Falcon Foundation Scholarship Advice

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zestyzebra23

Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2020
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16
Hello everyone!!

After a long wait, I am glad to have finally received word of a Falcon Foundation Scholarship. Although I am saddened that I did not receive direct appointment to USAFA, I am still so grateful for this opportunity.

I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the stats for people who got the FFS vs. those who get into USAFA as directs? Also I have heard a lot of information saying that this is basically a golden ticket to USAFA '26. Is this true?

Additionally, for those of you who chose this route, do you have any advice or words of wisdom for me currently? I am starting to update my family, and I am trying my best to plainly explain what this means for my education for this next year haha. I am hearing a lot of "This is good, right?" and "So, are you in????" I am considering typing out one long message and just copying and pasting it to all the people who I plan to let know. Thoughts??

AHHH so exciting!!
 
First, with regard to re-hashing stats. Let that go. You don’t have to worry about those now. Look forward, not back, to the work to be tackled as a Falcon Scholar.

It is indeed a golden ticket. USAFA is saving a place for you in the Class of 2026, because they have seen enough to know they want you, but believe you need a bit of polishing to set you up for success at USAFA. You must complete prep successfully at one of the partner schools, which are all well-versed in all the hoops which must be re-jumped, maintain all other aspects of qualification, and this time next year, you will be one of the excited Falcons posting their appointment.

As I said before, don’t waste another minute looking back. Jump into the partner school websites, call them with questions, you will be welcomed when you say “I’m a new Falcon Scholar, and I have some questions.” Use this time to find the right school for you.

As for family and friends, tell them you are very excited and happy to know USAFA, your dream school, has selected you out of thousands to apply, as a Falcon Scholar at a prep school, because they want you to succeed at USAFA, which of course is an extraordinarily difficult school to get into and not easy to get through. Emphasize “excited and happy.”
 
zestyzebra23 said:
Hello everyone!!

After a long wait, I am glad to have finally received word of a Falcon Foundation Scholarship. Although I am saddened that I did not receive direct appointment to USAFA, I am still so grateful for this opportunity.

I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the stats for people who got the FFS vs. those who get into USAFA as directs? Also I have heard a lot of information saying that this is basically a golden ticket to USAFA '26. Is this true?

Additionally, for those of you who chose this route, do you have any advice or words of wisdom for me currently? I am starting to update my family, and I am trying my best to plainly explain what this means for my education for this next year haha. I am hearing a lot of "This is good, right?" and "So, are you in????" I am considering typing out one long message and just copying and pasting it to all the people who I plan to let know. Thoughts??

AHHH so exciting!!
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Following!

My DD left for school very excited. She has a lot of the same questions you do. I agree about looking forward but I do believe full understanding is important...because taking the scholarship does mean giving up other offers.

I can’t wait to follow where all the FFS’s go! Maybe you will be together!!!!
Congrats!!!!!!!!!
 
zestyzebra23 said:
Hello everyone!!

After a long wait, I am glad to have finally received word of a Falcon Foundation Scholarship. Although I am saddened that I did not receive direct appointment to USAFA, I am still so grateful for this opportunity.

I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the stats for people who got the FFS vs. those who get into USAFA as directs? Also I have heard a lot of information saying that this is basically a golden ticket to USAFA '26. Is this true?

Additionally, for those of you who chose this route, do you have any advice or words of wisdom for me currently? I am starting to update my family, and I am trying my best to plainly explain what this means for my education for this next year haha. I am hearing a lot of "This is good, right?" and "So, are you in????" I am considering typing out one long message and just copying and pasting it to all the people who I plan to let know. Thoughts??

AHHH so exciting!!
Click to expand...
Congratulations!!!
 
zestyzebra23 said:
Hello everyone!!

After a long wait, I am glad to have finally received word of a Falcon Foundation Scholarship. Although I am saddened that I did not receive direct appointment to USAFA, I am still so grateful for this opportunity.

