Should I even bother applying for an AFROTC scholarship?

aviator-03

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I know the title gives off a defeatist attitude, but after reading other posts asking about their chances for a scholarship, stating they all had 3.7 and 3.8 GPAs along with 1400+ SAT scores, I'm starting to feel a little disheartened...
During freshman year, I did very poorly in school, mostly because I had an ambivalent attitude towards what I wanted from life. I didn't start focusing on school until late sophomore year and it wasn't until this year did I gain interest in the Air Force and joined a local CAP squadron.
My overall GPA is a 3.5 unweighted and my combined SAT score (math and reading) is a 1220. My PFA is...well, not very good. My 1.5 mile run is around 14 minutes, situps for one minute are around the 30-35 range, and finishing egregiously are the pushups, which I can do 20-25 in a minute.
I do very much want to finish my scholarship application (of which I have delayed so far because of my PFA), but I'm wondering if I even have a chance, considering I am not in the average range for the Type 7. I am very serious about taking a career in the Air Force, but I feel I will not be eligible for a scholarship..
 
I thought that the air force academy scholarship was over. It ended on Dec 1. Unless you are talking about next year's scholarship?
 
I know the title gives off a defeatist attitude, but after reading other posts asking about their chances for a scholarship, stating they all had 3.7 and 3.8 GPAs along with 1400+ SAT scores, I'm starting to feel a little disheartened...
During freshman year, I did very poorly in school, mostly because I had an ambivalent attitude towards what I wanted from life. I didn't start focusing on school until late sophomore year and it wasn't until this year did I gain interest in the Air Force and joined a local CAP squadron.
My overall GPA is a 3.5 unweighted and my combined SAT score (math and reading) is a 1220. My PFA is...well, not very good. My 1.5 mile run is around 14 minutes, situps for one minute are around the 30-35 range, and finishing egregiously are the pushups, which I can do 20-25 in a minute.
I do very much want to finish my scholarship application (of which I have delayed so far because of my PFA), but I'm wondering if I even have a chance, considering I am not in the average range for the Type 7. I am very serious about taking a career in the Air Force, but I feel I will not be eligible for a scholarship..

Even if your fears are valid and you aren't the strongest candidate for a scholarship -What is the downside to applying? None that I can see. the Stonewall Jackson quote over the arch at VMI is the approach you need to take " You can be whatever you Resolve to be". Resolve doesn't mean wantint- it means bending all of your efforts to achieving something. If you don't apply even when you think you might not initially be successful- then you will never get started much less achieve what you are trying to achieve. So submit your application and keep on trying to strengthen your resume . You may not get a scholarship out initially, but applying indicates you are serious and when you get to college your clock will start all over again and you will be judged on your accomplishments there. So apply and keep working.
 
Once you get into college, you can join rotc and prove yourself worthy of an rotc scholarship *after your first year of college*, I believe. Don't quote me on the astirsic mark.

Have you ever thought about enlisting in the air force? They pay for rotc too. Dude I wouldn't worry about pushups because those come easy with practice. Sit ups come easy with practice too. Run distance and it will get you faster. I'm talking about running 2 miles at least at a comfortable pace. Then run a speed mile after the ones you ran a comfortable pace. It'll get you faster. It hurts, but it works.

Apply to one of the senior military colleges like THE CITADEL or NORWICH. They'll get you to the physical level you want.

Your sats are good enough dude. Your gpa is good if it's all AP that is. I have the same GPA almost of about 3.6, but I took all AP courses so I really have a 3.6 to 3.7 . Yes, it is true that they weigh AP classes into consideration.
If you bring in accomplishments and other contributable factors to your application such as letters of recommendation, your essay, extra curriculars, etc..., then there is nothing else you can do.

Just bring everything you got to the table dude and let the future take it's course. These are the strategies I have looked up information and used these factors in my applications for the military academies and rotc scholarships. I'm just waiting on my response. They've worked for others, so why not us?

