AeroJH
AeroJH
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2016
- Messages
- 14
First off, a big thank you to this site. Such great information and the help from others has been outstanding.
Earlier this year in April I received the denial letter from the Air Force Academy. Since then I have inspected every aspect of my resume and have taken lots of steps to gain experience, develop a stronger character presence, improve test scores and overall just become a better applicant and person. Below I am going to write a brief version of my current resume as I would love to get some feedback from members on this site particularly those with experience. However, I am going to keep it relatively general and watered down to reserve my privacy. Thank you all and I would love to hear what you have to say to where I can further improve. I also, have some questions that I will leave at the bottom. I used a different account last year, I wanted to start off fresh this time around and give it everything I can. Thank you.
ACADEMICS & EDUCATION
1. Will be attending a university in California this fall. Declared major is Physics. Received a $20,000+ scholarship.
2. Will be participating in AFROTC from my crosstown university.
3. Graduated from a high school in Colorado in the class of 2016.
4. Honor student recipient award (3.5+ GPA)
5. 3.55 GPA (I'll get to this at the bottom)
6. 29 ACT (I am scheduled to retake the ACT in September, have been studying all summer to improve and will continue to do so)
7. ACT Breakdown
English - 26
Math - 31
Reading - 30
Science - 27 (obviously English and Science need to be improved the most)
8. Did not take the SAT
ATHLETICS
1. Recruited football player to university, will be playing this fall. (Hoping to gain strength, endurance, learn to lead at a higher level while playing a game I love.)
2. Played baseball all four years in high school, varsity captain senior year. 2x varsity letter.
3. Played football all four years in high school. 2x varsity letter. All State Academic 11th & 12th grade. Team Heart of Champion award, and 2x Team First award. (Not state or league recognized awards; they are distributed by coaching staff to one player each year giving qualities of a player who exhibits leadership, athleticism, attitude, and hard working characteristics.) I know, not overly impressive but I believe they are important to include in my application.
EXTRACURRICULARS & COMMUNITY SERVICE (This is where I would really like feedback, hoping to set myself apart from others with better activities and community service. Also, this section has significantly improved since my last years application.)
1. Student government elected senator 11th & 12th grade.
2. Future Soldiers of America Club member 12th grade. (A club put on by my high school where we would look in depth to each branch of US military such as history, significant battles and events, how each has grown and changed. Also learned skills expected in the military such as loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. I can provide more information to those who have questions more about it.)
3. Active volunteer, 9th-present. Throughout student government, Future Soldiers of America Club, and on my own I have volunteered very often and consistently. Through the school programs above we organized large events to hold on and off campus such as public speakers, fund raising races for health and awareness, bringing in and meeting veterans, FASP (a program where faculty, teachers, and student officers debate and make plans to re-construst aspects of the high school. This would include how to maintain cleanliness among the student body, balancing lunch polices to support those in need of free and reduced lunch financially, and raising money to put toward building and community maintenance.) On my own I have volunteered in churches, elderly homes, soup kitchens, tutoring sessions, youth sporting events, and care facilities for those seriously ill or injured. Again I can provide more information and specifics if you have any questions on these.
4. Academy of Model Aeronautics member. I love building and flying planes and aviation has been a huge influence in my life. I come from a line of pilots none of which in the Air Force or the military; however, I am very very keened into aviation.
AWARDS & HONORS
1. Mr. High School Name Nominee. Each year a handful of students are hand picked by supervisors, and coordinators to be awarded the best difference maker to the school and community who represents the values and image of the high school. (I would put the name of my high school by which the award is named after, but for now I would like to reserve some privacy.)
2. Honor Student
3. 2x football All State-Academic recipient.
4. Heart of a Champion, 2x Team First Award. (From above in athletics section.)
5. 4x varsity letter recipient.
(This is part where my application significantly lacks. Almost all of my few awards revolve around athletics, and are not state honors such as first team all state.)
WORK EXPERIENCE (Another area that has significantly improved these last 7 months)
1. Current sales representative and field sales leading adviser.
2. Attendee of multiple regional and national meetings to discuss product line, and tips for new employees.
3. Personal letter of recommendation from President of national company.
4. Also works as a landscaper and laborer. Used to work for my city's department where I would mow lawns, rake leaves, and shovel snow on city property. This last year I have done this on my own around my neighborhood and community only.
