Chances

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

<p>Hey, sorry to post another one of these but really not feeling confident that i have the qualifications to apply to AFA or be particularly competitive. I’m a junior at a competitive suburban NY school.</p>

<p>My academics dont worry me so much, i’ve taken the PSAT and got a 213- (73M, 72V, 68W). I have a 3.97 U/W GPA, 4.49 weighted. Already taken 2 aps, 5’s on both, taking 5 this year and probably another 5 next year. I think i’m number 3 or 4 in the class of about 375. My school related extracurriculars include NHS, Academic league, science olympiad, new jersey science league, math league, and a bunch of odd competitions and honors societies, mostly science related. </p>

<p>In terms of athletics i only play one sport. I’ve been on the varsity team since freshman year, but i’ve seen that most applicants devote their time to a bunch of different sports. I also play for a competitive club team that goes to competitive tournaments around the US maybe 2 times a year and plays in a premier league of teams from new england and the upper mid atlantic states. However, i don’t do track and fear that m only playing one sport could hurt me. Also, i don’t estimate my CFA scores to be that great. I can do about 8 pullups 55 pushups 5:49 mile. I haven’t done the situps recently but think i can do about 75 and haven’t attempted the basketball throw but i have a relatively weak upper body so that isn’t looking good. The above listed scores probably won’t be as good after i’ve performed them in quick succession on the CFA either. My team goes to the gym 3 times a week and i pushups and core-muscle exercises every night so i hope this can rectify some of my shortcomings. </p>

<p>Also, for civics/leadership- i have no military or flight related activities. I do have community service with my ambulance corps- i’ve already ridden 200+ hours and i’m a certified first responder, and i’ll have some school service with NHS but that’s about it. For leadership i’m a first lieutenant in my ambulance corps and should be VP or President next year, i hold a position in the math honors society, and i should be captain of the school soccer team next year but that’s it. </p>

<p>One of the big problems is that my family is not military oriented in the least. I’ve never done JROTC or AFJROTC, i’ve never done CAP, and they always associate the military with me getting killed, and my dad doesn’t really take me seriously. I’ve explained that i want to serve my country and that my life as a citizen without that would be largely unfulfilled. They’ve expressed interest in the summer seminar such that i could try it out but that conflicts with my final exam dates (were i to get it). </p>

<p>I would appreciate any evaluations / suggestions as to my applicant status or status with parents</p>

2

<p>I think you look pretty solid. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>Dude, you look golden.</p>

<p>Keep it up..wow.</p>

<p>I wouldn't worry about military experience. I would say the academy wants to see leadership before hand. Unlike military experience in which you shall receive lots of during your years at the academy.</p>

<p>I suppose with your parents, persuade them steadily about the idea. Be honest though. Maybe try having your ALO sit down with them and talk about the enormous opportunities for a cadet. All in all, I am sure you have done your share of convincing and research on the academy, if you haven't, read everything you can about the academy and use that information to persuade them.</p>

<p>Good luck man! You look solid as dyenior_2008 said. </p>

<p>Remember, if you want it bad enough you will get it.</p>

4

<p>What sport are you playing? Having only one sport is not a drawback at all -- particuarly if you excel and/or show leadership in it. As for the CFA, just practice -- A LOT and you should be fine. Everything else looks terrific so all in, I;d say your chances are excellent. You remind me of hornetguy (great academics but maybe a little less on the athletic) and he'll probably comment as well!</p>

5

<p>lol, great timing AFDAD. Yes, I think you're fine. Academics are a key, and you have them solid. Since you have the varsity sport, athletics are fine. Your running is solid and it looks like your good in other CFA events. Also, your extracurricular's are very strong. I'd give you a thumbs up with the knowledge I have.</p>

6

<p>Not really sure how you can't be confident with that kind of a resume...hm.</p>

<p>Nice though.</p>

7

<p>Well, you scored higher than me in almost everything.</p>

8

<p>Honestly like everyone else said you look really good. I mean ya your only doing that one sport, but everything else is pretty much as good as it gets so I wouldnt worry about it. And your CFA isnt that bad, I'm sure youve seen the averages on the academyadmissions.com site. (well if you havent now u can), anyways your stats are right around the average. Well goodluck, keep up the hard work.</p>

9

<p>thanks y'all...yeah, just i was thinking that my score will be affected when i do the events in quick succession, but i should be alright if i practice i guess. And the sport i play is soccer btw (not a true power sport but our coach is trying to make us stronger/faster/etc.) My main problem i think is my family- my sister said she wouldn't visit me if i got in / went and would almost "disown me" in a sense and my mom seems to think i could be "doing better". It's too bad she doesn't appreciate the value of an education from AFA and i dont quite think she realizes that i would be going there for more than just a degree, much more. My dad is a little more receptive and has a "do what you want to do" attitude. After much negotiating at least my mom has promised to withhold further judgements until having spoken to an ALO or someone who could give a first hand account of the academy. Staying hopeful!</p>

10

<p>Well, unless your mom wanted you at MIT, Harvard, or Yale, the Academy would not be a "you could do better" school if she actually knew about it.
Have her talk to a grad!</p>

<p>In the end, it is your choice-not theirs.</p>

11

<p>Gettinready14, I have five children, all of them in or through very selective universities. My other four children have become fine, productive, better people in SPITE of the college they went to. My son at USAFA is becoming a better person BECAUSE of the college he attends. I don't know anything about your parents' social, political, or religious background, but whenever I step onto the grounds at the Air Force Academy I just stand up a little straighter, grin a little wider, and I'm proud my son is there. Forgive me for gushing, but hopefully you'll have children of your own someday.</p>

12

<p>My sentiments exactly RTB Dad. Similar situation, similar observation!</p>

13

<p>Don't be worried about the fact that you don't have military experience. I have some relatives in the Navy, but that's about it for me, and I think it's that way for most cadets.</p>

<p>As far as the parents go, my parents didn't say a word to me when I got my appointment. My dad just signed it and we sent it off. They'll warm up to the idea eventually once they find out what kind of school USAFA is. Some people hear that it's military and dismiss it. Maybe that's where your family is coming from, or maybe they don't want you in harm's way with the conflicts going on right now. But whatever happens, you have to make the decision to go to USAFA for you and no one else.</p>

<p>Your resume look a lot like mine. I was big on the academics and leadership, but I'm in 3 JV sports and my CFA was crap. They still pulled through for me. Don't sweat it; you have room for confidence. Still, (and I don't remember who gave me this advice on here when I was applying... I think it was one of the dads...) if you view your application as marginal, then it will give you greater incentive to work your butt off, get things in early, and all that.</p>

<p>Good luck! :)</p>