What is the purpose of going to summer seminar?

[sarahkatherine]

I'm contemplating whether or not to apply. I'm curious as to whether or not it influences the application process when applying to the actual academy. How competitive is it?

 

[Dad]

I'm contemplating whether or not to apply. I'm curious as to whether or not it influences the application process when applying to the actual academy. How competitive is it?

The purpose is to give rising seniors a chance to sample cadet life. The competition is very keen. Probably more so than for Academy admission. It has little impact on your actual application. It is a rolling admission so the sooner the better.

 

[USAF52]

Even though it doesn't affect your application process (other than being another activity on your resume), I would definitely recommend it if you are considering the AFA. For my son, it really cemented the desire to attend (he's there now as a C4C--freshman--and happy in his decision to attend). But for a couple people in his group that week, they realized that the structure, discipline, restrictions, etc. weren't for them. While there, you'll attend a couple classes, practice the events for the fitness test you'll have to take as part of the application process, experience being a doolie for a day as the cadre order you around and you eat at attention, etc., play some sports, plus many other things.

If you're considering it, like Dad said, the sooner you apply the better. I believe the deadline is Feb. 28.

 

[profsparrow]

DS was privileged to be selected to go last summer. He was shocked to be greeted with Starbucks coffee, doughnuts, and smiling welcomes. He (and we) expected the whole experience to be like "Doolie Day." When he inquired as to why the great welcome and coddling treatment he was told that they were trying to impress the attendees to choose USAFA. Of course they treated them like doolies on Doolie Day, but the rest of the time it was about showing off the facility, the academics, and of course the Academy's commitment to producing officers of great moral character to lead our country's Airmen. It cemented his decision to become to attend a military academy.

 

[USAFA 2016 Hopeful]

Though I know others have already posted about the same topic I thought I would give my experience on the Summer Seminar. First, to answer your question, attending doesn't make you that much more competitive, like others said it is just another activity. The good thing about it is when you apply they keep all of your information on a file so you kind of have a "head start" on the application process.
Beyond that the experience is amazing. I got the privilege of attending last summer and it wasn't what I was expecting but in a good way. I already knew I wanted to apply to the USAFA but it makes you realize how great of an institution it is. I took classes, participated in PT, toured the facilities, stayed in the dorms, and took part in many other activities. The atmosphere was relaxed because it wasn't meant to scare away the attendees but to get them interested. One of the best parts for me was the group I was with. We had nine people in our group, three girls and six guys, and even though we only spent the week together I felt as if I had known them for much longer. I still keep in contact with some of them.
The Summer Seminar allows a student an unparalleled look at the USAFA that is helps an applicant become inspired to apply. It was by far the best part of my summer that year and I can honestly say I left it unwillingly and anticipated the next time I would see the USAFA again. It's amazing what can be packed into one week; there was never a dull moment.
If you are playing with the idea of applying then go ahead and do it. What is there to lose?

 

[sarahkatherine]

Thank you for the answers! I decided to apply. I had a rough draft of the application already made but I just need to put the finishing touches on it before sending it. Thanks again for the insight!

 

[andrewpatrick]

My DS attended the summer seminar at both the USAFA and the USNA, it was an outstanding experience and you made the right decision to apply!