What do my chances at the U.S. Air Force Academy look like so far?

[robertwilliams10]

I am currently a sophomore at a top college preparatory school in my area. In my freshman year, I took two honors classes, Chemistry Honors, which is usually taken by strong juniors, and Geometry Honors, which is usually taken by strong freshman or sophomores. However, I didn't do so well in these two classes (around a C average for both Chemistry Honors and Geometry Honors). The English and History courses were the same for every freshman, but I believe I would have been in honors classes, if they were offered (around a B in English and around an A for History). I took the maximum number of courses available to a freshman, including two electives, Multimedia Design and Band. I had two unsuccessful campaigns for school vice president and school treasurer, but I was elected class representative for the ninth grade class. Over the course of my freshman year, I had over 50 community service hours, which earned me Community Service Honors. I was also a member of my church's youth group. I was cast in my school's spring drama production, and wrote and performed a play for a school drama festival. I did not participate in my school's athletic program in my freshman year, as I was focusing on my academics during the transition from a small Catholic middle school to a rigorous college preparatory school.

During the summer between my freshman and sophomore years was when I was inspired to attend the Academy. I don't remember what triggered this sudden desire to serving in the Air Force, but I felt that it was something I needed to do. Due to this increasing interest, I looked into the U.S. Air Force Academy. After doing some research, I realized that this is somewhere I want to attend, to better myself and my country.

In my sophomore year, I took three honors classes, Biology Honors, Spanish II Honors, and Algebra II Honors, and an Advanced Placement course, AP World History. I am taking the maximum number of courses available to a sophomore, including Intro to Computer Science and Band. I was elected a class representative for the tenth grade class, but later resigned that position, as I was elected school secretary, the highest school government official a sophomore could be elected. I also participated in the Model Congress, Model UN, and Euro Challenge teams at my school. Over the course of my sophomore year, I had over 50 community service hours, which earned me Community Service Honors. During the summer before my sophomore year, I volunteered at the hospital where my mother works five days out of most weeks during summer. I was also a member of my church's youth group. I was cast in my school's fall drama production, and wrote and performed a play for a school drama festival. I was a member of my school's Junior Varsity Basketball team and Junior Varsity Lacrosse team. For next year, I am considering joining the Cross Country team at my school. I am also considering the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program for next year.

Looking at this, what would you say my chances at receiving a Congressional nomination and an offer of admission into the U.S. Air Force Academy?

 

[JohnUSAFA]

I would have preferred a bulleted form
but after sifting through this:

Your extracurriculars are particularly strong and you already have quite a bit of leadership.

I can't say anything about your academics, if you could give me your GPA (weighter and unweighted) as well as current class rank I can assist you

So far, your athletics are good, try to get on the varsity teams and letter in them, and if possible, become captain.

It's too early to make any judgement as to how well you'll do, but so far you're a strong candidate, and provided that you follow this track, should be a contender for a nomination/appointment.


I suggest starting your SAT/ACT prep if you haven't already, as well as taking multiple AP classes. IIRC, your prior academic record is 60% of your WCS.

Definitely apply for the summer seminar next year.

What state/district are you in?

 

[AFAYahoo]

Robert--

Sports--You said you did JV basketball and lacrosse and are thinking of doing cross country. Continue with basketball and lacrosse--continuity is good. Hopefully you'll make varsity next year, and maybe be captain senior year--that would give you more leadership experience. Run cross country if its something that truly interests you. Don't do it just as a resume filler--usually that becomes obvious in an interview (with your ALO or MOC committee).

Academics--Work hard on this. If you had a C average in 2 classes, your GPA after just 2 years probably is a bit lower than where it should be. My son didn't do Civil Air Patrol so I don't know what all is involved, but if it will make it hard (time wise) to maintain academics (and sports, student gov't, drama--all the other stuff you already do) then think long and hard about it. You don't want to spread yourself too thin so that things suffer. Also, like John said, prep for the ACT/SAT and plan on taking them more than once.

Fitness--You won't take the fitness assessment (as part of your application) until after your junior year but it wouldn't hurt to take a look at what's involved this summer and figure out how you can prepare over the fall/winter/spring so that you are ready next year.

You've got a lot going for you with your extra curriculars, just keep on working on the other areas to present a solid package when you do apply.

 

[HueyNation]

Have a look at the following link:

What are my chances of getting into a service academy?

Although its posted under the USNA section, it pretty much applies to all service academies identically, including AFA.