(I am a competing Naval Academy Candidate, Air force Academy Candidate, Merchant Marine Candidate, Nrotc Scholarship Candidate, and Army Scholarship Candidate)

We're all struggling to find the light at the end of this hopeless tunnel of failure. You're not alone my friend.
 
I thought that the air force academy scholarship was over. It ended on Dec 1. Unless you are talking about next year's scholarship?
The AFROTC scholarship had a signup deadline for Dec 1st; Turning in your SAT scores, transcript, and PFA, however, is not due till Jan 12th
 
Even if your fears are valid and you aren't the strongest candidate for a scholarship -What is the downside to applying? None that I can see. the Stonewall Jackson quote over the arch at VMI is the approach you need to take " You can be whatever you Resolve to be". Resolve doesn't mean wantint- it means bending all of your efforts to achieving something. If you don't apply even when you think you might not initially be successful- then you will never get started much less achieve what you are trying to achieve. So submit your application and keep on trying to strengthen your resume . You may not get a scholarship out initially, but applying indicates you are serious and when you get to college your clock will start all over again and you will be judged on your accomplishments there. So apply and keep working.
I know, I just feel kind of dejected about not trying my best throughout high school. I tried my hardest on the SAT as well, but didn't reach the goal for myself. But you are completely right, I will continue working on it all year so I am prepared for AFROTC in the fall.
Just a sidenote, I was accepted to VMI and might go there if I am not accepted to Virginia Tech :]
 
Once you get into college, you can join rotc and prove yourself worthy of an rotc scholarship *after your first year of college*, I believe. Don't quote me on the astirsic mark.

Have you ever thought about enlisting in the air force? They pay for rotc too. Dude I wouldn't worry about pushups because those come easy with practice. Sit ups come easy with practice too. Run distance and it will get you faster. I'm talking about running 2 miles at least at a comfortable pace. Then run a speed mile after the ones you ran a comfortable pace. It'll get you faster. It hurts, but it works.

Apply to one of the senior military colleges like THE CITADEL or NORWICH. They'll get you to the physical level you want.

Your sats are good enough dude. Your gpa is good if it's all AP that is. I have the same GPA almost of about 3.6, but I took all AP courses so I really have a 3.6 to 3.7 . Yes, it is true that they weigh AP classes into consideration.
If you bring in accomplishments and other contributable factors to your application such as letters of recommendation, your essay, extra curriculars, etc..., then there is nothing else you can do.

Just bring everything you got to the table dude and let the future take it's course. These are the strategies I have looked up information and used these factors in my applications for the military academies and rotc scholarships. I'm just waiting on my response. They've worked for others, so why not us?

(I am a competing Naval Academy Candidate, Air force Academy Candidate, Merchant Marine Candidate, Nrotc Scholarship Candidate, and Army Scholarship Candidate)

We're all struggling to find the light at the end of this hopeless tunnel of failure. You're not alone my friend.
I have already done my college applications, all of which have AFROTC (some with NROTC). My main choices are Virginia Tech, VMI, and Embry-Riddle.
I have taken 3 APs already and am taking 3 this year. I was captain of my cross country team junior and senior year. I don't have a lot of leadership roles, but I have done a ton of volunteering.
I like your energy and positivity, and I think I will still submit my application. I know there is a large probability that I won't receive one, but I guess it doesn't hurt...
As for the fitness thing, I have joined a gym and hopefully by the summer, I can raise my stats.
Thanks for the encouragement
 
I have already done my college applications, all of which have AFROTC (some with NROTC). My main choices are Virginia Tech, VMI, and Embry-Riddle.
I have taken 3 APs already and am taking 3 this year. I was captain of my cross country team junior and senior year. I don't have a lot of leadership roles, but I have done a ton of volunteering.
I like your energy and positivity, and I think I will still submit my application. I know there is a large probability that I won't receive one, but I guess it doesn't hurt...
As for the fitness thing, I have joined a gym and hopefully by the summer, I can raise my stats.
Thanks for the encouragement
I encourage you to apply as well, but remember you must be accepted to the college on your own. Each school you've picked is pretty tough to get into. I'd be applying to a safety school if there is still time to do so. JMPO.
 
