I'm more nervous than my DS

[usafa2012mom]

I figured there were a lot of us that were having these feelings and I'm really glad I started this thread. I have been thinking about this stuff for a while and it really helps to connect with you all. Thank you for bouncing back your thoughts and experiences.

My son has lived for this moment. And he really hopes to fly. His total focus since grade school was to join the Air Force. His AFJROTC experience starting in the 9th grade, lead him to choose the AFA. (Oh and my dad was a USAF Captain and served as navigator on B52 bombers, that may have also influenced him) Anyway, he made sure all decisions and every thing he participated in would put him in a more competitive position at application time. He attended SS at USAFA and USNA last summer, both were third sessions (if anyone else on here had a kid there, let us know). He really feels like he belongs at USAFA. If he doesn't get an appointment this time, he will be obviously, very dissapointed, but he is totally prepared to start the application process over again immediately. In the meantime, Plan B is Embry-Riddle or NC State. ERAU if enough scholarship money comes in, some has already. His file goes before the AFROTC selection board this month, so we will find out in March about any scholarship there.

Also, we feel he is very competitive, solid CFA, long distance runner, Eagle Scout - Sr Patrol leader, AFJROTC - with several leadership positions, Band Captain, 3.80 GPA (4.50 weighted, but not sure how much they look at that), ACT 33 and SAT 1470, and 3 nominations. Since there is such a squeeze with the number of appointments being reduced, he is totally aware this might not be his year, but he is determined to try again and would be thrilled to go to the Prep School if it is offered.

 

[sportsmom10]

Like many of you have said already, I can't imagine having gone through this exhausting process without this forum. Unless your child is applying to a SA you really can't grasp how involved and emotionally draining this process is. I recently had a friend tell me how much work it was getting their child to finish up state U applications... Which didn't even require a essay! I just smiled and listened but in my mind had to giggle! At this point my DS has written 16 different essays between, SA, nominations, ROTC applications, 6 university applications, and scholarship applications. And that has been the easy part! The waiting is the challenge for us all. DS has had many friends, parents and even teachers comment as to "why you want to go into the military... You should be able to get into a UC with your grades..." they have no idea about the competitiveness of SA and the quality of the education. It doesn't hold the prestige it should in our area. But my DS desires is not for prestige but a desire to serve his country and to earn the outstanding education offered at a SA.

Again a huge thank you for the support and advice on this forum... Without it, and several glasses of wine, I never could have made it through this process without losing the little bit of sanity I have left.

I agree with you, crair70, unless you have been through this process with your children, you do not really understand the depth of it. This forum has been quite valuable to me. I am constantly informing my husband of one thing or another and he wants to know where I am getting my information. Thanks to all the great moderators our there for all your wisdom. Fortunately for my family, we already received the BFE, but we are still not medically qualified. It seems like such a big carrot to wave in front of my DS, we are hoping it comes through real soon. Good luck to everyone out there waiting for your BFE. I hope to see you all in June. Best wishes from Rhode Island.

 

[usafa2012mom]

Amen to that! I am so very grateful for this forum. It has been the most helpful part of the entirely challenging process of applying to all of the service academies. The commitment of our sons and daughters when they decide that this life (in the military) and this institution (any of the U.S. Service Academies) is their own life's dream and goal is different than the decision to attend any non-military university or college. They are all saying,
"I want to serve my nation" and they understand that this commitment may readily involve decisions that they will take them on a life's journey with many commitments away from family and friends. They are unique, special, exceptional, amazing, talented, smart, and loyal to our nation. They all make us proud, and I am absolutely sure that they will make our nation proud too! Congratulations to everyone who is currently at this juncture, for you are remarkable to be here awaiting the important news of being accepted. Whether you receive the BFE or not, each and every one of you is amazing to have made it this far in the process. Your commitment is evident to all of us.
My prayer is for all of you to attain your dreams and goals.:

Totally agree with this

A BIG Heartfelt thank you to all the Candidates for your commitment & desire to serve and also to the parents & families who are supporting them. God Bless You ALL

 

[usafa2012mom]

I agree with you, crair70, unless you have been through this process with your children, you do not really understand the depth of it. This forum has been quite valuable to me. I am constantly informing my husband of one thing or another and he wants to know where I am getting my information. Thanks to all the great moderators our there for all your wisdom. Fortunately for my family, we already received the BFE, but we are still not medically qualified. It seems like such a big carrot to wave in front of my DS, we are hoping it comes through real soon. Good luck to everyone out there waiting for your BFE. I hope to see you all in June. Best wishes from Rhode Island.

Also agreeing with you, sportsmom10 and clair70, that this process is a very involved and lengthy journey through (to newbies) uncharted, mysterious waters. It has been quite the learning experience for our entire family, as all have been involved to some extent, as they have prayed and supported our DS through this process. I'm not sure we would have made it this far without the knowledge we gained from this forum, and attempting it solo. Maybe... but it certainly would have been much more difficult. We have definitely found some wonderful friends here.

Also sportsmom10, I’m certainly not an expert, but guessing that a waiver may be in the works, since he already got the BFE.
Good luck and sending prayers your way.

 

[sportsmom10]

Also agreeing with you, sportsmom10 and clair70, that this process is a very involved and lengthy journey through (to newbies) uncharted, mysterious waters. It has been quite the learning experience for our entire family, as all have been involved to some extent, as they have prayed and supported our DS through this process. I'm not sure we would have made it this far without the knowledge we gained from this forum, and attempting it solo. Maybe... but it certainly would have been much more difficult. We have definitely found some wonderful friends here.

Also sportsmom10, I’m certainly not an expert, but guessing that a waiver may be in the works, since he already got the BFE.
Good luck and sending prayers your way.

Thanks for the prayers, and I'm praying for your family also. This is an unbelievable feeling. Fingers crossed and prayers for all who are waiting for the BFE. Also, when you get it, it's not hard to figure it out, the envelope states, "Appointment offer enclosed" Doesn't really leave much to the imagination!!! Hopefully it will be sticking out of your mail box soon!!

 

[ncmom26]

Count me in!

Asking for and sending up prayers for all those waiting on the BFE.

We, like many of you, have been building to this point every year now since about the 3rd grade or even longer. He has worked hard and I couldn't be more proud of him and his resolve to serve our great nation.

Congrats to all who have made it this far!