HS Freshman

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AlphaBravo

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Apr 5, 2022
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Hello, I'm a high school freshman. I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for how to succeed in high school to gain acceptance to USAFA and what to get involved in. I'm in three sports, all honors, and in Student Council. Please respond if you have any advice.
 
Wants to go to USAFA but has a West Point pfp 🤔

But in all seriousness, it's good that you're in three sports, all honors, and student council. Try to be varsity in all three sports and become team captain eventually in at least one of those sports. Try to attain a leadership role in student council and challenge yourself by taking some AP classes.
 
My DS looked a few summers ahead at the congressman and senator websites where the questions were posted to apply for a nomination. Fortunately for him, no one had been voted out of office by the time he needed to apply so he was ready with his application essays/answers. In addition to sports, being a captain, and graduating top 3% of his class, he scored well on the SAT (he took practice SATs prior), he also held a job- he was a lifeguard- which in Florida is year round. He also spent two of his spring breaks "working" in Tallahassee as a Messenger for State politicians.

He is now in his Junior year- a C2C- at USAFA.
 
I will add- the spring of his Junior year in High school, was when it was Covid and classes became online. He used that flexibility to practice for the CFA. He is not a strong runner. He tested for the CFA in June and maxed out on most of the events except running. He was lucky he had the time to focus on the CFA. He had asked for a pull up bar and weights that Christmas prior and he was lucky he did that since our gyms were closed.
 
Academics, leadership, and athletics. (In that priority)

Do well in your classes and rock the standardized tests. Gain some leadership experience via clubs, sports, or projects. Keep fit and (preferably) play at least 1 team sport.
 
AlphaBravo said:
Hello, I'm a high school freshman. I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for how to succeed in high school to gain acceptance to USAFA and what to get involved in. I'm in three sports, all honors, and in Student Council. Please respond if you have any advice.
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Junior in HS here who was in the same place as you! Keep it up, definitely. Make sure you get varsity I’d say in at LEAST two of those sports. Try to get captaincy, but I don’t think it’ll ruin your application if you don’t (two of my good friends are at USAFA at the moment, both were not team captains nor involved in student government).

For now just keep up the good grades, take the PSAT next year, and keep it up in your sports! There’s nothing you can do in the admissions process until January of your junior year, so just keep being patient. Best of luck to you!
 
Academics. Athletics. Leadership. Excel in the most difficult classes offered. Take both the SAT and ACT, early and often. 1500/35 is the min goal. Varsity letters, team captain. It isn't too late for Scouts, it is a 2-year trip to Eagle, or Venture Crew. Boys/Girls State after your junior year. Lifeguarding is a great job that has a leadership component. Junior Volunteer Fireman provides great training, stories, and examples of leadership. You want to make yourself so valuable the academy can't go on without you.

Go to the USAFA website and study it thoroughly, you will find the recommended academic profile. You can look at previous class profiles. The level of competition is fierce.

You have time but don't delay. Good luck!
 
T-37IP said:
Go to the USAFA website and study it thoroughly, you will find the recommended academic profile. You can look at previous class profiles. The level of competition is fierce.

You have time but don't delay. Good luck!
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Good point here, check the class of 2023 profile, that’s a good source for information. I’ve linked it here below:

www.usafa.edu

The breakdown: Class of 2023 stats

A breakdown of the stats for the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023. Of the 921 cadets who graduated 651 were men and 270 women.
www.usafa.edu www.usafa.edu
 
For what it's worth just remember that USAFA is also looking for the "Whole Person" in their applicants. This means well rounded and having exposure to a good range of experience in leadership, athletics, work and community activities all on top of strong academics. All high grades will not overcome a miss in the other areas so make sure you keep going forward with your "extras" and follow the process to the letter keeping all of the timelines well in view so you miss nothing. It's a deliberately long and difficult process so they can weed out those who are not totally committed early on. Good luck and stay focused on your "why".
 
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