The Decision

HakuValek

HakuValek

Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2022
Messages
25
Hello all,

I'm currently a freshmen in-college and am doing AFROTC, CAP, my own humanitarian organization and such, I've been busy. I have wanted to attend USAFA since I was a freshmen in highschool, but never in my life thought I'd be like "those people" who are naturally gifted, so I never followed my passion and not a day has past I haven't thought about it, which I think means something because I'm not the type of person to get hung up on things. I've talked with my Aero Prof, and he has sent me all the packages we have to complete for an ROTC transfer, but even in worse case, I get denied for 27', I'm still passionate even for the Class of 28'. I'd be 21-22 at that point and am wondering if it is not the best move to apply and apply even when at that point I'd be halfway through college and a commission. I'm aware a commission is a commission at the end of the day but, this is more of a life achievement and something that motivates me. What are your thoughts or feedback?

Thank you!

- Justin
 
I had several classmates with a year or two of college before they got to the Academy, and they were all better prepared than those of us straight out of high school. The Academy experience is amazing, and I don't think you'll regret the extra college time. It's well worth it.
 
Is your goal to commission into the air force or just simply to attend usafa? I think that's a super important question that is often overlooked here, it makes more sense to continue with a commissioning program that you are already invested in than to leave your commissioning program to attend usafa. I was in a similar situation and ended up going to a different service academy that I got in to simply because I wanted to serve in that branch and attending allowed me to serve in a greater capacity faster than if I were to take a prep year and attend the academy I ACTUALLY wanted to attend.

It's all about perspective and ultimately it's your life and your decision.
 
You have to look at two main things with this decision...
1) Are you looking to serve your country or are you looking for a career in the Air Force serving?
2) Is your goal to get a pilot slot?

If you mainly want to serve, I would say to stay the ROTC route since you are already heading down that path. If you want to be a pilot in the Air Force, then USAFA is probably your highest chance of getting to your destination. A SA is a challenge to gain admission, but it can be very rewarding if you have the right mindset. Going in with your background would be similar to attendance at the Prep School with respect to the maturity of age, having college-level coursework under your belt, and prior exposure to Air Force training. This will set you ahead of those who go in straight out of HS. Best of luck to you on this matter.
 
BigJake2000 said:
I had several classmates with a year or two of college before they got to the Academy, and they were all better prepared than those of us straight out of high school. The Academy experience is amazing, and I don't think you'll regret the extra college time. It's well worth it.
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Thank you. I've heard a lot about college-priors. I feel like sometimes the "older" you are, some people look down on in opposition to those who we're 17-18 coming out of HS. I feel like the age difference when your all Doolie's doesn't matter at all, I took a gap year out of HS to build my career and work, so I'm older then most freshmen even here at college so.
 
ripstick said:
Is your goal to commission into the air force or just simply to attend usafa? I think that's a super important question that is often overlooked here, it makes more sense to continue with a commissioning program that you are already invested in than to leave your commissioning program to attend usafa. I was in a similar situation and ended up going to a different service academy that I got in to simply because I wanted to serve in that branch and attending allowed me to serve in a greater capacity faster than if I were to take a prep year and attend the academy I ACTUALLY wanted to attend.

It's all about perspective and ultimately it's your life and your decision.
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I'd love to commission and attend USAFA, both are two birds one stone for me. Overall, I value the commission rather then the source, but overall if I can do it, why shouldn't I? I know a-lot of people look at me weird when I say that but especially when I'm already doing ROTC, but either way I'm getting a commission, provided a year or two difference in graduation. I can always commission, but knowing I didn't even try on something that could be so life changing like USAFA will dwindle me. Thank you! I appreciate it.
 
LTBob87 said:
You have to look at two main things with this decision...
1) Are you looking to serve your country or are you looking for a career in the Air Force serving?
2) Is your goal to get a pilot slot?

