Just accepted plan B school - what to do to avoid their wrath?

[bananafish]

So I just accepted my Plan B civilian school. I am planning to defer my admission there for a variety of reasons. I have accepted a conditional offer from USAFA but I will almost certainly be unable to go for medical reasons (will be DQ'd and my own doctor confirmed I won't be ready for basic). My current plan is to reapply to USAFA during my gap year. Although of course life is uncertain, I think I have a very high chance of acceptance. That being said I still want to have the civilian school as a plan B.

So first I have immediate concerns. I know you are not supposed to accept two offers to two different schools. I'm worried civilian college will get mad at me and possibly rescind my offer. More importantly, I'm worried USAFA will find out about the situation and look down on it, thus seeing me as a candidate of poor character in the future. Also, I am waitlisted at my top choice civilian college and I don't want this to somehow affect my waitlist odds.

What's the best course of action ATM? Apprise college B and USAFA of the situation? Give up on USAFA for this year and withdraw? Keep quiet and don't draw attention to the issue?

Next I'm concerned about next year. Let's assume the double-acceptance dilemma doesn't amount to anything. If next year I apply to USAFA I will breach the college B deferment contract. They would have the right to rescind my acceptance (which would be a total waste of my $500 deposit). Worse, though, they could tell USAFA about it and USAFA could just auto reject me.

Am I being paranoid? How does USAFA view double-dipping in this sense? At this point I'm just trying to go to college, most hopefully USAFA, but at least college. If I'd accepted only USAFA this year then once my medical comes back I'd have zero college acceptances. But if I accept college B, defer, and don't reapply to USAFA, I'll be settling for a school I don't love. Is the only fair-play path for me to have both options open to reject USAFA now, spend 70k to attend college B next year, and apply to USAFA from college B? And if I choose to violate the contracts and double-dip, how do I avoid that choice ruining my chances with both schools?

 

[franknd]

Tell College B the truth, that you are taking a gap year for medical reasons. IMO, you don't need to say any more than that. Then, next year, if you decide to reapply, and if you are accepted, you tell College B at that time that you have been accepted to the Air Force Academy, and they may or may not refund your deposit.

IMO, it's nowhere near as complicated as you are making it in your head.

 

[T-37IP]

So you're planning on a "gap year"? If at all possible, I wouldn't do that if you're plan is to reapply to USAFA. You need to keep adding to your resume to remain competitive unless during the gap year you are doing something really spectacular that will set you aside from everyone else.

 

[bananafish]

So you're planning on a "gap year"? If at all possible, I wouldn't do that if you're plan is to reapply to USAFA. You need to keep adding to your resume to remain competitive unless during the gap year you are doing something really spectacular that will set you aside from everyone else.

1) I don’t have control over whether I am medically cleared for USAFA this year. I suppose I do have the power to decide to take classes somewhere next year no matter what
2) I am taking the gap year to fully recover from an injury, take a job offer, travel, and mostly train and compete athletically. I don’t think that’s anything really spectacular, but I don’t think it’s a waste of time either (hence why I’m doing it). Also I was initially being recruited for USAFA so I think the coach there would appreciate me focusing on my sport during the time I’m unable to go to USAFA
3) I don’t know how much time I have to add to my USAFA resume either way. If I attend college and apply to USAFA in the fall then I wouldn’t even have semester 1 grades to share.

Thank you for your help and advice

 

[AFrpaso]

1) I don’t have control over whether I am medically cleared for USAFA this year. I suppose I do have the power to decide to take classes somewhere next year no matter what
2) I am taking the gap year to fully recover from an injury, take a job offer, travel, and mostly train and compete athletically. I don’t think that’s anything really spectacular, but I don’t think it’s a waste of time either (hence why I’m doing it). Also I was initially being recruited for USAFA so I think the coach there would appreciate me focusing on my sport during the time I’m unable to go to USAFA
3) I don’t know how much time I have to add to my USAFA resume either way. If I attend college and apply to USAFA in the fall then I wouldn’t even have semester 1 grades to share.

Thank you for your help and advice

To your 3rd point, if you do enroll in college this fall, then USAFA will require the fall semester transcripts be submitted by Jan 15. Your academic performance would be included in your application.

 

[Herman_Snerd]

So I just accepted my Plan B civilian school. I am planning to defer my admission there for a variety of reasons. I have accepted a conditional offer from USAFA but I will almost certainly be unable to go for medical reasons (will be DQ'd and my own doctor confirmed I won't be ready for basic). My current plan is to reapply to USAFA during my gap year. Although of course life is uncertain, I think I have a very high chance of acceptance. That being said I still want to have the civilian school as a plan B.

