Falcon Foundation

I am currently at MMI as a self-prep student for USAFA and can say that a lot of the self-preps, including myself, have received appointments. The Service Academy Prep program is a great program and its sole purpose is to get kids into SA's. While the FS is a golden ticket, doing a year at MMI is an excellent plan B and does help your chances of getting in. Additionally, if you are a USAFA self-prep at MMI you will be enrolled in AFROTC at UA so even if you don't receive an appointment you can continue with AFROTC and earn a commission that way.

Congrats on receiving an appointment to USAFA. I’m glad to hear such great things about the service academy prep program at MMI. I’ll be attending this year.
 
My DS got offered a Falcon Foundation Scholarship this morning and has 1 week to pick his school. Would greatly appreciate your input on the following choices:
Georgia Military College
Marion Military Institute
New Mexico Military Institute
Northwestern Prep
Randolph-Macon Academy
Seems to be a lot of positives on MMI; what about the others? Do all 5 offer an equal chance of appointment next year if he successfully completes the program? Thank you!
Former Northwestern prepster here. I attended last year and had the best time of my life. The place is wonderful, everyone is chill and they just want you to get into the academy. If you're a falcon just stay out of jail and you're guaranteed an appointment, so don't stress about that. Anyways, I'm currently doing my second semester at a community college, and life couldn't have turned out better. I can't speak for the other prep schools but NWP will not disappoint. In my opinion, the one semester deal is for sure the way to go. Goodluck!
 
I might possibly take the Northwestern prep school because I am in Cali and go to a community college the second semester.
You won't regret it. The second semester is a piece of cake and trust me, you'll want to go home on liberty weekends while at NWP.
 
We visited GMC for the first time last Monday.
And the campus is STUNNING.
The grade and quality the sports facilities for training is top notch.
I was slightly stunned by the amount of Colonels/Commandants/Generals actively working there!
The Corps Cadets barracks (dorms) are crazy nice, there are jack-n-jill with 2 per room.
Happy to answer any Q's u might have.

The town itself is charming and very active with the added bonus a Liberal Arts College about two blocks away that has 7k students enrolled.

We chose GMC over Randolph Macon Academy for a few simple reasons.
RMA
• is more of 2yr of High School Senior
• the curriculum is more of community college level
• the leadership comes from working with younger kids/grades
GMC:
• the main purpose is to learn and Study
• will be 2 credits short from Associates degree, which GMC will be more than happy to grant once you complete anywhere/anytime even USAFA
• instructors are involved to make sure cadet is successful but ultimately up to cadet to earn the appointment
• cost is ridiculously low
 
My DS got offered a Falcon Foundation Scholarship this morning and has 1 week to pick his school. Would greatly appreciate your input on the following choices:
Georgia Military College
Marion Military Institute
New Mexico Military Institute
Northwestern Prep
Randolph-Macon Academy
Seems to be a lot of positives on MMI; what about the others? Do all 5 offer an equal chance of appointment next year if he successfully completes the program? Thank you!
Before you make any decisions, call Suzanne Durbeck from Northwestern Preparatory School. I'm a Falcon that was a part of the class of 2018 and have accepted my appointment to USAFA. I believe all the Falcons have received their appointment by this point. There is a reason why 40 of the Falcon Foundation Scholarship recipients attended NWP! My time on the mountain really helped me improve in all the areas that I struggled in. I'm a little biased but, NWP is the best Prep School out there!
PM me with any questions!
 
Hello! I am new here, received a rejection from USAFA (my first choice), but I did get accepted to MMI. I have a couple of questions (please let me know if this is not the right forum for these types of questions). First, I did not get any notice that I received a falcon foundation scholarship, but could I still get one? Second, what is the likelihood of getting a presidential scholarship from MMI if I am over the listed minimum qualifications? Third (slightly off topic) how does MMI operate as far as basic? I hear they have the first three weeks for induction/training, but I do not know. Thanks!
 
Hello! I am new here, received a rejection from USAFA (my first choice), but I did get accepted to MMI. I have a couple of questions (please let me know if this is not the right forum for these types of questions). First, I did not get any notice that I received a falcon foundation scholarship, but could I still get one? Second, what is the likelihood of getting a presidential scholarship from MMI if I am over the listed minimum qualifications? Third (slightly off topic) how does MMI operate as far as basic? I hear they have the first three weeks for induction/training, but I do not know. Thanks!
Concerning your first question...I know someone who got a call in July of last year with a Falcon Foundation scholarship offer so it could happen. (They gave him 24 hours to respond.) Suspect it will depend on the acceptance rate and subsequent trickle down effect. Good luck!
 
