Preparatory School or University

ialyokhin

New Member
Joined
Mar 2, 2019
Messages
3
Hello! I'm posting on here to receive some insight or advice on my situation. (1st post)

Around mid January I was notified by my 2nd choice school on my acceptance to Mechanical Engineering at a challenging university. I was extremely relieved because in the same week I was accepted to both my 2nd and 3rd school, but the 2nd school was my plan B as well! (AFROTC).

Obviously my first choice is USAFA and I'm still hoping/waiting on a offer.
I've recently discussed with my parents, and to a close friend of mine who is a retired officer from the USAF, and I truly have my heart set on the Academy path. I understand that essentially PLAN A in my career goal is to COMMISSION (OTS/AFROTC/AFA) but I strongly believe the best of me will come out at USAFA and that is where I can push full throttle in my abilities.

Lately I came across an old thread from last year discussing preparatory schools, and read specifically about Northwestern Preparatory School. Although my grades are above average in majority of my STEM classes (Physics, Biology, Geometry , Algebra I/II) [95 and Above] I really want to either retake or strengthen my skills in classes such as (Chemistry,Trig, and Calculus) in order to have a more solid base in my field of knowledge.

This is what I've been thinking about everyday on the bus, and need some guidance to make a smart and realistic decision.

I have 2 options at this moment:

(A) Attend the challenging University freshmen year and hopefully somehow strengthen my SAT, weak skills, AFROTC and CFA & at the same time juggle college courses/assignments to be prepared on reapplying to USAFA 2024.

(B) IF i don't receive a falcon scholarship, take the free-agent option and attend NWPS and solely focus on reapplying to USAFA.

Also, if anyone knows some important info/details regarding preparatory schools I am eager to know more!

I am excited about engineering and had a interest for it since middle school but, I just do not want to approach the courses unprepared. USAFA prep or any prep school seems like a great fit for my situation but i must plan for reapplying for 2024.

Thank you
 
I strongly believe the best of me will come out at USAFA and that is where I can push full throttle in my abilities.
First, regarding this statement. The academy doesn't "do it" to you. You "do it" to yourself. You will only get out of a program what you put into it, regardless of the program. What? You can't push full throttle in plan A? You're not going to give plan A your best and make big demands on yourself?
In any case, I think plan A is the wiser choice because it leads to a commission in any case. There is no guarantee at all as a free agent. Just my 2 cents.
 
ialokhin, I will give you the same advice I gave my son. He is currently a reapplicant attending NMMI as a self-prep and is still waiting to hear if he gets an appointment. We looked into NWP which has a great program, but you get no college units for it until you take spring semester at a different college. Not sure your financial situation, but we could not use college savings account at NWP so even though DS wanted to do a self prep, we chose a Military Junior College so at least he could get his Freshman year classes done and transfer to a local college with AFROTC and do the 3 year program. At least we were able to use his 529 college funds there plus he got a full year of college done. But lot's of folks say to just get enrolled at a regular full time university, do AFROTC and reapply for better chances next year. Sounds like you have a great option with the engineering program at your 2nd choice! Good luck!
 
Kinnem,
I am new to the forums (a few months) and want to thank you for all your insight. I have learned a lot about the process from you and also appreciate your candor and honesty. DD received a Falcon Scholarship today, and she is over the moon about the opportunity USAFA is affording her to be a well rounded leader in the AF. I am incredibly proud. I thank you for educating me on so many topics, this forum is fortunate for your advice and knowledge.
 
I can't say enough good things about our year of prep school. I am sure each school is amazing in it's own right- I can only speak to MMI. My DS has grown in ways I never could have imagined. I credit Marion a great deal in his success of being offered a slot at USAFA.
 
Kinnem,
I am new to the forums (a few months) and want to thank you for all your insight. I have learned a lot about the process from you and also appreciate your candor and honesty. DD received a Falcon Scholarship today, and she is over the moon about the opportunity USAFA is affording her to be a well rounded leader in the AF. I am incredibly proud. I thank you for educating me on so many topics, this forum is fortunate for your advice and knowledge.