So first I have immediate concerns. I know you are not supposed to accept two offers to two different schools. I'm worried civilian college will get mad at me and possibly rescind my offer. More importantly, I'm worried USAFA will find out about the situation and look down on it, thus seeing me as a candidate of poor character in the future. Also, I am waitlisted at my top choice civilian college and I don't want this to somehow affect my waitlist odds.

What's the best course of action ATM? Apprise college B and USAFA of the situation? Give up on USAFA for this year and withdraw? Keep quiet and don't draw attention to the issue?

Next I'm concerned about next year. Let's assume the double-acceptance dilemma doesn't amount to anything. If next year I apply to USAFA I will breach the college B deferment contract. They would have the right to rescind my acceptance (which would be a total waste of my $500 deposit). Worse, though, they could tell USAFA about it and USAFA could just auto reject me.

Am I being paranoid? How does USAFA view double-dipping in this sense? At this point I'm just trying to go to college, most hopefully USAFA, but at least college. If I'd accepted only USAFA this year then once my medical comes back I'd have zero college acceptances. But if I accept college B, defer, and don't reapply to USAFA, I'll be settling for a school I don't love. Is the only fair-play path for me to have both options open to reject USAFA now, spend 70k to attend college B next year, and apply to USAFA from college B? And if I choose to violate the contracts and double-dip, how do I avoid that choice ruining my chances with both schools?

Agree with @franknd's post above - if your path is to defer, simply use your medical issue as the reason and tell the civilian college without delay. You are perhaps overanalyzing that one. Plus at this point USAFA should be notified that you're not going to be there either at this point and ask for a deferral/ reconsideration if that's possible (or reapply as needed).

Your gap year plan - if you don't get back into USAFA and pass DODMERB, will you regret it? When and how fully will this injury be healed? Have you considered the following alternative? Does your civilian college, or one you can afford, have a AFROTC unit? I would think your reapplication to USAFA would be exponentially stronger if you were to reapply with the following in-hand: 4.0 first semester, glowing recommendation from your AFROTC PAS, and one year of learning the AF Courtesies and customs/ routines. If the path to USAFA doesn't work out, you're still 25% on your way to earning a degree and potentially on your way to picking up a ICSP AFROTC scholarship AND you're on a path to potentially serve as an AF Officer.

I understand not being healed for this summer for indoctrination, but is your injury such that you won't be 100% by the Fall? Does your medical team advise you're going to fully recover such that this will likely be a non-issue for passing DODMERB which is needed no matter what branch or path you serve in?

Good luck to you - I don't know if a gap year puts you in the most competitive light for the USAFA relative to your competition who are, likely as you were throughout HS, excelling in so many areas, but you do you and do what's best for you. Perhaps you are correct that the athletic performance is so outstanding that the AF will welcome you. Does your injury lead to concern for your stability as an athlete? Examples: ACL, collar bone, broken neck, achilles, some hamstring mechanical injuries? I would discuss your options with the AF coach who was recruiting you for their guidance.

Good luck.

 

[justdoit19]

Adding: taking a gap year, may very well make you a prep school candidate, vs straight to the academy candidate.

Also, in the world of recruiting, depending on who you are, etc (ie coaching staff changes), you may or may not be a recruit when the gap year is over.

Have alternate plans. There are no guarantees.

To me? In the big picture? If you can work and travel….you can go to school to stay academically fit and continue to build your resume.

Not knowing you or your situation intimately, that’s what it looks like from the cheap seats.

What does your coach suggest in this situation? Are you blue chip (at this time)? Unless a blue chip, you will need to gain admission in your own merits (for the most part..). Have you looked at USAFA website ‘advice for reapplicants’ for their recommendations/blueprint for replying?

Is attending prep to completely heal an option (I know it’s not the objective of prep, but I have heard it happens. No clue though). Again, no guarantees two years from now.

Good luck, and healing, to you!!

 

[bananafish]

Agree with @franknd's post above - if your path is to defer, simply use your medical issue as the reason and tell the civilian college without delay. You are perhaps overanalyzing that one. Plus at this point USAFA should be notified that you're not going to be there either at this point and ask for a deferral/ reconsideration if that's possible (or reapply as needed).