5. Income has been put towards my saving account which will be used on flight school lessons to become a private pilot next summer. If you are a private pilot or know about it you'll know its rather expensive to become a private pilot especially funded on your own as an 18 year old. This isn't necessarily just to help me get into the Academy, I have always had a passion for flying and see myself as a pilot down the road. I've already purchased some of the equipment in preparation for it such as a lap board, headset, and ground school study books. With or without the military I do want to be a pilot, and hope to become one in the Air Force as an officer either through the Academy or the AFROTC route I will be starting shortly.
OTHER
1. Academy of Model Aeronautics member. This is the same as before, but I'll give a quick background. I have for years and years built model aircraft with my father and now on my own and have gone to fly them. Mostly gliders all though I have progressed to power single prop ones. I can talk planes all day if you'd like haha.
2. Oh and I won an award for photography. 11th grade I took 2nd in a state wide competition for one of my photographs. I don't believe this is a key factor at all with my application but hey I'll throw it in there to show I do have a touch of artistic creativity.
3. I almost forgot to put this down, my CFA was very good. Not excellent or outstanding, but above the averages in all but pull ups. I lift and run everyday in preparation for football and especially to get in the best shape to retake the CFA again here in the next month or two.
Alright now that is about it of what I have so far on my resume. And if you have made it this far in reading all this I greatly appreciate it because I know this has been one of those really long posts about the chance of gaining an appointment. All I hope to do is gain some feedback from the community on where I can continue to improve. While they seem a little far out, I know deadlines approach quick for both nominations and for the Academy so I'd like to tack on as much as I can before they come along. I'd like to clear up a little and now show I am a person with a real goal to get to USAFA and become an officer in the Air Force. For one, I know my GPA and test scores are below average especially my GPA. I have no excuse for it and take full responsibility for it and really know it hurt my app last year as it was even lower before my senior year of high school. I also know I missed out on some key programs that could have made me competitive such as National Honors Society, Scouting, and so forth. I know I didn't attend a summer seminar or program and that would've helped my cause a lot too, I've heard all those every time I bring it up. I can't go back to the past and do it all over I understand that, I am just looking to best myself to give myself a much better shot this time around. My story goes like this and I'll keep short, I honestly just found the real interest to become an officer the summer going into my senior year of high school. I met coaches, cadets, graduates, and Air Force veterans throughout the summer last year and it really hit me that it is what I want to do with my life. I know it sounds cliche and fake but really is true that I found it as my purpose. I always just saw myself being an airline pilot or flying competitively as a child. After being exposed to all there is in the military and Air Force I have become obsessed with the thought and never slowed down. The experiences and programs I have taken part in give me a sense of accomplishment that I truly love. While volunteering doesn't come with an award, that's not what I am in it for anyway. When I go out an help others out in an elderly home, or go around with youth kids teaching them basics of sports, I feel I am making a positive influence on my community. That's a great feeling and puts me to my passion of one thing, becoming a difference maker. I had really hurt my chances of growing on that mindset as already three whole years of high school were behind me that I couldn't get back. I now have a vision waking up each day serving my country and living with a purpose. A purpose that is bigger than I can ever be on my own and give back to all the amazing opportunities life in America has provided me. Simply put, I refuse to be average and it motivates me everyday to make myself a better man not just for my life but so I can help the people of the United States the best I possibly can. One way or another, I am working to becoming an officer, now through AFROTC, to one day lead those with similar intentions as me. ROTC is a program I am exciting for and I know that at the end of four years Academy grads and ROTC grads end up with the same 2nd lieutenant rank (please correct me if I am wrong). I am still aiming for USAFA as that is where I want to be and want to grow and become totally immersed in that lifestyle where I'll learn invaluable tools of leadership, courage, and working best with others. To those who clicked on this and stuck around I give you a huge HUGE thank you. It means so much and I am taking all the avenues I can to hear from others. If you have any questions, tips to do from here, or just advice about going through the Air Force in ROTC, or anything you may have I would love to hear it. I'm all ears and am still learning as I go so anything helps. Thank you very much and AIM HIGH!
