Should I Finish My Application?

C

CentralSega

New Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2020
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The deadline for my USAFA application is quickly approaching and I'm definitely reconsidering my decision to apply. I know I want to serve in the Air Force and will definitely apply for an ROTC scholarship (Just have the fitness test left to go), I'm just not sure an academy is the right place for me. Of course, I don't think I'd receive an appointment if I were to complete my application, as my CFA scores are considerably below average, though my test scores and grades are fairly good (1430 SAT and 3.98 unweighted GPA). I've been granted an interview with one of my senators and my congressman's application is due later this month. My question is, should I just finish my application now and think about it a bit more, or should I withdraw my application so the committee can focus on more competitive candidates? My teachers have already devoted the time to writing recommendations as well, and I would hate to have that time go to waste.

Sorry if this seems like a dumb question, and any input would be appreciated.
 
CentralSega said:
The deadline for my USAFA application is quickly approaching and I'm definitely reconsidering my decision to apply. I know I want to serve in the Air Force and will definitely apply for an ROTC scholarship (Just have the fitness test left to go), I'm just not sure an academy is the right place for me. Of course, I don't think I'd receive an appointment if I were to complete my application, as my CFA scores are considerably below average, though my test scores and grades are fairly good (1430 SAT and 3.98 unweighted GPA). I've been granted an interview with one of my senators and my congressman's application is due later this month. My question is, should I just finish my application now and think about it a bit more, or should I withdraw my application so the committee can focus on more competitive candidates? My teachers have already devoted the time to writing recommendations as well, and I would hate to have that time go to waste.

Sorry if this seems like a dumb question, and any input would be appreciated.
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I honestly think you should go ahead with your application. Even if you're having your doubts about USAFA now, you may change your mind (it happens) and that'll still be something available to you. With that, if you and others put time and energy into this application, I think you shouldn't let that go to waste. I think you should still keep USAFA open, but still go ahead and apply for the AFROTC scholarship (I have my interview next week for that.) I think that if you've secured these academic stats and these interviews, it looks like you've got a good shot. I definitely understand USAFA not being for everyone, but complete it just so you have that option and don't regret closing your application if you may change your mind.
 
You should complete your application, but you should also sit down with parents/mentors to discuss your path. Get your head right and pursue your chosen path with passion. Don't switch on autopilot and go through the motions. But if you do not complete the application, you will have limited your options. Talk to someone you respect who knows you and discuss your goals, aspirations and concerns with them.
 
CentralSega said:
The deadline for my USAFA application is quickly approaching and I'm definitely reconsidering my decision to apply. I know I want to serve in the Air Force and will definitely apply for an ROTC scholarship (Just have the fitness test left to go), I'm just not sure an academy is the right place for me. Of course, I don't think I'd receive an appointment if I were to complete my application, as my CFA scores are considerably below average, though my test scores and grades are fairly good (1430 SAT and 3.98 unweighted GPA). I've been granted an interview with one of my senators and my congressman's application is due later this month. My question is, should I just finish my application now and think about it a bit more, or should I withdraw my application so the committee can focus on more competitive candidates? My teachers have already devoted the time to writing recommendations as well, and I would hate to have that time go to waste.

Sorry if this seems like a dumb question, and any input would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Hi, I literally got back from taking my CFA 10 minutes ago... I 100% failed it. I’m not sure if it was because my hypertension meds need to be adjusted or if I just did bad. My scores were nothing of
What I expected and I’m pretty disappointed in myself. I’ll need to retake it and exceed expectations this next time. But at this point Im definitely having my doubts if I’m cut out for the institution, but all I have left is the CFA. I have good grades, tons of leadership roles, extracurriculars, and the will to go there, I just need to do better. I’ve spent so much time on this application I don’t see any reason why it’s not worth going for it. If you’ve already done this much work just embrace the suck and finish what you’ve started.
 
