Summer Seminar Application

[GodBlessTheUSA]

I know multiple threads have been asking about this but I just wanted to know if someone could give me a better idea about where I stand in the summer seminar application process.
My application is currently "under consideration." My local liaison officer has been in contact with me and has scheduled an interview with me in early January. In one of the emails he sent me, he CC'd a Colonel asking him if he wanted to join him in the interviewing of a 'top summer seminar applicant." I'm trying not to read in to the phrase too much.
My stats:
My GPA isn't too great- 3.57. However, I have taken numerous dual-enrollment classes since freshman year. All junior spring and full senior year I will be taking all college classes. I have a 28 on the ACT (34 subscore). PSAT isn't too great (RW 650, Math 560).
I'm in the top 15% of a class size of 152.
Athletics are a bit better. Captain of cross country team. Co-captain of competitive cheer squad. Considered leader on track team (we don't have captains). Varsity letters all three years in all sports.
I have multiple volunteering hours in organizations and different leadership positions in church in the past.
I'm from Louisiana, and a white female (just putting it out there since I've read multiple things about having a diverse group).

Thank you for any responses! Obviously, I know someone can't tell me the literal chance I have of getting in, but if I could get a general idea- that'd be great. I also want to know if I probably read in too much in the comment from my officer how I'm a "top summer seminar applicant." lol thank you again!

Oh and a question: What do you think is the most important/looked at in the application? Academics? Scores? Athletics? Thanks!

 

[NotCollege]

No one can tell you your chances. Keep working on the ACT/ SAT study the test it sounds crazy but it works and take it as many times as you can afford. Prepare for the interview by looking up questions that are usually asked and be yourself. My ALO was able to put a note in my file to help me get the Summer Seminar spot. Work on what you can control this ride is a roller coaster. I would also suggest applying to other Academies summer programs as USAFA summer seminar is the most competitive. If you do get an offer to go enjoy every minute of it. It was a great experience and I know that when the time comes to pick what academy I want to go to I will make an informed decision. Most of all enjoy your last year and a half of school. Good Luck

 

[GodBlessTheUSA]

Prepare for the interview by looking up questions that are usually asked and be yourself. My ALO was able to put a note in my file to help me get the Summer Seminar spot. ....I would also suggest applying to other Academies summer programs as USAFA summer seminar is the most competitive.

1) What type of interview questions are they normally? Is it mostly like about why I want to go to it? Or more about my academics/athletic info? And your ALO can help get you into it? Do you normally need an interview prior to going to the Summer Seminar?
2) Yes! I plan on filling out the application for the USMA SLE.

 

[USA-1]

Your long range strategy should be to boost your ACT and SAT scores. There are many good strategies on-line on how to take these tests. If you can afford a tutor, consider that option. Continue to take challenging AP courses in HS. Talk to your HS guidance counselor about American Legion Auxiliary Girl's State.
This past spring the SLE was during my DD's last week of HS (finals, softball playoffs) therefore she could not attend. But, she got into NASS. NASS conflicted with her home state's Girls State, but she was able get into a neighboring state's Girls State after many phone calls and emails. Be prepared to jump through some hoops to make your dream come true, and even if you don't get into SLE or NASS it's not a deal breaker.

 

[GodBlessTheUSA]

Your long range strategy should be to boost your ACT and SAT scores. There are many good strategies on-line on how to take these tests. If you can afford a tutor, consider that option. Continue to take challenging AP courses in HS. Talk to your HS guidance counselor about American Legion Auxiliary Girl's State.
This past spring the SLE was during my DD's last week of HS (finals, softball playoffs) therefore she could not attend. But, she got into NASS. NASS conflicted with her home state's Girls State, but she was able get into a neighboring state's Girls State after many phone calls and emails. Be prepared to jump through some hoops to make your dream come true, and even if you don't get into SLE or NASS it's not a deal breaker.

My school district doesn't offer AP courses, so I'm taking all dual-enrollment. Does the AFA see this any differently? And I've heard that if time conflicts, it's better to go to Girl's State than the SS...is this true because of the leadership?

 

[USA-1]

Don't know about AFA and AP courses. I've also learned GS is suggested over SS or SLE if there's a conflict.

 

[wildblueyonder]

My school district doesn't offer AP courses, so I'm taking all dual-enrollment. Does the AFA see this any differently? And I've heard that if time conflicts, it's better to go to Girl's State than the SS...is this true because of the leadership?

I took 1 AP course throughout my entire high school career, but I had a ton of dual enrollment which boosted my GPA in a very significant way. I don't remember my submitted GPA changing as a result of USAFA's recalculation, either, which would suggest that AP and Dual Enrollment courses are weighted equally (the way my high school did it).

Regarding your second question: I will be the first to admit that I am not an Admissions representative, but if I were you, I would 1000% choose Boy's/Girl's State over SS, any day of the week. The Academy is very upfront about stating that SS participation has no (significant) effect on whether or not a candidate is selected for admission. (I was a Summer Seminar reject, by the way.) In contrast, Boy's/Girl's State is one of the more desirable leadership activities and represents a fairly significant credential. You could always talk to your ALO about this, too, if you are still unsure.

Good luck!

 

[GodBlessTheUSA]

I took 1 AP course throughout my entire high school career, but I had a ton of dual enrollment which boosted my GPA in a very significant way. I don't remember my submitted GPA changing as a result of USAFA's recalculation, either, which would suggest that AP and Dual Enrollment courses are weighted equally (the way my high school did it).

Regarding your second question: I will be the first to admit that I am not an Admissions representative, but if I were you, I would 1000% choose Boy's/Girl's State over SS, any day of the week. The Academy is very upfront about stating that SS participation has no (significant) effect on whether or not a candidate is selected for admission. (I was a Summer Seminar reject, by the way.) In contrast, Boy's/Girl's State is one of the more desirable leadership activities and represents a fairly significant credential. You could always talk to your ALO about this, too, if you are still unsure.

