What lacks did I have in my application?

[IDKwhatusertoput]

Sadly, I was rejected by the USAFA the second time now. Not to sound cocky, but I was much more optimist about my second application, mostly because I improved a lot since the first one. I was really hoping for at least a seat at prep school since I meet pretty much all their posted requirements. Because I got denied for the second time, I'd wish to at least know what did I not have good enough.

- I'm an international citizen with multi cultural background (perfectly fluent in English and Romanian)
- My brother graduated from USAFA in 2018
- My HS gpa was around 3.9-4 (9.40 in the Romanian system)
- My SAT scores were 630 English, 670 Math
- I had an additional college class in College Algebra (final grade of A)
- I have 3 medals at the National Championship at Karate (2 bronze and 1 silver) and 3 medals at the Multi State level
- Class president for Junior and Sophomore years
- Worked as a translator for American teams serving in Gypsy villages
- Many many extracurricular activities regarding leadership: worked at an organization as a mentor for elementary kids, Sunday school teacher, organized AirSoft championships for youth, organizer for summer camps, team captain for school volleyball championship, won second place at public speaking competition, etc.
- Part of HS exchange groups in Western Europe
- CFA test: Basketball throw: 92ft, 16 pull-ups, 96 sit-ups, 65 push-ups, one mile run: 7min

This would sum up my application. Please note that I applied for the VP Nomination and didn't receive it... (so prep school was the only option left)

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[hambam]

Just to clarify, did you receive any nominations at all, or did you only apply for the VP nom?

The one thing that stands out to me is the SAT score while not bad by any means could benefit you if it was a little higher.

There are always other factors like the quality of your essays or if there were any major red flags raised in your interview but sometimes it just comes down to there not being enough space for someone who may be otherwise qualified.

 

[hopefulmom182]

Also, what have you done since your first application? 4 year college with ROTC participation? Prep?

 

[IDKwhatusertoput]

Just to clarify, did you receive any nominations at all, or did you only apply for the VP nom?

The one thing that stands out to me is the SAT score while not bad by any means could benefit you if it was a little higher.

There are always other factors like the quality of your essays or if there were any major red flags raised in your interview but sometimes it just comes down to there not being enough space for someone who may be otherwise qualified.

Thank you for your reply!

I did not receive a nomination. Because I live outside of the US, the only nomination I was eligible was the VP one. Concerning the essays, I sent them to a naval officer who worked with the admissions at USNA and to my ALO from USAFA. Both said that my essays were very solid and good.

 

[IDKwhatusertoput]

Also, what have you done since your first application? 4 year college with ROTC participation? Prep?

I took an online class with Cedarville University in College Algebra. My final grade was 95%. Because I don't live in the US, I couldn't go and attend a university for just one year. Moreover, it would have been impossible for me to afford it (that single class took all the money I had).
Besides that, I took the SAT again and got better score. I also competed at the National Championship again and won a new medal and many other different extracurricular activities.

 

[PositiveEnergy]

I took an online class with Cedarville University in College Algebra. My final grade was 95%. Because I don't live in the US, I couldn't go and attend a university for just one year. Moreover, it would have been impossible for me to afford it (that single class took all the money I had).
Besides that, I took the SAT again and got better score. I also competed at the National Championship again and won a new medal and many other different extracurricular activities.

It seems like your SAT could use some improvement, if you can’t get it into the 1430+ range that will make you look much more competitive. Coming from a foreign school system puts more weight on your SAT score so improvement there is what is gonna be best.

 

[IDKwhatusertoput]

It seems like your SAT could use some improvement, if you can’t get it into the 1430+ range that will make you look much more competitive. Coming from a foreign school system puts more weight on your SAT score so improvement there is what is gonna be best.

Thank you for the info!

 

[fullspeedahead]

Do you have any college opportunities from the country where you are from? Also, are you an American citizen living abroad or are you a foreigner looking to study at USAFA? Just wanted a clarification before giving bad advice.

 

[kinnem]

Thank you for your reply!