Hello! I am new here, received a rejection from USAFA (my first choice), but I did get accepted to MMI. I have a couple of questions (please let me know if this is not the right forum for these types of questions). First, I did not get any notice that I received a falcon foundation scholarship, but could I still get one? Second, what is the likelihood of getting a presidential scholarship from MMI if I am over the listed minimum qualifications? Third (slightly off topic) how does MMI operate as far as basic? I hear they have the first three weeks for induction/training, but I do not know. Thanks!

I can't answer the first question, and as to the second, you should contact Ms. Wilson at MMI financial aid. She'll be able to update you concerning the financial aid package.

The initial training cycle is three weeks long. One week is before classes begin, and the next two are during the first two weeks of class. It is challenging physically, but not as intense as basic summer training you'll find at the academies. The main goal of ITC is to teach personal accountability, basic military traditions and courtesies, team building, and to transition you into the Corps of Cadets.
 
My DS got offered a Falcon Foundation Scholarship this morning and has 1 week to pick his school. Would greatly appreciate your input on the following choices:
Georgia Military College
Marion Military Institute
New Mexico Military Institute
Northwestern Prep
Randolph-Macon Academy
Seems to be a lot of positives on MMI; what about the others? Do all 5 offer an equal chance of appointment next year if he successfully completes the program? Thank you!
Former Northwestern prepster here. I attended last year and had the best time of my life. The place is wonderful, everyone is chill and they just want you to get into the academy. If you're a falcon just stay out of jail and you're guaranteed an appointment, so don't stress about that. Anyways, I'm currently doing my second semester at a community college, and life couldn't have turned out better. I can't speak for the other prep schools but NWP will not disappoint. In my opinion, the one semester deal is for sure the way to go. Goodluck!
The Falcon year is intended to boost your academics. Just getting by is not the intent. Every year there are one or two Falcons who have their offer of appointment rescinded because of grades in the second semester (NW Prepsters mostly), drinking, violating school polices, etc. The Falcon Scholarship is a great deal. Take it and enjoy your year, but also use it to prepare yourself. What is that third USAFA core value?
 
I have question about falcon or self preps. At a place like NWP is it realistic to go from 25 to 30 on act.
 
I have question about falcon or self preps. At a place like NWP is it realistic to go from 25 to 30 on act.
Success is not guaranteed. NWP provides all the resources for improvement, but it is up to the prepster him/herself to get where they want to be. I improved both academically and physically at NWP, but I really struggled with the pull up/flexed arm hang portion of the CFA. If I did not make time every night after study hall to work on my pull ups, I would not have improved. Yes, there were PT sessions every day. However, if one wants to improve a little extra in a certain area, they must make take time to focus on it.
Same thing goes for academics. Some prepsters needed to bring a certain section of their ACT/SAT up. For example, I knew of a student who had an amazing score in the math section of the ACT, but struggled in the English section. Yes, NWP has an English class but said student had to put a little extra time into studying to improve his score. Some students had a low SAT score in general, and spent their free time reading SAT prep books (their scores improved as well).

It's not difficult to set aside some free time to improve since you have practically no internet and very little contact with "civilization." Nevertheless, it can be tempting to take a nap or just "chill" with your fellow prepsters instead of studying or getting that extra workout in.

The real magic on the mountain happens when students realize that it's not the school that gets them the high score on the ACT, SAT, or CFA. NWP gives prepsters all the tools to achieve their goals, but it can't take the tests for you. In the end, you get out what you put in.
Is it realistic to go from a 25 to 30 on the ACT? Yes, you just have to put in that extra work.
 
Wow congrats. Did you go there as self prep or falcon. Son would be going as self prep. Any other advice.
 
I have question about falcon or self preps. At a place like NWP is it realistic to go from 25 to 30 on act.
Success is not guaranteed. NWP provides all the resources for improvement, but it is up to the prepster him/herself to get where they want to be. I improved both academically and physically at NWP, but I really struggled with the pull up/flexed arm hang portion of the CFA. If I did not make time every night after study hall to work on my pull ups, I would not have improved. Yes, there were PT sessions every day. However, if one wants to improve a little extra in a certain area, they must make take time to focus on it.
Same thing goes for academics. Some prepsters needed to bring a certain section of their ACT/SAT up. For example, I knew of a student who had an amazing score in the math section of the ACT, but struggled in the English section. Yes, NWP has an English class but said student had to put a little extra time into studying to improve his score. Some students had a low SAT score in general, and spent their free time reading SAT prep books (their scores improved as well).