If you mainly want to serve, I would say to stay the ROTC route since you are already heading down that path. If you want to be a pilot in the Air Force, then USAFA is probably your highest chance of getting to your destination. A SA is a challenge to gain admission, but it can be very rewarding if you have the right mindset. Going in with your background would be similar to attendance at the Prep School with respect to the maturity of age, having college-level coursework under your belt, and prior exposure to Air Force training. This will set you ahead of those who go in straight out of HS. Best of luck to you on this matter.
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I'm looking to serve and create an entire career out of the Air Force, both of these things I've been adamant about since I was a child. I'm all heart. I'm in no way wanting to attend simply because of the prestige; It's quite the opposite. Because it is something difficult, that the few and far between people who've I've admired throughout my life have done, and I want to be one of those heroes, someone that can embrace the challenge and have a new-outlook on life, all while being able to serve and know that I did that. Certainly a high point to build off, as USAFA is simply the beginning, not the end. Being a pilot is one of my greatest dreams, yet the competition within ROTC is certainly scary at times, so.
 
I had many ROTC officers that I served with that it was an issue for. They were great officers, but they always felt like they had to explain their route through ROTC to the Academy Grads. We didn't care, but they sure did. I often wish I had had the full college experience with ROTC, but I definitely don't have any of the second guessing around "could I hack it at the Academy" that many of them had.
 
From reading your post, it sounds to me like you already know you want to go to USAFA. If that is your dream, you should apply every chance you have left until you are too old. A few years and a bit more maturity is nothing in the grand scheme of things. If USAFA is your dream (and ESPECIALLY if being a pilot is your dream) then you should apply. The worst that happens is you don't get accepted and you commission through ROTC.

I obviously don't know you, but it seems pretty clear from the few posts you have that you'll regret not at least applying
 
Are you wondering about applying for this year? You are getting close to Nomination deadlines, if that is the case. If you want it, go for it! And as far as applying NEXT cycle? You dont have to make that decision until next Fall. You will have more clarity by then….its too soon to worry about ‘28. And if you ARE talking about applying for ’28, get busy.
 
I don't think I've met any college re-applicants who have regretted a few years before coming here. I know several 25ers who are 23-24 years old and got accepted at 22-23 yrs old. They are all better prepared and much more mature than directs.
 
SA2026hopeful said:
I don't think I've met any college re-applicants who have regretted a few years before coming here. I know several 25ers who are 23-24 years old and got accepted at 22-23 yrs old. They are all better prepared and much more mature than directs.
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That's great to hear. I'd be a fresh 22-Y/O and would commission in 28 (If appointed) I'd be 25. I feel like age does not matter but would be commissioning years later than my current peers, which frightens me a bit. I hate being behind but I know something like this is bigger than such a dumb thought.
 
HakuValek said:
That's great to hear. I'd be a fresh 22-Y/O and would commission in 28 (If appointed) I'd be 25. I feel like age does not matter but would be commissioning years later than my current peers, which frightens me a bit. I hate being behind but I know something like this is bigger than such a dumb thought.
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My roommate last year was 24 shortly after I-day last year, and the guy who lives next to me now is 24, so you definitely would not be the odd man out.
 
Follow your dream, you may not get it, but at least you took your shot. My DS26 graduated from high school in 2019 when he initially applied. When get got to the academy this year, he gave up 80 college credits to be there. He reinterred recently how he is at peace. It feels stable. He turned 21 right before in-processing. The age difference is a difficult challenge, but there will always be some kind of challenge. You pick your hard.
 
Falconiform-mom said:
Follow your dream, you may not get it, but at least you took your shot. My DS26 graduated from high school in 2019 when he initially applied. When get got to the academy this year, he gave up 80 college credits to be there. He reinterred recently how he is at peace. It feels stable. He turned 21 right before in-processing. The age difference is a difficult challenge, but there will always be some kind of challenge. You pick your hard.
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That's fantastic to hear. I felt alone on this path, but knowing this has made things a-lot more clear. I'd be 21 as-well, entering if I did C/O 28'. You can always look back and have regrets, but as fast as life goes, I shouldn't put down my dreams. Thank you for sharing. Best of luck to him.
 
If this is something you really want, then go for it. Or even apply and make the decision if they take you. Worst case is you get denied and still are in ROTC. And if you get denied there’s no more wondering what could have been because you went for it. Really only you can make this decision because it’s waiting another year or two to commission or not, which really depends on how much you want USAFA. Just be aware USAFA is a lot different than normal college, so you must realize what you are getting yourself in to (especially the first year). But it’s also very rewarding.

I would say apply, if you don’t make it then decide if you want to apply again. If you do make it then you can think hard about that decision.
 
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