CAP/JROTC ranks in peoples faces, you will be disliked by your classmates and laughed at by your cadre and upperclassmen. This year, one of the basics told their cadre that they could help if needed, since they had been a JROTC colonel or something. Don't be that kid. The point here is that while you may have learned to salute or do other basic military things, you are no better than anyone else. Proving you're slightly better at marching is nothing if you lose the respect of your peers.

The other, related piece is self awareness. You don't have it. That's okay, lots of high school freshmen don't.
WingsofBlue19 said:
take the calculated risk(The American Creed, read it if you haven't, please)
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Do you know your audience on this forum? Maybe it's unintentional, but this comment smacks of pretension and disrespect.
WingsofBlue19 said:
I just happen to br a great public speaker.
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Humble too, I'm sure.
Thanks again, C/1LT Brock
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Our cadet ranks are fake ranks. Yours are beyond fake. Don't flaunt it on a forum full of people with real rank and experience.
keep in mind I' autistic
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This doesn't need to stop you or define you, but it is not something you want to broadcast in a military setting. It will change how people see you, and if your social skills are lacking (many people's are to varying degrees), it will come to define you.

Finally, you need to define yourself by something other than your desire to go to the academy. The academy will become your entire life if you let it. You need hobbies. You need friends to get off base with. You need things to do to remind yourself that there is a world outside of the black gates. If you entered the academy tomorrow, I'm not sure you would find these things. The point is, you would be well served to spend some time developing both your personality and your self. Without, you may still get in, but it'll be a hard, lonely four years.
 
gpl said:
So first, I am a strong proponent of "tell medics nothing, tell security everything," but you ARE and WILL take another medical exam as it is part of the application process. There is no getting around that. But if DoDMERB does not find you autistic, then you are good to go. I have met plenty of cadets who are definitely autistic.

On that note.. this post by itself does not sit right with me, nor would it sit right with many cadets or young active duty members or many enlisted folk (who you would be leading if you make it that far).

You did not have to go in such detail about "how good of a candidate" you are or whatever. This post makes you seem cocky, conceited, arrogant, pompous. Regardless of if you meant it that way or not, learn some humility IF this is how you brag about yourself in the real world. Which you may not.

And like someone else said, losing two years of that social experience will not do you any good, but that sort of varies depending on your situation. Its usually better to exercise your social intelligence before becoming a cadet.

You are young and rushing into things, so I'm just giving you blunt feedback. Better now than later. You got a good head on your shoulders, and you seem like a decent kid. Slow it down. There are major differences on going ROTC vs Academies that that the internet wouldn't say. But i recommend finishing your four and try usafa. If you do rotc, finish with rotc.

And like someone else said, you can be 4.0 gpa in high school, but you can easily end up 2.5 at usafa.
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I can see how you might think that. I didn't mean it like that, I was just saying things that I thought were relevant. As you said, I definitely need to work on social skills. Your advice has been noted, I'll try and work on it, but I do think it would come off differently in person. Now that you point it out it's glaringly obvious, atleast to me. Thanks for replying though. Have a great day.
 
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justsomecadet said:
I'd like to give a bit of hard advice that many seem to be tiptoeing around. You're likely three years out from beginning your possible cadet career, but there are some things you should keep in mind.
Firstly, you're great on paper. You're certainly on track academically , you have some good ECs. You're decent athletically, but you have at least 2 years to grow and get stronger. You could use some involvement in sports but you have other leadership. All that stuff is beside the point. You'll either get in or you won't. My advice is about being ready for the academy, not the admissions process.

What concerns me is how you present yourself. Based on your initial post, it seems as though you define yourself around things like JROTC, CAP, and your academic achievements so far. The admissions board may like it, but it will not serve you well at the academy. JROTC and CAP kids have a reputation at the academy, and for good reason. I know kids that sound like you, kids that brag like you. It is easy for them to become wildly disliked. The ones who are well liked are the ones that don't broadcast it. If you show up and are above average at military things, people will respect you. If you're above average but you rub your CAP/JROTC ranks in peoples faces, you will be disliked by your classmates and laughed at by your cadre and upperclassmen. This year, one of the basics told their cadre that they could help if needed, since they had been a JROTC colonel or something. Don't be that kid. The point here is that while you may have learned to salute or do other basic military things, you are no better than anyone else. Proving you're slightly better at marching is nothing if you lose the respect of your peers.

The other, related piece is self awareness. You don't have it. That's okay, lots of high school freshmen don't.

