Falcon Foundation vs. AFROTC Type 1

[cash10]

Personal dilemma: I'm torn between both options and currently have a month to decide. My end goal is to commission as an Air Force Officer, and I realize each path will lead me to commissioning.

Anyone have any feedback about each respective program? Any opportunities/disadvantages over the other?

Thank you so much for the help.

 

[Falcon A]

You must be from a very competitive congressional district ... I saw you were also an AROTC 4yr scholarship winner. To get an AFROTC Type 1 (or 4yr AROTC) takes quite a record. USAFA obviously sees that ... USAFA appears to have really wanted you but you didn't win your MOC's slate (either as principal Nom or selected by the SA) ... And they didn't have another way to bring you in ... You were no doubt "very high" in their internal rankings...I'm guessing you aren't a recruited "blue chip" athlete since the offer is Falcon Foundation as opposed to "Prep School"?

What state and Congressional district are you from?

You do Not have to answer ... Just curious ...

Congrats on your Falcon Foundation scholarship ... That is almost a sure ticket in for next year

And congrats on your two 4-year ROTC scholarship offers! ... No bad choices ...

 

[Fritz3180]

I had a similar dillema this time last year. I received both Type-1 and Falcon Foundation scholarships. For me, it was a pretty easy descion based on my goals. My highest goal was to earn a commission. For that reason I accepted my AFROTC scholarship. I figured that not only would I get a year of experience to reapply to USAFA, but if it didn’t end up happening, I still had a great path to commission. I can tell you that if you do well in ROTC, and improve the weaker aspects of your packet, you’ll be in good shape this time next year.

Here are some pros and cons based on my experience with ROTC (and limited knowledge of Prep schools).

ROTC:
Pros//
-Great path to commission
-Free college
-“Normal” college experience
-Immersive Air Force experience
Cons//
-Will require a lot of self-discipline to improve your packet
-Mixed support from cadre/fellow cadets on wanting to transfer out to USAFA (at least in my experience)

Prep:
-Emphasis on improving your packet specifically for USAFA
-Classmates and instructors that are more dedicated to helping you reach a service academy goal
Cons//
-Will require a transfer if you end up deciding it’s not for you/don’t end up getting in

At the end of the day, it’s up to where you see yourself improving the most and putting yourself in the best position to achieve your goals. It’s a very good problem to have. I went the ROTC rout and had a great time and learned a lot. I ended up getting an appointment, and I can say I had at least a year of “normal” college experience before USAFA...

 

[mintyicedtea]

Congratulations on receiving two outstanding options!

The Falcon Scholarship is known as the "golden ticket." Yes, it means an additional year but if you get through prep year and stay out of trouble, you have ~95% likelihood of receiving an appointment. If USAFA is your dream, I would jump at this chance. Lots of forum posts on this fantastic option.

What are your career goals in the AF after graduation? If you want to be a pilot, you have the best chance of receiving a pilot slot (assuming medically qualified) through USAFA.

 

[jtaylor]

Last year I was in the same position as you. I was awarded an ROTC scholarship and a Falcon Scholarship. For me, I really didn’t want to do that extra year of school just for a chance to get to USAFA. Despite this, I chose to take a chance and decided to turn down my ROTC scholarship and accept the opportunity given to me by the Falcon Foundation. It was the single greatest decision of my life. Because I attended prep school, I have significantly increased my academic ability, athleticism, and my chance of success while at the academy. Not a moment goes by where I regret going to prep school. I use the skills that I learned there every single day and I know that I would not be nearly as successful if I had not chosen to accept the Falcon Scholarship.
Ultimately the decision is up to you and neither choice is a bad one. Whichever one you choose you will be successful in accomplishing your goals.
On a personal note, if you do choose to accept the Falcon Scholarship, look into attending Northwestern Preparatory School. That is the school that I attended this past fall and it was the greatest experience of my life.

 

[cash10]

You must be from a very competitive congressional district ... I saw you were also an AROTC 4yr scholarship winner. To get an AFROTC Type 1 (or 4yr AROTC) takes quite a record. USAFA obviously sees that ... USAFA appears to have really wanted you but you didn't win your MOC's slate (either as principal Nom or selected by the SA) ... And they didn't have another way to bring you in ... You were no doubt "very high" in their internal rankings...I'm guessing you aren't a recruited "blue chip" athlete since the offer is Falcon Foundation as opposed to "Prep School"?

What state and Congressional district are you from?

You do Not have to answer ... Just curious ...

Congrats on your Falcon Foundation scholarship ... That is almost a sure ticket in for next year

And congrats on your two 4-year ROTC scholarship offers! ... No bad choices ...

Thank you for your reply, sir!

I reside within PA-6. Very competitive district to live in for each respective academy. I am not a recruited athlete.

I will let you know what I choose. Thank you for your input!

 

[cash10]

I had a similar dillema this time last year. I received both Type-1 and Falcon Foundation scholarships. For me, it was a pretty easy descion based on my goals. My highest goal was to earn a commission. For that reason I accepted my AFROTC scholarship. I figured that not only would I get a year of experience to reapply to USAFA, but if it didn’t end up happening, I still had a great path to commission. I can tell you that if you do well in ROTC, and improve the weaker aspects of your packet, you’ll be in good shape this time next year.

