Re-Apply question

[CB_Dad_5]

After DS received his TWE yesterday, he went out and led his golf team to a victory over the 7 time defending league champ, that sealed their undefeated season. Although disappointed, he picked himself up.

Later, after dinner, he asked me if he re-apply and was it possible to find out where he was weak (although he knows one or two spots), so he could improve his resume.

The question is.... Would his ALO or his counselor be able to help. I know he won't reach out to them until they are no longer busy with this process.

He doesn't want to be a bother, but hopes to find out the best person/persons to reach out to?

Thanks in advance !!

 

[kjc_25]

I'd reach out to his ALO, I've been in steady contact with mine for the 3 years now. Maybe wait until things calm town a little bit, but make sure he keeps in contact with him or her and emphasizes his desire to attend the academy and willingness to reapply. The ALO has seen countless applicants and can be an objective eye looking at his application.
Best of luck to your son!

 

[pa_ptmom]

I'll preface this response by saying this is what we found in the rejection/ reapply /acceptance process. Each applicant is different in their needs and may be different in how best to enhance weak areas.

1) Having been where many are today, I first want those with a TWE, that you were not just competing against your immediate peers. Once you account for recruited athletes, re-applys with a year of college and ROTC, Falcon scholars, the Academy's prep school cadets, diversity candidates, etc, there are a lot less spots than you might think at the start.

2) look at your current application (save what's on your portal now bc it will be erased ) , most likely you can identify some weaknesses. Though your DS/DD may have hit the 'target' ranges on SAT, CFA, the reality is there is room for improvement. We got some advice from our ALO, but we were pretty much able to determine what needed to be improved. Strive to be at the Top of the ranges or above if possible. Think of it like taking a great athlete to elite status.

3) look at the options available (ROTC participation at local college, SAT prep classes, personal trainer to build up CFA scores, self prep at schools falcons use )
In our case, our DS did not pursue AFROTC scholarships bc they didn't offer Aeronautics. We tried to tell him, look at Aeronautical Engineering , etc.
He said, "I don't want to be an engineer, I want to be a pilot".

4) Identify needs and take an action plan to take. For our DS his needs were: improving CFA, improving essays, polishing up some leadership opportunities. BC he had so many years of CAP, we all knew he thrived and excelled in a military environment with like minded leaders, and peers. Hence our decision to take the self prep route.
The CFA weak areas were addressed, essays were reviewed and tweaked by professors with academy reapplication in mind. It was also beneficial for him to work alongside like minded peers from all over the country as he came from a small rural school in central PA.

He excelled in this environment, added things like AFROTC and PPL, and presented a more polished application this year.

 

[Daretodream]

Just my two cents but let the dust settle and make sure this is the path your DS wants to go. If he wants to be a pilot more than anything else then there are paths to that career. If he wants to be an officer in the USAF then USAFA may be his preferred path and he should work to reapply.

If he chooses to focus on reapplying then certainly reach out to the ALO and ask for guidance on improving as a re-applicant for next year. Have your DS chronicle each area improved or milestone reached and how they achieved the goal so they have a diary of the year to use as they complete the application. Also, reach out to your MOC staff and ask for advice and how you may improve your resume for next year. These are helpful but also a smart political move.

The stats are there for you to see. GPAs, test scores, athletics, honor courses, etc. You can identify areas to improve, but focus on the total person improvement. If you lead give examples of how you made a difference. What sets you apart? Why will you be a good fit at USAFA? Why do they need you to lead our military?

If this is his dream then motivate him to go for it. Tell him to get started early and there are people on here pulling for him.

 

[6KDogwhistle]

I would not be concerned about "bothering" the ALO. If anything, it shines the light on your DS's desire to go at it again. When I was an ALO, I looked for the drive in a candidate, as I'm sure most ALOs do. Almost every candidate has what it takes (intellectually and physically) to get through the program but the heart and perseverance are what sets the champions apart.
My DS didn't make it in on his first go. Needless to say, he was crushed. As I always say, you can roll up and die or stand up and fight. I'm proud to say, he brushed it off and pursued his goal. The past is history and no need to dwell in it. He enrolled in AFROTC , took academy level classes at a J.C., and excelled in both. He kept his target in sight at all times and never wavered. It was all or nothing. If the academy didn't work out on his second go, he would have been perfectly happy with ROTC. Fortunately, he made it in on his second go.
Different strokes for different people. As pa_ptmom said, work on the weak areas. Your DS knows what they are and your ALO also can help him out. Where there's a will, there's a way. As I always say, the source of commission is not all that important. The academy is a fine institution but there are many fine colleges that may suit your DS as well. AFROTC is a great avenue to earn a commission. Alway keep the BIG picture in sight. The real race starts when your DS pins on those butter bars and in his case, when he step his foot in pilot training. Happy hunting and enjoy the ride!