USAFA Summer Seminar Competitiveness

[m1ndfr34k117]

Hello,
I recently applied for the Academy's Summer Seminar and I'm EXTREMELY anxious about it. I've always dreamed of attending and this is the first opportunity I will have of even coming close to said dream. Anyways, if it's not too much to ask, would anyone mind giving me some feedback concerning my competitiveness based on my resume/application? Thanks in advance for any help!

Academic Performance

GPA:
4.00
Class Rank:
14
Class Size:
496

Test Scores:
PSAT Verbal/Critical Reading: 61
PSAT Math: 62

Questionnaire

1) Is your uncorrected vision 20/50 or better? Yes
2) Have you ever participated in high school extracurricular activities such as sports, bands or clubs? Yes
3) Have you served as captain of an organized athletic team? No
4) Have you served in a high school government position? No
5) Have you actively participated in community organizations such as church, Scouts, 4-H, CAP, etc.? Yes
6) Have you received special recognition such as Eagle/Gold Award, Billy Mitchell Award, Boy's/Girl's State, etc.? No
7) Have you worked during the school year? Yes

Profile

1) Academic Achievements
- 4.0 GPA (Unweighted)
- National Youth Leadership Forum Collegiate Success Nominee (2011)
- National Youth Leadership Forum on National Security Nominee (2011)
- Greater Clark Co. Schools Distinguished Academic Achievement Award
recipient (2010)
- National Honor Society Member (2011 - Only available for
juniors/seniors)
- Scholar-Athlete Award recipient (2009, 2010, 2011)
- Has taken numerous AP/Honors courses and passed the AP World
History exam
- Student of the Month (May, 2010)
- AFJROTC Academic Team Captain (2011)
- AFJROTC Academic Ribbon recipient (2009, 2010, 2011)


2) Athletic Achievements
- Varsity football player (2009, 2010, 2011)
- Starting linebacker (Freshman team - 2009; JV team - 2010 and 2011)
- Scholar-Athlete Award recipient (2009, 2010, 2011)


3) Civic Involvements
- March of Dimes station aid (2010 and 2011)
- Golden Corral Veterans Day aid (2009 and 2010)
- High School College Night aid (2009, 2010, and 2011)
- UNICEF African water relief participant (2011)
- Collected food for low-income families for Thanksgiving (2011)
- Tutored fellow students throughout the school year (2009, 2010, and
2011)
- Field aid for construction at a local Boy Scout camp (2010)
- Angel Tree aid (collected and wrapped presents for children of low
income families (2009, 2010, 2011)
- AFJROTC Community Service Ribbon recipient (2009, 2010, and 2011)
- Through community service and other civic involvements, I've
developed an invaluable sense, and practical definition, of
teamwork as well as numerous leadership skills. I've also found out
what it is like to give back to the community and help others who
are less fortunate.


4) Work/Job Experience
- Little Caesar's Pizza employee
- Works ~20 hours throughout the week
- Responsible for general duties (i.e. making, baking, cutting, and
preparing pizzas, cleaning, doing dishes, customer service, etc.)

5) Leadership Positions
- AFJROTC Vice-Corps Commander
- AFJROTC Unarmed Drill Team Commander (2009, 2010, 2011)
- AFJROTC Competition Color Guard Commander (2009, 2010, 2011)
- AFJROTC School Color Guard Commander (for sporting events) (2009,
2010, 2011)
- AFJROTC Inspection Team Commander (2009 and 2011)
- AFJROTC Flight Commander (2009, 2010, 2011)
- AFJROTC Sabre Team Commander (2009)
- AFJROTC Officer (Cadet 1st Lieutenant)
- Freshman Choir Section Leader
- In 2010, I led a group of AFJROTC cadets to raise money for a
graduate of our JROTC corps who lost his leg helping a stranded
driver; we successfully raised over $1,000 for him.



