LEAD Program C/O 2023 Thread

jefelazo said:
Konkolm said:
does anyone know if there's anything we can do to ensure our items get marked "received and processed" by USAFA? I still have 2 items that were submitted 3/25, and have not been looked at yet. But i know they have to be "processed" before our authorization to travel is unlocked.
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I called my counselor, and the guy in charge of the portal to ask the same question. They’ve verified that they are behind, and they haven’t printed our records because of the graduation.
Is it your VRED and SGLI? Those are the ones I am waiting on.
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Okay sounds good...I got a similar response from my counselor too about it being backed up...and yea those two items are the ones that are still pending from March when I submitted them. Glad to know its not just me
 
Konkolm said:
Me!
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Hey just curious as a prospective ‘24er, but do you mind sharing your stats? Just want to see how I compare because I really would like to avoid an extra year in a training environment. Just things like SAT scores, GPA, College classes, rank/awards, Letters of Rec, volunteerism. Thanks guys, hope to see you all 2020.
 
colucci said:
Hey just curious as a prospective ‘24er, but do you mind sharing your stats? Just want to see how I compare because I really would like to avoid an extra year in a training environment. Just things like SAT scores, GPA, College classes, rank/awards, Letters of Rec, volunteerism. Thanks guys, hope to see you all 2020.
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We posted a lot of our stats earlier in the thread, but here are mine
ACT: 33 composite
GPA:~3.6
College: took a college prep course load in highschool but have not taken college classes before now.
Rank: A1C
Age: 20
Awards: none
Letters of rec: my unit chaplain and one of my mentors who is a '83 grad and a retired LtCol.
Volunteerism: I am the scoutmaster for the Cub scout pack at my base and I run the audio and video for the base chapel.
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
 
colucci said:
Konkolm said:
Me!
Click to expand...

Hey just curious as a prospective ‘24er, but do you mind sharing your stats? Just want to see how I compare because I really would like to avoid an extra year in a training environment. Just things like SAT scores, GPA, College classes, rank/awards, Letters of Rec, volunteerism. Thanks guys, hope to see you all 2020.
Click to expand...

If you don't mind, send me your stats and I'll point out strengths and items for improvement in the same way my ALO did for me.
 
Defender32 said:
If you don't mind, send me your stats and I'll point out strengths and items for improvement in the same way my ALO did for me.
Click to expand...

Thanks OP, I can’t send a DM cause the Admins don’t trust me, but:

ACT: Reading 650, Math 660 (just to clarify it’s the new one)
GPA (UW): 3.89
College Courses: 12
7 APs, including Physics, Calc 1/2, Stat
5 in College most notably CompSci, intro engineering, and a Cybersecurity course
Age: 20, would be 21 in 2020

As far as activities in high school:

2 years (jr/sr) Track
5 (on varsity my 8th grade year) years swimming (Capt jr/sr years)
NHS
Boy’s State
Idk how much it matters, but worked full-time in the summer and part time during the year

Military stuff:

1N031 as of 27SEP18
Honor Guard
AMN of the Qtr
MAF IFTU/FP IFTU/AAMIC-IE/SV-80
1N051 as of 27SEP19
SrA as of 01JAN20
Should get a TLN for ALS as soon as my 2096 for SrA is processed

((recent)) Volunteering:

Habitat for Humanity
Meals On Wheels
Volunteer Coach for a Swim Team

Anything else you’d like to know just ask, I appreciate this a ton.
 
colucci said:
Thanks OP, I can’t send a DM cause the Admins don’t trust me, but:

ACT: Reading 650, Math 660 (just to clarify it’s the new one)
GPA (UW): 3.89
College Courses: 12
7 APs, including Physics, Calc 1/2, Stat
5 in College most notably CompSci, intro engineering, and a Cybersecurity course
Age: 20, would be 21 in 2020

As far as activities in high school:

2 years (jr/sr) Track
5 (on varsity my 8th grade year) years swimming (Capt jr/sr years)
NHS
Boy’s State
Idk how much it matters, but worked full-time in the summer and part time during the year

Military stuff:

