Visiting USAFA

[TFO4175]

I am a candidate for the USAFA class of 2023 and I have everything already squared away as far as my application goes. Everything is already submitted on my end, I've finished my interview, and all of my Letters of Recommendations as well as items my councilors need to send in are sent. My application reads Complete, so this is concerning what I can do now that I'm done to better my chances. I would love to visit the academy but bus tickets from Dallas aren't necessarily cheap. I know that the Academy is definitely my number one choice and that given an appointment I 100% will attend. So with this in mind, would visiting give me an edge as far showing further interest or networking to make my application stand out and is it worth it? Thank you for your time.

 

[FMHS-79]

IMHO, traveling to USAFA has value in helping confirm that it is the right fit for you -- I would not travel to Colorado Springs with the assumption that the visit would help "buy" you an extra edge against your competition.

 

[MidCakePa]

If it’s your 100% first choice, save your money and skip the trip. Now, should you receive offer of appointment, I’d definitely recommend going up to visit and taking a tour before making your final decision. It’ll help confirm things in your mind — not unusual to have pre-decision jitters — and it’ll be nice to see the place before showing up that first day next summer. (For example, you’ll see exactly the impact high altitude has on you.) Best wishes.

 

[MidwestDad]

IMHO you should visit any and every institution you may spend 4 years at. Took DS to CO early April 10 days before decision deadline, almost changed his mind vs USMA.

 

[fencersmother]

Unless offered a free recruiting trip, your visit will not help your application, though it may help you decide your future path.

I never recommend minors travel alone to any place. Just my mom hat on, that.

 

[TFO4175]

UPDATE: Looking at my schedule coming up and money I have saved up, I have decided to definitely visit. So, I would like to ask what would be the best time to visit and if there are any programs or special tours that I should look out for while planning. If anyone has any other additional information regarding traveling and staying in Colorado Springs, please don't hesitate to reply.
Also I am 18, not saying I am an adult by any means just for travel purposes.

 

[TFO4175]

IMHO, traveling to USAFA has value in helping confirm that it is the right fit for you -- I would not travel to Colorado Springs with the assumption that the visit would help "buy" you an extra edge against your competition.

I sincerely hope that I did not give off the impression as trying to "buy myself an extra advantage." I posed the question for the value of visiting even though I know that USAFA is my first choice and thank you for your input.

 

[mintyicedtea]

I would like to ask what would be the best time to visit and if there are any programs or special tours that I should look out for while planning.

At this point in the process, the best time to visit would be after you receive an appointment. USAFA will have special programs for appointees in the spring.

 

[THParent]

There are regularly-scheduled "Discover USAFA" events which are aimed at "applicants who are eligible and interested in applying to USAFA"
They include an admissions briefing, Q&A session and a guided walking tour of the cadet area.
Here are the dates: https://www.academyadmissions.com/visit-the-academy/escorted-tours/
They go from 1345 to 1630 each day and typically have a limit of 120 people.

If you want to just do the briefing and Q&A session and walk around on a self-guided tour, you can do the "Explore USAFA" option.