Prep School Offer... Need Advise!?!?

My son is a recent graduate (2014) and he is a Falcon Scholar. I can tell you the year of extra school was very helpful. He was able to deal with homesickness, military lifestyle (He went to MMI) and prepare himself for college level academics. If your DD is able to focus on how awesome it is to be selected for this opportunity and not focus on "not receiving a direct appointment", she will probably do even better once she receives that appointment in a year. My son felt that he was able to do much better at AFA because he had that extra year of prep. Her approach about that is key though.

I can also tell you each kid probably knows someone who gets selected and it stings that they were not selected. It is normal. I just told my son to focus on doing his best, and good things would follow.

Best of luck to your DD!
 
Great Thread!!! My DS was offered an appointment to the Prep School last week, and we were speechless with this amazing opportunity!! I have stalked this forum, when I came upon it from a google search "How hard is it to get into the AFA." I have learned sooooooo much!!! Although I do not have the expertise as the gurus on this forum to help make a decision; I can tell you I was humbled when I reviewed some of the stats of previous and current cadets/cadet hopefuls. The roller coaster of emotions and preparing yourself for a TWE each day because you knew deep down his grades/SAT wasn't as high when compared to others. With that said, attending the Prep is a once in a lifetime opportunity, if she doesn't like it, could she enter an ROTC program at a later date? She will be among 250 cadet candidates who were chosen from a pool that started at 10,000 applicants. The gurus will tell you the statistics of an appointment the following year, as a mom I say jump on the golden ticket!!
 
Breizh said:
My son is top 6% in the largest high school in the state, will have taken 10 AP's (in which he earned straight A's) by the end of the year, scored 32 ACT/ 2090 SAT, has earned varsity letters, has plenty of work and volunteer experience, and even two nominations. Yet, he has not heard a single word from the Academy; thus, we're preparing for the worst as his district already has several kids (who received LOA's before my son was even granted a pass out of DoDMERB limbo...) going to the AFA . Nevertheless, I can tell you this: if a Prep School offer came his way, he'd accept it sooner than you can possibly imagine: his goal for as long as he can remember is to be an officer and pilot in the military. The point is that while there is an admitted sting to spending an extra year in the PS, your daughter should remember the honor and the opportunity she has before her. I'm sure she'll do great there and be quickly on her way to achieving her goals and aspirations. Best of luck!
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Something to note here. Prep school slots are not offered to the first 250 non-selects of a direct appointment, they're offered to athletes, prior-enlisted and stellar candidates who are primarily lacking in the academics department. It could have been that your son just fell victim to bad timing, which gets people more often than you would think. I'm sure he'll be successful wherever he goes.
 
As a former preppie, A-squad ;), there is absolutely no shame in taking the prep school offer. Some of the best friends I had at the Academy were those I met at the P and they went on to be great cadets at USAFA. It was nice entering USAFA with a core of people I already knew and being relied upon to lead the DE's (direct entries) during Basic as well as the school year.
 
2ndgenerationusaf said:
This question is a little off course. What happens after prep school, and you do not get an LOA. I was told that you took could go USAF enlisted and go in as a SSgt.(E-5). Does anyone know the truth about this? As I said a little off course, just curious. Thanks
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I don't know if that's correct. I have heard through my DS (so take with a grain of salt) of Priors that don't want to move on to the Hill or decided at the Hill it's not for them. Those go back to the enlisted world but I think they do get promotions. I don't know if a "DE" (Direct entry to Prep) can enlist and get an automatic bump. I'd be surprised if that was the case. The Priors have put in their dues and have earned it (my words not others) but I don't think the one year in Prep will give you that big of a bump if you went enlisted after it. I could be wrong though, maybe one of the guys that know better like AFrpaso knows.
 
