<p>So I know it’s all over for us, 2011, but let us reminisce and perhaps offer advice to the 2012ers.<br>
And I just like to talk about it because my application process was soooo much fun! I procrastinated like no other for my Congressional and Senator nomination and on the day it was due, I still had three essays to write for the the Congressman and one for the Senator. On top of that, I had to go to a CIF tennis tournament that day. And I had to take and develop the picture that they want to send in with your application. My friend came over and became my personal assistant for a day carrying my computer and papers around and everything. And at 5:12 I rushed down to the Congressman’s office which closes at 6:00. The man who takes care of everything was talking to someone else who just turned their application in so I waited outside and when they walked out the guy was in his sea cadets(?) uniform looking all sharp and I’m wearing sandals, jeans, and this nasty sweater and I was like, “uhh…hi…?”
And the day of the interview, lo and behold, my roommate from summer seminar walks in! We just chatted away while everyone else sat there nervously. I was so excited for my interview that I started rambling incessantly to the board. At one point, I told them how I got a bloody nose when I met my roommate and when they asked me what leadership skills I posess, I told them that people love to listen to me because I’m so charming…yeah, I don’t even know. But it’s pretty hilarious to look back on. But yeah, I had a lot of fun applying.</p>
<p>Oh gosh it was quite a long trip and I don't even remember when it all started.
I guess it was... feb of my junior year? Over a year ago damn.
Emotional rollercoaster. Stalking the mail man every day. Making phone calls, interviews with a panel of 7 looking right at me in a semi-circle and me in the middle, yikes. Workin out for the CFA.
Do not ever ask a teacher on short notice to write you a letter of recommendation!</p>
<p>It truly was quite an adventure haha. Looking back, I would have done it all again in a heartbeat.</p>
<p>It's all worth it once you get that phone call saying that you got in to the Academy Prep School (in my case) and, if all goes well, a spot in the class of 2012
~To all of you just starting, keep your eye on the prize.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Start early.</p>
<p>Wow, it was a wild ride for me. I didn't have the most impressive resume, but I got into Summer Seminar really early, I was not in shape physically in mid-July, but was by Sept 1st when I took my CFA. I got my Congressional Nomination 2 weeks after the interview, and they said I rocked. Then I had to wait 3+1/2 months for the acceptance, and now I am counting down the days till I-day. During the process I was so scared that I would mess something up, but now that I have that letter of acceptance I just laugh every time I think of how long the application process was, and how scared I was that I wouldn't make it in. Good times. =)</p>
<p>I for sure don't even remember half the things that I had to do. All I remember is the interviews (both congressional and with my LO) always being delayed...and finally getting my acceptance letter. Of course there was the CFA during school and whatnot...but for the most part, it has become a blur. Probably because I never felt like I was screwing up, or that I wouldn't get in.</p>
<p>But advice...do everything right away...I know people told me that and I didn't listen either...but it's good advice nonetheless.
Best of luck!</p>
<p>What you are doing is called, in the military, an "After Action Review." It's an incredibly effective system that the military uses to continuously improve. It looks at the good, the bad and the ugly and helps to avoid mistakes and repeat successes in the future. EVERYONE invovled ina mission participates. It's so effective, the business world has tried to copy it. Wonder if any4-digs or other AF folks have come across this.</p>
<p>I will be doing one in MSS class in 3 weeks or so for our wargaming classes.</p>