Rising Firstie: Ask Away!

[mach01]

Do you have any advice for re-applicants?

 

[Unseensphere34]

Do you have any advice for re-applicants?

Do something between applications. It doesn’t necessarily have to be school but the academy wants to see you improve yourself in some way shape or form.

I did not get in on my first attempt but did a year at a local school and that helped to get in.

 

[2023falc]

What happens to the things you can’t have with you for bct but you had to bring it to the academy. For example, the clothes you’re wearing on i day, wallet, etc.

 

[screamingeagle20]

Kind of a specific question: I get a lot of bloody noses and I'm wondering what would be the right (least wrong, I guess) way to handle that if I was at attention for instance.

Just put out your arm and ask to go to the bathroom. Your cadre will understand.

 

[screamingeagle20]

What happens to the things you can’t have with you for bct but you had to bring it to the academy. For example, the clothes you’re wearing on i day, wallet, etc.

You’ll keep your wallet in your lock drawer and the clothes you have on for I-Day will go into your backpack you brought with you. Then you will put that in your trunk or your cadre will put them in a locked room. Either way, the items will be safe.

 

[2023falc]

What happens to the things you can’t have with you for bct but you had to bring it to the academy. For example, the clothes you’re wearing on i day, wallet, etc.

You’ll keep your wallet in your lock drawer and the clothes you have on for I-Day will go into your backpack you brought with you. Then you will put that in your trunk or your cadre will put them in a locked room. Either way, the items will be safe.

Thanks for the speedy reply!

 

[SA23]

I was just wondering what most people like to receive after BCT ends. I'm trying to put together a box for my parents to bring on A day, but I'm not sure what I should place in there. Right now, all I have is some pictures and my calculator.

 

[screamingeagle20]

I was just wondering what most people like to receive after BCT ends. I'm trying to put together a box for my parents to bring on A day, but I'm not sure what I should place in there. Right now, all I have is some pictures and my calculator.

I’m not sure what your budget is but printer paper, binders, notebook paper, food, pencils, pens.

 

[AKdad2021]

Ask literally any question you may have (about-to-be basics or parents)! And I’ll answer them to the best of my ability!

I understand admission is based upon multiple criteria, but in searching the internet I've seen pages that say you need a 13-1400 minimum and I've seen other information that says some students are getting in with 1100's. Any thoughts on what would be an average score among cadets at the Academy? Or to put it another way, what score would you consider solid (not spectacular) for USAFA applicants?
Thanks for taking your time out to answer questions.

 

[screamingeagle20]

Ask literally any question you may have (about-to-be basics or parents)! And I’ll answer them to the best of my ability!

I understand admission is based upon multiple criteria, but in searching the internet I've seen pages that say you need a 13-1400 minimum and I've seen other information that says some students are getting in with 1100's. Any thoughts on what would be an average score among cadets at the Academy? Or to put it another way, what score would you consider solid (not spectacular) for USAFA applicants?
Thanks for taking your time out to answer questions.

I would say (this is my personal opinion) a 1200 or higher would be competitive. If your grades in school are really good too and you’re involved in your community then that will allow the Academy to see you as a whole person and not based just off of numbers. Playing a sport is really helpful as well. Overall, just be a well-rounded person and there’s nothing wrong with retaking the test to get your best score. My scores were average to below average and I was a direct admission.

 

[AKdad2021]

Ask literally any question you may have (about-to-be basics or parents)! And I’ll answer them to the best of my ability!

I understand admission is based upon multiple criteria, but in searching the internet I've seen pages that say you need a 13-1400 minimum and I've seen other information that says some students are getting in with 1100's. Any thoughts on what would be an average score among cadets at the Academy? Or to put it another way, what score would you consider solid (not spectacular) for USAFA applicants?
Thanks for taking your time out to answer questions.