A Falcon is a BIG DEAL! That's awesome! Honestly, a year at a prep school will prepare her for her Doolie year so much more. We were super disappointed that DS didn't get in last year, we are actually grateful, now, that he didn't (And, if you have a choice, we LOVE MMI- feel free to message me if you have any specific questions!)
 
Wow! I am gushing in excitement. Thank you for your support. I will definitely reach out for advice. It’s such a gift, and we want to ensure we are well informed going forward.
 
Kinnem,
I am new to the forums (a few months) and want to thank you for all your insight. I have learned a lot about the process from you and also appreciate your candor and honesty. DD received a Falcon Scholarship today, and she is over the moon about the opportunity USAFA is affording her to be a well rounded leader in the AF. I am incredibly proud. I thank you for educating me on so many topics, this forum is fortunate for your advice and knowledge.
You are far too kind Ma'am. Good luck and congrats to your DD. She has incredible opportunities ahead of her. Strap in. Mom!
 
Kinnem,
I am new to the forums (a few months) and want to thank you for all your insight. I have learned a lot about the process from you and also appreciate your candor and honesty. DD received a Falcon Scholarship today, and she is over the moon about the opportunity USAFA is affording her to be a well rounded leader in the AF. I am incredibly proud. I thank you for educating me on so many topics, this forum is fortunate for your advice and knowledge.

A Falcon is a BIG DEAL! That's awesome! Honestly, a year at a prep school will prepare her for her Doolie year so much more. We were super disappointed that DS didn't get in last year, we are actually grateful, now, that he didn't (And, if you have a choice, we LOVE MMI- feel free to message me if you have any specific questions!)
Pardon me asking but is a falcon scholarship an offer to the prep school?
 
Yes, from what I understand we have until April 15 to pick one of 5 options throughout the country (amazing spots) mostly paid by the Foundation. She will report late summer and prepare to be a full fledged Falcon in the class of 2024, if she continues the upward climb of academics, athleticism and leadership.
 
Kinnem,
I am new to the forums (a few months) and want to thank you for all your insight. I have learned a lot about the process from you and also appreciate your candor and honesty. DD received a Falcon Scholarship today, and she is over the moon about the opportunity USAFA is affording her to be a well rounded leader in the AF. I am incredibly proud. I thank you for educating me on so many topics, this forum is fortunate for your advice and knowledge.

A Falcon is a BIG DEAL! That's awesome! Honestly, a year at a prep school will prepare her for her Doolie year so much more. We were super disappointed that DS didn't get in last year, we are actually grateful, now, that he didn't (And, if you have a choice, we LOVE MMI- feel free to message me if you have any specific questions!)
Pardon me asking but is a falcon scholarship an offer to the prep school?

Yes, they pay the bulk of the cost of attending a prep school- it's almost a Golden Ticket: if they get it and do well at Prep School, then the will most likely be offered an appointment to the academy. It's a big deal- it means: we believe in you, you just aren't *QUITE* ready for the Academy, just yet.
 
Kinnem,
I am new to the forums (a few months) and want to thank you for all your insight. I have learned a lot about the process from you and also appreciate your candor and honesty. DD received a Falcon Scholarship today, and she is over the moon about the opportunity USAFA is affording her to be a well rounded leader in the AF. I am incredibly proud. I thank you for educating me on so many topics, this forum is fortunate for your advice and knowledge.
I highly recommend that your daughter attend NWP! Northwestern Preparatory School is the school that a majority of Falcons attend, and for good reason! I believe all the Falcons in my class have received appointments, as well as many of the free agents. It's the perfect environment for an aspiring USAFA Cadet, from the vocab memorization tests to the high altitude.
I received a Falcon Scholarship last year and picked NWP as my prep school. This February I have received my appointment to the c/o 2023 and I could not be more elated. I credit a lot of my success in obtaining this appointment to the support of my parents, fellow NWP prepsters, the Durbecks and of course, God. During our Thanksgiving dinner at NWP, many of the prepsters (including myself) said that they were thankful for being rejected from the academy. That rejection led us to NWP where we realized that we were not ready for an SA, and had a ways to go. Throughout our time on the mountain, we made some awesome friendships and grew not only physically, but in our academic ability. It was truly an invaluable experience. If you have any questions about the scholarship or NWP, please feel free to PM me!
 
