Just received a Falcon Scholarship offer?

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USAFAContrail

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Joined
Aug 27, 2019
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18
I’m not sure what the significance of this is, why would they give me one?

If anyone has more input on what this means please let me know.
 
If you accept the scholarship and meet the program requirements it is highly likely you will be appointed to the class of 2025. It's not 100% guaranteed but pretty close.

www.academyadmissions.com

Falcon Foundation Scholarship | U.S. Air Force Academy

The Falcon Foundation provides annual scholarship grants to specially selected civilian junior college and preparatory schools throughout the country.
www.academyadmissions.com www.academyadmissions.com

Falcon Foundation Scholarships

All, If you are serious about attending the Air Force Academy and receive a Falcon Foundation Scholarship, you should seriously consider accepting the offer.
www.serviceacademyforums.com

 
USAFAContrail said:
I’m not sure what the significance of this is, why would they give me one?

If anyone has more input on what this means please let me know.
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Congratulations! It is an excellent path and prep for USAFA. It nearly guarantees admission next cycle if you do well and get a Nomination. Most all “Preppers” feel it was a great opportunity and had no regrets attending. Many applicants don’t know much about the program when it’s offered to them, but quickly learn it is the SA saying they want you....next year. So punch your Golden ticket !
 
I had a discussion with my father, a USAFA alum, and we talked about how I could start college and if my desire to truly complete the marathon is there, I could reapply at college. I’m not sure if I sound like a lunatic, but I would be able to begin my major, use my ROTC scholarship, and if I decide to not reapply I would still be enrolled in a four year school, starting my sophomore year as opposed to attending USAFA as a freshman. I don’t know, these are just my thoughts. Definitely a big commitment that I will consider heavily.
 
Ultimately this comes down to if you want to attend USAFA or not. Nothing wrong with ROTC, but there is not doubt the opportunities for training such as the soaring program and others are greater at USAFA. Also remember in ROTC there is no guarantee. You have to be selected for field training to continue in the program. Your chances of admissions as a reapplicant from college is much lower than they are as a Falcon Scholar. Depending on the Falcon school you select you can earn college credits. Just a few items to think about as you debate your options.
 
I dont know if its the idea of wasting one year, but if you do go to college, do Rotc and then reapply and get accepted to AFA, you will bascially be wasting a year anyway, as you will have to start all over at the academy. If you fear is that you wont be accepted after doing the Falcon scholarship, then yes you would definetly have wasted a year. In the end, how badly do you want to get in. If you do college, you are starting at the back of the line again (assuming you are going to apply again.). If you take the scholarship, you will be first in line
 
From all I've read here on SAF, the Falcon Scholarship (FS) is a big deal, especially for those who know beyond a doubt that they want to attend USAFA. There are candidates who would jump at the chance to accept the FS (including my DS, who is still an active candidate). Yes, it's an extra year of school and you could finish from ROTC and be pinning on a gold bar in 4 years instead of 5. It's a tough choice that only YOU can make, if you're not sure about it, try to figure out why. There's plenty to learn here on SAF about it. Check out the Falcon Foundation's website and look at the 5 prep schools you will select from and read up on their programs, since you'll need to select one. Next year, you'll need to reapply and go through the process again, to include getting a nomination. Succeeding in the FS program makes you extremely likely to receive an appointment next year. Good luck to you.
 
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Hi, I was a Falcon Scholarship recipient when I applied to the class of 2022 and am now a part of the class of 2023. There are many threads that mention the significance of the FFS and can provide insight. If you have any questions regarding the FFS and Northwestern Preparatory School in general (that's the school I attended) please PM me or reply to this comment.
Contrary to the first response, you DO NOT get paid during this year...although if you attend NWP (one of the 6 or so prep schools available) you can get a job second semester. Only people who attend the Prep School at USAFA are paid but that is not an option with the FFS.

I would advise you to consider this before any other programs as it really is THE golden ticket :)
 
emtet said:
Hi, I was a Falcon Scholarship recipient when I applied to the class of 2022 and am now a part of the class of 2023. There are many threads that mention the significance of the FFS and can provide insight. If you have any questions regarding the FFS and Northwestern Preparatory School in general (that's the school I attended) please PM me or reply to this comment.
Contrary to the first response, you DO NOT get paid during this year...although if you attend NWP (one of the 6 or so prep schools available) you can get a job second semester. Only people who attend the Prep School at USAFA are paid but that is not an option with the FFS.

I would advise you to consider this before any other programs as it really is THE golden ticket :)
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Hi my DS received the FFS and will be attending NWP this Fall. I was wondering if there is anything special he should do this Summer to prepare for NWP? Additionally, with regards to the nomination process, is it difficult for my DS to get a nomination from the same MOC? He received a nomination from our Congressman for the USNA but not the USAFA, however he applied for both.
 