I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the stats for people who got the FFS vs. those who get into USAFA as directs? Also I have heard a lot of information saying that this is basically a golden ticket to USAFA '26. Is this true?

Additionally, for those of you who chose this route, do you have any advice or words of wisdom for me currently? I am starting to update my family, and I am trying my best to plainly explain what this means for my education for this next year haha. I am hearing a lot of "This is good, right?" and "So, are you in????" I am considering typing out one long message and just copying and pasting it to all the people who I plan to let know. Thoughts??

AHHH so exciting!!
Click to expand...
Firstly, congratulations!

My DS received the scholarship the last week of Feb. since then we have gone through the same emotional rollercoaster ride as you are going through right now. We had many questions and went over many what-if scenarios. We've done a lot of research ourselves, and talking/chatting to folks here as well as to Mrs. Durbeck at NPW, really help us. Not to mention, we've received a call from the academy counselor, she answered many of our questions, which were very comforting.

Long story, you need to do your own research. Ask yourself why you want to join the academy? What you'll be risking and losing if you don't make it in or all the way? And lastly, is military life for your DS/DD?

Good luck!
 
Looking at the end of you initial posting OP, I found there is no short way to explain the Falcon Foundation Scholarship. You'll have to explain it to everyone the long way, and you'll get lots of questions. If you're really interested in stats, PM me, and I'll give you my info. However, everyone that I went to NWP with as a Falcon Scholar had vastly different stats, so take it all with a grain of salt. Most importantly, do well at your prep school, and don't do anything stupid, then you're almost guaranteed a spot with 2026.

Also, another word of wisdom. You'll be at a prep school with students with other academy foundation scholarships, and self-preppers (people without sponsored scholarships reapplying to the academies). No one is better or worse than someone else just because they have or don't have a foundation scholarship from a specific academy. The instructors will treat everyone equal, and you must do the same.
 
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Congrats on this offer! We didn't really understand when my DD got the offer last Spring, but came to realize what a gift this was for her. It is complicated to explain to people....this whole process is hard to explain! I told people that she was offered this scholarship because USAFA is invested in her enough to pay for her to brush up before attending the Academy. They want her, but not quite yet :). It is an honor to get this offer as mentioned by CaptMJ, a small number of kids are selected for this scholarship. Since we did not know much about this initially, we did a little reading up, and my DD decided to let her full ride ROTC scholarship go b/c USAFA was her ultimate goal. We chose NWP, and are grateful for the experience despite all the kids being remote. The Durbecks pivoted quickly to remote learning and rose to the occasion!! Now almost a year later, we are enjoying the fruits of patience and excited for her starting her journey with the Air Force this summer.
 
Although I was not a falcon myself, I had the opportunity to attend NWP last fall with a class primarily made up of falcons. Although there are no "official" stats out there (as far as I know at least), you have a high chance of getting in; it really is what you make it out to be though. The Durbecks at NWP told us many stories of falcons not getting in simply because they took the golden ticket as a guaranteed slot into the academy, so they decided to become lackadaisical, slack on their studies, and miss deadlines. You've been given an incredible opportunity to attend a prep school for free! Take it and give it everything you've got. Some of us had to pay full tuition to receive the same education and it is disappointing to see people who've been given this amazing opportunity throw it away. Some of my falcon classmates didn't turn in assignments, didn't study for exams, and just didn't give their full effort, and I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they didn't get in this year. A falcon foundation scholarship is what you make it; give it your all and you have a very high chance of getting in. Hard work pays off!

I don't know a single prepster who isn't grateful that they were able to go to a prep school and spend another year working on themself. Doolie year is a huge learning curve, but the experiences at a prep school make it that much more tolerable. It is such a great opportunity that will help you to thrive at the academy. Take it and run with it.