Kinnem,
I am new to the forums (a few months) and want to thank you for all your insight. I have learned a lot about the process from you and also appreciate your candor and honesty. DD received a Falcon Scholarship today, and she is over the moon about the opportunity USAFA is affording her to be a well rounded leader in the AF. I am incredibly proud. I thank you for educating me on so many topics, this forum is fortunate for your advice and knowledge.
I highly recommend that your daughter attend NWP! Northwestern Preparatory School is the school that a majority of Falcons attend, and for good reason! I believe all the Falcons in my class have received appointments, as well as many of the free agents. It's the perfect environment for an aspiring USAFA Cadet, from the vocab memorization tests to the high altitude.
I received a Falcon Scholarship last year and picked NWP as my prep school. This February I have received my appointment to the c/o 2023 and I could not be more elated. I credit a lot of my success in obtaining this appointment to the support of my parents, fellow NWP prepsters, the Durbecks and of course, God. During our Thanksgiving dinner at NWP, many of the prepsters (including myself) said that they were thankful for being rejected from the academy. That rejection led us to NWP where we realized that we were not ready for an SA, and had a ways to go. Throughout our time on the mountain, we made some awesome friendships and grew not only physically, but in our academic ability. It was truly an invaluable experience. If you have any questions about the scholarship or NWP, please feel free to PM me!

Again congratulations on your daughter receiving a falcon foundation scholarship! I was with emtet at NWP and got in touch with her and some prepsters through this forum last year. It was really nice being able to know some people before embarking on the hardest and most rewarding 3 months and 11 days of my life.
Up on "that little bitty mountaintop" you will form some of the strongest friendships, abs, and SAT/ACT scores possible and you will leave with your head held high. The Durbecks have been running NWP for years and will set you up for success if you buy in and put in the work! I'd love to talk to anyone thinking about NWP(those of you who aren't should be) but I think the best thing you can do for yourself is give them a phone call. When I saw my portal update last year telling me I wasn't going to be at USAFA for the class of 2022 I was crushed. However, after I talked to Mrs. Durbeck for a half hour I knew that NWP was the right place for me to obtain my goal of earning a spot at a SA. Fast forward and I raised my SAT to a 1540, ACT to a 34, maxed and nearly maxed portions of the CFA, and have an appointment to USMMA and am waiting on my USAFA decision. Please feel free to PM me and...

...do yourself a favor and give her a call-> http://www.northwesternprep.com/

Side note: For anyone concerned about costs of NWP please keep in mind that scholarships are available.
 
I'll echo Northwestern Prep...Sue Durban has that running like a Swiss watch. Okay, it's in the hills of California now...so there's no shoveling the snow around the school, no having ice on your windows and on your blankets because the window froze with a tiny opening and won't thaw until Spring...

That's back when NWPS was in Mound, Minnesota.

An eon ago.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
NWPS '78-'79
 
My son attended the prep school, he then went on to graduate with honors from the USAFA. He loved his time in Colorado Springs, especially his one year at the prep school...
 
My DH is an officer in the USAFR but not an academy grad. He has often said, in his civilian and military careers, there is nothing like the fellowship of the Academy grads. There is a pride and fortitude among that select group that is undeniable. Our DS received a TWE last year. His plan B was always a prep year, he knew an academy was where he wanted to begin his military career. He is currently attending Marion Military Institute as a self prep and has has grown exponentially. He was also accepted to Greyston and NMMI. He thought long and hard about his options and decided that attending a traditional military college would serve him best. He received a generous scholarship from MMI and was able to continue his love of music in the band. He was also impressed with their other opportunities, ie Flying Tigers (their flying club), ROTC, Drill Team, etc. Wearing a uniform everyday and being a part of AFROTC has been important to his military indoctrination. He received his USAFA appointment in January and is now waiting on Navy and West Point. He has waited this long, he wants to weigh his options (can't blame him!). This forum has many wonderful members with very sage advise as there are many ways to commission, find the one that suits you best. Best of luck to you!!
 