Very respectfully,
AeroJH
Earlier this year in April I received the denial letter from the Air Force Academy. Since then I have inspected every aspect of my resume and have taken lots of steps to gain experience, develop a stronger character presence, improve test scores and overall just become a better applicant and person. Below I am going to write a brief version of my current resume as I would love to get some feedback from members on this site particularly those with experience. However, I am going to keep it relatively general and watered down to reserve my privacy. Thank you all and I would love to hear what you have to say to where I can further improve. I also, have some questions that I will leave at the bottom. I used a different account last year, I wanted to start off fresh this time around and give it everything I can. Thank you.
ACADEMICS & EDUCATION
1. Will be attending a university in California this fall. Declared major is Physics. Received a $20,000+ scholarship.
2. Will be participating in AFROTC from my crosstown university.
3. Graduated from a high school in Colorado in the class of 2016.
4. Honor student recipient award (3.5+ GPA)
5. 3.55 GPA (I'll get to this at the bottom)
6. 29 ACT (I am scheduled to retake the ACT in September, have been studying all summer to improve and will continue to do so)
7. ACT Breakdown
English - 26
Math - 31
Reading - 30
Science - 27 (obviously English and Science need to be improved the most)
8. Did not take the SAT
ATHLETICS
1. Recruited football player to university, will be playing this fall. (Hoping to gain strength, endurance, learn to lead at a higher level while playing a game I love.)
2. Played baseball all four years in high school, varsity captain senior year. 2x varsity letter.
3. Played football all four years in high school. 2x varsity letter. All State Academic 11th & 12th grade. Team Heart of Champion award, and 2x Team First award. (Not state or league recognized awards; they are distributed by coaching staff to one player each year giving qualities of a player who exhibits leadership, athleticism, attitude, and hard working characteristics.) I know, not overly impressive but I believe they are important to include in my application.
EXTRACURRICULARS & COMMUNITY SERVICE (This is where I would really like feedback, hoping to set myself apart from others with better activities and community service. Also, this section has significantly improved since my last years application.)
1. Student government elected senator 11th & 12th grade.
2. Future Soldiers of America Club member 12th grade. (A club put on by my high school where we would look in depth to each branch of US military such as history, significant battles and events, how each has grown and changed. Also learned skills expected in the military such as loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. I can provide more information to those who have questions more about it.)
3. Active volunteer, 9th-present. Throughout student government, Future Soldiers of America Club, and on my own I have volunteered very often and consistently. Through the school programs above we organized large events to hold on and off campus such as public speakers, fund raising races for health and awareness, bringing in and meeting veterans, FASP (a program where faculty, teachers, and student officers debate and make plans to re-construst aspects of the high school. This would include how to maintain cleanliness among the student body, balancing lunch polices to support those in need of free and reduced lunch financially, and raising money to put toward building and community maintenance.) On my own I have volunteered in churches, elderly homes, soup kitchens, tutoring sessions, youth sporting events, and care facilities for those seriously ill or injured. Again I can provide more information and specifics if you have any questions on these.
4. Academy of Model Aeronautics member. I love building and flying planes and aviation has been a huge influence in my life. I come from a line of pilots none of which in the Air Force or the military; however, I am very very keened into aviation.
AWARDS & HONORS
1. Mr. High School Name Nominee. Each year a handful of students are hand picked by supervisors, and coordinators to be awarded the best difference maker to the school and community who represents the values and image of the high school. (I would put the name of my high school by which the award is named after, but for now I would like to reserve some privacy.)
2. Honor Student
3. 2x football All State-Academic recipient.
4. Heart of a Champion, 2x Team First Award. (From above in athletics section.)
5. 4x varsity letter recipient.
(This is part where my application significantly lacks. Almost all of my few awards revolve around athletics, and are not state honors such as first team all state.)
WORK EXPERIENCE (Another area that has significantly improved these last 7 months)
1. Current sales representative and field sales leading adviser.
2. Attendee of multiple regional and national meetings to discuss product line, and tips for new employees.
3. Personal letter of recommendation from President of national company.
4. Also works as a landscaper and laborer. Used to work for my city's department where I would mow lawns, rake leaves, and shovel snow on city property. This last year I have done this on my own around my neighborhood and community only.
