When does USAFA stop giving LOA's?
- Thread starter mckenyan
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Christcorp
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The academies can give out LOA's as long as they feel like it. But the questions you have to ask yourself is: Why do you think you should get an LOA? and: Why does it matter if you get an LOA? Basically; I'm not saying that it wouldn't be nice; but there is no difference between getting an LOA and not getting one and receiving your appointment the way the normal 80-90% of applicants get their appointment. If your total score from all of your application is HIGH ENOUGH; then you'll get an appointment. If it's not high enough, unfortunately you won't get an appointment. LOA's are usually given to those that I call, for lack of a better term, the "No Brainers Club". In other words, traditionally, their overall score is so high, that no matter what the other applicants do, they are going to get an appointment. They give the LOA as a way to "SCHMOOZE" them into being excited and not applying to another school or academy. But LOA's are very rare. This is a forum; where about 1% of all applicants visit. Whether you see/read/hear a lot of people getting or not getting an LOA on this forum, is not indicative of any meaningful statistic. You could get an LOA; or not. You can get an appointment in Feb, Mar, April, may, or June. There are no hard set rules for this.
Not trying to discourage you. On the contrary. I'm trying to make sure you aren't discouraged if in the weeks and months to come, if you don't hear anything, that you don't become discouraged and think you aren't getting an appointment. 80-90% of all cadets didn't get an LOA. And do you know what they call a person at the academy who received an appointment with an LOA or an appointment without an LOA????? They call them BOTH,,,,,, CADET!!!
But I do encourage you, like I tell every single person on these forums; whether the academy is your #1, I've wanted it my entire life, choice or not; APPLY TO AT LEAST 5 OTHER COLLEGES. And don't just settle for State University if the academy falls through. (Unless of course you really wanted to go to state). Anyone who is qualified enough to get into the academy, is qualified enough to get into every other school in the country. Including Harvard, Yale, USC, Stanford, Brown, MIT, or the University of WhereeverthehellIlive. Don't cut yourself short. Even if you received an appointment, a lot can happen between now and june. People get hurt. People change their mind. Family issues come up. All sorts of things. Don't "SETTLE" for a local college if the academy falls through for whatever reason. There isn't a school in the country that you can't get into and afford; if you can get into the academies. You may not get into every school, but you can definitely get into one you want. And if that situation comes up where you didn't or couldn't go to the academy, and you get accepted to a really great university/college, and don't know how to afford it; then contact me in the spring and I'll get you started on the right path.
FWIW; I say this to everyone, so don't think I'm saying you will or won't get into the academy. Just have as many options as you can available. mike....
Not trying to discourage you. On the contrary. I'm trying to make sure you aren't discouraged if in the weeks and months to come, if you don't hear anything, that you don't become discouraged and think you aren't getting an appointment. 80-90% of all cadets didn't get an LOA. And do you know what they call a person at the academy who received an appointment with an LOA or an appointment without an LOA????? They call them BOTH,,,,,, CADET!!!
But I do encourage you, like I tell every single person on these forums; whether the academy is your #1, I've wanted it my entire life, choice or not; APPLY TO AT LEAST 5 OTHER COLLEGES. And don't just settle for State University if the academy falls through. (Unless of course you really wanted to go to state). Anyone who is qualified enough to get into the academy, is qualified enough to get into every other school in the country. Including Harvard, Yale, USC, Stanford, Brown, MIT, or the University of WhereeverthehellIlive. Don't cut yourself short. Even if you received an appointment, a lot can happen between now and june. People get hurt. People change their mind. Family issues come up. All sorts of things. Don't "SETTLE" for a local college if the academy falls through for whatever reason. There isn't a school in the country that you can't get into and afford; if you can get into the academies. You may not get into every school, but you can definitely get into one you want. And if that situation comes up where you didn't or couldn't go to the academy, and you get accepted to a really great university/college, and don't know how to afford it; then contact me in the spring and I'll get you started on the right path.
