Unoriginality is my specialty...

BrisngrEthri

10-Year Member
5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2008
Messages
8
Hello,

I'm currently a HS Senior applying to the USAFA. And of course, I'd like to know a reasonable estimate of my chances of receiving a LOA or of being admitted at all.

I'm relatively lacking in the sports involvement category. My parents tended to shelter me and think that I'd get killed in a football game or something... anyway. I'm primarily a band nerd (capt. of drumline, percussion sect. leader of school, etc), with pretty good grades. I'm still in pretty good shape even with my lack of sports involvement so I think I'll do well on my which I'm taking tomorrow CFA tomorrow.

My interview went fairly well but could have been better. I was kinda nervous and wasn't really having a good day at the time.

Here are my stats:

GPA: 3.9 unweighted, 4.2 weighted
6 AP classes (3 last year, 3 this year) including AP Chem, AP Lang., AP Calc AB, AP Comp Sci., AP Lit., and AP Calc BC.

SAT: Reading - 680
Writing - 620
Math - 770

ACT:Reading - 30
Writing - 25
Math - 34
Sci - 34
Composite - 33

I've been in CAP (Civil Air Patrol) for about a year and half, have attended the Summer Encampment but do not have my Billy Mitchell Award (when you become an officer in CAP)

This is the resume that I submitted to the AFA:

*******
Extra-Curricular Activities (including current length of participation and positions held):

1.Civil Air Patrol: (1.5 years participation) First Sergeant
2.Drum Line: (3.5 years participation) Currently Captain – Held the position of Co-captain both Sophomore and Junior Years
3.Science Olympiad: (6 years participation)
4.Jazz and Pep Band: (3.5 years participation) Section Leader of Percussion
5.Track & Field: (1 year participation)
6.Middle School -
1)Battle of the Books: (4 years participation)
2)Math Counts: (2 years participation)
7.Summer Employment at Grandparent's small logging business. Employment lasted roughly one month each summer, beginning the summer of 2005. Work included Landscaping, Housing Renovation, and assorted Odd-jobs.


Community Involvement:
1.Civil Air Patrol: Multiple community service participations, including recent work for the Anchorage Public Lands Day
2.Drum Line: Preformed on multiple occasions at Elementary-School Anti-Bullying Assemblies to promote musical involvement and healthy behavior.
3.Jazz Band: Mentoring visits conducted to Wasilla Middle School to promote and restore the music program.
4.Pep Band: Played in support of the Basketball team of Wasilla High's rural Sister-School, Yakutat High. Also recently preformed at the Anchorage-Hosted Rupublican Convention in support of Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin.

Awards:

1.Kiwanis Award for Highest Cumulative Middle School GPA, 8th Grade. Also awarded the President's Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence.
2.Science Olympiad: Have earned six gold, two silver, and one bronze medals throughout Olympiad involvement.
3.Civil Air Patrol: 2007 Alaska Wing Encampment Honor Cadet
4.Band: Director's Award – Cowbell Award – Certificate of Good Character (Awarded by Mayor Dianne M. Keller) – ASAA Award for Solo/Ensemble State Championship Participation.
5.Spanish State Language Declamation: Silver medal in Impromptu Speech as well as Bronze Medal in Impromptu Dialog.
6.Math Counts: Placed 12th in Singles State Competition
7.College Board: Recently achieved the designation of AP Scholar, and was awarded the AP Scholar Award.


Academics:

1.Currently enrolled in three AP courses. Also enrolled in and completed three AP courses Junior Year.
2.One of two individuals currently enrolled in AP Calculus BC and one of three currently enrolled in AP Computer Science A at Wasilla High School.
3.3.9 GPA unweighted and above 4.0 weighted.
4.Excelled in mathematics and science throughout Middle and High School Career.
5.Above average skill resulted in placement in Jazz Band (the most advanced band) sophomore year and, later that year, appointment as section leader.



**************

Ok, I know that you stopped caring some time ago and probably didn't read all of that. My real question here is in my medical status.

I have allergies and have had to take allergy shots to desensitize myself to them. Because of this I am DODMERB disqualified. From what I understand this is a fairly common disqualification to be waived but I'm really not sure and kinda scared.

