Overwhelmed, anyone else?

[usafcellist2026]

Evening, this is not my first time posting about a topic like this. However it's more of a how is everyone throughout this process? I've completely underestimated all of the work that is put into the application, as well as school and other extracurriculars. Is anyone else feeling this sense of urgency, or that everything is suddenly rushing in and you're not quite sure what to do about it?

 

[kpmom2013]

Yes. It's a common feeling for just about every applicant. Keep putting one foot ahead of the other and you will reach your goals. It's good practice for what will come at you in your first year at an academy. Good luck.

 

[prav777]

I'm currently a pre-candidate (I have yet to submit the PCQ as I have not yet received my SAT scores). Do you have any information regarding the writing samples? For eg: writing samples prompts/questions. I'd appreciate your help : ) Thanks.

 

[Devil Doc]

Yes. It's a common feeling for just about every applicant. Keep putting one foot ahead of the other and you will reach your goals. It's good practice for what will come at you in your first year at an academy. Good luck.

Or for what will come after graduation. I'm not talking to @kpmom2013 here as she knows about sons in these type of jobs more than most here, but spring boarding off her post to say this. My son is the S-3A, the Alpha, at this place, see link, and until recently the acting operations officer. The new Ops-O just checked in. Marines die or get paralyzed there often. In training. He said he would try to take more time off during ITX but he is never able to. It's "overwhelming" at times being at war or training for war. My wife and I will be happy when he no longer has a job where he has to call us about an incident before we hear about it in the news.

Marine killed in California dry fire training exercise

Lance Cpl. Jonothan Barnette was struck in the chest by a bullet early in October, according to his family.

www.marinecorpstimes.com

 

[99Gold]

You are definitely not alone. This process is a lot! My ds just turned in his last nomination application yesterday and only has his essays for West Point left to submit. Thankfully, they are already written and just need editing. He is finally feeling like he can breathe a bit. Now he just has to focus on his regular college apps but those are a piece of cake compared to everything he's finished. I'm praying that he will get it all done by Nov 1st so that he will be able to have some fun and relax the rest of the year. I think the key is taking one bite at a time and prioritizing deadlines.

 

[Devil Doc]

I proctored the SAT in my room yesterday. All but two students were the River mansion kids and not my usual ones. They also have first world problems. SAT, applications, parental pressure, etc. It's a tough time of year for everybody. Almost everybody.

 

[OldRetSWO]

I'm currently a pre-candidate (I have yet to submit the PCQ as I have not yet received my SAT scores). Do you have any information regarding the writing samples? For eg: writing samples prompts/questions. I'd appreciate your help : ) Thanks.

If you are a Senior and have not submitted your PCQ yet, you should re-evaluate your timeline as the end of the road is getting close. Your SAT scores can be updated later. If its a matter that they MUST be included then I hope that you are getting all of the remaining items pre-setup so that you can execute a very fast application process.
If you are a Junior then its not a problem and you can submit in a month or two with no issue. As for the writing sample, it is supposed to be a test of YOUR writing ability and getting help from others should not be needed.

 

[USAFA_DAD_DD23]

Evening, this is not my first time posting about a topic like this. However it's more of a how is everyone throughout this process? I've completely underestimated all of the work that is put into the application, as well as school and other extracurriculars. Is anyone else feeling this sense of urgency, or that everything is suddenly rushing in and you're not quite sure what to do about it?

This will be just like the academy...Just take it one step at a time and plan accordingly. We have told our DD (now a 2nd Degree at USAFA) to focus on one day at a time and complete the task at hand. Keep a calendar for future deadlines and ensure you are prepared. You are never ready but you can be prepared for what is thrown at you.

 

[hopefulmom182]

Yes, every applicant feels that way while completing the application "kit". There are a lot of hurdles to jump and you have to rely on outside sources to complete cfa submissions/teacher evals/etc. It's also more like four applications as you have to do much the same process simultaneously with your MOCs. It can feel like you're herding cats. You think that if you can just get it all submitted by the deadline you can relax. Here is the cruel irony. You will miss this part. After all is submitted, you just have to wait and wait and wait and stress and wait. While you are putting your application together, you are actively affecting your outcome. Once that is complete, you will actually miss it, because the endless waiting is worse. We've all been through it, and all these feelings are normal. Try to relax. I know it's hard.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

Two thoughts -

1) Time is a function of priorities -- if it is a priority, you will find the time. Time management is probably the most important skill necessary to get through a Service Academy. Learn it now.

2) How do you eat an elephant ? -- one bite at a time ! Make a plan, break it down into little pieces , and pick them off, one after another. Here's a hint, the natural tendency is to tackle the low hanging fruit first -- don't fall for it ! Tackle some of the hard stuff head on.

Life doesn't get any easier as you move up --either in Military or civilian life. The demands and stressors get more complicated, and often carry bigger stakes. Learn to manage time and handle stress now, and it will serve you well.

 

[Overwhelmed]

Yes, it is very overwhelming.
And sadly, if any medical waivers are required, you will remember your essays as a minor nuisance.