TWE: Thin White Envelope?

peppypea

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Is the TWE a "thanks but, no thanks" letter? Like, "nice of you to apply, but you ain't gettin' in"?

On an OLD appointment thread I saw "TWE to Appointment" so now I am double confused.

Care to help a NoOb out?
 
Or version 2.0 "The Worst Email"

It's an acronym for a rejection letter.

Thank you: so, then is a "TWE to Appointment" a total shock? Does it mean they were wait listed?

At, fortunately, so far no mail for my ds (apps to USAFA, USCGA, USNA and finishing USMMA)
 
TWE = thin white envelope (rejection)

BFE = big fat envelope (appointment)

If you get a TWE, that’s it for this year. No waitlist, no Prep.
 
TWE = thin white envelope (rejection)

BFE = big fat envelope (appointment)

If you get a TWE, that’s it for this year. No waitlist, no Prep.

I know I didn't imagine the post on the USAFA Class of 2020 Appointment thread: like 5-10 entries said TWE to APPOINTMENT. So, there must be *some* wiggle room...
 

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Hmmm...not sure of the details. Perhaps originally a TWE and then an appointment as a reapplicant?
 
Obviously, not everyone who receives an appointment will accept it. If the Academy needs a few more appointees following the accept/decline deadline, they will give last minute offers of appointment to applicants who had previously received a rejection letter.
 
It is possible to get the TWE, followed later by an appointment. This very thing happened to a good friend of ours. TWE in Feb, appointment in May. I imagine this doesn't happen often though.
 
There are always exceptions to the process and a few individuals may be offered an appointment after they were told no in a TWE. Typically, a TWE says you are qualified but there is not a spot.

For a multitude of reasons, a "slot" MAY open and the individual MAY be placed in. Being second on your MOC slate and the individual that was #1 changes his mind in May. They MAY offer #2 where as before that individual did not have a chance.
 
Many of my classmates received a falcon scholarship a few weeks to months after getting the TWE.
 
What is a falcon scholarship?

From the USAFA website:

Every year, some applicants to the United States Air Force Academy show great potential, but fail to gain admission to the Academy because they need additional academic preparation. From this applicant pool, Academy admissions recommends worthy students for consideration by the Falcon Foundation. There is not a direct application process for Falcon Foundation scholarships. Of note, only applicants to USAFA will be considered for these scholarships.

The Falcon Foundation provides a limited number of highly motivated students the opportunity to prepare for admission to the Academy by providing scholarships at specially selected civilian junior colleges and preparatory schools in various parts of the nation. Note that Falcon Scholars do not need a nomination in order to attend civilian preparatory schools. Falcon Scholars will, however, need nominations in order to gain an appointment to the Academy the following year.

Recognizing that many deserving young people with outstanding potential for an Academy education and a desire for an Air Force career need additional academic preparation, The Foundation endeavors to meet this need through its sustaining program of annual scholarship grants. A request for a scholarship is an alternate plan to obtain additional education because the applicant has failed to gain an appointment on their first attempt.

The Foundation acquires funds necessary to undertake the scholarship program from memberships, contributions and donations. The number of scholarships awarded annually is determined by the funds available. Each sponsorship is dedicated in honor of a pioneer in aviation or individuals who have distinguished themselves in aviation or defense positions.

All fiduciary relationships regarding these scholarships are with the Falcon Foundation, not with the United States Air Force Academy. Each scholarship award provides a significant portion of the cost of room, board and tuition. Scholarship recipients must be able to pay for transportation to and from school and for clothing, laundry and other personal expenses.

Source:
https://www.academyadmissions.com/the-experience/prep-school/falcon-foundation-scholarships/
 
Are TWEs sent out along with appointments, or does USAFA wait until they have appointed all the applicants they want, and then reject everyone else once all the slots are filled?
 
Are TWEs sent out along with appointments, or does USAFA wait until they have appointed all the applicants they want, and then reject everyone else once all the slots are filled?

OH! Good question! I wanna know, too
 
TWEs are typically sent out when there is no longer as a chance of appointment. This depends on how many nominations they have and where they sit on each slate and on the NWL. If you are just have a MOC nomination where you are ranked 6th and your WCS puts you at 300 on the NWL, your chances are long and you would get one earlier than someone who is #2 on a slate and 160 on the NWL.

The academies try and notify as soon as possible.
 
You guys.......
It's way too early to panic. Some (many) won't hear until April, and most TWE's will go out in May after the academies fill their slots.

As far as BFE's, I think its mostly on line these days.
 
Can you still apply to the AFA prep academy even if you didn't receive a nomination?
 
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