5. Income has been put towards my saving account which will be used on flight school lessons to become a private pilot next summer. If you are a private pilot or know about it you'll know its rather expensive to become a private pilot especially funded on your own as an 18 year old. This isn't necessarily just to help me get into the Academy, I have always had a passion for flying and see myself as a pilot down the road. I've already purchased some of the equipment in preparation for it such as a lap board, headset, and ground school study books. With or without the military I do want to be a pilot, and hope to become one in the Air Force as an officer either through the Academy or the AFROTC route I will be starting shortly.
OTHER
1. Academy of Model Aeronautics member. This is the same as before, but I'll give a quick background. I have for years and years built model aircraft with my father and now on my own and have gone to fly them. Mostly gliders all though I have progressed to power single prop ones. I can talk planes all day if you'd like haha.
2. Oh and I won an award for photography. 11th grade I took 2nd in a state wide competition for one of my photographs. I don't believe this is a key factor at all with my application but hey I'll throw it in there to show I do have a touch of artistic creativity.
3. I almost forgot to put this down, my CFA was very good. Not excellent or outstanding, but above the averages in all but pull ups. I lift and run everyday in preparation for football and especially to get in the best shape to retake the CFA again here in the next month or two.
Alright now that is about it of what I have so far on my resume. And if you have made it this far in reading all this I greatly appreciate it because I know this has been one of those really long posts about the chance of gaining an appointment. All I hope to do is gain some feedback from the community on where I can continue to improve. While they seem a little far out, I know deadlines approach quick for both nominations and for the Academy so I'd like to tack on as much as I can before they come along. I'd like to clear up a little and now show I am a person with a real goal to get to USAFA and become an officer in the Air Force. For one, I know my GPA and test scores are below average especially my GPA. I have no excuse for it and take full responsibility for it and really know it hurt my app last year as it was even lower before my senior year of high school. I also know I missed out on some key programs that could have made me competitive such as National Honors Society, Scouting, and so forth. I know I didn't attend a summer seminar or program and that would've helped my cause a lot too, I've heard all those every time I bring it up. I can't go back to the past and do it all over I understand that, I am just looking to best myself to give myself a much better shot this time around. My story goes like this and I'll keep short, I honestly just found the real interest to become an officer the summer going into my senior year of high school. I met coaches, cadets, graduates, and Air Force veterans throughout the summer last year and it really hit me that it is what I want to do with my life. I know it sounds cliche and fake but really is true that I found it as my purpose. I always just saw myself being an airline pilot or flying competitively as a child. After being exposed to all there is in the military and Air Force I have become obsessed with the thought and never slowed down. The experiences and programs I have taken part in give me a sense of accomplishment that I truly love. While volunteering doesn't come with an award, that's not what I am in it for anyway. When I go out an help others out in an elderly home, or go around with youth kids teaching them basics of sports, I feel I am making a positive influence on my community. That's a great feeling and puts me to my passion of one thing, becoming a difference maker. I had really hurt my chances of growing on that mindset as already three whole years of high school were behind me that I couldn't get back. I now have a vision waking up each day serving my country and living with a purpose. A purpose that is bigger than I can ever be on my own and give back to all the amazing opportunities life in America has provided me. Simply put, I refuse to be average and it motivates me everyday to make myself a better man not just for my life but so I can help the people of the United States the best I possibly can. One way or another, I am working to becoming an officer, now through AFROTC, to one day lead those with similar intentions as me. ROTC is a program I am exciting for and I know that at the end of four years Academy grads and ROTC grads end up with the same 2nd lieutenant rank (please correct me if I am wrong). I am still aiming for USAFA as that is where I want to be and want to grow and become totally immersed in that lifestyle where I'll learn invaluable tools of leadership, courage, and working best with others. To those who clicked on this and stuck around I give you a huge HUGE thank you. It means so much and I am taking all the avenues I can to hear from others. If you have any questions, tips to do from here, or just advice about going through the Air Force in ROTC, or anything you may have I would love to hear it. I'm all ears and am still learning as I go so anything helps. Thank you very much and AIM HIGH!
Very respectfully,
AeroJH