I want this more than anything but with my lack of sports involvement and allergy disqualification I'm just not sure how I'll turn out.

So, what do you all think?

Thanks for any help.
 
Your 1450 SAT is the best thing going for you.

AP Calculus also helps.

Lack of sports hurts you.

Don't be so sure about getting the waiver if you are still taking the allergy shots, the DQ is usually for any allergy immunotherapy shots within the last year, and although each situation is different, a waiver is NOT a slam dunk.

Consult Larry Mullen in the DODMERB section here.
 
you look like a solid candidate. make sure the cfa is a slam dunk.

and yeah, do talk with mr.mullen, he'll be the first one to tell you that waivers are individualized and that making generalities can be misleading.

from what i know though, no waiver is a slam dunk, and keep in mind that waivers aren't dished out haphazardly so keep doing what you have to do to be the best candidate possible, thats the best way to keep moving forward to the academy
 
Another question:

Does the academy have more reason to not accept you due to your medical status? What I mean is: Between two identical candidates, will they take the one that will not need the waiver over the one that needs the waiver because it is less of a hassle?

Thank you.
 
Sports hurts. The allergies can be worked through as long as you get all your documentation in line. I wouldn't count on an LOA, but do not let that deter you.
 
Does the academy have more reason to not accept you due to your medical status? What I mean is: Between two identical candidates, will they take the one that will not need the waiver over the one that needs the waiver because it is less of a hassle?

Thank you.

It's much deeper than that.

They have to look at the chances that you will need specialized treatment during your 4 years at the academy, and also over a 20-year career.

And what is the potential risk (cost) to the Govt over that 20-year period.

And of course, the risk to your own health if you happen to be in an area of the world where medical treatment may be limited.
 
CFA

Alright I just took my CFA this morning. My results came out as follows:

Basketball Throw - 61'
Pull-ups - 12
Shuttle - 8.7
Sit-Ups - 78
Push Ups - 60
Mile - 7:53

I'm a little disappointed with the mile but I honestly think that overall this is pretty close to the best that I can do at this time.

This was the last part of my application that I needed so all I can do now is hope. Thanks for your help everyone!
 
Bris/Ethr

I think you need to be more positive. You've got some great, competitive scores. There are many who would be more than pleased with your CFA results and who would love to have your strong SATs, especially math. Are you perfect? Well, if you've done your homework on the academy websites (and I'm sure you have) you'll note not everyone who gets in is a jock, not everyone has perfect health (there are lots of waivers), or is able to show leadership as you have done with your music activities and CAP -- much less battled Alaska's mosquitoes in a log-yard! I think your specialty IS your originality!

Your attitude will show in your interviews, so be confident in what you have going for you and honest about what could be better. Humility does not mean you should automatically focus first on your own perceived imperfections. Someone is going to ask you "why should you be nominated/appointed over all the others applying?" and your answer is going to have to focus on all the wonderful aspects of who you are and what you will bring to the Class of 2013. When they ask you what your worst attribute is, smile and say, "Well, chocolate..." :biggrin: and then tell them how you're working to improve your mile time or about the chin-up bar in your room, or the next promotion board you'll be up for in CAP. Your assessment of your allegy issue is not a "failing" on your part any more than your hair color or how far you think your ears stick out.

Go back and read your original post. Believe me, when I look at your quals I see a solid academic performer, who has excelled in music, shows leadership in extracurricular activities, has an obvious work ethic, and is in shape. Now, do you just sit back and "hope?" No. Some folks have pointed to areas in your resume' that could be improved. So, work on that. You go out and continue to improve your mile run, keep your admissions counselor up-to-date on your EC's, join a club sport (how about a local XC ski team?) or go out for spring track, continue with your CAP and expand your community involvement.

Folks have given you solid advice above; take it one step at a time and persevere! You can do this! Good luck.
 
Downers

Yeah, I guess lately the whole process has just got me down. I've been getting a lot of negative outlooks on everything from the waiver to my CFA to my lack of sports and all of that coupled with my hectic schedule and ungodly load of homework has just killed my outlook over the past week or so.