As far as what you should tell your family, I would take the time and explain prep school in-depth and what it is. I know it can get pretty repetitive and annoying, but you're going to be gone for a few months with pretty limited contact. It'll really help calm their nerves if they truly know what you're up to. Also, it really is a great thing! USAFA likes you enough to drop a few thousand dollars into your education and training. Prep school is basically the "Intro to Service Academies 101" course that you're getting to take for free because they think you have some potential to succeed at the academy.

Now the choice of what prep school you go to is ultimately up to you, but I would highly recommend NWP (I'm slightly partial haha). It is an exceptional institution and you will learn a lot, both academically and about academy life! It's on the top of a mountain in CA and I'm told it has a beautiful view (I wouldn't know because I did NWP online due to covid). The academic will be incredibly challenging and you will be working all day every day, but it will be worth it. You'll get to hear from current and past cadets from all over the country on how they succeeded in the academies. I'm sure that the Durbecks would be happy to give you more information and I'd also be happy to give some as well. Definitely do your own research though and figure out what fits best for you. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors!
 
I would love more information if it's not a bother. I didn't realize I was competitive for a scholarship because it came so late (in my mind). I thought this week it would be all or nothing and instead, I got a gift.
 
DMH912 said:
Congrats on this offer! We didn't really understand when my DD got the offer last Spring, but came to realize what a gift this was for her. It is complicated to explain to people....this whole process is hard to explain! I told people that she was offered this scholarship because USAFA is invested in her enough to pay for her to brush up before attending the Academy. They want her, but not quite yet :). It is an honor to get this offer as mentioned by CaptMJ, a small number of kids are selected for this scholarship. Since we did not know much about this initially, we did a little reading up, and my DD decided to let her full ride ROTC scholarship go b/c USAFA was her ultimate goal. We chose NWP, and are grateful for the experience despite all the kids being remote. The Durbecks pivoted quickly to remote learning and rose to the occasion!! Now almost a year later, we are enjoying the fruits of patience and excited for her starting her journey with the Air Force this summer.
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WooHoo! Go NWP, hope you like words ;)
 
My daughter was selected for a Falcon Foundation Scholarship in 2019 and is now part of the class of 2024. She gave up both Air Force and Navy ROCT scholarships for the FFS opportunity. She chose NWP, but I feel all of the other educational options you have are all very good. Today is the first day of reconnection. A few statistics that I remember was 100 % of the FFS who attended NWP in 2019 were offered appointments. It was around 45 or so. Of those one decided not to attend the academy before basic training and two others left during the first semester for various reasons. The group that went to NWP still get together frequently at the academy and her close friend group includes several of those that went to NWP with her.
 
We were notified about the scholarship a couple days ago and my DD got a call from USAFA about it today. Anyone else get a call? She's on the fence about it. AFROTC scholarship notifications were delayed until the end of the month. Trying to decide if obtaining a ME degree there is worth the sacrifice cadets make to attend versus AFROTC at a civilian college. So many pro's and con's.
 
I recommend calling the contacts listed on the document your DD received on the USAFA application. Of course she needs to make the call. I made the call to Northwest prep today and it confirmed my decision
 
Our son was a Falcon Scholar, attended NWP, and is wrapping up his first year at USAFA as a Doolie. He loved his time at NWP, and valued being able to attend a 'regular' college for one semester following NWP prior to reporting to USAFA. Yes, it's an extra year of waiting before starting your 'credited' academy journey, but if attending USAFA is a primary goal, then it will be worth it. Not to mention that NWP provides such a wonderfully sound academic and social semester - lots of learning to experience and a good taste of what USAFA academic life is like.

If the primary goal is to be an officer in the USAF, then ROTC is certainly a valuable path as well. Our son had also received a Type 7 AFROTC scholarship, but USAFA was his dream since 2nd grade so he was willing accept delayed entry via the Prep School path - and was very thankful for the Falcon Scholar recognition. We also have a daughter finishing up her first year at USC as a Type 1 AFROTC scholarship recipient. Although she would have no doubt done very well at USAFA, her end goal didn't include the dream of attending the academy, but of having an Air Force career. Really, it's about YOUR ultimate desire in the short and long term.

