<p>Hey ladies and gentlemen entering with the 53rd class. I am a 4 degree and want to extend an invitation to ask any and all questions. The best thing before you come here is to be curious and get all the info you can. You guys will have a tough year, one of the toughest in your life. I will give you 100% honest answers (unless the info you want is something I cannot tell you, like certain freshman traditions :). Anyways I was walking to the tailor shop today and saw many many BDU’s having the “11” nametape sewn on…your time is almost here. Enjoy your freedom and ask away!</p>
<p>Yup. I was in the mail room and there was a binder labeled "Class of 2011 Mailboxes." It's getting closer!</p>
<p>Anything in particular you regret not doing while you still had your freedom? Any regrets at all? (I know I know, kinda vague, sorry, :) )</p>
<p>Hmm... I don't really regret anything. I do know that I took the little things for granted. Like clothes lol. But yeah, when you get here, you learn to appreciate the small things that they take away from you. </p>
<p>Oh, one thing I didn't do is hang out with my friends enough. I saw them maybe three times in a month and a half. I did get to hang out with my parents most of the time but I really miss my friends.</p>
<p>So basically.. live it up while you have the chance.</p>
<p>I would agree...especially in the few weeks of summer, spend a lot of time out doing fun stuff...go on trips to the mountains/beach/lake/whatever you have in your state, go out with your family...you won't get the same chance again except when you come home for leave...and you'll likely be a bit poorer then. :P</p>
<p>If there's anything you want to do that you won't be able to do while at USAFA, do it. Enjoy home cooked meals and the freedom to come and go as you please (assuming your household allows that ;) )</p>
<p>I have no regrets.</p>
<p>I agree with hornetguy. Enjoy all of your mama's cooking. I miss it so much when I'm here. I mean, we get the vegetable soup or the Asian food at lunch and I just start to CRY. Not really. But yeah. I had a huge list of my favorite dishes for my mom during Christmas and she was so happy to cook for me because she said that she and my dad eat out about 3 times a week now.</p>
<p>When do we declare our major? and do you have to have a certain major to be a pilot?</p>
<p>You can declare it when you first get here or you can wait until early sophomore year if you would like. I just recently declared, while some freshmen knew what they wanted the first week of school and some won't declare for another semester.</p>
<p>As for being a pilot, no. You do not need a specific major to go to UPT (undergraduate pilot training). What you would want a specific major for is if you wanted to go to test pilot school, in which case you would want to take Aeronautical Engineering or something along those lines.</p>
<p>You must declare mid-way through sophomore fall semester at the latest IIRC. I declared in August -- Biochemistry.</p>
<p>They'll have a couple of Major's Nights for you guys... tables set up all along the ha|l w/ the diff. majors so you can decide. I chose Systems Engineering Management.</p>
<p>As far as TPS goes, you just need to have a technical (not fuzzy) degree. This is basically any degree with engineering, math, etc. I am declaring Operations Research (a combination of Math, Computer Science, Management, and Economics), and that counts for TPS.</p>
<p>As far as for the summer, i just reiterate spend time with friends. When they head to college, its easier to see family than friends.</p>
<p>What are the minimum classes you have to take that have nothing to do with your major?</p>
<p>There are certain "CORE" classes you have to take, amounting to 91 hours (guarantees the BS. Some examples are Chemistry, Physics, Calc, Biology, Engineering (intro,aero,astro,electric), Behav science, computer science, economics, law, managment, politcal science, english, history, military strategic studies.</p>
<p>Now, these are spread over the four years, but basically you ahve to take some of everything. It is possible to test out of some classes depending on how much you know (you will take placement tests during BCT. while you may want to sleep, testing out of classes is WAY more beneficial).</p>
<p>"The core curriculum will arm you with the knowledge you need to succeed in today's world with more than 30 courses covering:"</p>
<p>You must take some of all those core courses? Tell me current cadets, is this a lot of schooling that has nothing to do with your major...or do you get to see a lot of your major and core class here and there?</p>
<p>Some of it is irrelevant to your major, yes. But there's always the "it helps to be well rounded" speech i could give, but you've heard it. While CORE doesn't count for major's courses, you ahve to understand them to help in your major. For techies, all the math-type courses are very relavent to your major. So while not all seem to have a point, most will help (form my understanding) in later courses.</p>
<p>What was the hardest part of Basic? Are the upperclassmen constantly hazing you 4 degrees?</p>
<p>haha basic wasnt too bad, it was hard to see friends quit. The assault course was probably the most physically demanding. The upperclassmen have a LOT of rules to follow and hazing is strictly prohibited. With that said.....there are some things that get on my nerves. 3 degrees on power trips not cool. Good thing it will all be over is 21 days!! :)</p>
<p>Were your classes harder than you expected when you got there?</p>
<p>I currently attend the prep school at Marion Military Institute. I'm sure you 4th degrees have met some. How did they hold up at BCT and during the school year?</p>