<p>I’m a 14 year old freshman who is trying to do anything I can to get into the academy I’m in the C.A.P. and am going to a better school that the one I should go to (Clements) what else should I do</p>
<p>You have a long time left to establish a strong portfolio. For now, just worry about keeping your grades up and being involved in some team sports (in that order). If you want to do some community service or find some other leadership opportunities, then great, go for it! Once your junior year rolls around, you can apply for a spot at Summer Seminar and see if this is really what you want to do with the next 9+ years of your life.</p>
<p>It's great that you're interested in USAFA this early. Just keep the motivation high, keep working hard, and your turn will be here before you know it.</p>
<ol>
<li>Don't get discouraged it will seem like it is taking forever sometimes. Enjoy your time in High School you will only get that time once.</li>
<li>Find a TEAM SPORT (Football, Soccer, Track, Baseball, Basketball etc.) you enjoy and play for your school. </li>
<li>Take challenging courses in school and keep your grades up.</li>
<li>Try and attend Teen Aviation Camp if your parents are in the military or retired. You can do this through the base Services Squadron during your Freshman or Sophmore summer. (you stay at the prep school for this)</li>
<li>Try and attend Summer Seminar between your Junior and Senior year. (you stay at the Academy for this.)
But most important enjoy your High School Years</li>
</ol>
<p>If your high school has the IB program, then they probably have the Pre-IB program for 9th and 10th graders. Get into that. If your school doesn't, then they usually have AP classes. Prepare to take those in a couple of years. As mentioned; get into sports, extr-curriculum, volunteer time, clubs, leadership positions, etc....</p>
<p>But, most importantly, do and WANT to do all the things we suggest because you WANT TO DO THEM. Because that is the type of person you are. DON'T do them because that is what will get you into the academy. That is the wrong reason.</p>
<p>When most students start looking at the type of college they might attend, then post their grades, EC, personality, interests, hobbies, etc... Then they look at different schools. They are looking for matches. You should be doing the same thing. </p>
<p>Some are going to take this wrong way but; DON'T say "I want to go to the Air Force Academy; what should I do"? You should be taking the classes you WANT. Doing the EC that you WANT. Be playing any sports because you WANT. Doing volunteer time because you WANT. Having leadership positions because you WANT. Etc... If this ISN'T the things you WANT to do, then the academy isn't what you WANT. You may think it is, but it isn't. Don't be doing something you DON'T WANT. </p>
<p>Now that you know what it takes to get into the academy; 1)Most challenging classes; 2)Extra-Curriculum; 3)Sports; 4th) Leadership Positions 5)Excel at all of these; 6)Excel at standardized tests like ACT/SAT; and similar things. If these things are what you WANT to do in high school, then the academy may be ALSO what you want to do for the future. Just don't THINK that the academy is what you want and you need to find out HOW to make it there. It's the other way around. If you are the type of person that likes to do all the things suggested, then the academy may be a match for you. </p>
<p>In other words; if there was NO ACADEMY, would you still WANT to take AP classes/IB, do sports, EC, etc... and all other things listed. If yes, then continue on. If NO, then the academy isn't what you really want. Later... Mike.....</p>
<p>Do alot of research and make sure its what you want.</p>
<p>Dont forget to have fun during your highschool career hehe.</p>
<p>-Mateus</p>
<p>Clements is a good school though.... One of my buds here graduated from it. So, I must assume you live in the Sugarland/Missouri City area. I can tell you that any school down there will make you a stronger candidate if you take advantage of the AP programs and athletics.</p>
<p>
[quote]
But, most importantly, do and WANT to do all the things we suggest because you WANT TO DO THEM. Because that is the type of person you are. DON'T do them because that is what will get you into the academy. That is the wrong reason.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Quoted for emphasis. People that do things just to pad their resume or make their transcript look good drive me crazy.</p>
<p>Not to hijack this thread TOO far off topic, because it is a very good and important thread, but I want to point something out. Especially to the cadets currently at the academy. When the WRONG type of person becomes an officer, good men and woman DIE! This is NOT emotion and hypothetical talking, this is truth and experience. Many of these people don't intend to be jerks and A$$holes. It's just that they care more about themselves, their career, promotions, and looking good in front of their superiors and peers, and they lose focus on the mission. NEVER FORGET that the whole teamwork concept you are learning at the academy is a 2 way street. Just because you may become an officer, and possibly a commanding officer to numerous enlisted and junior officers, doesn't mean that you stop being part of the team. It just means you have a lot more responsibility to accomplish the mission and keep your men and woman alive.</p>
<p>If you really want to know how NOT to think as an officer, watch the movie "Heartbreak Ridge" (The Major who is the CO) or "A Few Good Men" (The ensign who works his way up to being a commander on the review board). There are indeed officers in the Air Force just like these two.</p>
<p>OK, I'm off my soap-box. Just wanted to point out how people shouldn't take "Lightly" their decision to go to the academy and their responsibility to the men and woman under them when they become an officer. Later... Mike.....</p>
<p>I think there are some great ideas posted above.</p>
<p>This is excellent advice for whatever path you choose for college:</p>
<p>
[quote]
....But, most importantly, do and WANT to do all the things we suggest because you WANT TO DO THEM. Because that is the type of person you are. DON'T do them because that is what will get you into the academy. That is the wrong reason.....
