For all of you waiting to hear from usafa

[flieger83]

Okay...a little more insight...

"...from a non-attributed Flie...er...source...."

Admissions will identify the bulk of appointment recommendations during Regular Selections in March 2012 with few exceptions. Meaning, there will be few if any Letters of Assurance (LOA). As a result, respective candidate appointment information will not be provided until the later part of March and final notifications will not be completed until the first week of April.

So...do NOT get yourselves all spun up on this...as I've said all this cycle...it's going to be VERY different from the past.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

 

[Blackbird]

Flieger,

Does your source have any insight into the appointment timing for Falcons this go around? I remember that last year they came at the end of February slightly before the bulk of appointments. Or is the thinking that even Falcon appointments will be in March/April?

Thanks.

 

[flieger83]

Flieger,

Does your source have any insight into the appointment timing for Falcons this go around? I remember that last year they came at the end of February slightly before the bulk of appointments. Or is the thinking that even Falcon appointments will be in March/April?

Thanks.

I would take the above to include Falcon's, etc. If they are earlier, then we'll all have a great surprise!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

 

[ctuma2]

Since all appointments are coming out later than usual, is rolling admissions still a factor (in other words, does submitting you application earlier make as much of a difference?)

 

[Christcorp]

Since all appointments are coming out later than usual, is rolling admissions still a factor (in other words, does submitting you application earlier make as much of a difference?)

Well, in my opinion, we are PAST the point where "early admissions" becomes significant. I.e. If you're not finished today, then there's not that big of an advantage to completing it in January or February.

Having said that; and for the individuals applying next summer; in my opinion, the answer is YES. YES, finishing your application early DOES have some benefits. Even in a selection year where selections aren't done until April-May.

WHY? Simple.... PERCEPTION!!! The "Human Factor".
1. MOC nomination: I've got "X" amount of applicants. Do I PERCEIVE the individual(s) who show that their Academy application is 100% complete to be more DETERMINED, DEDICATED, BETTER TIME MANAGER, COMMITTED, etc....? YUP!!! This could easily be the factor that gets you the nomination, and the other person not to get the nomination. CAVEAT: Is this going to help the 3.2gpa/25act/1700sat applicant??? Nope. But then again, most of the low end will have a difficult time getting a nomination or appointment no matter when they finish the application.

2. Admissions: Your application is weighted and scored. Many of your scores are subjective. While the academy isn't offering most appointments until the spring, that doesn't mean they haven't already started scoring your package. They have. They still know, based on past stats, what the "NO BRAINER CLUB" is. If you are in the "No Brainer Club", there are some early appointments going out. If your application is done early, you can receive an early appointment. The academy loves locking you in and stopping you from applying to other schools or academies. But we're talking the 34-36ACT/4.0 unweighted GPA/#1 class rank/Class officer/3 Varsity sports/CAPTAIN of the varsity sports/All State - All Conference/200+ Volunteer hours/IB Program or an entire course load of AP classes (To go along with the 4.0gpa)/Involved in a number of clubs, etc..... I think you get the idea of the "No Brainer Club". This applicant under ANY scenario, WILL RECEIVE an appointment. They aren't the Top-10%. They are BETTER than the Top-1% of all applicants.

Also; for those who aren't in the "No Brainer Club" but finish their application early, the board will use the "Human Factor" in scoring your package. Just like the MOC, they will see that you are dedicated, determined, confident, committed, etc.... They will see that the academy isn't simply "Another College Application". USC, Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and most other universities have an "Early enrollment" or "Early Admissions" section. They view these applicants who truly choose their school as their #1 choice. The military is no different. If you have your application completed in August-September and it's available during the first board review, they will see the stated qualities in you and they will tend to give you a more favorable assessment of your package.

Hope this helps. Doesn't do anything for this year's applicants. We're way past what is considered "Early". Early is for those next year who can have their application 100% completed; ready for board review; in 45 days or less. Basically, completed prior to the 1st board review. Best of luck.... mike.....