Your gap year plan - if you don't get back into USAFA and pass DODMERB, will you regret it? When and how fully will this injury be healed? Have you considered the following alternative? Does your civilian college, or one you can afford, have a AFROTC unit? I would think your reapplication to USAFA would be exponentially stronger if you were to reapply with the following in-hand: 4.0 first semester, glowing recommendation from your AFROTC PAS, and one year of learning the AF Courtesies and customs/ routines. If the path to USAFA doesn't work out, you're still 25% on your way to earning a degree and potentially on your way to picking up a ICSP AFROTC scholarship AND you're on a path to potentially serve as an AF Officer.

I understand not being healed for this summer for indoctrination, but is your injury such that you won't be 100% by the Fall? Does your medical team advise you're going to fully recover such that this will likely be a non-issue for passing DODMERB which is needed no matter what branch or path you serve in?

Good luck to you - I don't know if a gap year puts you in the most competitive light for the USAFA relative to your competition who are, likely as you were throughout HS, excelling in so many areas, but you do you and do what's best for you. Perhaps you are correct that the athletic performance is so outstanding that the AF will welcome you. Does your injury lead to concern for your stability as an athlete? Examples: ACL, collar bone, broken neck, achilles, some hamstring mechanical injuries? I would discuss your options with the AF coach who was recruiting you for their guidance.

Good luck.

I will not regret a gap year. Although my issues with USAFA are part of my reasoning for the gap year, the main reason for it is to get back into athletics after being sidelined for half a season. I really feel like with one more year I'll have the ability to excel at the national level and best set myself up for making national teams etc. no matter where I attend school. Additionally, it's a life goal of mine to become fluent in a second language, which this will make possible.

I have not told USAFA that I'm not going because I still want to go. I'm just accepting that it is very unlikely to work out but I'm still hoping for something like a DQ waiver and exemption from certain basic drills/incredible recovery on my end. They are already aware of my injury. I will withdraw though if I think it's necessary. Just don't want to lose a potential bird in hand or show disinterest in USAFA.

I will be 95% healed by around November and 110% healed by March. It is an ACL tear which you marked as provoking concerns for future stability. I think you have a good point but my doctors have assured me that I'll be in the clear after next winter. Also my surgeon's general retear rate is less than 3%.

I will consider the AFROTC option. I initially wasn't interested in it because I wasn't sure if I could do both AFROTC and D1 sports at a civilian college. But I'll research more. Also I'll get in contact with the USAFA coach.

Thanks!

 

[bananafish]

Adding: taking a gap year, may very well make you a prep school candidate, vs straight to the academy candidate.

Also, in the world of recruiting, depending on who you are, etc (ie coaching staff changes), you may or may not be a recruit when the gap year is over.

Have alternate plans. There are no guarantees.

To me? In the big picture? If you can work and travel….you can go to school to stay academically fit and continue to build your resume.

Not knowing you or your situation intimately, that’s what it looks like from the cheap seats.

What does your coach suggest in this situation? Are you blue chip (at this time)? Unless a blue chip, you will need to gain admission in your own merits (for the most part..). Have you looked at USAFA website ‘advice for reapplicants’ for their recommendations/blueprint for replying?

Is attending prep to completely heal an option (I know it’s not the objective of prep, but I have heard it happens. No clue though). Again, no guarantees two years from now.

Good luck, and healing, to you!!

Yeah, absolutely I could go to college B next year. I'm just choosing not to. Sorry if I didn't make that clear. Earlier in the application process the coach said he would use a blue chip on me if needed, but that he strongly believed I'd be accepted without is help, and if possible would like to save a blue chip for someone unable to get in on their own merits. Currently, he knows I am injured, thinks it is impossible for me to attend next year, and probably thinks it's likely that I'm going to a top choice civilian college (this part's conjecture, but during the recruiting process he said many times that he's worried that I'll be accepted to one or more top-level D1 schools, and now that I can't go to USAFA he likely think that's the outcome). I told him that I'd update him on me reapplying. So he's due for an update now.

I haven't been offered prep school and I would really prefer not to go. It would mean zero ability to practice my sport. Which is the complete opposite of my preferred option of taking a year to focus on sports. I suppose it would be better than taking a gap year and having zero chance of acceptance by USAFA. But I have a hard time believing that taking a year to work, travel, and (hopefully) excel athletically would be viewed that poorly by USAFA and USAFA coaches. Maybe I could take online classes or a semester of CC?

I have very high high school grades, a 1540 on SAT, and 5s on AP exams. Does that stuff matter in the context of missing out on a year of formal schooling?

Edit: I'm having trouble finding the advice for reapplicants page. Could you link it please?