Do you know your audience on this forum? Maybe it's unintentional, but this comment smacks of pretension and disrespect.

Humble too, I'm sure.

Our cadet ranks are fake ranks. Yours are beyond fake. Don't flaunt it on a forum full of people with real rank and experience.

This doesn't need to stop you or define you, but it is not something you want to broadcast in a military setting. It will change how people see you, and if your social skills are lacking (many people's are to varying degrees), it will come to define you.

Finally, you need to define yourself by something other than your desire to go to the academy. The academy will become your entire life if you let it. You need hobbies. You need friends to get off base with. You need things to do to remind yourself that there is a world outside of the black gates. If you entered the academy tomorrow, I'm not sure you would find these things. The point is, you would be well served to spend some time developing both your personality and your self. Without, you may still get in, but it'll be a hard, lonely four years.
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Dually Noted. I appreciate your bluntness. I' not trying to argue with you or justify anything, I just want to give a bit of background to a couple things you quoted. I admit that they all sound terrible, no matter the situation, but chances are it won't hurt. The American Creed statement wasn't meant the way it came off, because, I'll admit, it sounds VERY pretentious. I completely forgot about audience, and instead wrote as if this was my peer group, I'll try not to make that mistake again. As for the "Great Public Speaker" statement, that was purely ego, and I'm sorry about that. I've grown a but overconfident about my speaking ability because of past experience, which I will not detail upon the realization that 1. No one wants to know, and 2. It only sounds like bragging. I' prone to oversharing, I promise I' not trying to do this. Again, I see the problem with the cadet ranks, especially considering the audience. In essays and emails related to CAP or ROTC(which I will try not to make a major part of my identity) we have to sign rank and last name. Just a habit, but one that can be stopped. As for your final quote, I'll keep that in mind, I try my best, but just trying your best isn't always enough, so I'll have to do more than try; I'll have to do. Deeds, not words. Finally, as for hobbies/other things, I'm a Baptist, I do fencing, I do falconry, I enjoy flying, I do swimming, and I love music. I get tha5 a couple of those can seem elitist, or still seem pertinent to the academy, namely fencing, falconry, and flying. I'll try to broaden my horizons though. In any case, that was all-in-all some really good advice, and some that I will do my best to follow. I hope to one day be in the situation you are, and many other have been through before me, and most, if not all of you know better than me. I really enjoy honesty; so if anyone else has a critique, please don't hesitate to share it with me. You have to know your weaknesses before you can fix them. Have a great day, and I wish you luck in all you do.
Best wishes,
WingsofBlue19
 
WingsofBlue19 said:
Dually Noted. I appreciate your bluntness. I' not trying to argue with you or justify anything, I just want to give a bit of background to a couple things you quoted. I admit that they all sound terrible, no matter the situation, but chances are it won't hurt. The American Creed statement wasn't meant the way it came off, because, I'll admit, it sounds VERY pretentious. I completely forgot about audience, and instead wrote as if this was my peer group, I'll try not to make that mistake again. As for the "Great Public Speaker" statement, that was purely ego, and I'm sorry about that. I've grown a but overconfident about my speaking ability because of past experience, which I will not detail upon the realization that 1. No one wants to know, and 2. It only sounds like bragging. I' prone to oversharing, I promise I' not trying to do this. Again, I see the problem with the cadet ranks, especially considering the audience. In essays and emails related to CAP or ROTC(which I will try not to make a major part of my identity) we have to sign rank and last name. Just a habit, but one that can be stopped. As for your final quote, I'll keep that in mind, I try my best, but just trying your best isn't always enough, so I'll have to do more than try; I'll have to do. Deeds, not words. Finally, as for hobbies/other things, I'm a Baptist, I do fencing, I do falconry, I enjoy flying, I do swimming, and I love music. I get tha5 a couple of those can seem elitist, or still seem pertinent to the academy, namely fencing, falconry, and flying. I'll try to broaden my horizons though. In any case, that was all-in-all some really good advice, and some that I will do my best to follow. I hope to one day be in the situation you are, and many other have been through before me, and most, if not all of you know better than me. I really enjoy honesty; so if anyone else has a critique, please don't hesitate to share it with me. You have to know your weaknesses before you can fix them. Have a great day, and I wish you luck in all you do.
Best wishes,
WingsofBlue19
Click to expand...
A lot of what you speak to, in this post, comes through maturity. As in 2 more years of high school. You’ve gotten a lot of really great advice. For free! Many adults pay lots of money for these pearls of wisdom.