1N031 as of 27SEP18
Honor Guard
AMN of the Qtr
MAF IFTU/FP IFTU/AAMIC-IE/SV-80
1N051 as of 27SEP19
SrA as of 01JAN20
Should get a TLN for ALS as soon as my 2096 for SrA is processed

((recent)) Volunteering:

Habitat for Humanity
Meals On Wheels
Volunteer Coach for a Swim Team

Anything else you’d like to know just ask, I appreciate this a ton.
Click to expand...
Post one more time (read as reply to this post) and you can DM people.
 
colucci said:
Defender32 said:
If you don't mind, send me your stats and I'll point out strengths and items for improvement in the same way my ALO did for me.
Click to expand...

Thanks OP, I can’t send a DM cause the Admins don’t trust me, but:

ACT: Reading 650, Math 660 (just to clarify it’s the new one)
GPA (UW): 3.89
College Courses: 12
7 APs, including Physics, Calc 1/2, Stat
5 in College most notably CompSci, intro engineering, and a Cybersecurity course
Age: 20, would be 21 in 2020

As far as activities in high school:

2 years (jr/sr) Track
5 (on varsity my 8th grade year) years swimming (Capt jr/sr years)
NHS
Boy’s State
Idk how much it matters, but worked full-time in the summer and part time during the year

Military stuff:

1N031 as of 27SEP18
Honor Guard
AMN of the Qtr
MAF IFTU/FP IFTU/AAMIC-IE/SV-80
1N051 as of 27SEP19
SrA as of 01JAN20
Should get a TLN for ALS as soon as my 2096 for SrA is processed

((recent)) Volunteering:

Habitat for Humanity
Meals On Wheels
Volunteer Coach for a Swim Team

Anything else you’d like to know just ask, I appreciate this a ton.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your stats!

If I were you, retake the SAT or take the ACT. Both are available at the education center usually with the first time being free. There are books available at the base library and online as well.

If you really want direct entry, you are going to have to score at least 30 on the ACT or 1360-1380 on the new SAT. You might be able to gain entry into the Prep School with your scores but they are below the median for direct entry.

College courses didn't seem to put weight on my application, but I have my CCAF as well as two associates degrees. They will most likely only matter to validate courses offered at USAFA, meaning you will be placed in a higher level course if you passed.

The varsity positions and working could add to your application, if it shows leadership in any way. Think "I led my team to state" not "I went to state," this shows your dedication to the team effort and your natural leadership abilities.

Before I start with military stuff, MAKE SURE YOUR SUPERVISOR AND COMMANDER ARE AWARE OF YOUR GOALS. Your squadron commander has to sign your recommendation/nomination, and will be notified if you are appointed.

On to the military stuff, you need to get 3 letters of evaluation which need to be completed by your squadron commander, supervisor or first sergeant, and a commissioned officer from any branch. Brush up on AFH 33-337 Tongue and Quill, write some drafts and forward through chain of command to have letters of recommendation included on the evaluations.

Make sure all awards, volunteering, career bullets are elongated and understandable on your resume.

Your volunteering looks good but how do they show leadership? Did you organize events? Did you lead others? How do the core values apply? How are the five pillars of wellness apply? Like an awards package, look at less of what you did and more of the effect on others, yourself, etc.

Anyone on this forum will tell you, PREPARE FOR THE CFA!!!!! NOW!!! Take the CFA in a timed order and record your scores. If you are not meeting averages, you may need more practice.

Off the top of my head, request the letters of recommendation early and it is in good taste to write your own and ask for signatures in order to expedite.

Finally, there is an essay section on your application. One of the essay prompts talks about setbacks. Be real and raw with this one, showing your true self and resiliency. USAFA is really big on the honor code which is sort of like the core values for the Air Force, live by these and you are a natural peer leader.

If you have other questions, send me a private message or reply here. You have plenty of time before your application is due, but start on it early.
 
Someone told me any extra leave days are automatically sold upon separation.. has anyone heard the same thing?
 