I would say (this is my personal opinion) a 1200 or higher would be competitive. If your grades in school are really good too and you’re involved in your community then that will allow the Academy to see you as a whole person and not based just off of numbers. Playing a sport is really helpful as well. Overall, just be a well-rounded person and there’s nothing wrong with retaking the test to get your best score. My scores were average to below average and I was a direct admission.

Thanks Screamingeagle20 - My son is doing pretty well GPA-wise (3.6 through 2 years with a tough load of honors classes) and he has a lot of volunteer work, joined Civil Air Patrol and has played sports, earned HS varsity letters etc. I think he feels pretty good in most areas, but just not sure about the SAT/ACT because he hasn't taken them yet. I think he'll like to see the number you gave, he's signed up for the SAT in August, and I think that was the number he's shooting for on his first try. Hoping to go up from there.

 

[raimius]

USAFA publishes their mean scores.
https://www.academyadmissions.com/admissions/the-application-process/academic-performance/

 

[BBBRRRTT]

Does the core values apply to the civilian coaches at USAFA? Integrity First. Service Before Self. Excellence in All We Do.

 

[Humey]

As of right now, the Academy is the best path to go in regards to being a pilot..... As to being a fighter pilot specifically, that depends on his performance in UPT. "In UPT there is the T-6 Texan (1st), T-1, and T-38 (after T-6). His performance in Academics and during his flights will determine his rank in his flight and thus whether he goes to the T-1 or T-38."
T-1 students can choose from “Heavy” aircraft and T-38 students have the choice between fighter, bomber, and heavy aircraft....

SE-20. This is helpful in understanding what our DD's and DS's are pursuing in the pilot realm if they go that way. Thanks.
But I'm not sure if I understood correctly. I get that their rating at UPT (undergrad pilot training) and needs of USAF determines which of three tracks you will fly.
Do those three tracks take place in phase two and phase three of UPT? And if so, does the list below reflect what you were communicating?
1. T-6 Texan (1st - Does that mean choice?)
2. T-38 (Fighter, Bomber, Heavies)
3. T-1 (e.g., Helos??)

There are two types of UPT. There is the regular UPT and ENJPPT which takes the kids with the highest scores. ENJPPT also trains NATO pilots so not only do you train with Nato student pilots but some of the instructors are from Nato countries.
Everyone starts with academics and everyone than proceeds to the T-6. That is Phase 1 and Phase 2. At the end of Phase 2, all of the pilots request what they would like to fly next. Your choice would be the T-38 or the T-1. You can also request to fly Helicopters. If you are selected for helicopters, you leave your UPT base and you are transferred to an army base that teaches both Air Force and Army pilots. After you have given your instructors your choice of what you want to fly next, they get to decide what you should fly. This is based on your performance on the T-6, your academics and what they think you would be better at. As previously mentioned, in order to fly a bomber or fighter, you need to fly a T-38. If you are lucky to get the T-38, it doesnt mean you will get a fighter or bomber. You may wind up flying a heavy or other transport plane. Everyone who flies the T-1 will fly a heavy/transport although there have been cases were someone flying a T-1 gets a B-52 bomber. Now this hold true for all three UPT bases but not for ENJPPT. Once you finish with the T-6, you automatically fly the T-38. Originally ENJPPT guaranteed that you would fly a fighter or bomber, but these days you can wind up with anything. From what I have seen, they seem to do a little bit better in assigning fighters and bombers. Finally phase 3 ends and you get drop night. Previous to this, you give your instructors your dream sheet that lists the planes you want to fly and what base you want to be stationed at. Based on your ranking, the planes available, what they think you would be good, what planes you listed on your dream sheet and the needs of the Air Force, they issue you a plane. Two weeks later you graduate and get your wings. As my son hasnt gotten to this point, this part is vague. However after graduation in no particualr order, you go to SERE training, Fighter Fundamentals (if you get a fighter) and eventually are assigned to your where they teach you how to fly your assigned airplane. This could be or not be where you will eventually be assigned to.