I guess all I've really been needing lately was a confidence booster and I have to say, within the past half an hour my day has brightened about twelve shades lol. I got an email from my ALO telling me about how good my CFA scores are, a phone message from my USAFA Counselor about getting a waiver processed, and now I log on here and I have to say, it's a great day all of a sudden... so really, THANKS EVERYBODY! HA!
 
Stay positive! Worry about the things you can control at this point - like your grades.

In looking at your stats - one thing you have going for you is CAP. CAP is looked highly upon by the academies and not every applicant is in CAP.
Keep your chin up and see what happens!
Good Luck!
 
NEVER give up buddy, believe me, i know of ALL the frustrations your going through and especially what its like in keeping up w/ everything at school and all

you have to be willing to endure this process, the more you step up to the plate, the more chances you have to hit a home run, you already have a lot going for you
i honest to god hope you get all that you need for the academy, waiver, LOA anything to reveal the kind of candidate you are- best of luck, u deserve it
 
about your basketball throw?

I don't understand how people keep their basketball throws in their 60s? I got mine to 89' in practice and 83' during test, but then my pushups were like 4 less than yours, and situps were like 10 less than yours. that's weird. we got the same pull-ups too.

I heard they look at your mile harshly since the academy's altitude is so high and all. I still didn't perform as well as i thought i should, though- i feel your pain. But unless one takes the test, one cannot judge it.

i'm still one who hasn't gotten his LOA because i took too long on the essays and SATs.
There's no room for backing down in the Air Force. You either make it or not- keep your head up, cheer up, enjoy your senior year because there wont be another.
and hopefully I'll see you at Beast this summer!:thumb:
 
hey usafa2013 i see your from ct, are you going to senator liebermans office interview this weekend? maybe i'll see you saturday by chance
i'm not actually applying to usafa, this is for usma but what you said definitely applies to every academy- best of luck dude
 
I don't understand how people keep their basketball throws in their 60s? I got mine to 89' in practice and 83' during test, but then my pushups were like 4 less than yours, and situps were like 10 less than yours. that's weird. we got the same pull-ups too.


By the rules of physics: a projectile, no matter how hard it is thrown, will not reach its maximum range potential unless it is thrown at and angle that is exactly 45 degrees relative the horizontal. So... you could chuck that b-ball pretty darn hard but if it's not close to 45* then you will be quite disappointed with the result. Control of your body is more important than brute force in this CFA event.

Bottom line: watch your angle and PRACTICE! :thumb:
 
harrison morgan
-yea! actually, but mine is tomorrow at noon, hope yours went well today man, good luck also.

upsidezdown
haha makes perfect sense, i just dont understand how most people cant, if i could give a tip- use your abs. they help, its not just about staying stiff and throwing it, its about leaning back, and springing up with your abs. look at that: it gave me a good 20 extra feet!
 
Hey folks...

Just an FYI...

I see an AWEFUL lot of comments about "...when should I expect an LOA...", "...when do LOA's come out..." and so on.

Be advised: 90% of the class will NOT receive early LOA's. I'm picking 90% but I don't know the precise number. But I've been an ALO for 14 years and I've had over 200 candidates and only about 4 LOA's among them.

But I've had over 40 appointee's.

Do NOT despair if you've not received an LOA.

I didn't get one...I also did NOT get the summer seminar, I did not get anything the first year except rejected by ALL the academies.

BUT...I got them all the second year.

So keep your sights on the end target, not the immediate. LOA or "very last appointee" makes NO difference: you BOTH get in!

Steve

Stephen E. Wood, Lt Col, USAFR
DLOD, AZ
USAFA 1983
 
By the rules of physics: a projectile, no matter how hard it is thrown, will not reach its maximum range potential unless it is thrown at and angle that is exactly 45 degrees relative the horizontal. So... you could chuck that b-ball pretty darn hard but if it's not close to 45* then you will be quite disappointed with the result. Control of your body is more important than brute force in this CFA event.

Actually the optimum angle with air resistance at sea level is closer to 22 degrees, not 45.

http://farside.ph.utexas.edu/teaching/336k/lectures/node43.html
 
Thats why my physics results were all screwed up when we did a projectile motion lab with rockets a couple weeks back. :eek:
 
To Fliegler83:

Thank you for your encouraging words to those who will NOT receive an LOA or even an appointment this year.
 
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