It's not difficult to set aside some free time to improve since you have practically no internet and very little contact with "civilization." Nevertheless, it can be tempting to take a nap or just "chill" with your fellow prepsters instead of studying or getting that extra workout in.

The real magic on the mountain happens when students realize that it's not the school that gets them the high score on the ACT, SAT, or CFA. NWP gives prepsters all the tools to achieve their goals, but it can't take the tests for you. In the end, you get out what you put in.
Is it realistic to go from a 25 to 30 on the ACT? Yes, you just have to put in that extra work.
 
I have question about falcon or self preps. At a place like NWP is it realistic to go from 25 to 30 on act.
Success is not guaranteed. NWP provides all the resources for improvement, but it is up to the prepster him/herself to get where they want to be. I improved both academically and physically at NWP, but I really struggled with the pull up/flexed arm hang portion of the CFA. If I did not make time every night after study hall to work on my pull ups, I would not have improved. Yes, there were PT sessions every day. However, if one wants to improve a little extra in a certain area, they must make take time to focus on it.
Same thing goes for academics. Some prepsters needed to bring a certain section of their ACT/SAT up. For example, I knew of a student who had an amazing score in the math section of the ACT, but struggled in the English section. Yes, NWP has an English class but said student had to put a little extra time into studying to improve his score. Some students had a low SAT score in general, and spent their free time reading SAT prep books (their scores improved as well).

It's not difficult to set aside some free time to improve since you have practically no internet and very little contact with "civilization." Nevertheless, it can be tempting to take a nap or just "chill" with your fellow prepsters instead of studying or getting that extra workout in.

The real magic on the mountain happens when students realize that it's not the school that gets them the high score on the ACT, SAT, or CFA. NWP gives prepsters all the tools to achieve their goals, but it can't take the tests for you. In the end, you get out what you put in.
Is it realistic to go from a 25 to 30 on the ACT? Yes, you just have to put in that extra work.
Thanks so much for all the information. I know he is very determined so my sense is he would give it everything he has. I wish I had a realistic picture of a free agents chances.
 
I have question about falcon or self preps. At a place like NWP is it realistic to go from 25 to 30 on act.
Success is not guaranteed. NWP provides all the resources for improvement, but it is up to the prepster him/herself to get where they want to be. I improved both academically and physically at NWP, but I really struggled with the pull up/flexed arm hang portion of the CFA. If I did not make time every night after study hall to work on my pull ups, I would not have improved. Yes, there were PT sessions every day. However, if one wants to improve a little extra in a certain area, they must make take time to focus on it.
Same thing goes for academics. Some prepsters needed to bring a certain section of their ACT/SAT up. For example, I knew of a student who had an amazing score in the math section of the ACT, but struggled in the English section. Yes, NWP has an English class but said student had to put a little extra time into studying to improve his score. Some students had a low SAT score in general, and spent their free time reading SAT prep books (their scores improved as well).

It's not difficult to set aside some free time to improve since you have practically no internet and very little contact with "civilization." Nevertheless, it can be tempting to take a nap or just "chill" with your fellow prepsters instead of studying or getting that extra workout in.

The real magic on the mountain happens when students realize that it's not the school that gets them the high score on the ACT, SAT, or CFA. NWP gives prepsters all the tools to achieve their goals, but it can't take the tests for you. In the end, you get out what you put in.
Is it realistic to go from a 25 to 30 on the ACT? Yes, you just have to put in that extra work.
Thanks so much for all the information. I know he is very determined so my sense is he would give it everything he has. I wish I had a realistic picture of a free agents chances.
My daughter was a free agent at NWP a year ago. They had past students from all the academies come and speak to them about their experiences. It was an amazing opportunity and they encourage the free agents to apply to all the academies. I think the free agents had a great percentage of appointment. My DD went from a 26 to 30 act, so it is definitely possible.
 
Hello! I am new here, received a rejection from USAFA (my first choice), but I did get accepted to MMI. I have a couple of questions (please let me know if this is not the right forum for these types of questions). First, I did not get any notice that I received a falcon foundation scholarship, but could I still get one? Second, what is the likelihood of getting a presidential scholarship from MMI if I am over the listed minimum qualifications? Third (slightly off topic) how does MMI operate as far as basic? I hear they have the first three weeks for induction/training, but I do not know. Thanks!
Concerning your first question...I know someone who got a call in July of last year with a Falcon Foundation scholarship offer so it could happen. (They gave him 24 hours to respond.) Suspect it will depend on the acceptance rate and subsequent trickle down effect. Good luck!