TheTallOne said:
Someone told me any extra leave days are automatically sold upon separation.. has anyone heard the same thing?
Click to expand...
I heard that, that is why I am taking all of my leave because you sell it for the base pay rate not including any entitlements (BAH&BAS) additionally I was told you can only sell it once per career so I don't know how that effects us since we separate.
 
4BravoX1 said:
TheTallOne said:
Someone told me any extra leave days are automatically sold upon separation.. has anyone heard the same thing?
Click to expand...
I heard that, that is why I am taking all of my leave because you sell it for the base pay rate not including any entitlements (BAH&BAS) additionally I was told you can only sell it once per career so I don't know how that effects us since we separate.
Click to expand...

I still have a fair amount of days after planned leave this month. I don’t plan on selling leave any other time in my career so if this counts as one time that’s fine. Thanks, glad someone else heard the same thing.
 
Does anyone have their last link "auth to travel" open yet on the portal? And has anyone gotten their squadron assignment yet?
 
You can sell leave back at the end of an enlistment or separation/retirement as an enlisted personal and at separation/retirement as an officer - once per career as enlisted and once per career as an officer. I am curious though when this will happen as cadet personnel said the enlistment runs in the background until it expires. Not sure if the leave will be sold back right away or when the enlistment expires. Has anyone heard?
 
colucci said:
Defender32 said:
If you don't mind, send me your stats and I'll point out strengths and items for improvement in the same way my ALO did for me.
Click to expand...

Thanks OP, I can’t send a DM cause the Admins don’t trust me, but:

ACT: Reading 650, Math 660 (just to clarify it’s the new one)
GPA (UW): 3.89
College Courses: 12
7 APs, including Physics, Calc 1/2, Stat
5 in College most notably CompSci, intro engineering, and a Cybersecurity course
Age: 20, would be 21 in 2020

As far as activities in high school:

2 years (jr/sr) Track
5 (on varsity my 8th grade year) years swimming (Capt jr/sr years)
NHS
Boy’s State
Idk how much it matters, but worked full-time in the summer and part time during the year

Military stuff:

1N031 as of 27SEP18
Honor Guard
AMN of the Qtr
MAF IFTU/FP IFTU/AAMIC-IE/SV-80
1N051 as of 27SEP19
SrA as of 01JAN20
Should get a TLN for ALS as soon as my 2096 for SrA is processed

((recent)) Volunteering:

Habitat for Humanity
Meals On Wheels
Volunteer Coach for a Swim Team

Anything else you’d like to know just ask, I appreciate this a ton.
Click to expand...

Hey man, your **** looks pretty good. Even by academy standards. Sometimes people get ****ed and are sent to the prep school. But let me give you some advice as someone who just graduated the prep.

There were a few others like you who didn’t academically need to go. BUT, you can make it productive!

The prep school offers validation courses in the second semester. So if your hot **** in the first semester you could potentially validate up to four classes second semester. (Difficult, but possible). In my year, a couple people validated 3 classes.

I validated English and because of that my schedule will be more flexible. I also had an opportunity to validate physics but I scored too low on the final exam. (But I was happy to take the class second semester because I’ll be much better prepared now).

Additionally, you’ll be paid your current pay grade the entire time. If you sew on SSgt while your there you’ll also get paid staff. The TiS counts towards your contract/retirement too.

So you get a whole year to potentially validate classes, work on your contract, all the while getting paid what you would’ve been except your going to school. So if you get assigned to the prep, try your best to be positive about it. When I graduate the academy I’ll be 26 yo. Yet I still found value in investing that extra year at the prep.

There’s also tons of other ways to save time/ get a leg up compared to directs. Other priors in my class are currently organizing a permissive TDY to get their jump wings this summer before we enter the academy. A couple dozen people also had a chance to earn their German armed forces proficiency badge which is an accolade that’s hard to find the time for while at the academy.
 
Paradigm_VC said:
colucci said:
Defender32 said:
If you don't mind, send me your stats and I'll point out strengths and items for improvement in the same way my ALO did for me.
Click to expand...