 

[Capt MJ]

Here’s the link for college applicants:

College Student Transfers | U.S. Air Force Academy

If you are currently in college and still meet the age eligibility requirements for admission to the Air Force Academy, you may still apply.

www.academyadmissions.com

I am not sure there is a link specifically for re-applicants, though I know the DoDMERB exam is good for 2 years, but it must be updated with any changes to medical history or resolution of pending medical. Admissions can provide guidance on where academic letters of evaluation come from. Your essays would be new ones, reflecting personal growth, new insights, etc. You would apply for noms again.

There is no link with advice for applicants taking a year off from school and not taking college courses, that I could find.

I know there are previous discussions on your plan, so I won’t offer any additional thoughts on that, as you seem set on your approach.

 

[dddad]

I have accepted a conditional offer from USAFA but I will almost certainly be unable to go for medical reasons (will be DQ'd and my own doctor confirmed I won't be ready for basic). My current plan is to reapply to USAFA during my gap year. Although of course life is uncertain, I think I have a very high chance of acceptance. That being said I still want to have the civilian school as a plan B.

Sorry to hear about your injury. In your specific situation, why not talk to USAFA admissions. Perhaps USAFA would offer a LOA dependent upon a medical waiver for the following year and give you specific authorization to do a gap year. You may as well ask to see where you will stand on what you are thinking instead of relying on the well meaning advice of this forum. Good luck!

 

[justdoit19]

I thought there was, but am wrong. Also not finding what I thought was there. Sorry about that tail chase!

Here is a great read through, for reapplying to any SA.

Let us know how it goes for you. I am not sure withdrawing is the right thing to do. Double check that!

Reapplying to USNA (after a turndown)

Below is information for those reapplying to USNA after being turned down. It also may be helpful to first time candidates who are currently in college. PLEASE NOTE: While every attempt has been made to make this sticky accurate, the information below has not been reviewed, approved or...

www.serviceacademyforums.com

 

[ProudMom7]

Based on the information you've given, including your grades and the interest from the coach, is a deferral to next year an option for USAFA? You seem like a highly qualified candidate, and sometimes SAs will give deferrals to applicants when they have an injury late in the process which (I believe) pretty much guarantees them a spot in the following year's class. I don't know what requirements go along with that, but I would ask the USAFA coach and Admissions if that is an option. If it were me, I would not withdraw my application.

 

[StPaulDad]

I'd keep things simple, but I'd also try to be as transparent as possible so the ambiguity is reduced:

1. A bird in the hand is valuable, so stay committed to USAFA until they tell you no. If they do say no for summer 2023 then see if they'll do something for next year. Handing back this chance is just one more thing to explain away when applying again later.
2. You need to keep school B as a viable option until the fall, but I would tell them what's going on: you're stuck in medical waiver limbo with the academy and you will pay to hold your spot until that's resolved. Assume that deposit money is gone like last year's insurance payment, but if you need it the spot will be there. And if you can do this at a school with an AFROTC unit, like @Herman_Snerd suggested, better yet.

I'm not sure how sitting a year out makes you a better candidate as a leader, an athlete or a scholar. You'll get healthy next year whether you're sitting at home, going to classes at school B or wearing a chit to miss lower body workouts at USAFA, and you'll be advancing your career and education if you go to school. Staying home just gives you a shot to rust. You'll want a stronger plan than get a job, travel, try some Duolingo and take some therapy. How is that improving you as a potential leader?

Are you worried about not getting four full D1 seasons? You and the coach and Admissions are going to have to work through that. But I gotta be frank: getting through four years of a D1 sport is hard everywhere, and USAFA is going to be very hard even in that context. On top of staying healthy and playing well enough to gain and hold a lineup spot, you'll have additional burdens of high military and academic standards to uphold. And you'll have unusual social strains, especially in the first year, that other athletes don't have to deal with. Go look at the number of top recruits who are still playing as seniors at any school, much less one as demanding as USAFA. The numbers are daunting. I'm not trying to be a downer, sports bring joy and I always loved playing, but it's not why you should be attending a service academy. I'd dive in as soon as they'd take me, let the academy staff help with rehab and get through that first year while still sharp from high school.

 

[bananafish]

I'd keep things simple, but I'd also try to be as transparent as possible so the ambiguity is reduced:

1. A bird in the hand is valuable, so stay committed to USAFA until they tell you no. If they do say no for summer 2023 then see if they'll do something for next year. Handing back this chance is just one more thing to explain away when applying again later.
2. You need to keep school B as a viable option until the fall, but I would tell them what's going on: you're stuck in medical waiver limbo with the academy and you will pay to hold your spot until that's resolved. Assume that deposit money is gone like last year's insurance payment, but if you need it the spot will be there. And if you can do this at a school with an AFROTC unit, like @Herman_Snerd suggested, better yet.