I have a question regarding prep schools not affiliated directly with USAFA (i.e. Greystone). I've mentioned my situation before, but I'll mention it again here. I'm currently a sophomore at the University of TX in Austin, just received my TWE today. Since attending UT, I've taken a pretty light course load but have maintained A's and B's. I'm taking a ton of science courses (both bios, both chemistries, chem lab, microbio, microbio lab, Differential Calc, stats) and some other courses. I think maybe my course load and definitely my SAT scores are what kept me from getting in.

My main question is, however, with two years of college down, how would it look to USAFA or any other SA if I went to prep school for a year? Honestly, I have an enormous passion to serve at this time in my life via USAFA, and if that means going through a year of prep school to possibly get to a service academy, specifically USAFA, by all means I will do it. I don't plan to stay at UT for next year regardless of if I go to a Prep school or not anyways. I'm looking to transfer elsewhere, so the AFROTC program at UT is not really in the plan. But, just to clarify, like many others on here, I have searched my heart, goals, and options many times over, and I know that becoming an officer in the military is something that I am motivated to pursue. I definitely didn't mention everything that I have considered in this post, as it would result in many many many paragraphs more, but merely the basics of what I've been pondering about.

Good luck to everyone else out there with your Plan B's! This forum has been extremely "therapeutic," and I am so thankful for this SAF family.
 
2ndgenerationusaf said:
This question is a little off course. What happens after prep school, and you do not get an LOA. I was told that you took could go USAF enlisted and go in as a SSgt.(E-5). Does anyone know the truth about this? As I said a little off course, just curious. Thanks
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Boozebin said:
I don't know if that's correct. I have heard through my DS (so take with a grain of salt) of Priors that don't want to move on to the Hill or decided at the Hill it's not for them. Those go back to the enlisted world but I think they do get promotions. I don't know if a "DE" (Direct entry to Prep) can enlist and get an automatic bump. I'd be surprised if that was the case. The Priors have put in their dues and have earned it (my words not others) but I don't think the one year in Prep will give you that big of a bump if you went enlisted after it. I could be wrong though, maybe one of the guys that know better like AFrpaso knows.
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The rumor about leaving to go USAF enlisted as a SSgt(E-5) is definitely false.

Technically everyone at USAFAPS is enlisted so they are all gaining time in service while attending the school. So if a direct entry into the prep school leaves and enlists he will already have a critical component towards promotion (time in service). There really is no smooth transition, though. A direct preppie would have to complete BMT, tech school and likely follow on training before they're really doing anything. I haven't heard of prior-enlisted going back enlisted and getting a promotion, but I can imagine a scenario where the time in service gained while at the P is enough to push one's rank from A1C to SrA or Amn to A1C.
 
PossiblePreppie2015 said:
PLEASE EXCUSE SPELLING ERROR... I NEED "ADVICE"... (been a long morning)....

Long time stalker... first time post.

After deferral in January and month (and months) of waiting, our DD got an offer of PS in her portal this morning. She has a lot of mixed emotions that I would like to get some advise on dealing with as we can't be the first ones to face this challenge. I certainly do NOT want to come across as ungrateful for the opportunity. I have found a wealth of information from this forum already and thought I would get some honest advice for an honest concern.

DD had a really strong application with the exception of an ACT score that just couldn't break 25. Top 5% in her class, APs, 30 college credits, great service hours, varsity letter, stellar CFA.... so we knew the ACT might an insurmountable barrier to Appointment, but we continued to hope...

We are going to sit down tonight as a family to discuss next steps. She was accepted to her plan B school (a great institution with a great AFROTC program) so I believe the struggle is between her pride and her options. As parents we believe this is a "no brainer", and that choosing to decline this opportunity is something that she will regret later, but we also understand that she is disappointed especially with having 2 friends that were directly appointed last year and many from her Summer Seminar group already receiving Appt. That, coupled with so many posts that talk about 'blue chip athletes' (which she is not) or prep school's academics being a repeat of HS which is hard to swallow when she has a 99% average in AP Calc and has 30 college credits from dual enrollment classes.

