USAFA Essay

[krabbypatty]

One of the essay questions is "Please provide any additional information or background you believe will be of assistance in evaluation of your application".

I remember seeing this on the application last year but don't remember submitting anything for it. I also don't have a response to that question on the documents I worked on for my previous application. Was it optional last year or did I accidentally submit my application without putting anything down for this question? I understand this question is not productive in terms of helping current applicants but would like it answered for peace of mind.

 

[Dad_2024]

This is a common question and some searching on SAF will provide some great advice. The short answer is it's an opportunity to "seal the deal" for the admissions/selection committee. It's a wide open question where you can write about almost anything to give them a last, solid reason why they should choose to offer YOU an appointment over any other of the several thousand candidates who have made it this far.

It's an optional essay, but think of that option as a test to see if you're willing to put in a little extra work. Take the opportunity to explain a challenge you've overcome, a difficult leadership decision you've mafe, something you've grown from or anything else from your application that you want to highlight in some way.

 

[flieger83]

I was asked this very question two days ago by one of my cadets who is also one of my candidates. My answer to him was the same as it's always been.

This is an opportunity for you (like Dad_2024 said) to "seal the deal." Here's a free opportunity to tell USAFA/RRS (those are the admissions folks) WHY YOU...why you and not this amazing young lady that works two jobs in high school, provides for her five siblings, in a single guardian family, while maintaining a 4.35GPA.

Unreasonable? Not really. You don't know who your competition is so you need to sell yourself. At the same time, be humble...don't brag, don't be a "jerk" or anything like that, just tell them why you're a good choice.

Once you stop over-thinking it (and EVERYBODY does)...most folks write a short statement that really says it all.

You can do this.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

 

[PositiveEnergy]

for mine I talked about how being the son of an active duty member has impacted me. Went on to talk about how I've been able to adapt to different lifestyles and cultures throughout my moves here in America and overseas. Also included parts about my hobbies and my family's history in the military (talking about what service means to me). These were all things that I really wanted to include inside my other essays but really didn't have them fit into the prompts in a nice way which allows for me to put them here instead. I had 2 different ALOs read all of my essays and got the response.
"You have done a nice job of highlighting what you will bring to the Academy and why you are motivated to attend. I think you have done a nice job with the essays."
From what I've understood this section isn't required but its like letters of recommendation where if you don't have it then you instantly putting yourself at a disadvantage to someone who does have one. hope my 2 cents helped out a little.

I was asked this very question two days ago by one of my cadets who is also one of my candidates. My answer to him was the same as it's always been.

This is an opportunity for you (like Dad_2024 said) to "seal the deal." Here's a free opportunity to tell USAFA/RRS (those are the admissions folks) WHY YOU...why you and not this amazing young lady that works two jobs in high school, provides for her five siblings, in a single guardian family, while maintaining a 4.35GPA.

Unreasonable? Not really. You don't know who your competition is so you need to sell yourself. At the same time, be humble...don't brag, don't be a "jerk" or anything like that, just tell them why you're a good choice.

Once you stop over-thinking it (and EVERYBODY does)...most folks write a short statement that really says it all.

You can do this.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

One of the essay questions is "Please provide any additional information or background you believe will be of assistance in evaluation of your application".

I remember seeing this on the application last year but don't remember submitting anything for it. I also don't have a response to that question on the documents I worked on for my previous application. Was it optional last year or did I accidentally submit my application without putting anything down for this question? I understand this question is not productive in terms of helping current applicants but would like it answered for peace of mind.