I'm sorry that I was ignorant in saying the deadline was December. All I remember is the AFROTC recruit explicitly stating DEC 1 when he called me.

The ultimate goal is to become a military officer. Keep that in mind. My Dad always says, "There is more than one way to skin a cat."

You got this[emoji3]
 
Is the AFROTC harder to get a scholarship than the other branches? That is my impression from various things I have read on the forums. At least academically wise. Judging by your forum name I am guessing you want to be a pilot. The Air Force is not the only one with pilots. My DS recently heard that the Marines are needing more pilots, though my guess is it would be flying different types of aircraft than the Air Force might fly. It might be worth looking into and applying for more than one type of scholarship.
 
I encourage you to apply as well, but remember you must be accepted to the college on your own. Each school you've picked is pretty tough to get into. I'd be applying to a safety school if there is still time to do so. JMPO.
I was accepted to VMI and Embry-Riddle with scholarships. I was also accepted to ODU. I have a few safety as well.. V.Tech is my main choice, but should that not work out, I will probably go to VMI.
 
I'm sorry that I was ignorant in saying the deadline was December. All I remember is the AFROTC recruit explicitly stating DEC 1 when he called me.

The ultimate goal is to become a military officer. Keep that in mind. My Dad always says, "There is more than one way to skin a cat."

You got this[emoji3]
Haha, thanks :]. I'm really excited to start AFROTC regardless of receiving a scholarship. My hope is to become a Combat Systems Officer one day.
 
Is the AFROTC harder to get a scholarship than the other branches? That is my impression from various things I have read on the forums. At least academically wise. Judging by your forum name I am guessing you want to be a pilot. The Air Force is not the only one with pilots. My DS recently heard that the Marines are needing more pilots, though my guess is it would be flying different types of aircraft than the Air Force might fly. It might be worth looking into and applying for more than one type of scholarship.
I chose the Air Force because I heard they had more jets available (of course that information could be fallacious, I don't know). Also, because my grandfather was an officer there. I would very much like to be a pilot, but if I don't receive a slot, I would love to be a navigator.
I'm not sure about the other branch scholarship deadlines, but it might be too late.
 
The AF has the most jets compared to other branches.
Once you get into college, you can join rotc and prove yourself worthy of an rotc scholarship *after your first year of college*, I believe. Don't quote me on the astirsic mark.

Have you ever thought about enlisting in the air force? They pay for rotc too. Dude I wouldn't worry about pushups because those come easy with practice. Sit ups come easy with practice too. Run distance and it will get you faster. I'm talking about running 2 miles at least at a comfortable pace. Then run a speed mile after the ones you ran a comfortable pace. It'll get you faster. It hurts, but it works.

Apply to one of the senior military colleges like THE CITADEL or NORWICH. They'll get you to the physical level you want.

Your sats are good enough dude. Your gpa is good if it's all AP that is. I have the same GPA almost of about 3.6, but I took all AP courses so I really have a 3.6 to 3.7 . Yes, it is true that they weigh AP classes into consideration.
If you bring in accomplishments and other contributable factors to your application such as letters of recommendation, your essay, extra curriculars, etc..., then there is nothing else you can do.

Just bring everything you got to the table dude and let the future take it's course. These are the strategies I have looked up information and used these factors in my applications for the military academies and rotc scholarships. I'm just waiting on my response. They've worked for others, so why not us?

(I am a competing Naval Academy Candidate, Air force Academy Candidate, Merchant Marine Candidate, Nrotc Scholarship Candidate, and Army Scholarship Candidate)

We're all struggling to find the light at the end of this hopeless tunnel of failure. You're not alone my friend.

Some clarifications need to be stated here.