Her goal since 8th grade has been to be an Officer in the Air Force and her dream was to accomplish that through the Academy. Even if she had to go through ROTC at her Plan B, her goal has been unchanged.

So I come to you in earnest, oh wise ones of the forum. I need some advice for the Pros and Cons list for the conversation tonight; as an adult it is easy to point out that pride can destroy opportunity... but when you have an amazing kid who's never let pride get in the way before it's hard not to feel guilty for pushing that point now.

Thank you in advance for any support, advice, words of wisdom....
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PossiblePreppie2015 said:
PLEASE EXCUSE SPELLING ERROR... I NEED "ADVICE"... (been a long morning)....

Long time stalker... first time post.

After deferral in January and month (and months) of waiting, our DD got an offer of PS in her portal this morning. She has a lot of mixed emotions that I would like to get some advise on dealing with as we can't be the first ones to face this challenge. I certainly do NOT want to come across as ungrateful for the opportunity. I have found a wealth of information from this forum already and thought I would get some honest advice for an honest concern.

DD had a really strong application with the exception of an ACT score that just couldn't break 25. Top 5% in her class, APs, 30 college credits, great service hours, varsity letter, stellar CFA.... so we knew the ACT might an insurmountable barrier to Appointment, but we continued to hope...

We are going to sit down tonight as a family to discuss next steps. She was accepted to her plan B school (a great institution with a great AFROTC program) so I believe the struggle is between her pride and her options. As parents we believe this is a "no brainer", and that choosing to decline this opportunity is something that she will regret later, but we also understand that she is disappointed especially with having 2 friends that were directly appointed last year and many from her Summer Seminar group already receiving Appt. That, coupled with so many posts that talk about 'blue chip athletes' (which she is not) or prep school's academics being a repeat of HS which is hard to swallow when she has a 99% average in AP Calc and has 30 college credits from dual enrollment classes.

Her goal since 8th grade has been to be an Officer in the Air Force and her dream was to accomplish that through the Academy. Even if she had to go through ROTC at her Plan B, her goal has been unchanged.

So I come to you in earnest, oh wise ones of the forum. I need some advice for the Pros and Cons list for the conversation tonight; as an adult it is easy to point out that pride can destroy opportunity... but when you have an amazing kid who's never let pride get in the way before it's hard not to feel guilty for pushing that point now.

Thank you in advance for any support, advice, words of wisdom....
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My disclaimers first: I do not have a DD/DS that has attended prep school, and have no first hand experience. However, everything I have heard about the prep school has been great. For whatever reason USAFS decided there was a weak spot in the applicant's file. However, they are providing an opportunity to not only strengthen that weakness, but give your DD a really long look at the life and rigors of the academy. I would think that this is a great advantage -- direct appointees, no matter how much they think they are prepared, will have some significant culture shock. A prep student has a year to prepare and strengthen any weak spots so they do not have the added pressure of falling behind in whatever area. My DD only applied to USAFA. Her "back up" plan was PS. Plan C was reapply next year. We fortunately received the appointment notice on Thursday, but she would have been just as excited for a PS invitation. If your DD's objective is to become an USAF officer, this is a fantastic opportunity and way better than OCS. There is no guaranty of direct appointment after PS, but I understand that the acceptance rate is in the high 90%. Not sure on this one, but I have also heard that the year at PS also counts towards AF retirement. If USAFA was first choice, PS is the logical second choice.
 
