Falcon Scholarship, What is the full meaning?

My DS is currently a Falcon Scholar at Randolph-Macon Academy and was offered an appointment to USAFA in February. He has had a great year there and feels much more prepared physically and academically. You should ask to speak to some of the Falcon Scholars while you're visiting. I'm sure they'd be happy to answer any questions. My DS actually answered some questions for another potential Falcon and his mother.

I am sure my DD met your DS as she had lunch with all of them at R-MA. She thought they were all great! She really appreciated them talking to her and giving her lots of information and advice. Congrats on your DS going to the academy this year. I met all the FS there too, so I know your DS is quite a gentleman and great person, even though I don't know which one he was. They were all wonderful young adults.
 
Hi all - brand new here, my DD just received notice of her Falcon Foundation scholarship today. This is completely new to us and we are kind of reeling from this news - we started looking at prep schools today and are looking for input on NW prep in California. She is having a hard time thinking about this, she had her heart set on USAFA, but also received a ROTC scholarship for Syracuse. She's not sold on the 5-year plan yet. Any help/words of wisdom would be appreciated. Thank you!
 
Congratulations to your DD. My DS also received a 4-yr ROTC Scholarship as well over a year ago. He thought through it and here we are today. This one prep year has been a wonderful learning experience for my DS. This offer is truly a "golden ticket." His entire group of Falcon Scholars (8 total) are more physically, and mentally prepared to face the challenges of BCT and beyond.
The prep year has gone by so quickly. DS cannot believe sometimes that there's only one more month left for him and he friends at R-MA.
 
Hi all - brand new here, my DD just received notice of her Falcon Foundation scholarship today. This is completely new to us and we are kind of reeling from this news - we started looking at prep schools today and are looking for input on NW prep in California. She is having a hard time thinking about this, she had her heart set on USAFA, but also received a ROTC scholarship for Syracuse. She's not sold on the 5-year plan yet. Any help/words of wisdom would be appreciated. Thank you!

We had the same reaction as you did when my DD first received her notification of the FS 2 Fridays ago. She had a 4 year ROTC scholarship too and we were at first confused on what she should do. But we realized the FS is the way to go as she is going to get an extra year of preparation for the academy. Both our DDs will begin the academy together next year. She is now excited she will have an extra year of prepping in the academics as her math is a 27 ACT with an overall of a 31 ACT and she wants to get better in her scores and understanding. I think her calculus problems are due to the teacher not explaining things as there are 55 students in her AP class so she has had to learn everything through the books. I am saying this as now my DD and I are looking at it as a great opportunity to be even more prepared for the academy. I don't know about NW but we looked at R-MA and MMI and she has decided on MMI due to the facilities and it is an actual college compared to R-MA being a high school with Falcon Scholars. I am assuming they gave you a short period of time to accept and state the school as we had. Good luck but knowing that both our DDs will definitely go to the academy next year is awesome and worth the extra year in my DD's and my opinion.
 
Thank you for responding. She needs to respond by May 1. We've talked about nothing else today, and right now she is sending emails to NW Prep, R-MA, MMI, and NMMI for more info. DD feels this may be a good fit; she is not going to be 18 until August, and she will be looking at this year as a year to mature, gain confidence, and improve her physical endurance. She is a runner, but needs to build up her strength. She also looked at R-MA as another 'high school' - but we are keeping an open mind on all. It is pretty cool - we had no idea this program existed until today.
 
Thank you for responding. She needs to respond by May 1. We've talked about nothing else today, and right now she is sending emails to NW Prep, R-MA, MMI, and NMMI for more info. DD feels this may be a good fit; she is not going to be 18 until August, and she will be looking at this year as a year to mature, gain confidence, and improve her physical endurance. She is a runner, but needs to build up her strength. She also looked at R-MA as another 'high school' - but we are keeping an open mind on all. It is pretty cool - we had no idea this program existed until today.
DS attended NWP last semester as a Falcon and received his appointment at the end of February. Can't say enough about NWP and the Durbecks....you can call them directly and Mrs. Durbeck will be happy to speak with you and answer any questions you have.....congrats!
 
, which to me would indicate she wouldn't have academic or behavioral problems, which are the main reasons people don't get their appointments.

I have no idea where you came up with this notion. No one with "behavioral problems" is likely to get a Falcon Scholarship.