Good luck!

It works out for me because my cheer coach is my school counselor so we're extremely close. She was saying that she could nominate me if I wanted to go to Girl's State so I'm guessing I should definitely take her up on that! I'm guessing USMA's SLE would also look favorably on Girl's State if I were to go? What are some other popular programs that they look for for leadership?

And do you know what questions I should prepare myself for for my ALO interview?

 

[USA-1]

USMA will look favorably on GS. My DD was told that in person at USMA admissions.

 

[wildblueyonder]

It works out for me because my cheer coach is my school counselor so we're extremely close. She was saying that she could nominate me if I wanted to go to Girl's State so I'm guessing I should definitely take her up on that! I'm guessing USMA's SLE would also look favorably on Girl's State if I were to go? What are some other popular programs that they look for for leadership?

And do you know what questions I should prepare myself for for my ALO interview?

I'm not an expert on USMA or SLE, but from what I have seen, SLE is quite similar to USAFA's SS. I would assume the same principle is more than likely true for SLE as well (i.e. giving Girl's State first priority). Maximizing your leadership credentials is a pretty effective strategy for any SA. JROTC, Civil Air Patrol, Girl Scouts, FBLA, club involvement, etc., etc., all represent great opportunities to gain leadership experience as well (although it's a little late to become involved with some of those at this point in your application). If you'd like, feel free to PM me and I will be happy to discuss some of my own activities and share suggestions.

Every ALO runs their interviews a little differently, so it's hard to say exactly what kinds of questions you will encounter on your interview. I would imagine your ALO will ask questions about why you want to attend the Academy, how you would handle XYZ situation in the Academy, and what ABC means to you as a potential cadet. As far as preparation goes, I would suggest really thinking through your whole dream of attending USAFA--why you want it, what it means to you, what you would do if it didn't work out, etc., etc. Do the same thing for the Air Force, because that may very well be where you commission less than 5 years from now.

Good luck and keep working hard!

 

[GodBlessTheUSA]

I'm not an expert on USMA or SLE, but from what I have seen, SLE is quite similar to USAFA's SS. I would assume the same principle is more than likely true for SLE as well (i.e. giving Girl's State first priority). Maximizing your leadership credentials is a pretty effective strategy for any SA. JROTC, Civil Air Patrol, Girl Scouts, FBLA, club involvement, etc., etc., all represent great opportunities to gain leadership experience as well (although it's a little late to become involved with some of those at this point in your application). If you'd like, feel free to PM me and I will be happy to discuss some of my own activities and share suggestions.

Every ALO runs their interviews a little differently, so it's hard to say exactly what kinds of questions you will encounter on your interview. I would imagine your ALO will ask questions about why you want to attend the Academy, how you would handle XYZ situation in the Academy, and what ABC means to you as a potential cadet. As far as preparation goes, I would suggest really thinking through your whole dream of attending USAFA--why you want it, what it means to you, what you would do if it didn't work out, etc., etc. Do the same thing for the Air Force, because that may very well be where you commission less than 5 years from now.

Good luck and keep working hard!

I am actually taking JROTC 2 at my school, so I can count that under the leadership on the application?
And how formal will it be? He's meeting me at my school during the school day, and I'll be wearing a school uniform (white polo and khakis) so I hope that's fine.
And are there any other big leadership events that are like Girl's State out there that I can look into? I think my counselor said she would look into some opportunities that my state has, but just wondering if there are some other big name events. Thanks!

 

[wildblueyonder]

I am actually taking JROTC 2 at my school, so I can count that under the leadership on the application?

I most definitely would list it as a leadership credential, especially if you have a staff position. In your case, there is no such thing as having "too much" leadership. If you've done it, put it down!

And how formal will it be? He's meeting me at my school during the school day, and I'll be wearing a school uniform (white polo and khakis) so I hope that's fine.

I wouldn't worry about it even for a moment. I think that will definitely be professional enough for your interview. Besides, it's a school uniform, so there's not much you can do about it anyway.

And are there any other big leadership events that are like Girl's State out there that I can look into? I think my counselor said she would look into some opportunities that my state has, but just wondering if there are some other big name events. Thanks!

I'm probably not the best one to ask about this, because I didn't participate in a whole lot of these "big name events". Some other events that come to mind for me are STARTALK (if you are a student in a strategic foreign language), JROTC regional events, Girl's Nation (after State), and American Legion. However, don't forget that a significant deciding factor at this point is how much progress you make in the leadership activities you already have, rather than how many new activities you add.

 

[unkown1961]

I didn't know they held interviews for Summer Seminars. Both of my kids (son and daughter) were accepted for the AF and the Navy Summer Seminars and neither had an interview. They both applied online and never communicated with a local liaison or had an interview.
Girls State is a big thing as well. Apply to all of these and then see/weigh what your options are. It's best to have choices, and you don't know if you can get selected.
My son went to the USNA SS but then did AFROTC (he got scholarships from all three services). My daughter got into AF and USNA SS but declined because she knew she was going the ROTC route. She had an alternate selective summer activity that worked out because she applied to both.
And, if you get selected to SS but choose to skip due to Girls State, you are still able to show being selected, which is pretty impressive. The value of being selected doesn't go away just because you choose not to attend.
In the end, have options to choose from - including SS from different academies. There is also the Notre Dame Summer Leadership seminar - an all expense paid 10-day seminar that is open to rising high school seniors. It is very selective though but worth looking into (last summer it had about a 10% acceptance rate). And if you like engineering, there are the SAME camps.
Good luck!