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Any of the military academies involved a significant commitment that unfortunately some do not seem to recognize until they find it is not for them. Do you research, talk to current/former cadets, visit the Academy (if practical based on where you live) and read all you can to learn about it.</p>
<p>One question you might ask yourself is why are you interested in the Air Force Academy? There are lots of other great quesions you will eventually need to think about, but this might help you to focus where you are headed during high school.</p>
<p>Also take a look at this website about a movie currently in production about what it is like to be an Air Force cadet. The trailer posted there is a great place to start to understand the commitment required. (The movie is not yet complete, so I can't tell you if it eventually turns out to be an accurate representation, but the trailer is a good start).</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wingsofhonormovie.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.wingsofhonormovie.com/</a></p>
<p>Also, take a look at <a href="http://www.academyadmissions.com%5B/url%5D">www.academyadmissions.com</a>. It is the official USAFA admissions site, and has a lot of great info.</p>
<p>Christcorp, you really are a great resource for this board with your many years of experience and wisdom. :) I enjoy your posts. I actually got the chance to watch "Heartbreak Ridge" on ops over the summer and I understand what you're saying completely! </p>
<p>Talking about commitment, here's a way to help your perspective. Going to a US military academy requires 5 years service, going to the Algerian military academy requires serving 25 years minimum. We have a different system.</p>
<p>Correction to my above post, because I couldn't find the "edit" button. (So much for my degree in Computer Science; LOL). I didn't mean to recommend watching the movie "A Few Good Men". That's a great movie, but the one I wanted to emphasize my point with was "Men of Honor". Cuba Gooding Jr as a Navy diver. The ensign who works his way up to becoming a commander and is on the review board is someone who you should aspire to NEVER BECOME LIKE as an officer. You are Air Force Academy Cadets. Truly the "Best of the Best". Nothing wrong with OTS or AFROTC, but the academy is the best. Even the enlisted ranks appreciate and respect more those that come out of the academy. "Unless they are a Pr*ck". Later... Mike...</p>
<p>what grade should you start to really prepare?</p>
<p>That would depend on when high school starts. Some schools are 10th, 11th, and 12th. Others start in 9th grade. That is when I would recommend. The academy looks at the grades and the course of study that you do in High School. It also depends on whether your school only offers AP classes or if they have the IB program. Most schools that have the IB program; there's not that many; start a pre-IB program in 9th and 10th grade with the actual IB program being in the 11th and 12th grade. If your school doesn't have the IB program, then determine when they allow you to start taking AP classes. It is very important that you not only do well in your classes, but that you are taking challenging classes.</p>
<p>Also, you want to start doing sports and activities early on also. The academy board isn't stupid. They know that if you only play a sport in the 11th grade when you are filling out your application, that you are probably only doing it to fill a square. If however you start doing sports in Junior high and 9th and 10th grade, then they see you as someone who is more into physical fitness and teamwork. Plus it's easier to work towards a varsity letter when you've been playing the sport for 4 or more years. Same goes with clubs, activities, volunteering, working, etc... It's better to show that it's something you have been doing for a few years than to give the impression that you are just filling squares. Also, the more years you spend in an activity, the better chance you have of possibly holding a leadership role in such an activity.</p>
<p>The IB program has the advantage; because it's an entire curriculum and not just a particular advanced individual class; that they require a certain amount of volunteer time and extra curriculum. If you aren't in the IB program, then you need to get this volunteer time and EC on your own.</p>
<p>Most importantly, is that whatever you prepare for by doing the sports, EC, volunteering, etc... that you are doing it because you want to. I know this sounds wrong, and it will probably come out the wrong way, but you shouldn't be wanting to go to the Air Force academy and trying to figure out how to prepare to get there. You should be doing exactly the opposite. Let me explain.</p>
<p>First, realize that the Air Force academy is not the right fit for everyone. Just like Harvard isn't right for some. Neither is the state college or community college the right choice for some. Certain people are the right fit for Harvard, some for the academies, some for state colleges, etc... You should be taking the classes that you WANT to be taking. You should be playing the SPORTS you want to be playing. You should be volunteering your time because you WANT to help others. You should be trying to hold leadership positions in certain organizations or activities because you want to. Whatever type of person you want to be, is the type of classes, sports, EC, activities, etc... that you should be doing.</p>
<p>Then, you can look at the type of person you want to be and ARE becoming, and look at what your options are that can help you excel at becoming that type of person. Maybe when you look at yourself, you realize that the air force academy would be the perfect place to help you to become the type of person you want to be. In return, you look forward to serving your country, being part of a very large team, and giving back to the Air Force and the country for helping you become the person you've always wanted to be. On the other hand, you may decide that the course of study at Tulane, UCLA, University of Michigan, etc... may be what can provide you best with what you are looking for.</p>