PositiveEnergy said:
Hi, I literally got back from taking my CFA 10 minutes ago... I 100% failed it. I’m not sure if it was because my hypertension meds need to be adjusted or if I just did bad. My scores were nothing of
What I expected and I’m pretty disappointed in myself. I’ll need to retake it and exceed expectations this next time. But at this point Im definitely having my doubts if I’m cut out for the institution, but all I have left is the CFA. I have good grades, tons of leadership roles, extracurriculars, and the will to go there, I just need to do better. I’ve spent so much time on this application I don’t see any reason why it’s not worth going for it. If you’ve already done this much work just embrace the suck and finish what you’ve started.
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What he said! You've committed so much and you shouldn't waste that.
 
lacebolla said:
What he said! You've committed so much and you shouldn't waste that.
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That's what I've been thinking as well. My parents would rather I devote my time toward regular college applications, so that's kind of what started this. I'll finish up and turn in my application and hope for the best.
Of course, COVID has really messed things up. I'm quarantined (due to contact tracing) right now and need to contact my senator about the interview and my gym teacher about taking an official CFA. I've already asked her, but need to reschedule a time slot.
 
PositiveEnergy said:
Hi, I literally got back from taking my CFA 10 minutes ago... I 100% failed it. I’m not sure if it was because my hypertension meds need to be adjusted or if I just did bad. My scores were nothing of
What I expected and I’m pretty disappointed in myself. I’ll need to retake it and exceed expectations this next time. But at this point Im definitely having my doubts if I’m cut out for the institution, but all I have left is the CFA. I have good grades, tons of leadership roles, extracurriculars, and the will to go there, I just need to do better. I’ve spent so much time on this application I don’t see any reason why it’s not worth going for it. If you’ve already done this much work just embrace the suck and finish what you’ve started.
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@ +energy

Very noble to share... and wonderful words of encouragement ! Best to you all !!! Keep your foot on the gas and continue to push onward
 
CentralSega said:
That's what I've been thinking as well. My parents would rather I devote my time toward regular college applications, so that's kind of what started this. I'll finish up and turn in my application and hope for the best.
Of course, COVID has really messed things up. I'm quarantined (due to contact tracing) right now and need to contact my senator about the interview and my gym teacher about taking an official CFA. I've already asked her, but need to reschedule a time slot.
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go for it !!
 
Finish it.
Put yourself in a position to decline whatever acceptances you get - ROTC, civilian only, SAs.
You have worked SO HARD, and its seems never missed a beat, with very respectable SAT and GPA.
This is the time of your life, and a short window of opportunity to reach for as many and as high as you can for offers and appointments.
Worry about the next step when it comes - which one to accept.

Everyone has Covid issues. Your ability to handle things, get in a positive mindset, and be able to pivot on a moment's notice will serve you well.
This is no different than what every college student is doing now - SA or civilian - with many unknowns and changing Covid postures will require you to adapt immediately.
 
Azzurri said:
@ +energy

Very noble to share... and wonderful words of encouragement ! Best to you all !!! Keep your foot on the gas and continue to push onward
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Thanks for that, this next CFA I take I’m gonna make sure to beat all averages, I think I had some poor training as I was devoting all my time to studying for my SAT, writing essaying, and working 38 hours a week. Now that 2/3 of those responsibilities have been lifted for a bit it’s time to get my blood pressure corrected and go full throttle on training. I was hesitant to reach out to my friends regarding training because I’ve never been on their levels but after today I did and their responses where beyond what I thought. They all offered to help me without any hesitation and it was just so unexpected. I have some track friends that run sub 5 mile times that have given me workouts to help me on my mile time and a few friends on the football team that are going to help my the strength side of things. I hope I am much more prepared for this test next time I take it.
 
