Introduction from a wannabe flyboy

[GreyMatter]

Heya.

18 year old college freshman here; while studying criminal justice, I realized I’m only gonna live once, and that I should try to do what I’ve always dreamed of.

Being an Air Force pilot.

I’m looking into the ways to do it- whether to try to join a 3 year AFROTC program or to try for the service academy- and I can try to make that decision on my own. What I wanna know right now is if I even have a chance of getting into USAFA.

I’m planning on studying for the SAT over the summer, but I have no scores yet (current college didn’t need them). GPA is 3.8 unweighted, but I was homeschooled, so that’s just from college. Did take an AP computer science course and got a 4, am an Eagle Scout who was an SPL. Have dysgraphia, but it solely effects my handwriting, and I’m steadily improving it. Am a good writer with computers. Improving my physical fitness with daily workouts, but my current stats aren’t even passing. Plenty of time to work on that, though.

My biggest fear is my lack of sports involvement; while I did Model U.N, I only went to the large, national committees twice. I only have awards from local, 20 person or so committees. I did fencing and karate, but nothing competitive. I’ve seen the stats seem to imply a massive preference for athletes, and while I’m planning on joining one of my local teams this upcoming semester, that’s nothing compared to a high school varsity student.

Let me know your thoughts; and as a side note, does anyone know if it’s possible to transfer out of AFROTC to USAFA after contracting? I.E if I was doing it through a congressional nomination instead of the 20 AFROTC > USAFA slots

 

[Falcon74]

My last USAFA roommate completed his first year of college in Texas A&M's Corps of Cadets before coming to USAFA to start basic training (again). Yes, 25-30% of entering cadets have some prior college of prep school background. Unless things have changed a lot, you have a better chance of entering pilot training coming from USAFA than ROTC.

Being home schooled is a perfect explanation for the lack of sports team history. Physically speaking, you should be concentrating on the fitness test. Pull-ups were my nemesis. I installed a bar in the ceiling of my parents' basement ceiling so that I could practice pull-ups multiple times each day (before school. after school, before bed, etc.).

Not having a high school history to reference, your application would naturally focus on equivalent activities you experience as a college student.

Good luck!

 

[T-37IP]

Academics. Athletics. Leadership. You need all three. Hopefully you are mimicking a Doolie year academic schedule and doing well. Knock your ACT/SAT out of the park. USAFA super scores so take the early and often.

Leadership - You could easily be involved with Order if the Arrow and Assistant Scout Master/merit badge counselor, ROTC. Clubs at you college.

Athletics - running clubs or intramurals should be readily available.

Class of 29 applications will open this summer.

Good luck.