I'll echo Northwestern Prep...Sue Durban has that running like a Swiss watch. Okay, it's in the hills of California now...so there's no shoveling the snow around the school, no having ice on your windows and on your blankets because the window froze with a tiny opening and won't thaw until Spring...

That's back when NWPS was in Mound, Minnesota.

An eon ago.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
NWPS '78-'79
 
Steve,

I attended Northwestern Prep in Mound during 78-79. Due to personal family matters back in Florida, I had to leave in February 1979. It would be nice to establish a line of communication with someone from my class. If you could send me a private message, it would be the spark to ignite what is going to be one of the most consequential years of our time, 2021. Many thanks, Robin
 
Hello! I'm posting on here to receive some insight or advice on my situation. (1st post)

Around mid January I was notified by my 2nd choice school on my acceptance to Mechanical Engineering at a challenging university. I was extremely relieved because in the same week I was accepted to both my 2nd and 3rd school, but the 2nd school was my plan B as well! (AFROTC).

Obviously my first choice is USAFA and I'm still hoping/waiting on a offer.
I've recently discussed with my parents, and to a close friend of mine who is a retired officer from the USAF, and I truly have my heart set on the Academy path. I understand that essentially PLAN A in my career goal is to COMMISSION (OTS/AFROTC/AFA) but I strongly believe the best of me will come out at USAFA and that is where I can push full throttle in my abilities.

Lately I came across an old thread from last year discussing preparatory schools, and read specifically about Northwestern Preparatory School. Although my grades are above average in majority of my STEM classes (Physics, Biology, Geometry , Algebra I/II) [95 and Above] I really want to either retake or strengthen my skills in classes such as (Chemistry,Trig, and Calculus) in order to have a more solid base in my field of knowledge.

This is what I've been thinking about everyday on the bus, and need some guidance to make a smart and realistic decision.

I have 2 options at this moment:

(A) Attend the challenging University freshmen year and hopefully somehow strengthen my SAT, weak skills, AFROTC and CFA & at the same time juggle college courses/assignments to be prepared on reapplying to USAFA 2024.

(B) IF i don't receive a falcon scholarship, take the free-agent option and attend NWPS and solely focus on reapplying to USAFA.

Also, if anyone knows some important info/details regarding preparatory schools I am eager to know more!

I am excited about engineering and had a interest for it since middle school but, I just do not want to approach the courses unprepared. USAFA prep or any prep school seems like a great fit for my situation but i must plan for reapplying for 2024.

Thank you
My middle son went to the prep school last year and now a freshmen at USAFA. Prep school is your golden ticket. My youngest son is also trying to get into USAFA, his GPA is much higher than his older brother but their SAT scores were the same. In Virginia all of our testing sights were down for over 9 months due to COVID. I am trying to talk my younger son to take the ACT's. We are not even in school in Virginia because of the COVID they are only offering testing in North Carolina
 
Pardon me asking but is a falcon scholarship an offer to the prep school?
The Falcon Scholarship is an offer to attend ‘a’ prep school... but not ‘the’ prep school. There are several, most are mentioning NWP. These will require you to contact and submit an application to see which has availability... ‘the’ prep schools - like USAFA Preparatory School, Naval Academy Preparatory School or US Military Academy Preparatory School are also options but require an appointment from the SA (USAFA, Naval Academy or West Point...) to attend their prep school. My DS received an appointment last year around this time... he received an email that he had a message in his portal and when he went to his portal he had an offer to attend the USAFA Prep School. I believe, and ask others more familiar with the Falcon scholarship and schools, that the prep schools; like NWP, are a semester —- whereas, USAFA Prep School is a 10-month program that requires the Cadet Candidate to enlist for the program.

Let me know if this helps answer your question... also note that there is a preparatory school section in this forum that has all kinds of information on the different prep schools... happy reading!
 
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