FWIW; I say this to everyone, so don't think I'm saying you will or won't get into the academy. Just have as many options as you can available. mike....
I'm sorry if this question has been asked before, but I'm not sure where to look for the answer. What happens exactly if someone gets hurt, either before I-Day or during BCT? I mean, if someone gets some kind of infection, breaks a leg, or sprained an ankle, would they get sent back home during BCT?
I guess what I'm asking is, how bad does your condition have to be to get sent home?
Christcorp
15-Year Member
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Generally speaking, you are allowed to miss up to 8 days of BCT Training. The caveat however is that you MUST START BCT training. I.e. If you go to BCT, and your 1st day AFTER SAYING YOUR OATH, you break a leg, and can't complete BCT training (Minus the 8 days you're allowed to miss); then they will send you home. You are GUARANTEED a slot in next year's class. It is recommended that you go to a Comm College or something, to keep up on your academics.
If you get hurt PRIOR to saying your OATH at BCT, or days/weeks before, and can't do BCT; then you will have to apply all over again for the next class. However; I can tell you that they do take that into consideration the next year, and you have a really good shot at getting an appointment. However; it is not guaranteed like if you had actually started BCT. In the 2012 class; after all the trainees got on the bus and drove to the cadet area; one of the trainees FELL off the bus. (Missed that last step). Twisted his knee. Barely could walk. Was sent home that evening or the next day. And had to start all over again.
The only exception; actually was this year; when a couple hundred trainees got the Swine Flu. The Waived the 8 days and allowed them to progress through BCT and on to acceptance day. Hope this helps.... Mike.....
If you get hurt PRIOR to saying your OATH at BCT, or days/weeks before, and can't do BCT; then you will have to apply all over again for the next class. However; I can tell you that they do take that into consideration the next year, and you have a really good shot at getting an appointment. However; it is not guaranteed like if you had actually started BCT. In the 2012 class; after all the trainees got on the bus and drove to the cadet area; one of the trainees FELL off the bus. (Missed that last step). Twisted his knee. Barely could walk. Was sent home that evening or the next day. And had to start all over again.
The only exception; actually was this year; when a couple hundred trainees got the Swine Flu. The Waived the 8 days and allowed them to progress through BCT and on to acceptance day. Hope this helps.... Mike.....
Thanks a lot! That was extremely helpful, though I only have a couple more questions. Just because I love asking questions 
So you're guaranteed a spot next year, as in, you don't have to go through the whole application or nomination process again? Plus, what if you happen to get hurt during BCT the next year as well?
And those who contracted swine flu, did they rest through BCT when they were sick? Just curious.
So you're guaranteed a spot next year, as in, you don't have to go through the whole application or nomination process again? Plus, what if you happen to get hurt during BCT the next year as well?
WOW, that's just absolutely terrible! That's such an unlucky accident, but that's also something you would kick yourself for. Man.
And those who contracted swine flu, did they rest through BCT when they were sick? Just curious.
Christcorp
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The application process is a little different. I'm not sure the actual forms/paperwork/etc... But it's your slot. You don't have to do anything with that year that you're healing. You don't have to go to school. They don't check up on you. As long as you are medically cleared (For whatever it was that got you sent home); and you haven't done anything to get disqualified (Like gain 80 lbs or get arrested); then you're in.
If you are cleared, get back into basic, get hurt again, miss more than 8 training days, and they send you home AGAIN.... Well, you do the SAME THING all over again. Yes, the slot is available to you next year again. I actually know someone who did get sent home a 2nd time from BCT. He was offered the slot again for next year. However; because he did a full year of college the 1st time he was sent home. He did a 2nd year of college the 2nd time he was sent home. He waited until april/may; and turned down the air force academy. (I would too actually.) He had half his college completed already. He joined AFROTC, finished 2 more years; and got his commission as an officer that way. But yes; if you want to come back again, you are more than welcome to. It's your spot.
