So I’m a freshman in high school that’s intrested in the usafa

[Trax1356]

so I’m a freshman in high school and currently I’m interested in attending the usaf Academy. Are there any tips that can help me? Even small advice will help me. (P.s: I’m also a Boy Scout but at the rate my im getting promoted i don’t think I’ll reach Eagle Scout on time before I’m 18)

 

[MidCakePa]

There are many tips people can give you, but better yet, the world is at your fingertips. Go onto the USAFA website and read every page, tab, link and pulldown. Then go to the USAFA forum right here and read, read, read. Then, when you have more-specific questions, come on back and ask them. Best wishes to you.

 

[skiergirl24]

^yeah I learned so much about USAFA just by literally reading everything on the admissions website. Then, I lurked on the forum for answers to more specific things, and I asked other questions about things that have arisen during my application process.

 

[Capt MJ]

Before starting serious browsing here on SAF, find The Acronym List in the Community Information area. Be sure to browse the Nominations forum and the Stickies at the top.

 

[Pima]

My advice is to don't get tunnel vision. IMPO you are what 14? Do not get me wrong, it is great to have goals, but just don't target or live your life with only that 1 goal to go to USAFA. Here is why.
~ Attending USAFA is not really just 4 yrs of your life, it actually will be 9 since you will owe at least 5 before you can leave that life, or basically I just FFWD you 13 yrs. to when you are 27. Take a minute and ingest that fact...27. If you want to be a pilot you will be @33-34 or 20 yrs from now.

If you want honest advice here it is:
1. Live life like you would be applying to an Ivy League like, Harvard, Yale, MIT, etc.
~ IOWS, hardest courses, athletics, leadership and volunteering on your resume
2. Get your medical records in order.
~ They go back until you are 13. If you have allergies, it can be an issue. Asthma is an issue. Vision is an issue.
~~ Again why you should not get tunnel vision regarding USAFA
3. Get involved in a sport if you are not in one already.
~ It is not just about the resume, but you will have to take the CFA and if appointed you will do BCT.
4. Stay involved in the Scouts … if you enjoy it.
~ It looks good on the resume even if you won't be an Eagle by that time. The reason why is because it shows long term dedication not only to the USAFA board, but the 1st hurdle...your MOCs (nomination sources).
5. Take the SAT and ACT as often as you can afford, starting even now. They superscore.
~ Make sure you take the PSAT as a junior. If you rank in the top 95% you will become a National Merit Semi-Finalist, which can be noted on your application.
6. If becoming a pilot is your dream, than ask your family to gift you for your Bday, or holidays some flight hrs. It will either cement the desire or maybe make you take a turn to a new desire.

Hope that helps you and other lurkers.

 

[BlueLivesMatter]

so I’m a freshman in high school and currently I’m interested in attending the usaf Academy. Are there any tips that can help me? Even small advice will help me. (P.s: I’m also a Boy Scout but at the rate my im getting promoted i don’t think I’ll reach Eagle Scout on time before I’m 18)

If you are a freshman in high school you still have plenty of time to work on becoming an Eagle Scout however you need to work at it and keep focused. As an Assistant Scoutmaster in our troop for many years I have seen a number of young men who were lower ranks in HS earn their Eagle rank once they make that decision to commit to being active and working on their rank advancement. Good luck on your trail to Eagle and make sure you have fun as well.

 

[CitadelN88]

If you won't buckle down to get your eagle - while playing 2 - 3 varsity sports and getting top grades and LEADING in other activities I can assure you there is a guy out there that will

You're seeking a rare and valuable prize - make a plan and get to work

Worst case you do all these things and don't get in , which is very likely, you're still much better prepared for life

 

[MidCakePa]

+1 to @BlueLivesMatter and @CitadelN88. The SAs love — love! — candidates who stretch themselves and excel in high-stress contexts. Rest assured that there are many out there doing what you think is too time-consuming, because they really, really want an offer of appointment. A big advantage of targeting the SAs at your age is that you have plenty of time to plan and execute a rigorous regimen that will elevate you in the SA’s eyes.

 

[charlestonmom5]

If you have JROTC at your school, try it out. If it's an AFROTC, even better, as it will be a very good introduction to the USAF. Keep your grades up. Middle of next year (sophomore year) look into Boys State and/ or Summer Seminar the summer before Junior year. Do study the USAFA admissions website-it is excellent. Do go for your Eagle. Let your troop know your intentions, and I hope they support you in earning it.
Even if you change your mind or do not end up at the Academy, only good things can come of from working toward this goal! Keep your eye on the prize! Thanks for your heart for service!

 

[charlestonmom5]

If you have JROTC at your school, try it out. If it's an AFROTC, even better, as it will be a very good introduction to the USAF. Keep your grades up. Middle of next year (sophomore year) look into Boys State and/ or Summer Seminar the summer before Junior year. Do study the USAFA admissions website-it is excellent. Do go for your Eagle. Let your troop know your intentions, and I hope they support you in earning it.
Even if you change your mind or do not end up at the Academy, only good things can come of from working toward this goal! Keep your eye on the prize! Thanks for your heart for service!

Oh, and get a book called "Service Academy Admissions: An ainsiders Guide" or something similar. The sooner you understand what it means to be "3 Q'd + a nom" the better!