Good luck to you. Let us know what you decide to do!
 
My STRONG recommendation for you is to stay the 4 years in high school.

The two main reasons are
1. Study skills: if you are as smart as you claim to be, you likely haven't struggled for much academically ever. There will be a point where you do struggle, and unless you have pushed yourself before and had to develop some real study skills, you likely will find yourself failing. It's easier to learn how to study in high school than while taking a tough STEM load in college. Also, your writing suggests you have a lot to learn in the communications department as well. Being an officer is almost more about communication (both verbal and written) than anything else
2. Social skills: You are young. High school with your peers is the best way to develop social skills and mature. Graduating early will do you no favors in this area.

If the Air Force is your goal, real people skills are an absolute must. The best officers are the ones with both high IQs AND emotional IQs so they can both think critically and factor in the impact on their people. Graduating early, especially if you are a little awkward already, will NOT help you there. You need time to mature.

I was faced with a similar decision. I could easily have skipped 8th grade, but chose to take that year to focus on developing my tennis and music skills. I could have graduated after my first semester junior year of high school, but decided to take some study halls and release periods and use the time to focus on tennis and grow up.

I didn't see anything about team sports either. That's a GLARING weakness, and you likely are not competitive for a ROTC scholarship or USAFA without filling that hole anyway. Even if USAFA did let you in (note you must be 17 for USAFA), or you managed to get a ROTC scholarship after graduating that early, I suspect you would struggle in both the commissioning program, and if you made it, as a 2d Lt.

This would likely be the case for the vast majority of people your age simply due to a lack of life experience and maturity. Your post makes it pretty clear you aren't the exception here.

Don't set yourself up for failure by thinking you know everything at the age of 15.
 
WingsofBlue19 said:
Dually Noted. I appreciate your bluntness. I' not trying to argue with you or justify anything, I just want to give a bit of background to a couple things you quoted. I admit that they all sound terrible, no matter the situation, but chances are it won't hurt. The American Creed statement wasn't meant the way it came off, because, I'll admit, it sounds VERY pretentious. I completely forgot about audience, and instead wrote as if this was my peer group, I'll try not to make that mistake again. As for the "Great Public Speaker" statement, that was purely ego, and I'm sorry about that. I've grown a but overconfident about my speaking ability because of past experience, which I will not detail upon the realization that 1. No one wants to know, and 2. It only sounds like bragging. I' prone to oversharing, I promise I' not trying to do this. Again, I see the problem with the cadet ranks, especially considering the audience. In essays and emails related to CAP or ROTC(which I will try not to make a major part of my identity) we have to sign rank and last name. Just a habit, but one that can be stopped. As for your final quote, I'll keep that in mind, I try my best, but just trying your best isn't always enough, so I'll have to do more than try; I'll have to do. Deeds, not words. Finally, as for hobbies/other things, I'm a Baptist, I do fencing, I do falconry, I enjoy flying, I do swimming, and I love music. I get tha5 a couple of those can seem elitist, or still seem pertinent to the academy, namely fencing, falconry, and flying. I'll try to broaden my horizons though. In any case, that was all-in-all some really good advice, and some that I will do my best to follow. I hope to one day be in the situation you are, and many other have been through before me, and most, if not all of you know better than me. I really enjoy honesty; so if anyone else has a critique, please don't hesitate to share it with me. You have to know your weaknesses before you can fix them. Have a great day, and I wish you luck in all you do.
Best wishes,
WingsofBlue19
Click to expand...
Thank you for the response. I may have been overly harsh before. It seems like you are driven, motivated, and that you have a good head about you. I'd recommend finishing high school and working on growing into the person you want to be, socially, academically, and morally. Do that, and you'll do great at the academy.
 
With regards to Autism, there is being Autistic/ displaying autistic traits, and being formally diagnosed by a professional as being on the spectrum, in a way that is documented in your medical record. . My primary recommendation here is for all candidates to not self-diagnose or refer to themselves as autistic if they have not been diagnosed formally as such. Even if every adult/ teacher/ your parents all say they think you are - even if you identify or feel you are. Only formal diagnoses matter including the DODMERB experts. Also, you should each complete due diligence research to understand the potential DQ that may come from being autistic and yet wishing to quality to train and serve as an officer. You can also complete research on the many ways to serve if being a military officer does not end up being your path.

Good luck to all candidates.
 
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