Re-Applying to USAFA

[Falcon2022]

So I applied to USAFA last year and was not appointed. I will be attending a SMC this year on a AFROTC scholarship but want to re-apply to USAFA. I would like advice on the best way to take on the application a second time. Like what is the best way to try and get an ROTC nomination? When should I open my application? I want to be able to write my essays with a little bit of a new perspective but I feel that will be harder to do if I open my application now. Any advice at all on re-applying would be helpful. Thank you.

 

[Exelmart]

So I applied to USAFA last year and was not appointed. I will be attending a SMC this year on a AFROTC scholarship but want to re-apply to USAFA. I would like advice on the best way to take on the application a second time. Like what is the best way to try and get an ROTC nomination? When should I open my application? I want to be able to write my essays with a little bit of a new perspective but I feel that will be harder to do if I open my application now. Any advice at all on re-applying would be helpful. Thank you.

I want to second on this as well as I am also reapplying and will be in AFROTC.

 

[SAHopeful2021]

I'm in NROTC, but I'm applying to the big 3 again. My "ALO" for USNA told me it is better to complete everything sooner regardless if we will not be looked at until the second semester. I'm being proactive by trying to complete my application prior to leaving so I can focus on getting a 4.0, but I'm not being careless. Hope it helped guys and best of luck .

 

[Pima]

The ROTC nom comes through via your ROTC det.

IMHO the best thing you can do is
1. Work out physically so you can show up day 1 at your AFROTC unit and pass the PFA at max level. This means running in all types of weather, making sure your form is perfect and doing it the order that they will do it, including time breaks.
2. Tell your CoC of your desire as soon as possible. The CoC is not going to be against you for wanting to try again. They will support you, but if you don't tell them until the last possible moment it does you no good, especially at a large det.
~ My DS's det had over 100 AS100 cadets the 1st week of school.

Hope that helps.

 

[jebdad]

The key is to find out (the best you can) why you did not get in the first time. Grades, test scores, CFA....? If you can, talk to your admissions contact and they will direct you on where you need to improve. I really think there is no "one size fits all" answer to your question. Admissions should be candid with you and help establish a blueprint.

Did you have a nomination?

The ROTC nom is fairly easy to get, but its not a good one to bank on as the number of appointments through that nom are limited. I think 100, but someone with more knowledge can correct.

 

[USMA 1994]

My DD successfully navigated the re-application process last year @jebdad hit the nail on the head as there is no one size fits all approach.

You need to understand where your application was not as strong and focus on improving those areas. That may take extra work in addition to your college course load. Many of the application portal transfers over to the next year bit you still we need updated transcripts and school profiles. Your MOC nomination packets actually will take longer to complete than the portal and it becomes more difficult to get letters of recommendations from individuals as you do not see them anymore. You will also need two additional evaluations from college level professors.

In terms of ROTC, @Pima hits the nail on the head about the PT test. You need to show up and knock it out of the park the first day. In the military, your PT test scores are a reflection of your ability and doing well goes a long way. In my opinion, I would wait a little time before I mentioned that you want to re-apply. Give it a month or six weeks after you have demonstrated that you are part of your current unit but do agree that you should not wait till December.

You also need to take a challenging course load that is STEM based your first semester and DO WELL. You do not need to exactly match a plebe schedule if it does not work for you but you also cannot fill it as an art or music major, nothing against those majors but the academy wants you to demonstrate you can handle college rigor similar to a plebe. You also do not need a 4.0 to get an appointment but you should be pushing the 3.5.

At West Point and I would assume the others, service connected nominations are basically unlimited but there are 100 appointments each year. ROTC accounts for 20 of those appointments. It is very simple as your PMI of the ROTC unit completes a nomination form and sends it to the academy. 20 is a low number so you should also apply for all nomination sources that you are eligible for.

 

[Falcon2022]

The ROTC nom comes through via your ROTC det.

IMHO the best thing you can do is
1. Work out physically so you can show up day 1 at your AFROTC unit and pass the PFA at max level. This means running in all types of weather, making sure your form is perfect and doing it the order that they will do it, including time breaks.
2. Tell your CoC of your desire as soon as possible. The CoC is not going to be against you for wanting to try again. They will support you, but if you don't tell them until the last possible moment it does you no good, especially at a large det.
~ My DS's det had over 100 AS100 cadets the 1st week of school.

Hope that helps.

Thanks for the insight. Are you suggesting speaking to my CoC within the first few weeks of school? Or should I contact them before?

 

[Falcon2022]

The key is to find out (the best you can) why you did not get in the first time. Grades, test scores, CFA....? If you can, talk to your admissions contact and they will direct you on where you need to improve. I really think there is no "one size fits all" answer to your question. Admissions should be candid with you and help establish a blueprint.

Did you have a nomination?

The ROTC nom is fairly easy to get, but its not a good one to bank on as the number of appointments through that nom are limited. I think 100, but someone with more knowledge can correct.

Yes. I only had a nom from my Congresswoman last time.