Air Force Academy & High School Athletics

Colleges and Universities A-Z Air Force Academy - Colorado Springs
1

<p>I’ve considered applying to one of the service academies before, and I recently heard about the Air Force Academy’s summer seminar. I plan on applying to the summer program to get a better idea of what the Air Force and the academy are like.</p>

<p>I have very strong academic and leadership skills. Here’s a brief rundown:
Grade: Currently a junior.
ACT: 29 (from 10th grade)
PSAT: 198
GPA (3.9 out of 4.0)
Leadership:

  1. Owner and founder of successful Internet business earning thousands per year.
  2. Web design for school and local hospital.
  3. Internship with National Park Service’s National Center for Preservation Technology & Training as part of school’s required work service.
  4. 200+ service hours at hospital (EMS & IT) and local summer camp.
  5. Won 2nd in state for computer science in 9th grade.
  6. Speech & Debate, Beta Club, Tech Squad, school ambassador, & more.</p>

<p>I attend a state boarding school in Louisiana for academically gifted juniors and seniors where everything is taught on the college level.</p>

<p>The problem: The only mistake I made in high school was not joining an athletic team. I did letter in basketball in 9th grade at a different school for being the team videographer, but that’s it. I do enjoy running in my spare time, however. My friends and I often run on the track or around campus on a course to stay in shape.</p>

<p>I understand all of the service academies require a high level of physical endurance. I am willing to train as much as is needed to get in the right physical shape. </p>

<p>My questions are:

  1. Will not having the right athletic credentials hurt me drastically, or do my leadership and academic achievements make up for it? This is for both the summer program and the academy.
  2. I have plenty of time to get in shape before the summer seminar, if I’m accepted. If I explain to them that I am currently training to get in better shape, will that help my chances? Or is this even necessary?</p>
2

<p>so far everything's nice. i'm gonna say what i know tons are going to repeat: the academy looks for the whole person idea.. while academics make up the largest percent of your total score as a candidate (60%), athletics/leadership make up the next biggest (20%), and the admissions panel [CFA, ALO interview, writing] makes up 20%. best advice i'd say is join a varsity team your senior year and excel in it.. over 80% of people at the academy have a letter in some sport. i'm sure it'd be great if you could play a sport, it'd only help.. i cant answer about the summer seminar, but i think they go off of ACT/SAT scores mainly. The academy definitely requires excellent physical shape...
--all info came from 06-07 academy catalog</p>

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<p>Yes. Join a team sport.</p>

4

<p>Sleepy: There was another thread similiar to this one and can be located at <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/air-force-academy-colorado-springs/427099-high-school-varsity-sports-importance.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/air-force-academy-colorado-springs/427099-high-school-varsity-sports-importance.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

5

<p>There's still time... If I were you I would join a sport now for the spring and choose a sport for next fall as well. This summer maybe consider playing a club sport in your community if possible? You don't necessarily have to have varsity sports to get in, but you definitely need to have a greater athletic component. I think you look like a great candidate though! If you get on that ASAP I think you have a great chance of getting an appointment!</p>