"Leadership Program"

[cmanning75]

Practice writing essays and doing interviews. Helped me a ton she. It came to answering questions where I wasn't saying what I needed to get across. Your ALO may offer to do a practice interview. Mine did, if they don't it's worth an ask. They can say no, and you just find someone else.

This applies to anyone btw. Pay attention to the wonderful gifts that are ALOs. Even the one who said I wouldn't make it, taught me a few things. Good luck to you.

Awesome, is there a set of questions they will always ask you or is it different for each candidate?

 

[FlyFalcon]

Awesome, is there a set of questions they will always ask you or is it different for each candidate?

The only thing I was told is the categories stay the same. Like leadership, character and knowledge about usafa. There's five I believe and I don't know all of them sorry especially not word for word. I would venture to guess the questions change depending on responses so they understand who you really are. Questions about leadership may not be asked if you answer it in another question.

This happened durning my interview as I discussed teamwork, and leadership under a "have you every disagreed with someone and how did you handle it" question. I was able to explain my position in JROTC and how I change my leadership style throughout the four years.

If every question was exactly the same as another interview, the interviewers would be limited. Interviews allow candidates to show their true personality that can't be conveyed on paper. My enthusiasm and planning show led through when we discussed being track/XC captain. Something I can't write on paper to the same extent.

The ALOs are volunteers and care about the candidates. This means they'll try to offer their honest thoughts about you to usafa. The best way to do so is through the interview process.

 

[cmanning75]

The only thing I was told is the categories stay the same. Like leadership, character and knowledge about usafa. There's five I believe and I don't know all of them sorry especially not word for word. I would venture to guess the questions change depending on responses so they understand who you really are. Questions about leadership may not be asked if you answer it in another question.

This happened durning my interview as I discussed teamwork, and leadership under a "have you every disagreed with someone and how did you handle it" question. I was able to explain my position in JROTC and how I change my leadership style throughout the four years.

If every question was exactly the same as another interview, the interviewers would be limited. Interviews allow candidates to show their true personality that can't be conveyed on paper. My enthusiasm and planning show led through when we discussed being track/XC captain. Something I can't write on paper to the same extent.

The ALOs are volunteers and care about the candidates. This means they'll try to offer their honest thoughts about you to usafa. The best way to do so is through the interview process.

I appreciate the response, thank you! So they're really just seeing if you're 1)Would fit in well at the academy 2) You have a desire to actually be at the the academy to lead and serve (I'm guessing this is shown by the knowledge questions)

 

[FlyFalcon]

I appreciate the response, thank you! So they're really just seeing if you're 1)Would fit in well at the academy 2) You have a desire to actually be at the the academy to lead and serve (I'm guessing this is shown by the knowledge questions)

A person who knows or has at least done some research is someone who is more likely to understand this is not a normal college. Many candidates are pressured by parents and want nothing to do with academics. Interviewers are looking for candidates who want this. Who have an idea that this won't be easy but still want to try.

These candidates are those more likely to stay. You don't have to be perfect but you must have a goal. This will get you through the training and allow you to focus on both positive and negative. If USAFA wanted perfect, I wouldn't be here. I'm not perfect but I'll continue to work towards it. Something I conveyed in interviews. Show them you, make them struggle to say no.

 

[cmanning75]

A person who knows or has at least done some research is someone who is more likely to understand this is not a normal college. Many candidates are pressured by parents and want nothing to do with academics. Interviewers are looking for candidates who want this. Who have an idea that this won't be easy but still want to try.

These candidates are those more likely to stay. You don't have to be perfect but you must have a goal. This will get you through the training and allow you to focus on both positive and negative. If USAFA wanted perfect, I wouldn't be here. I'm not perfect but I'll continue to work towards it. Something I conveyed in interviews. Show them you, make them struggle to say no.

I appreciate all that, I've been wanting to go here since I've been a freshman, I've kept up my grades and took on as much leadership and service rolls as I could, since I'm now about to start the full application process, I've already been doing a lot of research on academics, the training. I'm already planning on going in as an astronautical engineer, and plan to go into that field for the 5 years of service after graduation, im already training for the cfa, and now practicing my interview questions, improving my sat, but I know it's not until later this year, I'm just trying to be as prepared as I can, and hopefully be able to show that desire, and show them I will be willing to push myself physically, mentally, academically, and develop into an even stronger leader.

 

[OldRetSWO]

improving my sat, but I know it's not until later this year,

You can take the SAT whenever you want. You do not have to take it when the school counselor or other official suggests it. When I meet a Service Academy hopeful early in high school I recommend staking their first SAT in the spring of Sophomore year. Still take the PSAT in Junior year with the rest of your classmates as it triggers things like the National Merit Scholarships but an early "take" of the SAT gives you a score to work from and hopefully build on. The average kid who wants to go to the average state college or private school can wait for spring of Junior year but for elite level schools, I'm a believer in testing early and repeating as necessary as long as funds/resources allow. You also should not wait for it to be offered at YOUR school as you are allowed to take the test anywhere it is offered.

This advice is also applicable to the ACT.

 

[cmanning75]

You can take the SAT whenever you want. You do not have to take it when the school counselor or other official suggests it. When I meet a Service Academy hopeful early in high school I recommend staking their first SAT in the spring of Sophomore year. Still take the PSAT in Junior year with the rest of your classmates as it triggers things like the National Merit Scholarships but an early "take" of the SAT gives you a score to work from and hopefully build on. The average kid who wants to go to the average state college or private school can wait for spring of Junior year but for elite level schools, I'm a believer in testing early and repeating as necessary as long as funds/resources allow. You also should not wait for it to be offered at YOUR school as you are allowed to take the test anywhere it is offered.

This advice is also applicable to the ACT.

Thank you! I have 2 acts and 2 sats scheduled this summer, so I'm working hard to try to get my scores up, these are really the only chances I get, since I have to apply for nominations in September, and have to send my scores in then