6) Other Noteworthy Achievements(s)/Experience (e.g., speak fluent Chinese, lived overseas, Private Pilots License, parent(s), relative serviced in military, have sibling at another at AFA or other Academy, etc.)
- Model UN member/participant (2011)
- FLANG (Foreign Language Club) member (2011)
- AFJROTC Rocket Club member (2009 and 2010)
- AFJROTC Armed Drill Team Element Leader (2010 and 2011)
- AFJROTC orienteering team member (2010)
- Chamber Choir member (We received a Gold w/ Distinction at State
Competition - 2011) (2010 and 2011)
- Kitty-Hawk Air Society member (2009, 2010, 2011)
- Military Order of the Purple Heart National Leadership Award
recipient (2011)
- Order of Daedalians JROTC Achievement Award recipient (2010)
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University/Celebrate Freedom Foundation
JROTC Achievement Award recipient (2011)
- Outstanding Cadet Ribbon recipient (2010)
- Top Performer Award recipient (2010)
- Superior Performance Award recipient (2010 and 2011)
- Co-Curricular Activities Leadership Award recipient (2011)
- Leadership Ribbon recipient (2010 and 2011)
- Placed 7th (out of ~200 cadets) in individual knockout at Scott Co.
Drill Competition (2010)
- AFJROTC Staff member (Similar to a student government for a JROTC
corps) (2010 and 2011)
- Rigorous course selection throughout high school, following the suggested
courses found on the USAF Academy's website.
- Taken three years of Spanish in high school
- Three flight hours in a private aircraft with an instructor
* - The application asked for the following information:

Two of my uncles have served in the military; one is an Army Ranger
and Lieutenant Colonel and another was an Army National
Guard combat medic who was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. My
grandfather served in the Marines and both my aunt and father
served in the Air Force.

 

[JT20]

Hello,
I recently applied for the Academy's Summer Seminar and I'm EXTREMELY anxious about it. I've always dreamed of attending and this is the first opportunity I will have of even coming close to said dream. Anyways, if it's not too much to ask, would anyone mind giving me some feedback concerning my competitiveness based on my resume/application? Thanks in advance for any help!

Academic Performance

GPA:
4.00
Class Rank:
14
Class Size:
496

Test Scores:
PSAT Verbal/Critical Reading: 61
PSAT Math: 62

Questionnaire

1) Is your uncorrected vision 20/50 or better? Yes
2) Have you ever participated in high school extracurricular activities such as sports, bands or clubs? Yes
3) Have you served as captain of an organized athletic team? No
4) Have you served in a high school government position? No
5) Have you actively participated in community organizations such as church, Scouts, 4-H, CAP, etc.? Yes
6) Have you received special recognition such as Eagle/Gold Award, Billy Mitchell Award, Boy's/Girl's State, etc.? No
7) Have you worked during the school year? Yes

Profile

1) Academic Achievements
- 4.0 GPA (Unweighted)
- National Youth Leadership Forum Collegiate Success Nominee (2011)
- National Youth Leadership Forum on National Security Nominee (2011)
- Greater Clark Co. Schools Distinguished Academic Achievement Award
recipient (2010)
- National Honor Society Member (2011 - Only available for
juniors/seniors)
- Scholar-Athlete Award recipient (2009, 2010, 2011)
- Has taken numerous AP/Honors courses and passed the AP World
History exam
- Student of the Month (May, 2010)
- AFJROTC Academic Team Captain (2011)
- AFJROTC Academic Ribbon recipient (2009, 2010, 2011)


2) Athletic Achievements
- Varsity football player (2009, 2010, 2011)
- Starting linebacker (Freshman team - 2009; JV team - 2010 and 2011)
- Scholar-Athlete Award recipient (2009, 2010, 2011)


3) Civic Involvements
- March of Dimes station aid (2010 and 2011)
- Golden Corral Veterans Day aid (2009 and 2010)
- High School College Night aid (2009, 2010, and 2011)
- UNICEF African water relief participant (2011)
- Collected food for low-income families for Thanksgiving (2011)
- Tutored fellow students throughout the school year (2009, 2010, and
2011)
- Field aid for construction at a local Boy Scout camp (2010)
- Angel Tree aid (collected and wrapped presents for children of low
income families (2009, 2010, 2011)
- AFJROTC Community Service Ribbon recipient (2009, 2010, and 2011)
- Through community service and other civic involvements, I've
developed an invaluable sense, and practical definition, of
teamwork as well as numerous leadership skills. I've also found out
what it is like to give back to the community and help others who
are less fortunate.


