Grad School

<p>I would like to obtain advance degrees from ivy leagues universities or other good schools after the academy and I have a few questions. Does the academy prepare you well for them? How does the academy compare with other schools in the respect? What options do I have and how hard is it to get approval from the acacdemy? Your response are appreciated.</p>

<p>Most officers in the Air Force, from what I've heard, receive an advanced degree at some point in their career. Of course, that depends how long you stay in, as well as your job in the AF.</p>

<p>Yes, in the class of 1981 there were 3 Rhodes Scholar Finalist (2 went to Oxford and the third went to harvard). And every year the academy helps a few students earn fellowships to KSG at Harvard . There are numerous who compete for other slots, Truman Udall and Marshall.</p>

<p>The third who went to Harvard, wrote letter sbout his experience that sits in the office that helps cadets apply to graduate school. Past graduates that have been through the scholarship process (your professors) help current students. </p>

<p>It is something they encourage.</p>

<p>afa81, what do you mean by the "the scholarship process"? Do you have to obtain a scholarship in order to go? Does it have to be a full scholarship? Or can you choose to pay for it. Thanks.</p>

<p>Haven't been at the zoo since 1994 (teaching), so my info maybe dated. But everyone who went to grad school RIGHT after graduation had some type of fellowship/scholarship. No, they were not all full rides. The Air force picked up the rest and of course you have a longer commitment.</p>

<p>The begining of the scholarship process is doing well in academics, then taking the GRE. There is an office that deals with nothing but helping cadets with graduate/medical/dental school applications. Also getting cadets ready to compete for Truman, Udall, Rhodes and Marshall.</p>

<p>Going to grad school right after has its advantages and disadvantages. You spend your butter bar years in school being paid to go to school. You are rich compared to most of your classmates. You don't spend many nights after work trying to get your masters from the college on base. In pilot training your classmates are your instructor pilots (this can be good and bad.) </p>

<p>The bad is your 2 years behind in experience of your year group. At times you have to work harder to catch up to the same level of the year group. For flight commander and Sq jobs, this less experience can hurt. By the time you are a Major everyone is equal.</p>

<p>There are MORE opportunities to go to grad school after you have worked for a few years. If you have the grades and GRE scores to get into an Ivy, you will still be able to go.</p>

<p>Thanks a lot for your insights!</p>