LEAD Program Chances of Direct Appointment?

[Sprinter00]

I am an enlisted AF Reservist and have completed my application for class of 2025 through the LEAD Program. I received a military nomination through my commander, because I decided to apply after all the other nomination sources deadlines were already past. I have seen on many forums and websites that prior enlisted usually get offered the prep school over direct appointment to USAFA, due to being out of school for a bit, only 85 slots per year, etc. Does anyone know if that is true or had any experience with it? I know it is also based on leadership, grades, and being a competitive applicant, but I am just curious generally.
Thank You

 

[kgonyea5]

My son was at the prep last year, and there were several enlisted at the prep.

 

[BonoDex]

Current preppie here, I only know of a very small number of enlisted direct entry applicants from last year. The vast majority of enlisted applicants will attend the Prep School, but if you already have a decent amount or college (with good marks), and high test scores, your chances of going direct is better. Those are what I saw that distinguished enlisted preppies vs. directs last year.

We have a very large number of prior enlisted preppies this year, and we'd all be glad to answer any questions you may have. Best of luck!

 

[USAFA10s]

Yes generally that is true, most prior enlisted do a year at the prep school first, but not all. We had a direct entry enlisted linguist in my squadron when I was a freshman. He would have been too old if he had gone to the prep school first, and had a pretty stellar high school record as well as some college classes already done. I think that's pretty standard - the few other direct entry priors I knew all had some college or very high standardized test scores as well.

 

[Sprinter00]

Yes generally that is true, most prior enlisted do a year at the prep school first, but not all. We had a direct entry enlisted linguist in my squadron when I was a freshman. He would have been too old if he had gone to the prep school first, and had a pretty stellar high school record as well as some college classes already done. I think that's pretty standard - the few other direct entry priors I knew all had some college or very high standardized test scores as well.

Ok. Sounds like about what I’ve heard. I have not done any college since enlisting, but did my freshman year of college during my last two years of high school. I’m hoping that will help.

 

[Nebulalabai?]

I'm in the same boat as you are. Applied direct this year because I am too old to go to the prep school. My College transcript is avg at best, so I'm betting on my ACT scores to get me there. If you doubt your Academics, you should get a tutor and take the SAT/ACT as many times as possible.

I believe there are 85 slots reserved for active duty and 85 spots for reserve and guard. They never fill up every spot, from what I'm told.

 

[Chances2001]

I am an enlisted AF Reservist and have completed my application for class of 2025 through the LEAD Program. I received a military nomination through my commander, because I decided to apply after all the other nomination sources deadlines were already past. I have seen on many forums and websites that prior enlisted usually get offered the prep school over direct appointment to USAFA, due to being out of school for a bit, only 85 slots per year, etc. Does anyone know if that is true or had any experience with it? I know it is also based on leadership, grades, and being a competitive applicant, but I am just curious generally.
Thank You

How long after you got to your Command did your unit commander endorse you to apply for LEAD?

 

[Sprinter00]

How long after you got to your Command did your unit commander endorse you to apply for LEAD?

Being a reservist, I did the entire application myself, and asked my commander for the endorsement most of the way through the application. I was at my unit for a year before I decided to apply.