USAFA Summer Seminar Competitiveness

Don't be anxious!

Don't know if anyone covered this yet but Summer Seminar really isn't a time for candidate evaluation as much as it is just exposure to the academy. Our DS applied the first day apps opened and didn't hear back AT ALL until I asked questions on this forum. Then mysteriously we received a call from our ALO the next day after months of "crickets", followed by a rejection letter.

In the meantime he applied and got accepted to West Point SS, Naval Academy SS, Texas Boys State and USCGA Aim so why no AFA SS? Well, it boils down to did your ALO do their part on time? Is there a bias based on your location? Yes, to all the above. Summer seminar is used to give students exposure to the academy who would otherwise not have exposure let alone exposure to the military at all. It's a recruiting tool so our area is well represented so getting into SS is very limited while nominations to the academy are consistently high.

I would tell you apply, call and update your info if needed to show your interest. Talk to the ALO regularly (with pertinent questions and updates). Then just move on. If you are competitive for the academy then Summer Session is NOT going to make/break your application. Don't stress...apply and move on.

Suggestion: APPLY to ALL of the Academy SS. They are so similar in activities & content that if you don't get AF SS then West Point/Navy will still give you good exposure and add to your application. We don't regret sending our DS to 3 summer sessions & Boys State all in the same summer. It helped him grow up quick and think on his feet. It was expensive but well worth it IMHO.

Good luck.
 
Thanks for the reply Blackbird! I know of only two people that have been to a service academy in my area. One guy's at USNA right now and he's from Sellersburg and the other is a good friend and classmate of mine who has just been recruited by West Point for swimming.
Other than that, I don't know many people who are applying. As a matter of fact, most people don't even know what "a West Point" is :bang:

That gives me hope! I'm glad that I don't have the added pressure of competing with my geography on top of all of the other factors involved. I think we can all agree that applying is stressful enough without having to worry about things like location of residence. :D Thanks for your feedback, though. I really appreciate it!
 
Although I had said earlier that it was unlikely that I would be accepted for USAFA SS because I'm from Colorado, I was given acceptance a couple hours ago. With that being said, don't worry about all of the uncontrolable factors. Do everything that you can do and the rest happens for a reason. And just because you haven't heard back yet doesn't mean you won't get in. Just relax and let it happen! :smile:
 
Is there anyone in Vermont who has been accepted to Summer Seminar? And did you have to do an interview and/or phone call?
Thanks!
 
usafahopeful1 said:
Is there anyone in Vermont who has been accepted to Summer Seminar? And did you have to do an interview and/or phone call?
Thanks!
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I didn't have to have an interview or phone call, but contact your ALO immediately. I let mine know that I applied for SS and he said he could recommend me for the program. Besides, it shows good commitment. Always go above and beyond the basic requirements.
 
JT20 said:
Although I had said earlier that it was unlikely that I would be accepted for USAFA SS because I'm from Colorado, I was given acceptance a couple hours ago. With that being said, don't worry about all of the uncontrolable factors. Do everything that you can do and the rest happens for a reason. And just because you haven't heard back yet doesn't mean you won't get in. Just relax and let it happen! :smile:
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Congratulations man! That's awesome! Great work!
 
wingsofhonor said:
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.
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i've been snooping around these forums lately and saw youre the only other rhode islander i've come across. good to know im not alone! where in RI are you?
 
miiiiikey, I live in Rhode Island and my son attended the SS last June and is a candidate for the class of 2016 for the Air Force Academy. I was wondering when other RHode Islanders would join this forum. We live in Pawtucket, what town/city do you live in?
 
My son is a senior from St Ray's. Did you get accepted into the SS yet? My son did not hear until March of last year. He went to the Session A and absolutely loved it. He came home saying "this is definitely where I want to go" Good Luck to you!
 
thank you! not yet, though. i am still waiting to hear back. i'm a junior at Classical!
 
Well I wish you the best!! This is a long process, believe it from everyone who says that to you. Make sure you get in touch with the ALO, Maj Hornby!! Keep him in the loop with all your new accomplishments, so your file stays active. Make sure you have a Plan B, C and D. Don't get discouraged!! Good luck!! :thumb:
 
do you recommend getting in touch with him? like is he someone that will return my emails and be helpful even for the summer seminar application? i have been debating whether or not to contact him because i have seen and heard mixed thoughts on contacting an ALO for the summer seminar. thank you though, i appreciate it!
 
My son got in touch with him in the fall of his junior year. The more you get in touch with him,the more interested you seem. Also, I think my son had an interview with him before going to the summer seminar. I would definitely get in touch with him. He is not always able to anser your phone calls right away, but he will get back to you and he does answer your emails. Also, there was an academy informational meeting by the senators last spring. That is something you will want to attend with a parent. The more information you receive the better for you. You can email me any questions, I would be happy to give you the ansers if I have them. This is a very long, tiring process, but if it is something that you really want to do, in the end, it will be well worth it. Good Luck again and my email address is: sportsmom10@cox.net :thumb:
 
Hello,
I applied a few days ago for the 2012 Summer Seminar. I was just wondering how my application looks. Also my status just changed to "Applicant (your application is under consideration)." Does that mean anything other than that they are now looking at my application?
I would greatly appreciate any help with my application. Is this the right place to post something like this? Sorry I am new on this website :smile:


GPA:
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160

Test Scores:
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2) Have you ever participated in high school extracurricular activities such as sports, bands or clubs? Yes
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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

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Profile
1) Academic Achievements
- 4.0 unweighted GPA
- 4.11 weighted GPA
- Awarded Regis Jesuit's Highest Honors-9, 10, 11
- The Mary Shelley British Literature Award-10
- Honors/AP Science, Math, History, and English-9, 10, 11



2) Athletic Achievements
- Varsity Letter-Cross Country- 11
- Varsity Letter-Track- 9, 10, 11
- Track Captain-nominated by the head coach and voted by teammates. Criteria for selection includes commitment, consistency, motivation, and trustworthiness- 10, 11
- Awarded Most Outstanding Hurdles- Track and Field-10
- State Qualifier in the 300m Hurdles- 5A Track and Field- 10


3) Civic Involvements
- Regis Jesuit Arrupe (Service) Club- 9, 10
- Regis Jesuit Justice League- 9, 10, 11
- Served in homeless outreach, elderly care, and hippotherapy- 9, 10
- Volunteer in my church nursery and active member of church's youth group-9, 10, 11
- Volunteer at local Head-start branch-Creative Options-11


4) Work/Job Experience
- Youth volleyball referee and substitute coach- Average 4 hours per week- South Metro Volleyball Club- 11
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5) Leadership Positions
- Co-President of the Regis Jesuit Video Game Club- 11
- Co-President of the Regis Jesuit Art Club- 9, 10
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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.)
- Maternal and Paternal great-grandfathers served in WWII
- Maternal Grandfather served in US National Guard
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^^^So far you look good! The only thing to keep in mind is that SS is an outreach program for the Academy. Being that you are from Colorado may not weigh in your favor. Even if you are not accepted to Summer Seminar(not saying you aren't going to be, but just in case), do fill out the regular application, many who have not gotten into Summer Seminar go on to be outstanding cadets at USAFA. The "under review" part is typical. If you think of anything else to add, by all means update your file as soon as possible.
 
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