USAFA Acceptance Possibility?

[StealthyPilot]

Hello all I'm a junior in High school and I my life goal ever since I was 8 is to join the USAF as a pilot. Which means becoming an officer. As of now I am in the AFJROTC at my highschool and I have just started CAP at the local airfield. I am currently a C/MSgt and I have about a 2.5 GPA. I don't really participate in sports besides my JROTC Armed Exhibition and I volunteer for community service every time theres a chance for it. I have about 100 hours of combined time of all 3 years so far. However I have suffered through the loss of many friends and relatives throughout my time in highschool and I failed about 10 semesters worth of classes because of all this tragedy. Including the loss of my Grandmother as of just last month. I finally got my head together and am just pushing through with it. It hasn't occurd to me that I want to apply to the USAFA until this past week. In my current situation I'm not in good shape. I'm taking online classes for all my failed classes so that I can pass with a D. However these online classes for past failed ones doesn't improve my GPA. I'm taking my SAT in about a month and I'm going to study for it to pass with flying colors. Next year for senior year I'm going to take all AP classes because I know I can do it and too hopefully improve my current situation. My question is whether with all this about me said above, do I have any real chance of getting into USAFA? I live in the state of Alaska and because of this I am connected with my state senators, so if a nomination is possible by a senator; then its not on the top of my list of things to worry about. (Can I be nominated by a senator?) Anyway with all this said do I have any real chance of getting accepted into USAFA? If I can't quite get there, then what would be some extra steps to get there? And if absolutely no way feasibly possible can be accepted into USAFA well then just say so and be 100% honest.

 

[blue_murr4]

Based on you're high school résumé, I would say that the chances of your acceptance are unlikely (based on grades.) You could be accepted to the prep school which is for people who excel in extracurriculars as well as athletics.
Always have a plan B, like ROTC. You could reapply after one year of college, and have a greater chance of getting in if you excelled.
I wish you all the best!!!!!!

 

[Boozebin]

Apply Apply Apply don't let anyone here or in your life dissuade for your goals. Also all we can say with a 100% certainty is that if you don't apply you wont get in.

With that being said you have a tough road ahead. You need to get those grades up but you already knew that. Scoring really high and I'm really high on the ACT and or the SAT may help but only if show improvement in your grades. Also when you do your essay use it as a chance to explain the situation don't make excuses but help build the picture of you.

You should also look into sports and find one you'll enjoy. Don't do a sport just to do it, you'll end up hating it and make you miserable.

I would spend a good deal of time going through this forum and seeing what it takes but I caution you not to get discouraged by the stats people put on here. Those crazy stats you see are usually part of the no-brainer category and most of the advice given here is focused on getting to that category. At the same time if you don't strive to those you're selling yourself short.

 

[nukepharm]

I agree apply! Even though I complain a lot about the brutalness of this process and waiting and waiting for answers... I wouldn't change the experience for anything.

I actually believe that my DS has really grown through the process and has learned so much along the way. He has had tough interviews that are great experience for when it comes time for job interviews, he has has to take a hard look at himself and really think about his life plan.

You have an uphill climb with your GPA, but it is an amazing roller coaster ride. Best of luck to you.

 

[raimius]

Well, the chances of acceptance are 0% if you don't apply.
Unfortunately, that record of repeated failures will certainly not help you. If you completely turn around your grades and do REALLY well on your standardized tests, you might have a shot, and maybe even a half-way decent one at getting a Prep school slot or Falcon Foundation scholarship.

Basically, you need to go into overdrive. Additionally, apply for alternate programs and other colleges to keep your options open.

 

[USMCGrunt]

Additionally, apply for alternate programs and other colleges to keep your options open

Great advice Raimius. Other AF commissioning programs and even the possibility of starting an enlisted career and then seeking a commission are possibilities.

 

[MedB]

Hi Stealthy,

So the hard truth is that you are probably a long shot for a direct appointment. The key part of that phrase is the last part.

Absolutely apply! But know that your current grades and sports participation are not competitive with the typical direct appointment applicant. Our SA's do look a wide variety of factors when choosing officer candidates, so Prep school might be a possibility if you crush the ACT/SAT. And to be eligible for that you must apply to the academy.

Now here's the good news...
1) The Academies,and many MOCs, absolutey love re-applicants. Going to a year of private prep and/or college and re-applying for the second time to USAFA is looked upon extremely favorably. Really buckle down and push yourself in college and show what you can do and you set yourself up well.

2) If it's truly your dream, another option is to enlist in the AF and apply for one of the LEAD openings to USAFA. Remember that the Academy/Prep reserves spots every year for prior enlisted to attend and become an officer. As far as I know, most years not all of those slots are filled. So this could also be an option for you if you can go in, be an outstanding airmen, take classes through AF community college and other activities that set you apart. Then apply for the program.

So... it's all about how bad you want it and what you are willing to do to get there!

In any case, congratulations on your desire to serve and keep chasing your goals. Good luck.

 

[baileydb]

My best friend's older brother got in with a 2 point something. Not the first time, mind you, and it was through the Prep School, but he did make it and he did become a USAFA grad. So it IS possible. The route he went was to apply for a CAP scholarship to get into the Prep School. On his THIRD try, he made it. I believe CAP can nominate you to attend to Prep School if you have your Spaatz (I haven't looked into it too much because I don't even have my Mitchel yet!) so you might want to look into that, as well. The odds are still pretty slim, but at least that's one more route you can try to take if you're interested.

 

[Sst116]

You need to have the Mitchell for the CAP scholarship.



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[baileydb]

You need to have the Mitchell for the CAP scholarship.



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Oh, nice! Yeah, I hadn't looked into it too much since I'm still a couple months from Mitchel, but thanks for supplying that additional info!