For Those of Us Still Waiting C/O 2025

For everyone still waiting here, congrats and welcome to "double-secret limbo" you get to wait a little longer. I know it's difficult to hear, but this is basically a good spot to be in. I'm including the post I linked above to Hawgflier.

My DS landed here in double-secret limbo last year, the bad news is you're still waiting on 1 of 4 possible outcomes. This wait will feel harder than the previous couple of months, but the good news you don't have a TWE, so you should consider yourself lucky to be here.

There are four possible outcomes from this point:
1. an appointment!
2. USAFAPS
3. FFS
4. TWE

"double-secret limbo" can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Last year it was approx. 3 weeks for my DS in this status, it ended when he received an FFS offer, AKA the "golden ticket".

You're in a good spot, you just have to wait a little longer. Work on plans B,C,D, etc. and check portal every couple of days. Good luck!
 
On last year's "Those Of Us Still Waiting" thread, many users found it therapeutic to update their status on the list after the big TWE drop came. Here's a link to that one in case anybody's interested: USAFA / For Those Of us Still Waiting.

For those with a TWE today, sorry to hear your news. You have so much optimism and positive energy invested in this process over the previous months and for many it's difficult to read the TWE in your portal. Don't dwell on it. Dwell instead on the great things you've done that have gotten you to this point. You are an incredible young adult, you're smart, you've demonstrated leadership and have conducted yourselves admirably. You started an application that many get discouraged from. You completed it and officially became a candidate. You received letters of recommendation from teachers and adult leaders in your life who know your potential. You interviewed for a nomination from your Congressional rep and/or senator. You passed the candidate fitness assessment and completed a DODMERB physical. Just having taken this journey is an inspiration to others in your spheres of influence. The good news today is you have an answer about what you won't be doing next year and can push forward with plans B, C, D, etc. Today offers you an opportunity to learn and be able to demonstrate resilience. Be encouraged by what you've learned about yourself in this process, the hoops you've jumped through to complete the tasks and meet the deadlines needed to get you here. Take some time over the next couple of days and reflect upon your answer to the question "why do you want to attend USAFA". Take that energy and RE-APPLY next year! Whatever you choose to pursue this coming year, pursue it with enthusiasm. If the desire to attend USAFA is still in your heart, you can look forward to opening an application for c/o 2026 in a couple of months. There may be someone who received a TWE today who may get a call in June with an last-minute appointment offer, but for the most part a TWE today means an open door to a different path for next year.

Best of luck and look forward to seeing you listed on the appointment thread next year (or even the next year) as a successful re-applicant!
 
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Dad_2024 said:
On last year's "Those Of Us Still Waiting" thread, many users found it therapeutic to update their status on the list after the big TWE drop came. Here's a link to that one in case anybody's interested: USAFA / For Those Of us Still Waiting.

For those with a TWE today, sorry to hear your news. You have so much optimism and positive energy invested in this process over the previous months and for many it's difficult to read the TWE in your portal. Don't dwell on it. Dwell instead on the great things you've done that have gotten you to this point. You are an incredible young adult, you're smart, you've demonstrated leadership and have conducted yourselves admirably. You started an application that many get discouraged from. You completed it and officially became a candidate. You received letters of recommendation from teachers and adult leaders in your life who know your potential. You interviewed for a nomination from your Congressional rep and/or senator. You passed the candidate fitness assessment and completed a DODMERB physical. Just having taken this journey is an inspiration to others in your spheres of influence. The good news today is you have an answer about what you won't be doing next year and can push forward with plans B, C, D, etc. Today offers you an opportunity to learn and be able to demonstrate resilience. Be encouraged by what you've learned about yourself in this process, the hoops you've jumped through to complete the tasks and meet the deadlines needed to get you here. Take some time over the next couple of days and reflect upon your answer to the question "why do you want to attend USAFA". Take that energy and RE-APPLY next year! Whatever you choose to pursue this coming year, pursue it with enthusiasm. If the desire to attend USAFA is still in your heart, you can look forward to opening an application for c/o 2026 in a couple of months. There may be someone who received a TWE today who may get a call in June with an last-minute appointment offer, but for the most part a TWE today means an open door to a different path for next year.

Best of luck and look forward to seeing you listed on the appointment thread next year (or even the next year) as a successful re-applicant!
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To echo what @Dad_2024 said, my biggest takeaway is, RE-APPLY RE-APPLY RE-APPLY RE-APPLY RE-APPLY! If you want it, you can get it. It might take 1 try, 2 tries, 3 tries, or 6, but if USAFA is your goal nothing can stop you from getting there other than yourself. Work on improving your application for this coming year by improving yourself and further growing into who you are, and keep the goal right in front of you. Best of luck everyone!

PS: RE-APPLY!
 
This forum has been my source of info, hope and consolation same as those that are in the same (waiting) boat. My DS received his TWE this morning. Like some of you who suggested in this forum, he secured his Plan B (USNAFS) when it was offered to him a few weeks ago. The extra year prep may be better for him transitioning out of High School to prepare him more for success. Thanks all and keep your hopes up and never give up for those who are still waiting and those that plan to reapply next year. God bless America!
 
I just received my TWE a few minutes ago. 32 on the ACT, Eagle Scout, 4.8 GPA, et cetera, but I did poorly on my CFA (really only the mile, which was honestly horrible) and I wasn't able to retake due to Covid restrictions and time.