That's why it's important to have other GOOD schools lined up besides the academy. Yes, you could go to the local community college and keep up on your studies. But it's better to go to a GOOD SCHOOL; forget about the academy (It's still your slot). Have a great freshman year at your college. And then decide in the spring if you want to come back to the academy.
The KEY to happiness in life (Outside of love) is NOT the academy. It's not college. It's not money. It's not your job/career. You know what it is???? It's having OPTIONS. It's being able to make a CHOICE. You can be the manager of Burger King. And if that what YOU CHOSE, because you truly wanted it; then be the best at it and you'll be happy. If you HAD to be at burger king because you didn't have other options, then life sucks.
Get accepted to at least 5 colleges that you really want. (Including the academy). Work out the grants, scholarships, etc... to go to those schools (Not as hard as you think). Then, come Mar/Apr/May, you can make your final choice based on whether you received an appointment or not. Can't tell you how many people concentrated totally on the academy. They kept saying: "This is all I ever wanted". And they didn't apply to any place else. Then, they didn't get an appointment. They wind up at a local community college, state school, or some other place they didn't really want. Of course, they try again next year. That's cool. Some make it; some don't.
I know some of you young men and women won't like what I'm about to say, but you all know me... I don't hold anything back. At 17-18 years old; you have no idea what you want. I don't mean that in a derogatory way. But you say you always wanted the academy; you want to be a pilot or whatever; you want this, and want that. Well, here's what's GOING TO REALLY HAPPEN. You'll get the appointment. You'll be totally ecstatic. And before BCT, you will 2nd guess this decision COUNTLESS times. (Yes, you will). (Yes, others have too). And the closer you get to BCT, the more anxious, scared, and doubtful you'll be. Most of you will get over it. Approximately 50-80 won't, and they'll quit the academy in the 1st year. Why would they quit? Because the academy is NOTHING like you think it is. Yes, many people have explained it to you, but it won't be exactly what you thought it was. Those who stay, will change their mind about what they WANT at least a dozen more times. "My son spent most of his life wanting the military. Wanted to fly. Still does. Declared his major. What's his major???? PRE-MED". He wants to be a doctor. Go figure.
My point is: You are going to change your mind or question yourself, EXACTLY 1,435 times in the next 2 years. Give yourself as many options and thus choices as possible. Have a lot of colleges lined up. Have at least 3 tracts of goals lined up. Remember; the air force academy IS NOT A GOAL!!!! It is simply a MEANS OF REACHING YOUR GOALS. If the academy was your goal, then 4 years later, you might as well go into a retirement home. Your goals should be. 1) What do I want to do as a career? (That will change probably too). 2) Where do I want to perform this career? 3) I eventually want some one to SHARE this career and life with me. Etc... Those are goals. The academy, harvard, USC, active duty, working at Walmart, etc... are all means of helping you reach these goals. Realize the TRUE GOALS; provide yourself with as many options/choices as you can; and you WILL SUCCEED AND BE HAPPY. Best of luck. Mike....
If you are cleared, get back into basic, get hurt again, miss more than 8 training days, and they send you home AGAIN.... Well, you do the SAME THING all over again. Yes, the slot is available to you next year again. I actually know someone who did get sent home a 2nd time from BCT. He was offered the slot again for next year. However; because he did a full year of college the 1st time he was sent home. He did a 2nd year of college the 2nd time he was sent home. He waited until april/may; and turned down the air force academy. (I would too actually.) He had half his college completed already. He joined AFROTC, finished 2 more years; and got his commission as an officer that way. But yes; if you want to come back again, you are more than welcome to. It's your spot.
That's why it's important to have other GOOD schools lined up besides the academy. Yes, you could go to the local community college and keep up on your studies. But it's better to go to a GOOD SCHOOL; forget about the academy (It's still your slot). Have a great freshman year at your college. And then decide in the spring if you want to come back to the academy.
The KEY to happiness in life (Outside of love) is NOT the academy. It's not college. It's not money. It's not your job/career. You know what it is???? It's having OPTIONS. It's being able to make a CHOICE. You can be the manager of Burger King. And if that what YOU CHOSE, because you truly wanted it; then be the best at it and you'll be happy. If you HAD to be at burger king because you didn't have other options, then life sucks.
