Should I go to the prep school?

H

Hewweh

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So I haven't gotten an acceptance letter from the academy yet (really hoping I do), but I have already been accepted into the Northwestern Prep School. My brothers friend who is currently a sophomore in the academy went there because he missed the academy his first year by 10 people. When I told him I got accepted, he said not to go unless I get the falcon scholarship (which he did) because the wasn't actually worth college credits and about a third of his prep school class didn't get accepted. I have a very strong package (31 ACT, 3.82 GPA, ROTC officer, Eagle Scout, boys state, etc...) besides some academical stuff (like no foreign language), so I would like to assume that I would get the scholarship, since it is for people who are good in most areas except academics. So my question is, should I go to the prep school for 12,500$, which would highly increase my chances for the academy next year, even if I don't get the scholarship? Thank you.
 
If you want to go to USAFA and you do not get admitted (you are still waiting to get admitted...it is not over yet) this year--and YOU DO NOT get the foundation scholarship, go to your Plan B university, take a USAFA first year equivalent course load, do ROTC, and re-apply to USAFA. Self-pay, non-college credit prep school is a riskier path.
 
[QUOTE="Hewweh, post: 536254, have a very strong package (31 ACT, 3.82 GPA, ROTC officer, Eagle Scout, boys state, etc...) besides some academical stuff (like no foreign language), [/QUOTE]

I don't think that's a "very strong" package. Good... yes, but probably average for qualified academy applicants. You have a decent chance, but I wouldn't start counting chickens. Prep school is a great plan B.
 
Hewweh said:
. So my question is, should I go to the prep school for 12,500$, which would highly increase my chances for the academy next year, even if I don't get the scholarship? Thank you.
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would agree with Dr.mom. College (Plan B) with difficult courses that mimic the plebe year is the way to go. Unless you get awarded the scholarship, in which case I would think about it.
 
So would ROTC increase my chances more than going to a prep school?
I would think that the prep school would be better because it is made for people wanting to attend academies, but am I wrong?
 
The advantage of ROTC is the possibility of another nomination and appointment source. ROTC cadets are eligible for a service connected nomination. You will also get a bump in your score based on a successful semester of college with a rigorous schedule. My opinion of prep school is that it can help candidates that do not have the academic background but with your test scores I think it will be a waste.
 
I went to NWP just this last Fall, and was apart of their 16' class. It was the best decision I have made this far in my life and without a doubt I would do it all over again if I was put in a similar situation. I paid for NWP on my own, but they offer scholarships through the prep school which saved me 3,000. You go for a semester, so roughly three months then go to a university and take a USAFA equivalent course load which I'm doing now. My counselor at USAFA said that this was the best thing I could have done for my application this year. She also told me that it shows the academy you are motivated, and devoted to doing what you need to in order to be appointed. If you have any questions about NWP I can answer them!

Oh goody! Another day in which to excel!
 
DrMom said:
If you want to go to USAFA and you do not get admitted (you are still waiting to get admitted...it is not over yet) this year--and YOU DO NOT get the foundation scholarship, go to your Plan B university, take a USAFA first year equivalent course load, do ROTC, and re-apply to USAFA. Self-pay, non-college credit prep school is a riskier path.
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^ This is exactly what my son did. Did not get in after his senior year in high school (not because of academics though...4.2 GPA, 1450 SAT, AP classes, Texas 6A Valedictorian) so went with Plan B at UT-Austin, taking Calculus, Chemistry, Biology, Physics and joined ROTC. He reapplied and received a LOA in early November (well before any 1st semester UT grades were posted) for the USAFA class of 2021. Also received a nomination from AFROTC and what I assume was a very nice letter of referral from the detachment Commander (COL).

Of course the risk of taking a rigorous schedule in college (or prep school) is that you don't earn good grades. Don't forget, these classes are very hard so be prepared to study, study some more, and then study again.

IMO, your plan B should be exactly that, your second career choice in life, because if you reapply and don't get an appointment, you are already 25% down that path. Last thing you want to do is have to "start over" after that first year.
 