 

[USAFA: 2016!]

So, how does completing your app early help sponsored preps(Falcons)? For many of us, prep school has been incredibly trying(I attend NMMI). I've never had below a 3.6 in my life and suddenly I have below a 3.0. Plus I'm waiting on some paperwork from my high school before my app is complete.

Now, my ACT is a 29(lowest score is math at 26 but I have a 35 reading score). My SAT is a 620 math, 650 critical reading. My prep school gpa is less than impressive at around a 2.5, but has increased from a 2.0 in about 4 weeks. My CFA had significant improvement from last year. I was voted Best New Cadet in my troop here at NMMI.

I understand my GPA is really not what the Academy wants to see. But I'd like to feel confident in my "98% of sponsored preps get in" that I always get told. How confident can those of us who are sponsored feel? Is it really true that if we meet our contract requirements that we will be accepted this year?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Karek]

So, how does completing your app early help sponsored preps(Falcons)? For many of us, prep school has been incredibly trying(I attend NMMI). I've never had below a 3.6 in my life and suddenly I have below a 3.0. Plus I'm waiting on some paperwork from my high school before my app is complete.

Now, my ACT is a 29(lowest score is math at 26 but I have a 35 reading score). My SAT is a 620 math, 650 critical reading. My prep school gpa is less than impressive at around a 2.5, but has increased from a 2.0 in about 4 weeks. My CFA had significant improvement from last year. I was voted Best New Cadet in my troop here at NMMI.

I understand my GPA is really not what the Academy wants to see. But I'd like to feel confident in my "98% of sponsored preps get in" that I always get told. How confident can those of us who are sponsored feel? Is it really true that if we meet our contract requirements that we will be accepted this year?

Thanks in advance!

USAFA: 16

What you are feeling appeared to be fairly common by Falcons last year as well. Even as a preppie or prepster, as there is apparently a distinction, life is significantly more difficult balancing academics, training etc. USAFA knows that and understands that this is a transition for you.

Maintain the focus on your grades but dont make yourself crazy over them. Focus on your test scores mostly. And know that you have an adjustment to make and it takes some time. For what it is worth this is the same crazy that some kids experience at the beginning at USAFA, those that had this opportunity as Falcons or Preppies are much calmer academically because they have now experienced those struggles.

Every high achiever that aspires to attend needs to have those ups and downs which will make you a better officer in the long run. I can say this based on my own DS experience as a Falcon last year and some of his friends who were Falcons. They are all at USAFA as 4 digs and doing fine.

Keep your faith and learn from what you are experiencing and don't make yourself crazy with worry. But do your best!

 

[flieger83]

USAFA: 16

What you are feeling appeared to be fairly common by Falcons last year as well. Even as a preppie or prepster, as there is apparently a distinction, life is significantly more difficult balancing academics, training etc. USAFA knows that and understands that this is a transition for you.

Maintain the focus on your grades but dont make yourself crazy over them. Focus on your test scores mostly. And know that you have an adjustment to make and it takes some time. For what it is worth this is the same crazy that some kids experience at the beginning at USAFA, those that had this opportunity as Falcons or Preppies are much calmer academically because they have now experienced those struggles.

Every high achiever that aspires to attend needs to have those ups and downs which will make you a better officer in the long run. I can say this based on my own DS experience as a Falcon last year and some of his friends who were Falcons. They are all at USAFA as 4 digs and doing fine.

Keep your faith and learn from what you are experiencing and don't make yourself crazy with worry. But do your best!

What Karek Said!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

 

[briguy22]

If a candidate receives a principal nomination will the academy still hold off until March to award that candidate with his/her appointment, or will the official acceptance be sent once the principal nomination is awarded?

 

[flieger83]

If a candidate receives a principal nomination will the academy still hold off until March to award that candidate with his/her appointment, or will the official acceptance be sent once the principal nomination is awarded?

I doubt it. But then again...

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83