Here are some pros and cons based on my experience with ROTC (and limited knowledge of Prep schools).

ROTC:
Pros//
-Great path to commission
-Free college
-“Normal” college experience
-Immersive Air Force experience
Cons//
-Will require a lot of self-discipline to improve your packet
-Mixed support from cadre/fellow cadets on wanting to transfer out to USAFA (at least in my experience)

Prep:
-Emphasis on improving your packet specifically for USAFA
-Classmates and instructors that are more dedicated to helping you reach a service academy goal
Cons//
-Will require a transfer if you end up deciding it’s not for you/don’t end up getting in

At the end of the day, it’s up to where you see yourself improving the most and putting yourself in the best position to achieve your goals. It’s a very good problem to have. I went the ROTC rout and had a great time and learned a lot. I ended up getting an appointment, and I can say I had at least a year of “normal” college experience before USAFA...

Thank you so much for your input! Good luck to you at the academy next year!

 

[cash10]

Congratulations on receiving two outstanding options!

The Falcon Scholarship is known as the "golden ticket." Yes, it means an additional year but if you get through prep year and stay out of trouble, you have ~95% likelihood of receiving an appointment. If USAFA is your dream, I would jump at this chance. Lots of forum posts on this fantastic option.

What are your career goals in the AF after graduation? If you want to be a pilot, you have the best chance of receiving a pilot slot (assuming medically qualified) through USAFA.

Thank you!

I want to commission into Cyber Operations.

 

[cash10]

Last year I was in the same position as you. I was awarded an ROTC scholarship and a Falcon Scholarship. For me, I really didn’t want to do that extra year of school just for a chance to get to USAFA. Despite this, I chose to take a chance and decided to turn down my ROTC scholarship and accept the opportunity given to me by the Falcon Foundation. It was the single greatest decision of my life. Because I attended prep school, I have significantly increased my academic ability, athleticism, and my chance of success while at the academy. Not a moment goes by where I regret going to prep school. I use the skills that I learned there every single day and I know that I would not be nearly as successful if I had not chosen to accept the Falcon Scholarship.
Ultimately the decision is up to you and neither choice is a bad one. Whichever one you choose you will be successful in accomplishing your goals.
On a personal note, if you do choose to accept the Falcon Scholarship, look into attending Northwestern Preparatory School. That is the school that I attended this past fall and it was the greatest experience of my life.

Thank you so much! If you don't mind me asking, was your application to USAFA streamlined? I am a little confused as to what is exactly required for your application as a Falcon candidate.

 

[Ptsv]

Personal dilemma: I'm torn between both options and currently have a month to decide. My end goal is to commission as an Air Force Officer, and I realize each path will lead me to commissioning.

Anyone have any feedback about each respective program? Any opportunities/disadvantages over the other?

Thank you so much for the help.

First, congrats on two great opportunities! Both my DH and I are USAFA grads and we both got an extra year prior to entry (my DH was a Falcon and I was a medical turnback...knee injury during basic). During my time at the zoo and since, I have yet to run across a Falcon that regretted the extra year. However, I have met many direct entry cadets that would have benefited from the 5-year plan. After having a year at college, I was able to test out of Calc I and II, Chemistry and Physics. This allowed more flexibility in my schedule, which was helpful when I had T3 training (different program now) and could reduce my course load for that semester. Fast forward to the present...my DD received a Falcon Scholarship and she is going to NWP this year. From what we have learned about the current process, the application is streamlined. We received instructions from NWP that our DD shouldn't restart her application until instructed to do so to prevent logistical errors. Apparently, the previous year's application is saved and the Falcon needs to provide updates, i.e. new CFA scores, new nominations, updated SAT/ACT scores, and first semester prep transcripts. Aside from the streamlined application, the appointment rate for Falcons is in the upper 90% (those not offered appointments are usually those who do not abide by the scholarship stipulations). Check out the AOG website for stats. The website shows how many scholarships are awarded, how many preps graduate, how many inprocess into USAFA and how many graduate. USAFA is committed to appointing Falcons. Also, there are special Falcon and prep events during your USAFA years (Corona, Falcon Foundation dinners, NWP pizza parties, etc.) where alumni can reconnect with other FS preps.

 

[In-the-Know]

Personal dilemma: I'm torn between both options and currently have a month to decide. My end goal is to commission as an Air Force Officer, and I realize each path will lead me to commissioning.

Anyone have any feedback about each respective program? Any opportunities/disadvantages over the other?

Thank you so much for the help.

I commend you on your goal to earn a commission. Too many candidates for USAFA are just focused on going to the Academy for its prestige and are not thinking about what they will do after graduation.

That said...If you want to earn your commission through the Academy, then by all means accept the Falcon Foundation scholarship.

 

[jtaylor]

Thank you so much! If you don't mind me asking, was your application to USAFA streamlined? I am a little confused as to what is exactly required for your application as a Falcon candidate.

Yes, the application is streamlined. Because you are a falcon scholar you would not have to do the essays which makes the application a lot easier. Additionally, if you attend Northwestern Preparatory School you don’t have to get any teacher recommendations because the head of the school writes a recommendation for each student after the semester ends. (I don’t know if any of the other prep schools do this for you). The application also feels much easier overall because you’ve done it all before and most of your information stays the same.