4) Work/Job Experience
- Little Caesar's Pizza employee
- Works ~20 hours throughout the week
- Responsible for general duties (i.e. making, baking, cutting, and
preparing pizzas, cleaning, doing dishes, customer service, etc.)

5) Leadership Positions
- AFJROTC Vice-Corps Commander
- AFJROTC Unarmed Drill Team Commander (2009, 2010, 2011)
- AFJROTC Competition Color Guard Commander (2009, 2010, 2011)
- AFJROTC School Color Guard Commander (for sporting events) (2009,
2010, 2011)
- AFJROTC Inspection Team Commander (2009 and 2011)
- AFJROTC Flight Commander (2009, 2010, 2011)
- AFJROTC Sabre Team Commander (2009)
- AFJROTC Officer (Cadet 1st Lieutenant)
- Freshman Choir Section Leader
- In 2010, I led a group of AFJROTC cadets to raise money for a
graduate of our JROTC corps who lost his leg helping a stranded
driver; we successfully raised over $1,000 for him.



6) Other Noteworthy Achievements(s)/Experience (e.g., speak fluent Chinese, lived overseas, Private Pilots License, parent(s), relative serviced in military, have sibling at another at AFA or other Academy, etc.)
- Model UN member/participant (2011)
- FLANG (Foreign Language Club) member (2011)
- AFJROTC Rocket Club member (2009 and 2010)
- AFJROTC Armed Drill Team Element Leader (2010 and 2011)
- AFJROTC orienteering team member (2010)
- Chamber Choir member (We received a Gold w/ Distinction at State
Competition - 2011) (2010 and 2011)
- Kitty-Hawk Air Society member (2009, 2010, 2011)
- Military Order of the Purple Heart National Leadership Award
recipient (2011)
- Order of Daedalians JROTC Achievement Award recipient (2010)
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University/Celebrate Freedom Foundation
JROTC Achievement Award recipient (2011)
- Outstanding Cadet Ribbon recipient (2010)
- Top Performer Award recipient (2010)
- Superior Performance Award recipient (2010 and 2011)
- Co-Curricular Activities Leadership Award recipient (2011)
- Leadership Ribbon recipient (2010 and 2011)
- Placed 7th (out of ~200 cadets) in individual knockout at Scott Co.
Drill Competition (2010)
- AFJROTC Staff member (Similar to a student government for a JROTC
corps) (2010 and 2011)
- Rigorous course selection throughout high school, following the suggested
courses found on the USAF Academy's website.
- Taken three years of Spanish in high school
- Three flight hours in a private aircraft with an instructor
* - The application asked for the following information:

Two of my uncles have served in the military; one is an Army Ranger
and Lieutenant Colonel and another was an Army National
Guard combat medic who was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. My
grandfather served in the Marines and both my aunt and father
served in the Air Force.

Just a heads up, you are only allowed five bullets per category. With that being said, I would revise your application immediately!

 

[2Steaktacos]

1.) I thought the same thing about the five bullet points. I left a bunch off because there was only 5 bullet points allowed.
2.) GPA. I have a 4.35 WEIGHTED gpa, but only a 3.73 unweighted. the app asked for unweighted gpa. Many here posted their stats and listed a 4.0 GPA as what they wrote down. That means that many people never got a B for even one semester?

 

[AFAcandidate]

1.) I thought the same thing about the five bullet points. I left a bunch off because there was only 5 bullet points allowed.
2.) GPA. I have a 4.35 WEIGHTED gpa, but only a 3.73 unweighted. the app asked for unweighted gpa. Many here posted their stats and listed a 4.0 GPA as what they wrote down. That means that many people never got a B for even one semester?

Some people lie and some don't. The majority don't as far as I know and most people DO have GPA's like that. Its NOT uncommon to get 4.0 unweighted or weighted.

Oh yeah I forgot to say that you will probably be attending.

