Hi everybody, I'm new to the forums and am reaching out for some advice from others. Sorry for the long post, but hopefully it'll help paint my picture better.
I'm currently a high school senior in the process of the whole college application process. I've known for many years that I have wanted to serve in the military and decided about six years ago that I wanted to attend an academy. The military just appealed to me. As far as what branch/academy, I was originally set on USAFA because I wanted to be a pilot. However, I'm not really sure what it was, but something changed about a year and a half to two years ago and I decided that I wanted to go to USMA. I think my change of heart had something to do with the discovery/realization that very few people make it to pilot school and end up flying (especially fighters). I have also known/had the feeling that I wouldn't be able to have a desk job. Therefore, I guess I saw myself more in an active combat role as opposed to a logistical or information role. From what I have gathered, the Air Force only has pilots, PJ's, some spec ops, and security who see combat; very small percentages of the branch. The Army would give me a better chance to be in a combat role with a hands on role.
I decided to apply to both USMA and USAFA (along with VMI, VT and other schools with ROTC). I have gone through the application process for both academies (only missing a field force interview for USMA right now) and the nomination process. After meeting with Major Belmont regarding my file at USMA, he told me that I will most likely not make the cut this year (for the class of 2015), but with a couple revisions/additions to my file in the coming year, I could have a solid shot at the class of 2015. A bit of a letdown, but at least I have hope. Like he said, a one year delay in the grand scheme of things isn't much. However...
I recently received an LoA from USAFA this past weekend. The only thing I'm missing is the nomination for them. I have yet to hear an update from USMA or a nomination for them, but I'm seriously torn. In the event that I get a nomination to USAFA and join the class of 2015, I'll have to kill off my dream of USMA. However, if I take the gamble and wait another year (attend VMI or VT since they're senior military colleges) and try applying to USMA again, I will miss my shot with USAFA. It could pay off and I'll join USMA's class of 2016...or I could miss again. I've spoken with my parents and they both think that if everything falls into place for USAFA, it's too good of an offer to pass up to wait another year for another shot at USMA (in the case that I don't get in this year).
What I'm asking is, what do you think I should do in the event that I am fully accepted to USAFA this year, and not USMA? I'd be happy with USAFA, but USMA is my goal.
Sorry for the long post. Thank you for taking the time to read it.
I'm currently a high school senior in the process of the whole college application process. I've known for many years that I have wanted to serve in the military and decided about six years ago that I wanted to attend an academy. The military just appealed to me. As far as what branch/academy, I was originally set on USAFA because I wanted to be a pilot. However, I'm not really sure what it was, but something changed about a year and a half to two years ago and I decided that I wanted to go to USMA. I think my change of heart had something to do with the discovery/realization that very few people make it to pilot school and end up flying (especially fighters). I have also known/had the feeling that I wouldn't be able to have a desk job. Therefore, I guess I saw myself more in an active combat role as opposed to a logistical or information role. From what I have gathered, the Air Force only has pilots, PJ's, some spec ops, and security who see combat; very small percentages of the branch. The Army would give me a better chance to be in a combat role with a hands on role.
I decided to apply to both USMA and USAFA (along with VMI, VT and other schools with ROTC). I have gone through the application process for both academies (only missing a field force interview for USMA right now) and the nomination process. After meeting with Major Belmont regarding my file at USMA, he told me that I will most likely not make the cut this year (for the class of 2015), but with a couple revisions/additions to my file in the coming year, I could have a solid shot at the class of 2015. A bit of a letdown, but at least I have hope. Like he said, a one year delay in the grand scheme of things isn't much. However...
I recently received an LoA from USAFA this past weekend. The only thing I'm missing is the nomination for them. I have yet to hear an update from USMA or a nomination for them, but I'm seriously torn. In the event that I get a nomination to USAFA and join the class of 2015, I'll have to kill off my dream of USMA. However, if I take the gamble and wait another year (attend VMI or VT since they're senior military colleges) and try applying to USMA again, I will miss my shot with USAFA. It could pay off and I'll join USMA's class of 2016...or I could miss again. I've spoken with my parents and they both think that if everything falls into place for USAFA, it's too good of an offer to pass up to wait another year for another shot at USMA (in the case that I don't get in this year).
What I'm asking is, what do you think I should do in the event that I am fully accepted to USAFA this year, and not USMA? I'd be happy with USAFA, but USMA is my goal.
Sorry for the long post. Thank you for taking the time to read it.