I did not receive a nomination. Because I live outside of the US, the only nomination I was eligible was the VP one. Concerning the essays, I sent them to a naval officer who worked with the admissions at USNA and to my ALO from USAFA. Both said that my essays were very solid and good.

I'm assuming your a US citizen. Doesn't your family have an address in the states? I would think you could have applied to the MOCs for that location.

 

[CGA applicant 2024]

Its for sure the fact that you didn't have nominations. I had a senatorial and congressional nom and just as good academics and extracurriculars as you and was rejected. Just not many slots and many competitive applicants.

 

[PositiveEnergy]

Its for sure the fact that you didn't have nominations. I had a senatorial and congressional nom and just as good academics and extracurriculars as you and was rejected. Just not many slots and many competitive applicants.

there is a nomination that the superintendent can hand out if a candidate is good enough but doesn't have a nomination from other sources, but those are very rare.

 

[CGA applicant 2024]

there is a nomination that the superintendent can hand out if a candidate is good enough but doesn't have a nomination from other sources, but those are very rare.

That is true, but my point is since OP is not exceptional compared to many candidates just like him who have several nominations, he is unlikely to receive an appointment.

 

[CGA applicant 2024]

Also how did you throw a basketball that far lol

 

[PositiveEnergy]

That is true, but my point is since OP is not exceptional compared to many candidates just like him who have several nominations, he is unlikely to receive an appointment.

I agree very much, with some things like his SAT score being where they are it seems extremely unlikely for him to obtain such unless it was like his last time he's able to apply and like his 5th time but even then im unsure about how likely that would be to occur.

 

[IDKwhatusertoput]

Do you have any college opportunities from the country where you are from? Also, are you an American citizen living abroad or are you a foreigner looking to study at USAFA? Just wanted a clarification before giving bad advice.

College opportunities are very weak here in Romania. Also, I'm an American citizen living abroad.

 

[IDKwhatusertoput]

I'm assuming your a US citizen. Doesn't your family have an address in the states? I would think you could have applied to the MOCs for that location.

Sadly, we don't. I tried applying to the Senator and congressman from my state, but we can't. Since we don't pay any taxes there, I can apply for a Nomination.

 

[IDKwhatusertoput]

Its for sure the fact that you didn't have nominations. I had a senatorial and congressional nom and just as good academics and extracurriculars as you and was rejected. Just not many slots and many competitive applicants.

It is just sad that many get direct entry offers just for being good at a sport or in the name of diversity.

 

[IDKwhatusertoput]

Also how did you throw a basketball that far lol

Martial Arts helped me a lot there. I've also trained a lot for it. I'd say it's mostly the angle at which you throw the ball.

 

[BBBRRRTT]

I would say they may have been looking for a little higher level math and although SAT's are good, they may have been more competition with mid 1300's this year. Way to go though, nice bio! Your should go far in plan B!

 

[MidCakePa]

It is just sad that many get direct entry offers just for being good at a sport or in the name of diversity.

And you know this how? There are candidates who receive offer of appointment solely for being good at a sport or for diversity’s sake? Hmmm...that’s an awfully broad brush stroke and quite an indictment. What’s your evidence?

Been around these parts — SAF — for quite a while. Been watching the admissions process — as much as an outsider can — pretty closely. Known quite a few SA grads over the years. Have a kid who applied and won admission to each DOD SA. But haven’t seen anything that indicates this actually is the case.

There’s typically one aspect of a candidate that makes them stand out. They’re typically well-rounded but have something that really makes them seem a great fit for SA and AD. But have yet to see that it’s “just because” of athletics or diversity, as you say.

Somewhat ironic because you point to your national championships in karate and the distinctiveness of being an international candidate with unusual experiences. There’s a saying here about maintaining focus: “Eyes in the boat.” Raise that SAT score and show that you can do college-level work, especially in STEM, e.g. calculus, chemistry, English. Don’t look for excuses elsewhere — pay attention to yourself and what you need to do to become worthy.