And of course, academics keep many from direct appointments to any Service Academy (and many colleges), but there are many reasons beside academics for not receiving an appointment. Athletics, leadership, weight issues, lack of ECs... If our OPs daughter received the Falcon, it is essentially an admission by the Admissions dept that she's got what they want - she just needs a year or so to develop.

The Falcon Scholarship is indeed the Golden Ticket. Congrats to your daughter! She is in a great position with several superb options!
 
I got the Falcon Scholarship yesterday. Although Northwestern Prep has a great track record, I'm leaning towards R-MA simply because of the class size. I called this morning, and the student teacher-ratio is 9:1. If a class reaches 20 students, they split it into 2 sections. They had 8 Falcon scholars this year, all 8 are headed to USAFA next year. Not only that, but they offer an on campus flight program that costs ~ $150 an hour for flight time. Consider this when making your decision, too: R-MA is a $40,000 a year school, which Falcon Scholars attend for $7,500. Even though it is newer and smaller than the other programs, I think it may be just as good or better than some of the larger prep schools.
 
I have no idea where you came up with this notion. No one with "behavioral problems" is likely to get a Falcon Scholarship.

When we asked LT. Gen. Kelley about those few cadets who did not receive their appointments from years past, grades and behavioral problems were the two reasons he gave. I've watched more than enough cadets have appointments stripped away from them because of behavioral problems, both sponsored and self-prep, for nearly every service academy.

And you're right, no one with behavioral problems is "likely" to get a Falcon Foundation scholarship, but it does happen. The fact that the OP's DD received other high-tier scholarships should be an indicator that any problems are "likely" to have been vetted.
 
Our DD was in the same position as yours a few years ago. She chose NWP and it was a fantastic experience. The Durbecks are amazing people and I can't say enough good things about them or their program! You can message me if you have any further questions.

Best of luck and congrats!

Hi all - brand new here, my DD just received notice of her Falcon Foundation scholarship today. This is completely new to us and we are kind of reeling from this news - we started looking at prep schools today and are looking for input on NW prep in California. She is having a hard time thinking about this, she had her heart set on USAFA, but also received a ROTC scholarship for Syracuse. She's not sold on the 5-year plan yet. Any help/words of wisdom would be appreciated. Thank you!
 
When we asked LT. Gen. Kelley about those few cadets who did not receive their appointments from years past, grades and behavioral problems were the two reasons he gave. I've watched more than enough cadets have appointments stripped away from them because of behavioral problems, both sponsored and self-prep, for nearly every service academy.

And you're right, no one with behavioral problems is "likely" to get a Falcon Foundation scholarship, but it does happen. The fact that the OP's DD received other high-tier scholarships should be an indicator that any problems are "likely" to have been vetted.

I have no idea how this thread turned into my DD possibly having behavioral problems and she was 'likely' to have been vetted. I can definitely assure you, she has Zero behavioral problems. I won't list her resume but it is actually 2 pages long, from being Chair of the Special Olympics when she was only 16 years old to many other milestones and firsts at her over 2000 student population high school, including being the youngest (sophomore) full student government treasurer at her school. She has had unbelievable leadership roles since she was in middle school. Somehow I had an 'angel' which my mother says I didn't deserve. :) She also excels on the physical level. I don't believe she will have any behavioral problems during her year at MMI either. As I said in another post, her math ACT is at 27 and that may be the biggest reason why she has a Falcon Scholarship which she feels very blessed with getting. She honors the fact she received it. Which ever prep school anyone goes to, it really doesn't matter as long as they study and work towards the physical requirements etc. besides honor the USAF code, they will all be at the academy next year.
 
Thank you for responding. She needs to respond by May 1. We've talked about nothing else today, and right now she is sending emails to NW Prep, R-MA, MMI, and NMMI for more info. DD feels this may be a good fit; she is not going to be 18 until August, and she will be looking at this year as a year to mature, gain confidence, and improve her physical endurance. She is a runner, but needs to build up her strength. She also looked at R-MA as another 'high school' - but we are keeping an open mind on all. It is pretty cool - we had no idea this program existed until today.

We didn't know what this program was either until it was offered to our DS last year. We always skipped over anything to do with Falcon Scholarship as we didn't think it pertained to our DS. He was young as well, June birthday, and feels fully prepared academically and physically to attend USAFA in June after attending Randolph Macon Academy this year. Best of luck! She won't regret it.
 