Badfinger said:
^IMO, your plan B should be exactly that, your second career choice in life, because if you reapply and don't get an appointment, you are already 25% down that path. Last thing you want to do is have to "start over" after that first year.
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Sound advice
 
My C2C daughter was not accepted on her first try. She considered a ROTC scholarship, civilian school without ROTC, and self-prep. She chose NWP after talking to the Durbecks. She felt that being with ~60-70 other kids with the same goal would make her more focused. She had an amazing experience at NWP and really improved her application. She then had one semester at a local college and took USAFA freshman courses. There is not one right answer, but our experience with NWP was excellent, and I would recommend NWP to anyone.
 
To add some considerations:
1. What advise did your ALO give?
2. How about speaking with your regional (who should have more experience with yous situation as they cover a wider geographic area.)
3. No matter what your path, the advise being given here is to take an USAFA-like course schedule. If you do, ASK FOR & GO TO EXTRA HELP in order to not fall behind or get mediocre grades. There is no shame in asking for help, everyone needs it at some time. Good Luck!
 
Hewweh said:
so I would like to assume that I would get the scholarship, since it is for people who are good in most areas except academics.
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Of course you are not talking about USAFprep but NWP here, but still, making assumptions is not a good starting place.

If you lack a foreign language (why?), you do have some hefty ground to make up.

Everyone I know (about 6 people) who went to NWP went on to gain a nom and appointment, but that's not exactly a huge sample. Take and do well in the most vigorous coursework available. Do not let college distractions, well, distract you, and get the best grades possible.
 
My son went to NWP as a "self prep" (non-falcon scholarship) and successfully reapplied and received an appointment. There were a few in his NWP class that did not make it though. It was a good experience for him and what he learned at NWP would have been applicable and beneficial to do well at a civilian college too.

We told him that if reapplication is unsuccessful, a semester or even a year is not a big deal in the big picture of college/career life. Some of your friends will never graduate and many will take longer than 4 years so don't worry about being "behind".

...Our story, hope it helps.
 
My advice is that if you do not get the scholarship, then don't go to NWP.
I would say to go to a good University (that you should be accepted to based on the stats you put), take Calc, Physics, Writing/History, and try your best to get good grades in the first year of college (side note, college classes are a lot harder than they were in high school).
This is my advise because then if you do not get accepted into the Academy you are already well on your way to a good degree and have a head start on your future. Also, if you want to, you just apply again. The prospect of spending $12,500, not earning college credit and a real possibility of not getting accepted is not a smart deal. My opinion!
 
Stepson rec'd a Falcon Foundation scholarship and went to NWP fall '16. He is proud of the job he did there and so far he's one of only 4-5 in our state to receive an appointment. I mentioned your thread. He noted that he is hearing that some of those "free agents" that went to NWP and were GOOD candidates to begin w/have been getting appointments.

Maybe some NWP preppies will join in this discussion.
 
Free Agent from NWP here! Now a C4C at USAFA on the brink of recognition. Loved my experience at NWP. The Durbecks are very wise people, and NWP gave me every opportunity to get an appointment. Not to mention I got to come into USAFA with 40 or so of the best friends I've ever made!

If you have any questions about NWP or doolie year fire away!
 
KaiLeeJ said:
I went to NWP just this last Fall, and was apart of their 16' class. It was the best decision I have made this far in my life and without a doubt I would do it all over again if I was put in a similar situation. I paid for NWP on my own, but they offer scholarships through the prep school which saved me 3,000. You go for a semester, so roughly three months then go to a university and take a USAFA equivalent course load which I'm doing now. My counselor at USAFA said that this was the best thing I could have done for my application this year. She also told me that it shows the academy you are motivated, and devoted to doing what you need to in order to be appointed. If you have any questions about NWP I can answer them!

Oh goody! Another day in which to excel!
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Hello, I recently received a Falcon Foundation Scholarship and am leaning toward attending NWP. Do you happen to know the percentage of NWP students who successfully obtain an appointment to USAFA?
 
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