Congratulations on being offered a Falcon Foundation Scholarship - it truly is a wonderful opportunity and if you choose to accept, you will enter USAFA in June 2022 with a group of 'family' from Prep School!
 
xray328 said:
We were notified about the scholarship a couple days ago and my DD got a call from USAFA about it today. Anyone else get a call? She's on the fence about it. AFROTC scholarship notifications were delayed until the end of the month. Trying to decide if obtaining a ME degree there is worth the sacrifice cadets make to attend versus AFROTC at a civilian college. So many pro's and con's.
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Congrats! My DS got a call from the USAFA Counselor as well. She was very nice and answered all of your questions. We also talked to the Mrs. Drubeck, which was great also.

Good luck!
 
xray328 said:
We were notified about the scholarship a couple days ago and my DD got a call from USAFA about it today. Anyone else get a call? She's on the fence about it. AFROTC scholarship notifications were delayed until the end of the month. Trying to decide if obtaining a ME degree there is worth the sacrifice cadets make to attend versus AFROTC at a civilian college. So many pro's and con's.
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My DD also got the call. Whew, what a roller coaster of emotions.

DD has decided to just give herself a week off from all the research. Quite honestly, she is exhausted and right now the thought of starting the application process over is overwhelming. Her grades, athletics, leadership, CFA and EC’s were pretty much maxed out. She had 2 nominations. Her weakness was 100 percent her ACT which she took once in 10th grade and once last year and she was not well but tried to push through and then barely finished. She actually did worse the second time. She had done tutoring, worked her tail off and was ready...and ended up quarantined when a kid in her class got Covid so she was stuck with a 27 (maybe 28 combined). We know many others were in the same situation. She also actually knows the deserving young men from our district who won the slates and I’m sure that has been bittersweet for her.

She is very happy for her golden ticket opportunity and liked everything she saw about NWP. We still aren’t clear on whether she would have to ask teachers and recommendation writers to resubmit. She is also an athlete who was hoping to walk on and is concerned about skipping her sport for a year.

Once she takes a minute to decompress I think she will be ready to dive back in and start over. She is going to read through this forum since so many former FFS recipients have shared their stories. Thank you everyone does all the info and advice.
 
Leadership from NWP will take care of teacher letters of rec. and essay for the USAFA app, but your child will have to resubmit personal letters of rec. The Durbecks will direct the students when to start the whole process in the fall. One thing our DS did before his prep year began was to get all MOC/VP nomination applications done. Their days are stock-full and getting these finished was a huge positive. Best of luck to the FFS this year.
 
Twins4us said:
Leadership from NWP will take care of teacher letters of rec. and essay for the USAFA app, but your child will have to resubmit personal letters of rec. The Durbecks will direct the students when to start the whole process in the fall. One thing our DS did before his prep year began was to get all MOC/VP nomination applications done. Their days are stock-full and getting these finished was a huge positive. Best of luck to the FFS this year.
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Thank you for that info! Did your son do a community college for the second semester?

I am going to suggest DD gather a list of questions and schedule a call with the Durbecks...next week. Guessing they also help with retaking CFA, physical and ACT? I know this year she was completely finished with everything...application, medical, CFA, nom applications...by 15 October. I think that almost made the wait harder. 😆 Trying to retake the ACT was the real pain....
 
MusicCityMomma said:
Thank you for that info! Did your son do a community college for the second semester?

I am going to suggest DD gather a list of questions and schedule a call with the Durbecks...next week. Guessing they also help with retaking CFA, physical and ACT? I know this year she was completely finished with everything...application, medical, CFA, nom applications...by 15 October. I think that almost made the wait harder. 😆 Trying to retake the ACT was the real pain....
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They make them take the CFA with them and from there what Mrs. Durbecks told me as long as nothing new pops up we don't have to reduce medical (something about saying we're in the same condition as last year) and yes sent to another school to take the SAT or ACT and they shuttle us in a bus.
 
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