DS got that same call 2 years ago in July.
 
I have question about falcon or self preps. At a place like NWP is it realistic to go from 25 to 30 on act.
Success is not guaranteed. NWP provides all the resources for improvement, but it is up to the prepster him/herself to get where they want to be. I improved both academically and physically at NWP, but I really struggled with the pull up/flexed arm hang portion of the CFA. If I did not make time every night after study hall to work on my pull ups, I would not have improved. Yes, there were PT sessions every day. However, if one wants to improve a little extra in a certain area, they must make take time to focus on it.
Same thing goes for academics. Some prepsters needed to bring a certain section of their ACT/SAT up. For example, I knew of a student who had an amazing score in the math section of the ACT, but struggled in the English section. Yes, NWP has an English class but said student had to put a little extra time into studying to improve his score. Some students had a low SAT score in general, and spent their free time reading SAT prep books (their scores improved as well).

It's not difficult to set aside some free time to improve since you have practically no internet and very little contact with "civilization." Nevertheless, it can be tempting to take a nap or just "chill" with your fellow prepsters instead of studying or getting that extra workout in.

The real magic on the mountain happens when students realize that it's not the school that gets them the high score on the ACT, SAT, or CFA. NWP gives prepsters all the tools to achieve their goals, but it can't take the tests for you. In the end, you get out what you put in.
Is it realistic to go from a 25 to 30 on the ACT? Yes, you just have to put in that extra work.
Thanks so much for all the information. I know he is very determined so my sense is he would give it everything he has. I wish I had a realistic picture of a free agents chances.
My daughter was a free agent at NWP a year ago. They had past students from all the academies come and speak to them about their experiences. It was an amazing opportunity and they encourage the free agents to apply to all the academies. I think the free agents had a great percentage of appointment. My DD went from a 26 to 30 act, so it is definitely possible.
Thanks so much. Did she get in as a free agent.
 
Is it realistic to go from a 25 to 30 on the ACT?

My son had a decent SAT score but wants to increase it. He is using Khan Academy online which is free for SAT pep. He studies about an hour a night and then takes a practice test every weekend. Over the course of about 4 weeks he has increased his score 100 points based on the practice test. He went from a 1300 to a 1400. His goal is to hit 1450 or higher. He is scheduled to take the SAT in about 2 weeks and I think he scheduled again for June. He is attending MMI as a self-prep. We visited MMI and the SAP director told us that cadets will take the exam again while at MMI but advised son to study over the summer and to take the SAT if he could. The extra studying now will benefit him when he starts at MMI.
 
My DS got offered a Falcon Foundation Scholarship this morning and has 1 week to pick his school. Would greatly appreciate your input on the following choices:
Georgia Military College
Marion Military Institute
New Mexico Military Institute
Northwestern Prep
Randolph-Macon Academy
Seems to be a lot of positives on MMI; what about the others? Do all 5 offer an equal chance of appointment next year if he successfully completes the program? Thank you!
Former Northwestern prepster here. I attended last year and had the best time of my life. The place is wonderful, everyone is chill and they just want you to get into the academy. If you're a falcon just stay out of jail and you're guaranteed an appointment, so don't stress about that. Anyways, I'm currently doing my second semester at a community college, and life couldn't have turned out better. I can't speak for the other prep schools but NWP will not disappoint. In my opinion, the one semester deal is for sure the way to go. Goodluck!
The Falcon year is intended to boost your academics. Just getting by is not the intent. Every year there are one or two Falcons who have their offer of appointment rescinded because of grades in the second semester (NW Prepsters mostly), drinking, violating school polices, etc. The Falcon Scholarship is a great deal. Take it and enjoy your year, but also use it to prepare yourself. What is that third USAFA core value?
Ah, forgot to mention, while at NWP my SAT scores went up from a 1280 to a 1450. ACT went from 24-30. And yes there were people there who merely wanted to "just get by" but surprisingly they also received appointments due to their Falcon Foundation scholarship. In my mind, those are the people that don't make it through their first year at the academy because they don't understand what it takes to succeed, so they don't put in the work. Bottom line is put in the work. You'll get out what you put in. Just show improvement, don't make trouble with the law, and get that appointment.
 
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