Anyway, the TWE stated that I can enroll in college and take Calc 1, 2, chem, physics, English, and a social science course to better my chances. Is this essential? Are there any reapplicants who got in without taking a year of college between the time they got TWE'd and when they got accepted?

What about the enlistment route? Can I enlist in the next few months and still reapply to USAFA for C/O 2026?
 
Enlistment could work, but not for the class of 2026. Through their LEAD program, you can apply to USAFA. I'm pretty sure it's after 2 years of service, and most go to prep first to brush up on school before entering USAFA. I honestly don't know how competitive this is, but my guess is it is very much so. My DS' roommate went this route. He was 21 when entering as a doolie. Going the college route is the most direct way. Take the classes they recommend and ACE them. Also, you should probably consider ROTC while at school. It shows USAFA your desire to serve and become an officer, while also giving you another potential nom source.
 
hopefulmom182 said:
Enlistment could work, but not for the class of 2026. Through their LEAD program, you can apply to USAFA. I'm pretty sure it's after 2 years of service, and most go to prep first to brush up on school before entering USAFA. I honestly don't know how competitive this is, but my guess is it is very much so. My DS' roommate went this route. He was 21 when entering as a doolie. Going the college route is the most direct way. Take the classes they recommend and ACE them. Also, you should probably consider ROTC while at school. It shows USAFA your desire to serve and become an officer, while also giving you another potential nom source.
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hopefulmom182 said:
Enlistment could work, but not for the class of 2026. Through their LEAD program, you can apply to USAFA. I'm pretty sure it's after 2 years of service, and most go to prep first to brush up on school before entering USAFA. I honestly don't know how competitive this is, but my guess is it is very much so. My DS' roommate went this route. He was 21 when entering as a doolie. Going the college route is the most direct way. Take the classes they recommend and ACE them. Also, you should probably consider ROTC while at school. It shows USAFA your desire to serve and become an officer, while also giving you another potential nom source.
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If you decide to enlist I suggest ANG or USAF Reserve. You can apply to attend USAFA after you complete basic training (there is no "2 year" requirement). You will have to have your commander's recommendation, however.

For individuals with their hearts set on USAFA the LEAD program is the best possible chance. If you are qualified and have your commander's recommendation you have a 90%+ chance of getting in. I say this with 2 decades of experience in USAFA Admissions. I know that some individuals want this more than others, and I personally believe that the desire counts for something.

Good luck to you all and godspeed. I am retiring in July after 40 years of service. I hope and pray that tomorrow's Air Force lives up to the past.

-- Insider
 
USAFAContrail said:
Getting a TWE may seem like the end of the road, but it's not. Last year I got my TWE about 10 days prior to receiving a FFS. So even if you do get a TWE, sit tight and figure out your plan B's, but don't give up completely on the academy.
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throckmortius said:
I just received my TWE a few minutes ago. 32 on the ACT, Eagle Scout, 4.8 GPA, et cetera, but I did poorly on my CFA (really only the mile, which was honestly horrible) and I wasn't able to retake due to Covid restrictions and time.

Anyway, the TWE stated that I can enroll in college and take Calc 1, 2, chem, physics, English, and a social science course to better my chances. Is this essential? Are there any reapplicants who got in without taking a year of college between the time they got TWE'd and when they got accepted?

What about the enlistment route? Can I enlist in the next few months and still reapply to USAFA for C/O 2026?
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The lack of flexibility regarding the CFA was beyond ridiculous. The CFA logistics had to be the most beyond stressful part of this admission applications for the schools that ds completed the admission process for. They (MOC office, schools) just were not understanding that facilities were not allowing guests and it can be impossible to find someone who qualifies to administer it.
 
throckmortius said:
I just received my TWE a few minutes ago. 32 on the ACT, Eagle Scout, 4.8 GPA, et cetera, but I did poorly on my CFA (really only the mile, which was honestly horrible) and I wasn't able to retake due to Covid restrictions and time.

Anyway, the TWE stated that I can enroll in college and take Calc 1, 2, chem, physics, English, and a social science course to better my chances. Is this essential? Are there any reapplicants who got in without taking a year of college between the time they got TWE'd and when they got accepted?

What about the enlistment route? Can I enlist in the next few months and still reapply to USAFA for C/O 2026?
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CFA is pass / fail, so it probably wasn't a slow mile time that kept you out. I feel for you, but step back, take an honest assessment, talk to your ALO, and move forward. Step 1 would be to take the classes recommended in the TWE.

Best of luck.
 
I agree with @USAFAContrail. Don't fully give up on the Academy because there's always still that chance. The same thing happened to me last year! I was still a candidate in the middle of May and I finally received a TWE. A week or two later, I received an offer from the Falcon Foundation!
 
T-37IP said:
CFA is pass / fail, so it probably wasn't a slow mile time that kept you out.
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A failing time on the mile run will put you in the fail side of Pass/Fail and will absolutely keep you out.
 
OldRetSWO said:
A failing time on the mile run will put you in the fail side of Pass/Fail and will absolutely keep you out.
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True, but I was under the impression this was a straight TWE and not a "simple" CFA failure based on the class recommendations to become more competitive.
 
T-37IP said:
True, but I was under the impression this was a straight TWE and not a "simple" CFA failure based on the class recommendations to become more competitive.
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Every TWE that I know of is a form letter and not tailored to each individual's particular situation.
 
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