Thanks OP, I can’t send a DM cause the Admins don’t trust me, but:

ACT: Reading 650, Math 660 (just to clarify it’s the new one)
GPA (UW): 3.89
College Courses: 12
7 APs, including Physics, Calc 1/2, Stat
5 in College most notably CompSci, intro engineering, and a Cybersecurity course
Age: 20, would be 21 in 2020

As far as activities in high school:

2 years (jr/sr) Track
5 (on varsity my 8th grade year) years swimming (Capt jr/sr years)
NHS
Boy’s State
Idk how much it matters, but worked full-time in the summer and part time during the year

Military stuff:

1N031 as of 27SEP18
Honor Guard
AMN of the Qtr
MAF IFTU/FP IFTU/AAMIC-IE/SV-80
1N051 as of 27SEP19
SrA as of 01JAN20
Should get a TLN for ALS as soon as my 2096 for SrA is processed

((recent)) Volunteering:

Habitat for Humanity
Meals On Wheels
Volunteer Coach for a Swim Team

Anything else you’d like to know just ask, I appreciate this a ton.
Click to expand...

Hey man, your **** looks pretty good. Even by academy standards. Sometimes people get ****ed and are sent to the prep school. But let me give you some advice as someone who just graduated the prep.

There were a few others like you who didn’t academically need to go. BUT, you can make it productive!

The prep school offers validation courses in the second semester. So if your hot **** in the first semester you could potentially validate up to four classes second semester. (Difficult, but possible). In my year, a couple people validated 3 classes.

I validated English and because of that my schedule will be more flexible. I also had an opportunity to validate physics but I scored too low on the final exam. (But I was happy to take the class second semester because I’ll be much better prepared now).

Additionally, you’ll be paid your current pay grade the entire time. If you sew on SSgt while your there you’ll also get paid staff. The TiS counts towards your contract/retirement too.

So you get a whole year to potentially validate classes, work on your contract, all the while getting paid what you would’ve been except your going to school. So if you get assigned to the prep, try your best to be positive about it. When I graduate the academy I’ll be 26 yo. Yet I still found value in investing that extra year at the prep.

There’s also tons of other ways to save time/ get a leg up compared to directs. Other priors in my class are currently organizing a permissive TDY to get their jump wings this summer before we enter the academy. A couple dozen people also had a chance to earn their German armed forces proficiency badge which is an accolade that’s hard to find the time for while at the academy.
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Thank you Paradigm for the positivity on the Prep School. I know that when I was applying, I was sure that the Prep School was going to be my route to completion because I am only 21.

I stayed up at night and feared this because I didn't want to be in Colorado Springs for 5 years. I am from there originally and wanted to do 4 years and go somewhere else, (easy to say I won't be picking any space careers.)

However you made a very positive account for the Prep School and I am sure we will see each other this coming year. I wish I had this post about 8 months ago.
 
hey everyone... so this may be a Q more for AFSOC folks, not sure ... is anyone running into the issue where they only filled out their SF86 online (e-QIP) and so they do not have a similar looking form to the one posted on our portals?

also - does anyone know why we're even required to bring these since we already have our clearance? I have a letter from my base stating that he checked JPAS and I have my TS ... but my SF86 looks very different from the one posted on the portal. Think I should just bring this online version? It has all the same sections...but was not filled in by hand. So I was just gonna bring both this printed PDF one...and then the memo I have from my base...

advice??
 
Konkolm said:
hey everyone... so this may be a Q more for AFSOC folks, not sure ... is anyone running into the issue where they only filled out their SF86 online (e-QIP) and so they do not have a similar looking form to the one posted on our portals?

also - does anyone know why we're even required to bring these since we already have our clearance? I have a letter from my base stating that he checked JPAS and I have my TS ... but my SF86 looks very different from the one posted on the portal. Think I should just bring this online version? It has all the same sections...but was not filled in by hand. So I was just gonna bring both this printed PDF one...and then the memo I have from my base...
advice??
Click to expand...

I didn’t have that issue, the sf86 I gave to my recruiter before enlisting is the one uploaded on portal. I think they want us to bring it so it can be reuploaded, and so we remember what information we put down when we apply for an elevated clearance. I don’t think you will have a problem with printing an electronic version.

Getting excited!
 
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