<p>Hi everyone, I’ve been doing a lot of a research about the AFA, but the website is only telling me so much. I was hoping you guys would be able to answer some of my questions. I’m interested in engineering, I’m thinking astronautical or aeronautical, and the programs at the AFA look fantastic!</p>
<p>Some quick information about me… I’m a junior attending HS outside of Rochester, NY, my unweighted GPA is 3.73, I’m 16th in my class of 391, I’ve played V lacrosse since 9th grade, V XC since 10th, and I’m currently running V indoor track. I’m involved in jazz, honor society, other clubs, and I’m involved in various things for the board of education and principle. I’m taking two AP courses in my junior year, and definitely plan on taking at more my senior year.</p>
<p>I definitely want to be challenged in college, and am not looking for a college experience that consists of the “usual” college stuff. After college I would like to be an engineer in the AF, and later possibly work for NASA. So far everything I’ve read about the AFA, I’ve liked, but I have a few questions… Is the AFA a better choice with what I want to do after college than say ROTC at another college? or even just attending another four year college and doing OTS after I graduate? In the AFA, can cadets change majors? Also should I try to attend the Summer Seminar if possible? Living in NY, is the seminar worth the cost, especially if I’m really considering it? I haven’t talked to my parents much about this yet (not sure of the reaction… haha) but after doing a bunch of reading I’ve really liked what I’ve read. 
Thanks, Lauren</p>
<p>Well I'd have to say, I think that for what you want to do, the AFA is a better choice. The AFA has a highly ranked Aero/Astro engineering program, and you'd be guaranteed a job in the AF for at least 5 yrs. You could also pursue graduate studies at the expense of the AF. From what I've heard, it's more difficult to change majors and you choose one and start your track the second semester of your first year. I never attended Summer Seminar but I've heard very good things. It supposedly helps to have on the application, and it could give you a really good picture as to what life at the AFA would be like if you chose it.</p>
<p>Thanks USAFA2011 for the advice. I'm talking to my counselor tomorrow at school about the AFA and college, etc. We'll see what she can tell me too. :)</p>
<p>I suggest you apply to Summer Seminar - even though you don't know for sure if you want to go - it is always good to keep options open and you can turn it down if you don't want to go but if you don't apply you wouldn't get to go and it doesn't cost anything to apply to Summer Seminar. Apply now, the earlier you apply it helps you.</p>
<p>OK, the free application is a plus, and if I am accepted I'm not obligated to go. If I choose to go then I pay the registration fee when I decide, I assume. I would really like to go, right now its depending on flights and money and my parents, but they're reasonable. I'll keep my fingers crossed and work on my application.</p>
<p>It doesn't cost anything to apply to SS, but it does cost $300 if you are accepted and I don't think that includes airfare.</p>
<p>On AFA, if you are looking for an aero/astro school, AFA is definitely the way to go. As USAFA2011 said and IIRC it is the top 1 or 2 in both those categories and gives you not only an awesome education but it is great for leadership development and service academy graduates are looked highly upon in the civilian workforce. As for SS definitely apply and pursue it greatly. From what I have heard (I too will hopefully be applying to SS and am a junior) SS does a great job predicting whether you will like the academy or not and whether you think it is where you will want to spend the next four years of your life.</p>
<p>Good Luck (by the way I live in Elmira, 2 hours south)</p>
<p>Cool, my mom grew up in near Binghamton. Because you live in NY too are you going to miss Regents exams too if you go? What are you looking to go for? I checked the AFA site and it says the seminar cost $350, but I figure if I find out that I love it or even hate it, it'll be worth the money to know. Good luck with everything. :)</p>
<p>USAFA opens many more doors in the military and in the civilian workforce. Number 2 rated undergrad Aero program. Even so, you have to WANT to go to USAFA for more than its studies and a path to something like NASA; you need to have a desire to really serve this country and be able to suck it up when times are REAL tough (ie freshman life). If that's your case, then go for it. Start talking to your parents about it, feed them info, etc. They will be invaluable to your application process, its very long and complicated.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>