I'm not sure how sitting a year out makes you a better candidate as a leader, an athlete or a scholar. You'll get healthy next year whether you're sitting at home, going to classes at school B or wearing a chit to miss lower body workouts at USAFA, and you'll be advancing your career and education if you go to school. Staying home just gives you a shot to rust. You'll want a stronger plan than get a job, travel, try some Duolingo and take some therapy. How is that improving you as a potential leader?

Are you worried about not getting four full D1 seasons? You and the coach and Admissions are going to have to work through that. But I gotta be frank: getting through four years of a D1 sport is hard everywhere, and USAFA is going to be very hard even in that context. On top of staying healthy and playing well enough to gain and hold a lineup spot, you'll have additional burdens of high military and academic standards to uphold. And you'll have unusual social strains, especially in the first year, that other athletes don't have to deal with. Go look at the number of top recruits who are still playing as seniors at any school, much less one as demanding as USAFA. The numbers are daunting. I'm not trying to be a downer, sports bring joy and I always loved playing, but it's not why you should be attending a service academy. I'd dive in as soon as they'd take me, let the academy staff help with rehab and get through that first year while still sharp from high school.

I would love to start at USAFA next year if the opportunity arises. At this point I have many indications that it will not.

I don’t really appreciate the snark about my gap year plans. I promise they are at least a little better than “Duolingo and therapy”. But I’m not really into giving out specific details of my life online. I’m thankful for the general feedback on my plans and I’ll certainly think about improving them. However, I know that they involve leadership, athletic improvement, and skills development - things that I’ve heard service academies approve of.

I’ve had the conversation on these forums before about athletics and service academies. I appreciate the feedback but by now I’ve already deliberated the issue.

 

[Wolfpack]

Just to give you some support on the gap year….My son took a gap year and is currently at one of the service academies.

He did not apply to the academies during high school, then decided after the deadline that he was interested. He was a recruited athlete and also had excellent academics and leadership. The coach completely supported it and he got an LOA in September. Because the LOA was so early it really didn’t matter what he accomplished during the gap year. He ended up doing a lot of interesting things that year but nothing needed to be done purely to improve his resume. He doesn’t regret it at all.

 

[jl123]

Yes, you are being paranoid.

To address the three stages of you dilemma:

1. Current - you have not accepted, nor do even have, an offer of appointment to USAFA. Therefore, you are not "double committed" and not in violation of any such rules. What may or may not happen in the future is irrelevant. You should proceed as if the "Plan B" school is your go to option until you have accepted an offer from another institution. You have no obligation to inform USAFA, Plan B school, or any other school of other possibilities that may or may not occur.

2. During gap year - same advice. Whether or not you are applying to other institutions or considering other plans is irrelevant until you have accepted an offer that conflicts with attending Plan B as planned.

3. After accepting another offer - somewhat murky. The rules are clear pertaining to high school seniors accepting offers with the intention of enrolling in the coming Fall semester. I assume they apply similarly for gap year students, but I haven't seen any information on the topic. Once you accept an offer from USAFA, my advice is to play it safe and inform Plan B and request that they agree to be a backup.

 

[justdoit19]

Please come back and let us know how this plays out for you!

 

[Gabe_]

It is not a problem, unethical, or frowned upon to accept an offer of admission to two schools. I am sure many keep their plan B admissions up to I Day and beyond. Have you spoken to admissions? Have you spoken to the coach who has recruited you? If USAFA has offered you, they want you. Ask admissions and your coach the best path forward. My guess is school with similiar coursed to a Doolie.

 

[jl123]

It is not a problem, unethical, or frowned upon to accept an offer of admission to two schools.

That is completely false.

It is considered unethical, a problem, and frowned upon by almost all colleges and high schools in the college admissions process. All Service Academies are members of the National Association of College Counselors (NACC), whose code of ethics specifically states that keeping more than one accepted offer of admission after May 1 is unethical.

Anyone keeping a Plan B school without the consent of the Plan B school should understand the risks before proceeding.

Most SA appointees do not keep a Plan B school. Of those who do, most get away with it with no consequence or with congratulations from the Plan B. Some have experienced adverse consequences from the Plan B school, from high school counselor, and in at least one case been chased for lost tuition and had their credit affected.