GOOD LUCK

You can never use the argument or what if about; slots being taken away from other who may have stayed. Or taken away from others who really wanted it. Or anything similar.

I'm sure that just about every individual who quit the academy, REALLY WANTED IT when they were applying. But like the vast majority who apply; they have no idea what they are truly getting into. Not until they are there. Last summer, one of my applicants received an appointment and went to BCT. He WANTED the academy as far back as he could remember. He was in JrROTC. Was #2 in command. Been involved with that sort of activity for many years. He made it through about 3 weeks of BCT and quit. Can't say he didn't really want it.

Sounds bad, but every individual who receives an appointment, worked hard for that appointment. They did what needed to be done in school, sports, extra curricular, the application, etc. They EARNED that appointment. And like it or not, they have every right in the world to change their mind; either before or during BCT. Or even up to 2 years into it. The fact that they realized that the air force and military wasn't for them, and they made a decision to remedy their future; I applaud and respect them for that.

And NEVER say that it's a shame, because you know of a kid who really wanted it or WOULD HAVE stayed. Sorry, but you don't know ANYONE like that. And every alumni who's made it through the academy will tell you that until you're there, and doing it, you have no idea if it's what you really wanted or not. Just because a 17 year old kid says it's what they wanted their whole life, that doesn't mean anything. Even I didn't know 100% if my own son would make it through BCT and the academy. At least not for the first 2 years.

And for what it's worth, no individual leaving the academy EVERY TAKES A SLOT AWAY. Believe it not, the academy already has the drop out rate factored in, By federal law, they aren't suppose to commission more than 1000 per year. That's why they bring in about 1200. They KNOW they are going to lose around 200 in the 4 years. They are PLANNING ON IT. If they could be guaranteed those entering would stay and graduate, they'd only bring in around 1000.
 
OK, did not mean to strike a nerve and you read a bit more into my short statement than was intended, but I can see that your comments are probably more pre-emptive for continued conversation. And I never said I knew anyone who WOULD HAVE stayed, I said "may have stayed".

I do know it weighed on my DD during BCT to some extent since they were playing musical roommates and two of hers left for one reason or another during the first three weeks. It is hard enough to make it through BCT with a supportive roommate, and even harder if the roommate is a "downer".

Christcorp said:
And every alumni who's made it through the academy will tell you that until you're there, and doing it, you have no idea if it's what you really wanted or not.
Click to expand...

Very true. Even my DH (alumni) has said the same thing and even told DD that know matter how much he tried to tell her about the Academy or tried to prepare her for what to expect, she would never be completely prepared for what she would go through since every year is a bit different and every person entering is different in how they deal with the stress, expectations, structure, etc. etc.
 
No problem. And you didn't strike a nerve. But it's a common misunderstanding among many on the forums, and those applying, (Especially if they didn't receive an appointment), that people who get accepted and drop out "TOOK A =SLOT AWAY THAT THEY COULD HAVE HAD".

I didn't post directly towards you. I write many times in the 3rd person or to the countless LURKERS who read the threads but don't post actual questions. There's always posts about people who received an appoint and quit vs the individual who didn't receive an appointment and feels this was a slot they could have had.

Whether the academy takes 1200 expecting to lose 200; or they take 1000 with a contractual agreement that those accepting would stay; the person who didn't receive an appointment; STILL wouldn't have received an appointment that year.
 
I too would be curious to know how many are left standing at this point

They had called our house at about the midway of BCT and needed our email for some parent club stuff. I asked that question then and the lady told me she believed that they had lost about 30 at that point.

Our son didnt know and didnt think it was a large number. I believe he told us over PW there was a kid leaving or waiting to be processed out.
 
The numbers will be out soon enough. If I find them, I'll post them. It does seem however, that most years it's almost the same.

Lose: 50-75 during BCT
Lose: 50 in the first year after either 1st or 2nd semester.
Lose: 50 more by end of 2nd year, before commitment.
Lose: 25 for academic or disciplinary actions over years 3-4.

My son's class was one of the largest. Class of 2012. Started with about 1280. Ended up with about 1040. (Yes, they went over 1000). Not normal. But the academy has been doing this for a while they know from experience how many will stay and make it through. That's why each year they change the actual number coming in. The law states that the academy is not suppose to have MORE than 4400 cadets at the school; and only 1000 commissions. But sometimes you get a real good class and very few drop out or get kicked out. Sometimes, you get a class where many drop out or get kicked out.
 
HAAAAAAAP! We started with 1348 and had a very low attrition rate during basic. We actually graduated over 1100 (I believe 1108 is the number but it could be a little off). HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP
 
A10. Thanks for the accuracy. I knew it was high, but I didn't think they went over 1100. Haaaaaaaaaaaaaap. I always tease my son for not saying that when we talk. But y'all are captains now, so I guess it can slide.
 
According to the August 2016 Parent's Newsletter, there were 1,126 Cadets as of 7/31/2016 in the Class of 2020. So if they started with 1,168 (which is what is listed in the Parents Newsletter as of June 30, 2016), they have lost about 42. To compare with the class of 2019, they had lost approximately 81 during this same time frame.
 
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