USAFA Summer Seminar 2014

jhamby

5-Year Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2014
Messages
8
Hey, so I just got accepted into the summer seminar and I was wondering if anyone who has already attended had any tips for what to expect or tips on what to do to prepare? So if anyone has anything they'd like to share that would be great!
 
Hopefully anyone who replies doesn't give away too many fun details:thumb:

You will take a practice CFA so try to be in decent shape. However, it won't kill you if you aren't. If you are able to, go a day early and do some sightseeing!

Overall, it was an experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. Good luck!
 
summer seminar

Hey, so I just got accepted into the summer seminar and I was wondering if anyone who has already attended had any tips for what to expect or tips on what to do to prepare? So if anyone has anything they'd like to share that would be great!

How did you get into this summer seminar? I would like to do that?
 
Hey I got accepted to yesterday! I'm so excited.


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I had a great time! I definitely learned a lot, and I came home more confidant than ever that I was making the right choice by choosing to apply to USAFA! The altitude was the part that impacted me the worst; I came straight from the USNA's summer seminar, and I am from Florida, where the altitude of both is 0 feet. I got out there three days early, and I still ended up getting altitude sickness for half of the seminar.

The most fun part was Doolie for a Day, where you are treated like a doolie for the majority of the day. I'll let you experience it on your own though :wink:

I would definitely try to go earlier, to help get acclimated to the altitude, but also to do some sightseeing. Colorado Springs is BEAUTIFUL. The mountains were amazing, especially being from Florida where the highest thing in sight is a water tower. I would spend a day at the Garden of the Gods, or maybe take a trip up to Pike's Peak, or go the Cheyenne Zoo, or to Seven Falls. There's so many outdoor activities to do, it was amazing.

All in all, the summer seminar is a chance for you to get oriented with the Academy lifestyle, and to see if it is something you could see yourself doing. It is basically a week-long tour, and you will walk away knowing if you want to go to the Academy or not. While I walked away more confidant than ever that I wanted to be there, one girl in my element told all of us that she hated USAFA and would certainly not be applying next year.

Have fun! :thumb:
 
I loved summer seminar! I met some really exceptional peers and some amazing US Air Force leaders. It also solidified my desire to enter USAFA.

If you get accepted... Words of wisdom:
1. Watch out for the girl squad leaders and don't piss them off.
2. Take the astronomy/meteorology class, you won't regret it.
3. Stretch and take care of your body, my quads became strained from doolie for a day and it was painful for the rest of the week.
4. Be respectful and courteous to EVERYONE. Some kids would act weird or disrespectful to their squad leaders. For example, they would joke about BCT or the "easiness" of SLS... I had to do a double take sometimes to make sure if that's what they were talking about, sadly it would be sometimes and I just had to shake my head.
5. Don't bring food, there's plenty of it.
6. Bring a 3 in 1 shampoo/conditioner/body wash for Doolie for a day.
7. Buy some Tiger Balm. It's like icy hot 2.0, you'll need it.
8. DO NOT get flirtatious with anyone, such a waste of time.
 
Congratulations to everyone that was accepted! I found out yesterday and will be attending the 2nd session!
 
Thanks for all the feedback, definitely some good things to know! I am looking forward to it. I have been to CO Springs before and I know the altitude change is always a factor. Last time I went I took asprin and airborne for the first few days that I was there and that really seemed to help.
 
Congrats to all accepted! The summer seminar was extremely eye opening for me. What a wonderful experience and opportunity to experience the life at an academy! The seminar was a nice blend of fun, informative and challenging. I am still in contact with many of the people I met there. One thing I would suggest is flying In a day early. I did not and was extremely tired and found the altitude difficult to adjust to being from Rhode Island. Hydration is key to help with the altitude!

Also, do not use your phone unless you have to! I left my phone in my room all day and only used it at night. Playing on your phone will only hinder your experience there. Ask tons of questions! You meet numerous cadets that are always willing to answer anything you ask about.

Finally, don't be afraid to truly experience. There are many obstacles you must overcome while there, but it's all worth it. Take in everything you can. This seminar cemented my decision on wanting to attend the academy. Good luck to you all!
 
Accepted and planning on session 1!

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