Hopeful Mid 2024 said:
Hi my DS received the FFS and will be attending NWP this Fall. I was wondering if there is anything special he should do this Summer to prepare for NWP? Additionally, with regards to the nomination process, is it difficult for my DS to get a nomination from the same MOC? He received a nomination from our Congressman for the USNA but not the USAFA, however he applied for both.
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NWP '19 here. Nothing is required to be done before he shows up. With that being said, NWP is at about a mile high so he can uses this time to pretend to prepare for I-day physically. The Durbecks will ease everyone into it, but the PT sessions will be easier, and more enjoyable, if he can already handle it ahead of time. :)

Your MOC should already be aware of the FFS and for many, that is enough validation to receive a nomination. Of course he still needs to finish the application, but it should be a little simpler since he will have USAFA as his #1. It is also important to note that with a FFS, your DS does not need to win the slate, he just needs a nomination. He should definitely bring it up respectfully in his interview as a confirmation that the committee knows he has it.

Congrats to your son! He will love NWP!
 
mach01 said:
NWP '19 here. Nothing is required to be done before he shows up. With that being said, NWP is at about a mile high so he can uses this time to pretend to prepare for I-day physically. The Durbecks will ease everyone into it, but the PT sessions will be easier, and more enjoyable, if he can already handle it ahead of time. :)

Your MOC should already be aware of the FFS and for many, that is enough validation to receive a nomination. Of course he still needs to finish the application, but it should be a little simpler since he will have USAFA as his #1. It is also important to note that with a FFS, your DS does not need to win the slate, he just needs a nomination. He should definitely bring it up respectfully in his interview as a confirmation that the committee knows he has it.

Congrats to your son! He will love NWP!
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Great information for a very proud parent. Thank you for your feedback.
 
Hopeful Mid 2024 said:
Hi my DS received the FFS and will be attending NWP this Fall. I was wondering if there is anything special he should do this Summer to prepare for NWP? Additionally, with regards to the nomination process, is it difficult for my DS to get a nomination from the same MOC? He received a nomination from our Congressman for the USNA but not the USAFA, however he applied for both.
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I know of a Falcon Scholar from a different prep school who was unable to get a congressional or senatorial nomination. The Falcon Foundation liked his application and pulled some strings to get the VP nomination...there is always hope! Just trust the process and put effort into every step of the application.
Personally, I received a nomination from my Congressman again but my district is not as competitive as others (only about 20 total applicants of which I was the only female).
 
If you receive a FFS, this is akin to a big nod of approval from USAFA. While not a guarantee for admission next year, it is a huge advantage and step forward for next year. At most of the approved prep schools, the prep school staff will assist the students with the application the following year. Also, even if you did not receive an appointment this year, and you feel you were very competitive, you can seek attendance to many of the private prep schools on your own. Of course, you will have to pay for your own tuition. You will be known as a "Free Agent" student. This means you are not officially sponsored(have not received a scholarship) from one of the SAs. Taking this course of action, assuming you perform well at prep school - academics - physical fitness - conduct - will prepare you well to compete for an appointment next year. Even as an "unaffiliated" or "Free Agent", the prep school experience can significantly enhance your chances of securing an appointment the following year. Again, just remember, there is no guarantee.
 
There are some for whom to attend a service academy is the highest priority. I read recently on SAforums about someone who was in his 3rd year in college, reapplied for the 3rd or 4th time, and was finally accepted. He will have to start all over. Most people think that is a waste of time & money, but this person realllllly wanted to attend the service academy.

Others want to become an officer, and are happy with the many ways you can do that (service academy, ROTC, OCS, etc)

Others yet may see becoming an officer as one of many paths they make take.

If your goal is attend AFA, then become a Falcon Scholar.
If your goal is to become an officer but want more flexibility in college, then ROTC maybe the way to go.

Ask yourself why you applied for AFA and not just AFROTC. How important is that to you?

What happens if you don't keep your AFROTC scholarship?
 
All great comments! My DD got an FFS a couple of weeks ago, and wasn't sure about it as she was in the same boat with regard to not really understanding FFS. I think the question that got her wheels turning and to her ultimate answer was "Would you have accepted an appointment to USAFA?" Of course the answer is YES so this brought her focus back to her ultimate goal which is to become an officer via USAFA, and she sees the gift, honor, and opportunity of the FFS. I think this upcoming year will be an amazing year for her in prep for USAFA, and we are blessed. Congrats on your FFS offer, and good luck with your decision!
 
Hopeful Mid 2024 said:
Hi my DS received the FFS and will be attending NWP this Fall. I was wondering if there is anything special he should do this Summer to prepare for NWP? Additionally, with regards to the nomination process, is it difficult for my DS to get a nomination from the same MOC? He received a nomination from our Congressman for the USNA but not the USAFA, however he applied for both.
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I would recommend getting applications done as much as possible prior to showing up at NWP, especially for the noms. NWP is super busy (basically 6.5 days a week) and there is not much time to put into the applications. Also, not great internet which can be a challenge. Of course wait on the CFA, that will improve significantly there. 😉
 
Definitely agree with GreenGate on getting your nom stuff done as soon as you can. We are advising our DS to complete his nom apps before he leaves for NWP. Mrs. Durbeck did tell him not to open his USAFA application until he gets to NWP in September. I can only assume that it becomes more streamlined with a FFS. If those of you that have been through this before can verify that this is not correct, please correct / clarify for me.
 
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