 

[2Steaktacos]

4.0 unweighted

do you really think that most people have 4.0 unweighted?
Meaning they have NEVER gotten below a A in classes-yet still took rigorous Honors and /AP classes?
To have a 4.0 Unweighted you would have to have never have gotten a B on a semster or final grade.
No, I dont think so.
A few-maybe.
as many that have posted-doubtful.
Most-No way.

 

[JT20]

do you really think that most people have 4.0 unweighted?
Meaning they have NEVER gotten below a A in classes-yet still took rigorous Honors and /AP classes?
To have a 4.0 Unweighted you would have to have never have gotten a B on a semster or final grade.
No, I dont think so.
A few-maybe.
as many that have posted-doubtful.
Most-No way.

1.Well I do have a unweighted GPA of a 4.0, so it really isn't uncommon. I've maintained straight A's since the seventh grade. We are talkin about one of the most prestigious colleges in the country, making it one of the most competitive.

2. On the application I used 5 main bullets per category and expanded onto each with sub-bullets.

 

[Vista123]

GPAs

In talking to an admissions rep, GPAs are not weighted as heavily as people think. That's why SAT/ACT scores are weighted so much more. The admission officer said that they look at weighted classes and class rank more as well. A 3.8 unweighted with AP classes is worth more than all general Ed classes with a 4.0. So focusing on GPA may not be of value.

 

[m1ndfr34k117]

Wow, I'm glad I posted this here. I completely missed the part which limits applicants to five bullet points. I'm glad you all caught it before the AFA reviewed the application because it would have been a definite no if you hadn't.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE FEEDBACK! I really appreciate the help!

As for the GPA; 4.0 is my UNweighted GPA with honors and AP courses. I've never gotten a B on a semester grade (although I have for 9 week grades and some final exams). I know most people may not have a 4.0, but like the other person said, it's no big deal. Yes, GPA is important but the SAT/ACT is more important. If anyone doesn't have a 4.0, just make sure you nail the SAT/ACT to make up for it. Anyways, here's the revised version of my application for anyone who's interested in helping me out some more:

Academic Performance

GPA:
4.00
Class Rank:
14
Class Size:
496

Test Scores:
PSAT Verbal/Critical Reading: 61
PSAT Math: 62

Questionnaire

1) Is your uncorrected vision 20/50 or better? Yes
2) Have you ever participated in high school extracurricular activities such as sports, bands or clubs? Yes
3) Have you served as captain of an organized athletic team? No
4) Have you served in a high school government position? No
5) Have you actively participated in community organizations such as church, Scouts, 4-H, CAP, etc.? Yes
6) Have you received special recognition such as Eagle/Gold Award, Billy Mitchell Award, Boy's/Girl's State, etc.? No
7) Have you worked during the school year? Yes

1) Academic Achievements
- 4.0 GPA (Unweighted)
- National Honor Society Member (2011 - Only available for
juniors/seniors)
- Greater-Clark Co. Schools' Distinguished Academic Achievement Award
recipient
- Has taken numerous AP/Honors courses and followed the suggested
courses listed on the USAF Academy's website
- AFJROTC Academic Team Captain


2) Athletic Achievements
- Varsity football player (2009, 2010, 2011)
- Starting linebacker (Freshman team - 2009; JV team - 2010 and 2011)
- Scholar-Athlete Award recipient (2009, 2010, 2011)


3) Civic Involvements
- March of Dimes station aid (2010 and 2011) )
- Collected food for low-income families for Thanksgiving (2011)
- Tutored fellow students throughout the school year (2009, 2010, and
2011)
- Angel Tree aid (collected and wrapped presents for children of low
income families (2009, 2010, 2011)
- Through community service and other civic involvements, I've
developed an invaluable sense, and practical definition, of
teamwork as well as numerous leadership skills. I've also found out
what it is like to give back to the community and help others who
are less fortunate.


4) Work/Job Experience
- Little Caesar's Pizza employee
- Works ~20 hours throughout the week
- Responsible for general duties (i.e. making, baking, cutting, and
preparing pizzas, cleaning, doing dishes, customer service, etc.)