1. Every SA and ROTC board will use their algorithm for cgpas.
~ There are over 2K HS in the nation. Hence why the guidance counselor will submit a school profile for the board. 3.7 on a 7 point scale is not the same as a 3.7 on a 10 point scale. Just like a class rank of 15% is seen differently from a school where 25% goIvy compared to top 5% and 0% go Ivy. Or how one candidate might take 6 APs at a school where the HS curriculum allows them to take 15 compared to a candidate that has 5 and only 6 APs are offered.

It is not as black and white as one might think.

2. AF does not pay for ROTC. There is no SMP equivalent.
~ They can enlist and use TA (tuition assistance) to start college courses on base as they serve, but there is no Guard/Reserve option like the Army. TA will require an additional commitment.

3. If you receive a scholarship, you cannot contract until you pass the PFA.
~ Every ROTC unit, be it an SMC or traditional will get you up to snuf! The problem is until you pass the PFA, you will receive no monetary gain. Tuition will not be paid. Book allowance will not be dispersed. Stipend will not be deposited.
~~ I would be worried...not only for the reasons I just stated, but 1st impressions matter.
~~~ My DS as one of his 1st ROTC jobs was to be PT instructor. He was the cadet that would decide if the situp or pushup counted. He was what some would call the pacer. His job was to be at the back of the pack and scream a cadets name to pick up the pace if they were close to busting. Yes, every unit will get you to pass, but that PFA is given within days of arriving...do you want everyone in the unit to know your name in a negative way? Because honestly if you are in the back of the pack they will.
~~~ Train now and train in all types of weather. Get up early because PT is Odark thirty. Do not take an easy path. Make sure the form is correct...you can download the form. You have 7-8 months to get to a max....butterfly kicks might help in the sit ups.
~~~~ AFROTC from here on out, even non-scholarship will impact future board selections.

4. Drill into your cranium...AFROTC scholarship is 2+2, intended major matters, and college selection list does not. It is national.
~ 2 + 2 means if you maintain 2.5 and pass the PFA you will have it for 2 years.
~~ Reality is if you are not pulling at least a 3.0 in college, you might not get selected for field training and the last two years will not be paid.

In the end remember two things.
1. @16-18% of all AFROTC candidates receive a scholarship. It is highly competitive, especially for non-tech. They are the minority of cadets in AFROTC.
2. Once you arrive, the slate is wiped clean. Nobody cares if you are or are not on scholarship.
~~ Field training selection board does not give any points to scholarship vs. non-scholarship. It is what ADAF calls masked....Iowa the board has no idea.
 
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The AF has the most jets compared to other branches.


Some clarifications need to be stated here.

1. Every SA and ROTC board will use their algorithm for cgpas.
~ There are over 2K HS in the nation. Hence why the guidance counselor will submit a school profile for the board. 3.7 on a 7 point scale is not the same as a 3.7 on a 10 point scale. Just like a class rank of 15% is seen differently from a school where 25% goIvy compared to top 5% and 0% go Ivy. Or how one candidate might take 6 APs at a school where the HS curriculum allows them to take 15 compared to a candidate that has 5 and only 6 APs are offered.

It is not as black and white as one might think.

2. AF does not pay for ROTC. There is no SMP equivalent.
~ They can enlist and use TA (tuition assistance) to start college courses on base as they serve, but there is no Guard/Reserve option like the Army. TA will require an additional commitment.

3. If you receive a scholarship, you cannot contract until you pass the PFA.
~ Every ROTC unit, be it an SMC or traditional will get you up to snuf! The problem is until you pass the PFA, you will receive no monetary gain. Tuition will not be paid. Book allowance will not be dispersed. Stipend will not be deposited.
~~ I would be worried...not only for the reasons I just stated, but 1st impressions matter.
~~~ My DS as one of his 1st ROTC jobs was to be PT instructor. He was the cadet that would decide if the situp or pushup counted. He was what some would call the pacer. His job was to be at the back of the pack and scream a cadets name to pick up the pace if they were close to busting. Yes, every unit will get you to pass, but that PFA is given within days of arriving...do you want everyone in the unit to know your name in a negative way? Because honestly if you are in the back of the pack they will.
~~~ Train now and train in all types of weather. Get up early because PT is Odark thirty. Do not take an easy path. Make sure the form is correct...you can download the form. You have 7-8 months to get to a max....butterfly kicks might help in the sit ups.
~~~~ AFROTC from here on out, even non-scholarship will impact future board selections.