I have no idea how this thread turned into my DD possibly having behavioral problems and she was 'likely' to have been vetted. I can definitely assure you, she has Zero behavioral problems. I won't list her resume but it is actually 2 pages long, from being Chair of the Special Olympics when she was only 16 years old to many other milestones and firsts at her over 2000 student population high school, including being the youngest (sophomore) full student government treasurer at her school. She has had unbelievable leadership roles since she was in middle school. Somehow I had an 'angel' which my mother says I didn't deserve. :) She also excels on the physical level. I don't believe she will have any behavioral problems during her year at MMI either. As I said in another post, her math ACT is at 27 and that may be the biggest reason why she has a Falcon Scholarship which she feels very blessed with getting. She honors the fact she received it. Which ever prep school anyone goes to, it really doesn't matter as long as they study and work towards the physical requirements etc. besides honor the USAF code, they will all be at the academy next year.
I never challenged your DD's qualifications. In fact, I applaud your DD for the work she put in to get where she is, as all the other Falcons and I know this is no easy scholarship to get. My original post on the matter indicated that her reception of both an NROTC scholarship and Falcon Foundation scholarship (among her many other accolades) were indicators that she most likely possessed the academic prowess and character to avoid the issues which cause appointments to be rescinded or never given. My original and subsequent posts were by no means an attack or meant to be degrading to your DD. I apologize if they appeared to be.
 
I never challenged your DD's qualifications. In fact, I applaud your DD for the work she put in to get where she is, as all the other Falcons and I know this is no easy scholarship to get. My original post on the matter indicated that her reception of both an NROTC scholarship and Falcon Foundation scholarship (among her many other accolades) were indicators that she most likely possessed the academic prowess and character to avoid the issues which cause appointments to be rescinded or never given. My original and subsequent posts were by no means an attack or meant to be degrading to your DD. I apologize if they appeared to be.

Thank you. I am sure, you know 'moms' and how we protect our babies at times and maybe read things incorrectly possibly when it involves our children. Congrats on your appointment!
 
I wanted to update my DD's situation. She has been attending the Marion Military Institute in Alabama and has been loving it. There are 8 other falcon scholars there with her (all male) and 8 self prep AFA hopefuls. Gen. Kelley was there a few weeks ago giving the Falcons their scholarships and he knew my daughters name before she was introduced to him. She was in fact shocked when she walked into the room and he said "Hi (and then her first name) " as he knew it besides not calling her by her last name. When he asked to see a room she volunteered hers to be inspected. He told the Falcons that having the extra year through a Falcon scholarship puts them in a leadership position in many cases during their junior (2nd class) year at the AFA. He also told them that 80% of Falcons graduate compared to 67% of all others. He told the scholars that it was the first year that every single cadet had to have also passed the medical and all requirements as pilots. She absolutely loves the military life at the institute and was even asked to be a chemistry tutor for the other students by the professor there and is getting paid for that. She is in the honor guard, colored guard and even Calvary there. She is so glad she has this extra year now as she feels she will be 1000% better prepared for the academy this next year. Parents weekend was just 2 weeks ago and I took a video and added pictures from it. At the 13:46 mark of the video (from the parade etc) is the picture of the Falcon Scholars at MMI the day Gen. Kelley gave them their scholarships.
From when I first started this thread and was so disappointed at that time of her not getting a direct appointment, I am so glad now. She is going to be so well prepared to be completely successful and thrive when she does go to the AFA next year. I now know for those who will be in my DD position this next year during the time they are giving out appointments, it is a great thing to have the extra year of prep and to have instant friends at the AFA of her fellow Falcon scholars as they all hang out together and help each other out now.
 
Our DS turned down a 4 year AFROTC scholarship he was prepared to take to Virginia Tech in order to go to NWP as a Falcon Foundation Scholar....after doing due diligence and speaking with Mrs. Durbeck at NWP, we realized it truly is the Golden Ticket to USAFA.....he accepted his appointment in February!

We have appointments at this time to visit Randolph Macon and Marion Institute this coming week as she has to make an acceptance and state the prep school by Friday. She is leaning towards Randolph Macon as they have a flight school there.
Our DD also has a FS but she is conflicted since she has an HSSP ROTC for AF and Army that she would be giving up. FS route looks like an amazing opportunity since AFA has been her top choice for many years. She is visiting RMA for a second time tomorrow - can some FS RMA parents elaborate on the re-application process to AFA and how helpful and encouraging the school is re-getting the MOC nomination and application processed? Any other thoughts on RMA for FS would be appreciated.
 
