What academics got you into USAFA?

[Hussain2008]

As a highschool student hoping to make it to USAFA, I was curious about what got other people into USAFA, (Academics, extracurriculars, SAT/ACT grades) to see what more I could do to make my dreams a reality. Alternatively, if you are USAFA faculty I would love to know what classes and sat scores students had in highschool coming into the academy.

 

[MidCakePa]

As a highschool student hoping to make it to USAFA, I was curious about what got other people into USAFA, (Academics, extracurriculars, SAT/ACT grades) to see what more I could do to make my dreams a reality.

Let’s simplify this. Go to the primary source, starting with USAFA’s website. Find the latest class profile, which offers an overview of the class’s academic, athletic and leadership credentials. It shows what you’re up against, or looking to join, depending on your perspective.

Then go to the website’s admissions page, where USAFA is very clear about what classes and activities will make you a competitive candidate. It’s all there! Spend meaningful time reviewing every page, tab, link and pull-down. If you need clarification beyond that, we’re here for you.

 

[Seniormom]

USAFA admissions did a presentation at summer seminar. Take the hardest academic classes that your school offers AND that you can handle. It is highly recommended that you take AP Physics (if offered) and calculus. Study for ACT or SAT! Unlike civilian college admissions, test scores are required and important. Admissions said academics worth 50%, extra curricular (leadership) worth 20%, CFA 5%, interview 5% and admissions review committee 20%. Good luck!

 

[Academician]

As an AFA graduate and a former AFA Physics instructor, I can tell you that academic credentials and prior high school courses are not shared details with either classmates or faculty. You earned the right to be there, so the assumption is that you can do the work. Learning 'how' to study and taking challenging academic courses (as recommended by USAFA and the other SA's) are key steps. I tell my students today that drive, determination and self-discipline are important. In many ways, like muscles, they get stronger with practice and use. Best of luck with your journey!

 

[flieger83]

Read AcadAdmCoach's comments above, especially this: "Learning 'how' to study and taking challenging academic courses (as recommended by USAFA and the other SA's) are key steps. I tell my students today that drive, determination and self-discipline are important. In many ways, like muscles, they get stronger with practice and use."

I was "all that and a bag of chips" from high school, except my SAT scores were lousy. It took me going to NWPS to fix that problem. I got to USAFA on try #2.

And at the end of my doolie year, I sat at the very end of a long, polished to a bright shine, table, with an O-6 at the other end, and various O-5s and O-4s on both sides. Their purpose that day was to find out if there was any reason for that O-6 to NOT sign my disenrollment paperwork for academic failure. Calculus III.

I had the drive, the determination, and the self-discipline, what I did NOT have were study habits and time management skills.

Long story short, he didn't sign the form. My excessive (142 hours in one semester) amount of EI (extra instruction, one-on-one with my instructor) made him think I'd given my all, and "THEY" hadn't taught me. So it was off to summer school where "THEY" were successful in teaching me.

Learning HOW to study, and HOW to manage your time...those are the two that I really wish someone had told me about and then helped me to learn/master. It wasn't the academics, it's the skillset. It's not just the academics you have, but the skillset you bring to the academics that will decide your success.

Come fully armed!!!

 

[T-37IP]

EI (extra instruction) is a Godsend. Don't let your pride get in the way. Go even if you don't think you need it! There is no down side!

 

[foxtail1027]

As a highschool student hoping to make it to USAFA, I was curious about what got other people into USAFA, (Academics, extracurriculars, SAT/ACT grades) to see what more I could do to make my dreams a reality. Alternatively, if you are USAFA faculty I would love to know what classes and sat scores students had in highschool coming into the academy.

I had a 3.95 unweighted GPA and a superscore of 32 on the ACT (28 Eng, 35 Math, 33 Reading, 31 Sci). Did not take the SAT.

 

[RunningMom]

As a highschool student hoping to make it to USAFA, I was curious about what got other people into USAFA, (Academics, extracurriculars, SAT/ACT grades) to see what more I could do to make my dreams a reality. Alternatively, if you are USAFA faculty I would love to know what classes and sat scores students had in highschool coming into the academy.

The best advice that my DD's AF mentor gave her was keep taking the ACT until she hit or went over 30. She had a 4.5 GPA, tons of AP classes, sports, leadership, NJROTC, etc. Once she hit the magic number and the score was reported, she got her appointment. Hard work pays off. Good luck!