4. Drill into your cranium...AFROTC scholarship is 2+2, intended major matters, and college selection list does not. It is national.
~ 2 + 2 means if you maintain 2.5 and pass the PFA you will have it for 2 years.
~~ Reality is if you are not pulling at least a 3.0 in college, you might not get selected for field training and the last two years will not be paid.

In the end remember two things.
1. @16-18% of all AFROTC candidates receive a scholarship. It is highly competitive, especially for non-tech. They are the minority of cadets in AFROTC.
2. Once you arrive, the slate is wiped clean. Nobody cares if you are or are not on scholarship.
~~ Field training selection board does not give any points to scholarship vs. non-scholarship. It is what ADAF calls masked....Iowa the board has no idea.
I have taken all the APs offered and I know other schools do things differently..btw, my intended major is Computer Science.
My problem with the PFA is that it has to be submitted next Monday and I do not feel adequately prepared for it. I have been training since the start of January and I know if I train consistently everyday till the start of college, I will most likely improve.
The problem right now is that I don't know how much the PFA is considered in the application...if it is, I probably won't be getting one.
But I am determined to focus on my fitness by going to the gym everyday, timing my 1.5 mile and working on long distance, improving my strength and core until the start of college. My CAP squadron has been helping me train as well.
 
The PFA, honestly, isn't that bad. Just do your best and you should be fine. Here's the link to the scoring guidelines if you're interested: http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-110804-054.pdf
Even as a cadet now, sometimes I don't feel as prepared as I'd like, but if I put up my best on the PFA, I can usually get a good score (FYI, a good score is normally 95+). The important thing is to focus on form so you don't waste bad pushups and sit-ups. Google Air Force PFA requirements and look on the afpc website for more info. Don't worry about it. Just take the PFA, submit the application and don't worry about it. The worst thing that can happen is that you don't get a scholarship, and you can still do ROTC as a non-scholarship cadet (Most don't have scholarships).
 
The PFA, honestly, isn't that bad. Just do your best and you should be fine. Here's the link to the scoring guidelines if you're interested: http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-110804-054.pdf
Even as a cadet now, sometimes I don't feel as prepared as I'd like, but if I put up my best on the PFA, I can usually get a good score (FYI, a good score is normally 95+). The important thing is to focus on form so you don't waste bad pushups and sit-ups. Google Air Force PFA requirements and look on the afpc website for more info. Don't worry about it. Just take the PFA, submit the application and don't worry about it. The worst thing that can happen is that you don't get a scholarship, and you can still do ROTC as a non-scholarship cadet (Most don't have scholarships).
Thanks for the encouragement :]
 
All I have to say is go for it. I had a fairly low GPA (3.2) and a fairly low SAT which I don't remember, and I got the scholarship last year. However my interview went really well. If you really this you'll be able to show it in the interview like I did.

BTW I actually turned in all the application paperwork on the last day possible. Sometimes a dream works out!
 
All I have to say is go for it. I had a fairly low GPA (3.2) and a fairly low SAT which I don't remember, and I got the scholarship last year. However my interview went really well. If you really this you'll be able to show it in the interview like I did.

BTW I actually turned in all the application paperwork on the last day possible. Sometimes a dream works out!
Yeah, I'm counting on the interview to prove how much I want this and to show that there is a dedicated person behind the numbers.
Just curious, what kind of questions do they ask at the interview?
 
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