<p>Hello, I’m a Junior in college(Yes, you read that correctly) and I am planning on seeking out a nomination and applying to the AFA. So, when I graduate from my current university, I will start all over again. Thankfully, I’ll be under the maximum age limit. I’m majoring in Computer Science, and will graduate–if all goes according to plan–with a 3.8 GPA. I think it would be a little silly to major in CS again, if at all possible, so I am thinking about Physics or Aeronautical Engineering.</p>
<p>At any rate, what are your thoughts on this? There are a few reasons why I have waited so long to finally apply, one being ignorance and others being certain things going on in my life. With my situation, how much of my high school life will be taken into consideration compared to my college life? Will both be weighed equally? I graduated high school with a 3.89 and scored a 1420 on my SAT. I was on the varsity football team since 10th grade, starting all 3 years and being a captain my junior and senior year. I was also a part of several other extracurricular activities such as theater, photography, student council, etc. In college, I’ve been very active in intramurals, and in several extracurricular activities and service projects with my fraternity.</p>
<p>With all that being said, will me being a college graduate have a negative or positive effect on my application and selection process? Also, if I am admitted, will I get credit for some classes since I’ve taken them at my current university? I read one post about a cadet who graduated from Notre Dame. Could someone perhaps elaborate more on that, if possible? Any information and help is much appreciated. Thank you.</p>
<p>Have you considered going to OCS (Officer Candidate School)? I see no real benefit in going through all the schooling at an undergraduate level again when you already have a degree.</p>
<p>If I were you I would just do OTS. Take the AFOQT, TBAS, and PFT. Most selectees through OTS have straight 90's across the board, but this is not always the case.</p>
<p>You don't necessarily have to go through OTS because if you really want to go to USAFA then get after it. Going through OTS may be a quicker and easier way to become an officer, but weigh your options, think it over in your head, and pick the way that you think is best for you and the way that you want the most.</p>
<p>With the current drawn down in AF, there are few OTS slots (most of these are going to enlisted who have earned BA/BS). There are many advantages to going to the academy. The main one is the ability to get a pilot training slot. Right now there also fewer ROTC slots, it the best way to become an officer for the next few years.</p>
<p>This is how it breaks down...
45% slots go to USAFA
45% to ROTC
10% to OTS</p>
<p>At the USAFA you are pretty much guarenteed a slot. ROTC is pretty easy to get a slot as about 500 people get a slot out of the 800 or so that apply; that means the chances are better than for every 2 people applying, 1 gets a slot.</p>
<p>Keep your GPA above a 3.0, stay involved in the det., do well in the testing, and a ROTC slot is easy to get.</p>
<p>Last year at det. 390 I was told that out of the 20 graduating seniors, 5 applied for a slot, 5 received a slot, and 1 went to ENJJPT; pretty good stats.</p>
<p>It just depends on what you want more, if I were you I'd start flying civilian and then start applying for OTS boards, but that's just me.</p>
<p>I just want to start by saying thank you to all that have responded. I have definitely considered OTS, and have weighed between the two options for a while. My top goal is to eventually become a pilot, and I decided that the best way to accomplish this would be to go to the academy. I also think it would be a great character building experience as well as an amazing education. The only reason I haven't mentioned ROTC is because I just don't have that option where I go to school. I just think the academy is the best path for me.</p>
<p>There are going to be fewer officer slots not pilot training slots. The AF is drawing down 40,000 people over the next few years. A smaller AF means fewer officers that means less ROTC contracts being offered and fewer OTS classes.</p>
<p>Basically right now mother blue is offering a stick and carrot to get officers to leave. People who wash out of pilot training are being released from active duty service. It is going to be harder to become an officer in the AF. The academy is a fixed cost they are going to produce the same amount of officers year to year because the cost of operating is the same for each class. The light bill doesn't change the buildings are there.</p>
<p>The current budget for the AF is in bad shape. The PCS fund is so bad that people are NOT going to be moving unless the are must movers (people going to or leaving war colleges and pilot training or such). </p>
<p>My point is the best way with the current budget, AFA is the only guarantee of being an AF officer.</p>
<p>If its what you want, then go for it. It's your life, your choice. If you feel USAFA will benefit you best for what you want, and your willing to sacrifice for this country, then do it.</p>