5) Leadership Positions
- AFJROTC Vice-Corps Commander
- AFJROTC Unarmed Drill Team Commander (2009, 2010, 2011)
- AFJROTC Competition Color Guard Commander (2009, 2010, 2011)
- AFJROTC Inspection Team Commander (2009 and 2011)
- In 2010, I led a group of AFJROTC cadets to raise money for a
graduate of our JROTC corps who lost his leg helping a stranded
driver; we successfully raised over $1,000 for him.



6) Other Noteworthy Achievements(s)/Experience (e.g., speak fluent Chinese, lived overseas, Private Pilots License, parent(s), relative serviced in military, have sibling at another at AFA or other Academy, etc.)
- Model UN member/participant (2011)
- Chamber Choir member (We received a Gold w/ Distinction at State
Competition - 2011) (2010 and 2011)
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University/Celebrate Freedom Foundation
JROTC Achievement Award recipient (2011)
- AFJROTC Staff member (Similar to a student government for a JROTC
corps) (2010 and 2011)
- Two of my uncles have served in the military; one is an Army Ranger
and Lieutenant Colonel and another was an Army National
Guard combat medic who was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. My
grandfather served in the Marines and both my aunt and father
served in the Air Force.

 

[USAFA10s]

I just wanted to second that 4.0 Unweighted GPAs are not as uncommon as you might think. That was my high school GPA, but as Vista123 said, there is a lot more to it than just the GPA. When USAFA re-weighted mine, I ended up with a 4.34, but it was the combination of that GPA with leadership experience and my tennis success that added up to get me in.

Bottom line, USAFA is competitive. Very competitive.

 

[bbourq5]

GPA 4.0 Limit

Yeah I had a similar problem because I have a 4.21 GPA weighted but only a 3.94 unweighted so since you can't plug it into the GPA section of the app, I just mentioned it in the "academic achievements" section of the application.

Also, some of you guys are forgetting the most important thing- where you're from. You could have not so great stats and be from an underrepresented district and have a much easier time getting in than someone who has great stats and is from a highly competitive district. I've heard from other posters on this forum that summer seminar usually tries to accept at least one person from each congressional district.

 

[JT20]

Yeah I had a similar problem because I have a 4.21 GPA weighted but only a 3.94 unweighted so since you can't plug it into the GPA section of the app, I just mentioned it in the "academic achievements" section of the application.

Also, some of you guys are forgetting the most important thing- where you're from. You could have not so great stats and be from an underrepresented district and have a much easier time getting in than someone who has great stats and is from a highly competitive district. I've heard from other posters on this forum that summer seminar usually tries to accept at least one person from each congressional district.

Yes, location is a major factor. The fact that I live in Colorado doesn't help!

 

[MorganC]

How were you a varsity football player in 2009, 2010, and 2011 if you were the starting linebacker for the freshman team in 2009 and for the JV team in 2010 and 2011?

 

[bbourq5]

Yes, location is a major factor. The fact that I live in Colorado doesn't help!

Do you or does anyone else know where I can find info about which states are more/less competitive. I'm from New Jersey which I doubt would be more competitive for USAFA; however, that's just a guess.

 

[JT20]

Do you or does anyone else know where I can find info about which states are more/less competitive. I'm from New Jersey which I doubt would be more competitive for USAFA; however, that's just a guess.

Sorry, I can't help you out there. All I know is that Colorado is very competitive due to the fact that it's located in it. Don't worry about it though. Do everything in your power and the rest is up to them.

 

[wingsofhonor]

do you really think that most people have 4.0 unweighted?
Meaning they have NEVER gotten below a A in classes-yet still took rigorous Honors and /AP classes?
To have a 4.0 Unweighted you would have to have never have gotten a B on a semster or final grade.
No, I dont think so.
A few-maybe.
as many that have posted-doubtful.
Most-No way.

You know, I've been asking that to myself as well. However, I feel that there are so many factors concerning the GPA, for example:
- What is the grading/credit policy at your school?
- How many Honors/AP classes have you taken?

