Questions regarding Falcon Visitation Experience

aranders75

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Apr 28, 2023
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My DD just got an invitation to apply for FVE!!! She’s over the moon because USAFA is her top pick and she’s not heard anything from them up to this point! (She’s attending Inspire program at USNA later this month and did SLE in the summer.)

Here’s the challenge. The session runs from Nov 15-19 (Wed-Sunday) and her congressional interview is that Saturday! She’s going to reach out to the team that sent the FVE invite and ask if she could leave two days early or if she would have the ability to do the interview virtually. If she’s able to, then she’ll reach out to her congressman’s office and ask if they would be open to a virtual interview.

Does anyone know if USAFA would entertain either of these options? Should she prioritize an in person interview even if her congressman and USAFA will allow a virtual interview?
 
FVE is an amazing opportunity! If it were me, I would stay at USAFA for the extra two days. The admissions dept. have every minute planned out with tours, visits to the airfield, and meetings with high profile leadership to include the Supt. I do not think you will have any problem getting a virtual interview with the Congressman's office. If the congressman's panel ask why you couldn't meet in person your explanation would be iron-clad. "USAFA picked me for a selective all-expenses paid trip to the academy to visit the campus, talk to academy leaders, and be immersed with the cadet wing for xx days".

I am pretty sure that is a solid reason, but then again I'm not on the panel! Best of luck to your DD
 
I would ask the FVE team if there are other dates available. I know they do several. It’s a wonderful opportunity and they don’t have them out generously. If he date is firm, reach out to the congressman’s office and explain. They want to nominate candidates that the academies really want.
 
My son attended the second FVE session for the c/o 2027. Most of the FVE attendees in my son's session got an offer. I had a great time too as a parent.
 
My son attended the second FVE session for the c/o 2027. Most of the FVE attendees in my son's session got an offer. I had a great time too as a parent.
When is the 2nd FVE session? Was your son a senior when he attended? My DD is worried this session in November might be the last one for class of 28. But unfortunately her congressman moved his interviews to that weekend.

DD emailed the contact email for FVE and they got back to her and said they will put her name on the list for the next one but no mention of when that might be. I’ve heard January?
 
Anybody have a rough idea on number of candidates invited to apply? Is this like the Inspire weekend where 600 candidates are competing for a few slots?
 
Anybody have a rough idea on number of candidates invited to apply? Is this like the Inspire weekend where 600 candidates are competing for a few slots?
Yes. I believe DD said there were 500 or 600? And I believe around 100 are selected.
 
For OP: sounds like next one will probably be in March.

For future questions re: virtual interviews: There was at least one student who did a virtual interview with his non board. USAFA appeared to be super accommodating on that front.
 
For OP: sounds like next one will probably be in March.

For future questions re: virtual interviews: There was at least one student who did a virtual interview with his non board. USAFA appeared to be super accommodating on that front.
Thank you. Unfortunately DD passed on the FVE because she thought being in person for her MOC nomination was more critical. Although she’s having FOMO watching the Instagram from this latest FVE, she still thinks she made the right decision as she’s confident she did well with her interviews.

We are hoping she would be invited to attend FVE in January or March, but I’m assuming they will be targeting Juniors at that point.
 
My daughter attended the FVE in January, and she's a freshman at the Academy now. If your daughter gets another shot at it, I definitely suggest going. It was a pretty amazing experience for her and me. I'm a Grad, but I'm more proud to be a parent. Watching her get excited about all of the experiences ahead of her was pretty cool, and it definitely solidified USAFA for her.
 
My DD and I just got back. Echo what you said. It was an incredible experience for both of us. She started her application to USAFA as an afterthought, but it might be her top choice now. Everything about the program was incredibly well done.
 
My DS had went to his FVE in September not sure if the Academy was for him and came home with USAFA as his top 2 choice of colleges. They did an incredible job and he is still in contact with the applicants and cadets he met. I cannot stress how well organized and fun the experience is.
 
I have an appointment and I was curious if FVE's are automatically given out to all those who have received appointments? One of my buddies who got appointed too got one yesterday and I just am curious if mine is on its way.
 
Unsure but, if you have the opportunity to go, you absolutely should. It’s an amazing event!
 
It's definitely not something everyone who gets an appointment is invited to. It's pretty limited in number of attendees.
 
My understanding is that FVE is usually extended to underrepresented individuals that USAFA would especially want to accept their appointment. That usually is ethnic minorities, females and individuals from regions of the country that have an unusually low representation in the student body. I'm sure there are exceptions.
 
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