Dear Forum Family,

I am happy to report that our daughter has ecstatically ACCEPTED the amazing opportunity to attend USAFA Prep School. I want to thank each and every one of you for your words of advice and encouragement. She actually made her decision before we even sat down to talk last night; she explained that her apprehension stemmed from that fact that after so many months of waiting she had prepared herself for the rejection that she figured would come this week or next, thus, she settled her sites on her Plan B and placed her energy into accepting that it was where she was meant to be. The sudden change from concession to success with regard to USAFA understandably threw her for a loop, and with it the fear over whether she could succeed. When we talked about the fear of whether she would be successful I pointed out that out of all of the schools she applied and got accepted to, USAFA knows her best. I asked, “Did any of them have you do 4 interviews with Congressman, Senators and ALOs? Did any of them care that you were able to secure a nomination from our Congressman? Did any of them require anything other than a few essays, transcripts and test scores? No, they did not. Think of it this way….The Academy actually knows you and believes in you so much that the admissions board chose YOU as one of only 240 people who are worth spending the extra time and money on, that’s how confident they are that you will be a great officer. They chose YOU and not just “anyone” with an ACT of 32 or 36… because YOU are the type of person that will be successful and they know that because they KNOW YOU!”

I also pointed out that the Academy does not collect tuition, their only concern is training the right people to be future officers; the Plan B School will be more than happy to take our money next year if for some reason she chooses that path.

At the end of the conversation she said “good Lord what was I thinking?? Let’s open up the portal and accept this thing!!!!”

Even though her decision was made I printed out this thread so she could take some time and read your words of wisdom, she was humbled by everyone's input!

Again, the support from all of you in this forum is more valuable than any of you will ever know!

Sincerest Thanks,
Proud Parent of Prep School Appointee 2015!!
 
Congrats to you, Proud Parent of Prep School Appointee 2015, and your DD!! So excited for your daughter :) Thank you for the update!
 
Congratulations PossiblePreppie2015! I wanted to have some input before the decision was made but I got in on the thread too late. Sounds like she made up her mind beforehand anyway! But just to let you know a little of our experience:
My son was appointed directly out of high school. He graduated HS on May 28, 2014 and within 4 weeks was at BCT. In his letters home he expressed to us how valuable his relationship was with those who attended the Prep School. His roommate during BCT was a preppie and helped guide him through several areas of concern during 1st BCT. It was a great relief to him to have someone with some experience to share insight on certain aspects of his new life as a basic. From what I gather, the Prep School basics (and Priors) help the other inexperienced basics through those first few days/weeks. What a great honor and opportunity to be offered a prep spot! Sounds like the Prep School is raising up good leaders to me! They must see the great leadership potential in your DD! Again, congrats on your offer and ACCEPTANCE to the Prep School. We wish you and your DD the very best.
 
GO TO PREP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As far as I can tell from what you've described, there is no downside, other than a year away at school.
 
Congratulations! So happy for you both!
 
Congrats!

JMPO, but she will be successful for one reason...

Her choice.

She decided and no one no matter what her decision was going to stop het. You supported her choice and she can leave this summer knowing she is not alone!

She will do well.

GOD SPEED AND AIM HIGH!

PS General Gould is retired now, but he was the Supe at USAFA 09-13 ..google him and you will see he was a prepster!
~ This comes from a very proud Mom of an AFROTC grad.
 
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A Prep Nomination is, as stated by others, as close to a "The Golden Ticket" as one can get. Two of my own kids were Preppies, and one is a direct appointment. Prep School is a good idea for ANYONE. We (I'm an ALO) see students offered Prep opportunities for a variety of reasons- not just academics. Some students work on academics at prep school, while others expand their leadership skills. ALL gain maturity and confidence. A Prep School offer is fantastic and, if your daughter wants to attend the USAFA, she should snap it up. If you want to know what prep school is like, message me. I can share our experiences.
 
Hi! I have actually been in your DD's shoes, almost 5 years to be exact. I am currently a senior at USAFA and I did attend the Prep School. I had offers from other colleges and ROTC scholarships as well. To be frank I, in no way shape or form, regret the decision I made. Not only was it the best option financially (ROTC did not cover room and board), it also enabled me to be prepared academically (I also had a 25 on my ACT). , as well as make some of the best friends I currently have today. I will say, to be honest, it is tough. Out of my 250 (not exact) preppies that came to the prep school, I would say that there are barely 100 of us left. Disenrollments are for numerous reasons, but not really for academics. Another tough point is the motivation. After 5 years it does take a toll on one's motivation. Of course, in my opinion, the pro's outweigh the cons by a landslide. Let me know if you have any future questions, I'll be glad to help anytime.
 