There are just so many factors! And I see so many people confuse Weighted with Unweighted GPA's! Not to mention some applicants might become confused with a 5.0 scale (some High Schools operate on a 5.0 GPA scale)

If they say they have a 4.0, I will not doubt otherwise, as I understand and cherish "I will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate anyone who does." I do, however, wish the applicants would address other factors concerning the trivial "GPA." And if some people, that is truly saddening to me, as that will hurt them tremendously. When you get accepted to the Summer Seminar your application is put in your record and you have a file sitting on Cadet Drive. And when your High School Guidance Department sends the official transcripts in for the Academy Application and they are not what the applicant said they were, they will probably be immediately rejected.

 

[wingsofhonor]

Do you or does anyone else know where I can find info about which states are more/less competitive. I'm from New Jersey which I doubt would be more competitive for USAFA; however, that's just a guess.

I saw a video on youtube once where a camera crew went in to the Academy and came across a large map with pins marking the cadet's home location. I noticed that Colorado had the most pin points. Location is definitely a factor, as JT20 said. Your location, to the best of my knowledge, is less competitive than applicants from Colorado. I cannot say which states are more/less competitive, yet I can say that New Jersey is probably on par with other bordering states. I love in Rhode Island, and there are quite a few Midshipmen that come here. USAFA cadets? Not as many.

 

[wingsofhonor]

I totally agree. I have a 3.8 GPA right now and am taking a rigorous AP/Honors course load. It is constantly hinted, and even directly stated, that AP/Honors courses are valued quite a bit more in comparison to Academic classes. There's always been that saying: "Getting a B in an AP course is worth more than getting an A in an Academic course." Keep that in mind guys, but, a 4.0 Unweighted with pure Academic classes is still quite a spectacular feat!

 

[m1ndfr34k117]

To answer the question about football, all football members (especially JV) are considered part of the varsity team. We practice with them, are in the games with them, etc. We do EVERYTHING the varsity team does and then on top of that, we have our JV games.
With the freshman team, it's different; we aren't required to be in the varsity games, but I did anyways. So, I didn't start as a varsity player (and thus no letter...yet), but I was there for everything varsity team did...and more. In addition, our coach and athletic director considers JV players the same as varsity and some freshman as well.

As to academics, I have that 4.0 with numerous honors and AP courses. I've taken AP US History, AP World History, and AP English as well. I've also taken all honors English, math (alg. I and II and geometry), and sciences (chem., physics, biology, etc.) since I've been in high schooland I'll be taking AP physics next year. What I mean by that is I've never not taken a math, science, or English class that wasn't honors or AP.

I live near Louisville, KY but in Indiana (near the state border/Ohio river). Anyone know about competitiveness there?

Thanks for the feedback guys!

 

[TheChicagoan]

You know, I've been asking that to myself as well. However, I feel that there are so many factors concerning the GPA, for example:
- What is the grading/credit policy at your school?
- How many Honors/AP classes have you taken?

There are just so many factors! And I see so many people confuse Weighted with Unweighted GPA's! Not to mention some applicants might become confused with a 5.0 scale (some High Schools operate on a 5.0 GPA scale)

If they say they have a 4.0, I will not doubt otherwise, as I understand and cherish "I will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate anyone who does." I do, however, wish the applicants would address other factors concerning the trivial "GPA." And if some people, that is truly saddening to me, as that will hurt them tremendously. When you get accepted to the Summer Seminar your application is put in your record and you have a file sitting on Cadet Drive. And when your High School Guidance Department sends the official transcripts in for the Academy Application and they are not what the applicant said they were, they will probably be immediately rejected.

I would certainly hope people wouldn't lie on their app's. Especially because people like me can get their spot taken - I wrote down my 3.53 un-weighted GPA, but under academic achievements I put down my weighted GPA - a 4.589 So definitely a big difference!

 

[Blackbird]

I live near Louisville, KY but in Indiana (near the state border/Ohio river). Anyone know about competitiveness?

You are in IN-9 (Rep. Young). We are in KY-3 (Rep. Yarmuth) which is just across the river and is basically Metro Louisville. I don't know about IN-9, but KY-3 is not that competitive even though we have many USAFA and USNA grads in the area flying for UPS. I think that Yarmuth has been challenged to fill his slates for some of the academies.