<p>I've counseled a lot of young people in my time trying to figure out what they want to be "When they grow up". This same advice holds true if the academy wasn't something you are looking at. I've had young people say when they were in their young teens how they want to go to MIT or Cal-Tech, They chose those because they thought that they were 'The Best". But after realizing what it is they REALLY wanted of themselves and out of life over the next few years, they started looking at different options. Options that truly fit their plan and goals. Options that could help them be the best at what it is they were looking for themselves.</p>
<p>I am all for the Air Force and the military. I spent 21 years in the Air Force and cherished each day of it. I encourage every young person to "Consider" the military and their academies as an option. The worst thing however is for you to want to go to a military academy because you think the school is great, that you'll get a great education, that it's free, because my dad or mom went there, or any other similar reason. The bottom line is; you should want to go to a military academy because you want to eventually become a commissioned officer in the military. You want to be part of the ultimate team. You want to be part of something that is bigger than yourself. You want to serve your country and be willing to give your life to protect the rights and freedoms of the citizens of this great country so THEY won't have to go and possibly give their life. You feel that you have been privileged by all the things this country has given you and has to offer and that you want to pay it back in the only way possible. That is why you should want to go to the academy or into the military in general. In return, yes, they will give you a fine education. They will pay you and provide you with everything you need. They will give you the opportunity to travel and see many new and exciting places. But all of these things have to be secondary to why you want to join the military.</p>
<p>If this is how you feel, then the academy could very well be what you are looking for. As such, start as early as possible taking the most challenging classes that you are capable of. (Don't take all the hardest classes and get C's in them). Volunteer your time to help others. Get involved in sports that you like. Become a "Leader of Men" (No gender bias intended). Develop the attitude of teamwork, hard work, commitment, integrity, honor, etc... These traits need to be part of "Who you are" and not something you decide to attain so you can get into the academy. Good luck in your future endeavors. Later... Mike.....</p>
<p>(a little off topic)</p>
<p>Having integrity and that "will do" attitude goes a LONG way. Develop these traits! However, do not do it because that is what others want or require, but because you want to hold yourself to a higher standard. Why should you seek straight A's and the highest awards? Of course, making yourself look good and getting into programs you want is a reason, but it is not the best reason. Do it because you can, and anything less would be a misuse of your ability.<br>
That kind of thinking will take you where you want.</p>
<p>^^^Totally agree. Don't focus on building a resume just to get into the Academy.</p>
<p>Focus on learning, doing things you like, can be good at and possibly excel in all at the same time. </p>
<p>If those are compatible with what the Academy is looking for great, if not, you will still be successful in your chosen field. Remember too, your interests can change in 4 years time so don't lose site of the bigger picture.</p>
<p>I couldn't read all of Christcorp's post (I should be doing HW!) but you can't start too early. If you want it, start NOW! I wanted it starting when I was 10, and I started doing things then (TKD) that have made it possible for me to BE HERE NOW!</p>
<p>ok right now im 14 an just starting my sophmore year an i do my best not to drive my self crazy over it but i dont know what im suppose to do</p>
<p>If you are thinking about admission at 14 you are well ahead of your peers. Preparation is the key. You have your entire time in high school to meet your goal. Study, take the right classes, play a team sport you like, and enjoy your time in High School. You won't get to go back and do it again. You will have the next four years to participate in things like Academic visits, Summer Seminar, and other events. They will be exciting and give you a chance to make sure it really is what you want.</p>
<p>There's nothing that you're SUPPOSE to do. If you believe that the academy is where you want to go to school, and serving your country in the military is what you want to do as a profession, then what you are suppose to do to prepare has been listed.</p>
<ol>
<li>Do well in all your classes</li>
<li>Take as many advanced classes as you can handle. AP or the IB Program</li>
<li>Get involved in High School Sports</li>
<li>Stay physically active and be in excellent physical conditioning</li>
<li>Get involved with extra curriculum activities</li>
<li>Get involved with volunteer time to help others</li>
<li>Take on leadership roles and hold office if possible</li>
<li>Practice and be ready to do well on your SAT/ACT tests</li>
<li>Be ready to take a medical physical and be in shape >Spring 2009</li>
<li>Be prepared to start seeking letters of recommendations >Spring 2009</li>
</ol>
<p>As a minimum, I recommend trying to maintain at least a 3.5 GPA. You need to be in at least the top 40% of your class. But to be honest, if you are close, you should worry. I would recommend trying to be in the top 25%, with a 3.70 GPA. SAT >1850 and ACT >28. These aren't hard fast numbers. Just something to give you an idea. Other than that, if you follow the 10 steps I listed, you should be on the right track. Nothing however in life is guaranteed other than you will die some day. Other than that, you control your future. Good luck. Later... Mike....</p>