magtalas192 said:
Hi! I have actually been in your DD's shoes, almost 5 years to be exact. I am currently a senior at USAFA and I did attend the Prep School. I had offers from other colleges and ROTC scholarships as well. To be frank I, in no way shape or form, regret the decision I made. Not only was it the best option financially (ROTC did not cover room and board), it also enabled me to be prepared academically (I also had a 25 on my ACT). , as well as make some of the best friends I currently have today. I will say, to be honest, it is tough. Out of my 250 (not exact) preppies that came to the prep school, I would say that there are barely 100 of us left. Disenrollments are for numerous reasons, but not really for academics. Another tough point is the motivation. After 5 years it does take a toll on one's motivation. Of course, in my opinion, the pro's outweigh the cons by a landslide. Let me know if you have any future questions, I'll be glad to help anytime.
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Thank you so much! I believe I misread her reaction completely... it had nothing to do with pride, it was a combination of disbelief and fear. Disbelief because she later said she kept waiting for a portal update saying "oops, we made a mistake, sorry you didn't make it", and then fear of not being good enough. She is very happy (as are we) that she has an opportunity to become even stronger with the help of the Prep School and we are all sure that this will build her confidence for the rigors of the Academy! If I may ask, at what point have you seen the largest dis-enrollment? Is it between 2nd and 3rd year when there is mandatory commitment? Also, what can we do to help prepare her for, or support her through those moments of uncertainty? I've read several that say to have the candidate write why they want this in the first place and how they feel now with acceptance so that they can read it in their own words later when things get tough. What few things do you think would be the most valuable? Again, thank you so much for your insight... it certainly helps make the blind curves on this roller coaster ride a little less "blind".
 
I can answer a small portion of your question from the parents perspective. The simple answer is just be there. Strange I know but it's truly the easiest answer when they go through those tough questioning times. Just listen, they aren't talking to you so you can come in and save them or tell them what you want them to do. Trust me the when I say that you may think your DD is strong and independent now just wait until she's at the AFA they mature a 100 fold those first few months. They just want to talk and more importantly you to listen.

The other perspective that I've seen hinted around here but never spoken directly about is when the rose colored glasses come off. Prepare your DD for that now. Like I said in previous post there are good things and bad things at the AFA (at any university really). I guess I would put it in the perspective that since these young men and women have dreamed about this so long that they only see the glowing beacon that they dreamed of this whole time. Once they get there they have to deal with the reality of the AFA and it's not always rainbows and unicorns.

At the same note I don't want to sound like it sucks all the time. Plus they are surrounded by people that are just like them and they get to do a ton of cool things while there. Try and fix the bad and focus on the good.

Just this past spring break my son was a bit bummed going back and had to vent. I just sat there and listened and within a day of getting back he's calling me letting me know a spirit mission prank him and his friends in Alpha played on the other two squads. Yup just listen and back to normal.
 
There are some who DOR during BCT, some before Recognition (bad idea, if you ask this Mother)... some after their OPS program (who would drop BEFORE flying in the F15?).

Mostly, as a parent, I offered an ear and seldom my mouth, since the guys just needed to vent, not to have me "fix" anything. They took care of their own problems and they were stronger for doing so, and I was ignorant of much of it, and much happier in that position. :)
 
Whew.. started reading from the first post and couldn't wait to find out the ending of this one.

My daughter accepted her appointment to USAFA Prep in 2012 and hasn't looked back since. She's currently a C3C at USAFA. I can say, it was a great place for her to "get her feet wet" especially during BCT. Your daughter will still be with some of the best and brightest cadet candidates and WILL be challenged BOTH academically and physically. Besides, I heard the Prep School has better food than Mitch's. Best of luck to your daughter!
 
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