PositiveEnergy said:
Thanks for that, this next CFA I take I’m gonna make sure to beat all averages, I think I had some poor training as I was devoting all my time to studying for my SAT, writing essaying, and working 38 hours a week. Now that 2/3 of those responsibilities have been lifted for a bit it’s time to get my blood pressure corrected and go full throttle on training. I was hesitant to reach out to my friends regarding training because I’ve never been on their levels but after today I did and their responses where beyond what I thought. They all offered to help me without any hesitation and it was just so unexpected. I have some track friends that run sub 5 mile times that have given me workouts to help me on my mile time and a few friends on the football team that are going to help my the strength side of things. I hope I am much more prepared for this test next time I take it.
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@ p+sitiveEnergy look what just happened. you've open up doors of different dialogue (with your friends) that maybe you would not have before. More of a reason to push forward and keep ALL your options in play... Bravo !
 
Azzurri said:
@ p+sitiveEnergy look what just happened. you've open up doors of different dialogue (with your friends) that maybe you would not have before. More of a reason to push forward and keep ALL your options in play... Bravo !
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Just turned in my Essays and had my counselor turn in the remaining things for my school profile things. Other than my ALO interview I am done (assuming I don't need to retake my SAT in December, getting scores back Nov.24), this application has easily been one of the most strenuous things I've ever done because I've insisted so much on trying to do things by myself. Not because I don't want help but because I feel like you learn so much from this application and I wanted to absorb as much knowledge as I could.
 
Oh my, don't quit now! Ds just finished his official CFA, didn't go as well as he'd planned, and the pull up bar the coach had him use was defective. It literally rolled right out from his grasp! All that aside, the scores have been sent in, everything else is done. One foot in front of the other! It is definitely not a sprint, but a marathon. I don't dare bring up regular college applications and scholarship app's until he's done with this! If my son can do this, you can too!
 
People are generally very willing to assist. As an example, my DS was working on his shuttle run at the gym. A speed coach asked him what he was doing, my son explained CFA prep, and the guy volunteered, without even being asked, to help him. Took a second off his time. Just ask for help! It is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of maturity.
 
Your outlook may be very different when decision time rolls around. Don’t shut doors 🚪 you don’t need to. Make the SA tell you ‘no’.

Hang in there, you are close to the finish line! Don’t quit now....you will ALWAYS wonder “what if??”
 
Show what you got because everything will be worth it in the end. This is your time to shine. As far as I'm concerned, your academics and extracurricular activities are of the essence for nomination panels.
 
I would say to continue to apply...what you want now and what you want in the spring may be different. You may be thinking "well, I am not doing so well on the CFA right now so why spend the energy or I can't fail if I dont' take the CFA so I will just stop my application". Don't worry, if you turn down a SA spot somebody else very very qualified will step in. But you will have choices and you can get more info and make a decision with all the options.
 
CentralSega said:
The deadline for my USAFA application is quickly approaching and I'm definitely reconsidering my decision to apply. I know I want to serve in the Air Force and will definitely apply for an ROTC scholarship (Just have the fitness test left to go), I'm just not sure an academy is the right place for me. Of course, I don't think I'd receive an appointment if I were to complete my application, as my CFA scores are considerably below average, though my test scores and grades are fairly good (1430 SAT and 3.98 unweighted GPA). I've been granted an interview with one of my senators and my congressman's application is due later this month. My question is, should I just finish my application now and think about it a bit more, or should I withdraw my application so the committee can focus on more competitive candidates? My teachers have already devoted the time to writing recommendations as well, and I would hate to have that time go to waste.

Sorry if this seems like a dumb question, and any input would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
I can guarantee you won't get in if you do not finish applying. I'd say finish the application, if you do not get in then exercise your plan B, if you do then you have some choices to make.
 
Submit it. My DD went through periods of doubt. Surprisingly, her friend that totally doesn’t get her desire was the one that ultimately convinced her to go the distance. She has known DD’s desire since 8th grade and all her ECs she has done since and told her she would always regret if she didn’t see her dream through...one way or the other.
 
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