My sympathies to your DD @Myqell . My DS is the recipient of an AROTC scholarship to VMI and has also been offered a sponsored prep spot at USMMA. (That would be similar to the Falcon scholarship at USAFA.) He is going to turn down the AROTC scholarship and take the prep school offer - or at least I think that is what he is going to do. He has alternated between USMMA and USCGA being his #1 and #2 choices so the opportunity to take the prep school spot was exciting for him. To be honest it boiled down to the fact that he wants to be in one of the maritime services so it made the decision to turn down the army scholarship a little easier. Now, if that had been a NROTC scholarship I don't know what he would have done. He is also on the USCGA prep school waitlist. If he would happen to come off the waitlist his choice may change. :)

Does DD know where she wants to be after graduation? If that is the case, have her start there and work back. If her preference is for the army than her decision might be easier. If she really desires the USAF than she has two great choices.

I told DS he is either going to give up an AROTC scholarship of a SA prep school appointment so he should just take some time and really ponder that concept and delight in the fact that he gets to take the next step toward reaching his goals. A few months ago he was worried the last 2 years of hard work would produce nothing so the ability to have options is a great luxury.
 
Our DS turned down a 4 year AFROTC scholarship he was prepared to take to Virginia Tech in order to go to NWP as a Falcon Foundation Scholar....after doing due diligence and speaking with Mrs. Durbeck at NWP, we realized it truly is the Golden Ticket to USAFA.....he accepted his appointment in February!

We have appointments at this time to visit Randolph Macon and Marion Institute this coming week as she has to make an acceptance and state the prep school by Friday. She is leaning towards Randolph Macon as they have a flight school there.
Our DD also has a FS but she is conflicted since she has an HSSP ROTC for AF and Army that she would be giving up. FS route looks like an amazing opportunity since AFA has been her top choice for many years. She is visiting RMA for a second time tomorrow - can some FS RMA parents elaborate on the re-application process to AFA and how helpful and encouraging the school is re-getting the MOC nomination and application processed? Any other thoughts on RMA for FS would be appreciated.


I can tell you that RMA is a high school that takes on Falcon Scholars. We visited but it is not a place my DD would have been happy. The students are there who have parents who sent them for discipline problems. The students can't talk during lunch, they have to ask permission to speak. Check out MMI, it really is a great place. No big reapplication for AFA, simply sending in transcripts and letters from the prep schools officials. My DD didn't have to do all the other paperwork. She did have to take the ACT, medical and physical testing again. If a FS tries and does there best, it is definitely the golden ticket.
 
I can tell you that RMA is a high school that takes on Falcon Scholars. We visited but it is not a place my DD would have been happy. The students are there who have parents who sent them for discipline problems. The students can't talk during lunch, they have to ask permission to speak. Check out MMI, it really is a great place. No big reapplication for AFA, simply sending in transcripts and letters from the prep schools officials. My DD didn't have to do all the other paperwork. She did have to take the ACT, medical and physical testing again. If a FS tries and does there best, it is definitely the golden ticket.
I know this is an old thread but wanted to dispel the notion of R-MA as a school for discipline issues. Our DD transferred to R-MA in the fall 2020 and has had an amazing experience! As a hs junior on an academy prep route, her experience is similar to that of the Falcon Scholars. She has the option of morning workouts, a tight academic schedule in small (in person!) classes, athletics and leadership opportunities. Her peers are interested in being there (although I am sure there may be a few exceptions) and take pride in the school. Students are in leadership positions and organize the student body in Flights. The silent lunches may have been a disciplinary action imposed by the student leaders at that time though that is not how meals are now. Not all students will be pursuing a military life or education but all are learning the benefits of schedules, expectations, and leadership. The academic focus includes tutorial hours for extra help and set evening study halls. She has even been blessed to begin working on her pilot’s license, flying a plane before getting her automobile driver’s license. She was honored to be on a call this week with Falcon Scholars and Sunita Williams, NASA Astronaut and USNA grad. I am so impressed by R-MA, its leaders, faculty and especially the student body! I would be more than happy to talk with anyone about Randolph-Macon Academy and its merits.
 
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