Get accepted to at least 5 colleges that you really want. (Including the academy). Work out the grants, scholarships, etc... to go to those schools (Not as hard as you think). Then, come Mar/Apr/May, you can make your final choice based on whether you received an appointment or not. Can't tell you how many people concentrated totally on the academy. They kept saying: "This is all I ever wanted". And they didn't apply to any place else. Then, they didn't get an appointment. They wind up at a local community college, state school, or some other place they didn't really want. Of course, they try again next year. That's cool. Some make it; some don't.
I know some of you young men and women won't like what I'm about to say, but you all know me... I don't hold anything back. At 17-18 years old; you have no idea what you want. I don't mean that in a derogatory way. But you say you always wanted the academy; you want to be a pilot or whatever; you want this, and want that. Well, here's what's GOING TO REALLY HAPPEN. You'll get the appointment. You'll be totally ecstatic. And before BCT, you will 2nd guess this decision COUNTLESS times. (Yes, you will). (Yes, others have too). And the closer you get to BCT, the more anxious, scared, and doubtful you'll be. Most of you will get over it. Approximately 50-80 won't, and they'll quit the academy in the 1st year. Why would they quit? Because the academy is NOTHING like you think it is. Yes, many people have explained it to you, but it won't be exactly what you thought it was. Those who stay, will change their mind about what they WANT at least a dozen more times. "My son spent most of his life wanting the military. Wanted to fly. Still does. Declared his major. What's his major???? PRE-MED". He wants to be a doctor. Go figure.
My point is: You are going to change your mind or question yourself, EXACTLY 1,435 times in the next 2 years. Give yourself as many options and thus choices as possible. Have a lot of colleges lined up. Have at least 3 tracts of goals lined up. Remember; the air force academy IS NOT A GOAL!!!! It is simply a MEANS OF REACHING YOUR GOALS. If the academy was your goal, then 4 years later, you might as well go into a retirement home. Your goals should be. 1) What do I want to do as a career? (That will change probably too). 2) Where do I want to perform this career? 3) I eventually want some one to SHARE this career and life with me. Etc... Those are goals. The academy, harvard, USC, active duty, working at Walmart, etc... are all means of helping you reach these goals. Realize the TRUE GOALS; provide yourself with as many options/choices as you can; and you WILL SUCCEED AND BE HAPPY. Best of luck. Mike....
Heh heh, spoken with the wisdom of the ages 
. Thanks a lot sir, I really appreciate the time and effort you put into your posts for our sake! That post is going to help me put some things into perspective some time in the future if I happen to not receive an appointment to the academy, I'll look back on that post and I'll think "You know, I can take other paths to get to what I want (which at this point is the obvious: serve in the air force, become an officer, fly, all that sweetness), and maybe along the way I might ultimately decide just maybe it wasn't what I wanted after all because at least I'll have options now, there's no need to cry!" 
I'm willing to challenge that number.
. Thanks a lot sir, I really appreciate the time and effort you put into your posts for our sake! That post is going to help me put some things into perspective some time in the future if I happen to not receive an appointment to the academy, I'll look back on that post and I'll think "You know, I can take other paths to get to what I want (which at this point is the obvious: serve in the air force, become an officer, fly, all that sweetness), and maybe along the way I might ultimately decide just maybe it wasn't what I wanted after all because at least I'll have options now, there's no need to cry!" I'm willing to challenge that number.
Christcorp
15-Year Member
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- May 21, 2008
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- 5,381
Don't you worry. The vast majority of those applying to the academies realize that the academy is a tool. It's a place to learn, mature, grow, and become part of something greater than themselves. And anyone who is considered qualified and becomes a "Candidate" in the application process, is definitely above most of their peers. You/them are qualified enough to get into most schools in the country. Just don't limit your options and choices. best of luck to you sir. Mike.....