I'M Back!

<p>Well it has definately been a long time since I have been on here and it looks liek there are alot of new members? How is everyone doing with the application process? I’m doing good for getting rejected to the summer seminar. I have been contacted by the cross country coach and my status is now applicant. I now have my Candidate Kit. I must say I thought I would never thought i would have gotten this far for being rejected. Just goes to show to push through and fight for your dream!</p>

<p>ya never give up.</p>

<p>i was rejected from summer seminar but here i am going to the prep school in about 2 weeks and later on, God willing, becoming apart of the class of '12</p>

<p>never give up!</p>

<p>What coach contacted you? Coach Stanforth just retired, so I'm not sure what coach you are talking about- I don't even know who our new coach will be yet! But you are looking to be on the XC team for the Class of 2012? If so, I can answer any questions you have- If you stick with it, I may even be a teammate in a few years!</p>

<p>What day does the prep school start?</p>

<p>I should have rephrased that. I have been recieving things from the track and field program and I have started filling out their questionairres. </p>

<p>I do have one question though. I started my candidate kit tonight and I accomplished the Drug and Abuse form and the Personal Information form. How does everyone keep it from over whelming them. There are so many forms to fill out and so many people to contact with nominations, the school, congressman, ALO, letters of recommendations, and the list goes on. I am trying not to let it overburden me. After I complete everything, do i play the waiting game or is there more to come?</p>

<p>Well you have alot of time. Not to say you should slack off or anything b/c you shouldnt, but dont worry about it. I made my choice about the AFA really late, like end of September of my senior year. I then had to complete all my forms and get my nomination in the small time frame between then and the due dates, so trust me when I say you have plenty of time. If I were you I would just fill out one form every other day, or something along those lines. However I would contact your congressman/ALO ASAP b/c as you know their extremely compeitive to get, and the more they see you wanting it the better it is for you. Also your interview with the ALO can make you or break you. So make sure you establish a good repoirture with him, addressing by his rank and saying Sir..etc.</p>

<p>I agree with that statement. If you can do all the nomination stuff over the summer, as well as your medical exam, and maybe the essays, you should have no problems. You have until March 1st, after all. But dont wait- it's nice to have it done well before the deadline. Take this from soneone who dfinished the application a week before March 1st- it's not good to wait.
Your second question: if you don't get an LOA or early appointment, then yes, you're watiing until March for a final word. At that point, it wouldn't hurt to call your admissions counselor and ALO and ask them what's up with your application- sometimes they'll tell you if it went well with the final panel or not. And of course, if you get an appointment, you get a big package that says offer of appointment. It's a long road, but if you can get over that hurdle (and do it mainly by yourself, without substantial help from your parents) then you'll have a good shot at getting in. Good luck :)</p>

<p>i've just started my candidate kit too... like cdk said, just take it easy.. dont rush, but you've gotta get it done. and with those essays, dont rush it... let it come, check your work. its not like they're due tomorrow. but, they DO need to get done.. remember, the quicker your file is completed, the more time the selection panel gets to look at your name, and thats a good thing. def go ahead and contact the ALO for interview, the congressmen for nominations, and DoDMERB if you've gotten your postcard yet. and make sure the teachers you put for your evaluation forms do them and dont slack off. lol... good luck! i'm goin through it w/ you too, man.. we're not alone!</p>

<p>I'd suggest doing as much during the summer as possible. Then school and obligations during the year won't distract you from completing them. Also allows you plenty of time to think on your essays. Your decision, but the forms I waited till the school year to finish got a bit annoying with my school work.</p>

<p>Hornet is correct, again lol. I got a good chunk of it all done over the summer, I even hunted down teachers emails so I could get the letters done. Definitely use the summer to your advantage, especially with the congressional nomination applications. Mine took a while, so dont waste the summer!! :)</p>

<p>From getting my package yesterday I have so far accomplished:</p>

<ol>
<li>The Drug and Abuse Form</li>
<li>The Personal Information Form</li>
<li>Scheduling my DODMERB appointment</li>
<li>Scheduling my interview wiht my ALO</li>
</ol>

<p>Today I plan on updating my resume and contacting the congressmen and senators. In my opinion i really enjoy this stuff!</p>

<p>yeah, you've gotta have a good attitude about it... make it fun! make a list just so you can check it off. lol..</p>

<p>prep school starts july 11 bright and early</p>

<p>I would recommend that you complete everything by the end of summer, for a couple of reasons. One, like everyone else has said, your senior year will be hectic enough without the additional confusion of all the Academy hoops to jump through. Two, the earlier you complete your application, the better chance you have of receiving a Letter of Assurance in October or November. And three, you will come off as a much more motivated and enthusiastic candidate if you don't procrastinate. Remember, you're competing for a $400,000 education and an opportunity to serve your country as an officer in the most elite branch of the most elite military in the world. I made probably a gazillion and three lists all summer of the people I needed to call, emails I needed to write, things I needed to mail in... Believe me, writing it all down will help because you're going to have a lot of deadlines that are crucial to keep track of.</p>

<p>And above all, let yourself get excited! Call me crazy, but looking back, I think the application process was kind of fun. You get to get dressed up for interviews and talk about USAFA and work your way towards proving that you deserve an opportunity to become a cadet. I truly believe that attitude is everything, and it will carry you far if you remember to be yourself and let your desire and enthusiasm to lead and serve shine through. Don't be a phony... You'll stand out if you are honest and engaging and excited and genuine.</p>

<p>Good luck 2012! Stay motivated! :)</p>

<p>Wow....Ashely for President anywone?? ;) haha. Seriously though that was pretty good, very motivating and true. </p>

<p>UGHHHHH, CRAZYYY cant describe the fact that us 11'ers (the GOLDEN CHILDREN, HEHE)will be starting our "new" lives in oooooo less 36 hrs.. WOW. lol.
Good luck 12'ers, if your on this site then your allready way ahead of the game. Just keep up your earnestness and hardwork, dont be discouraged or timid and finally, have fun, cause it all goes by REALLY FAST.</p>

<p>2012:</p>

<p>My classmates and I are about to embark on a new stage of our lives, but so are you. The application process can be challenging at some points. Don't give up, because you still have a long way to go. Please don't procrastinate either. You will pay for it in some way or other if you do. Also remember to prepare for your backup option (regular college, enlistment, another Service Academy, etc), because not everyone who applies to the Academy gets in, and you need another option if you don't get picked by USAFA. There are deadlines for other colleges too, so don't forget about those. </p>

<p>For the various interviews you will have, just be yourself. Don't use too many "big words" to make yourself sound intelligent. Just answer the questions truthfully, and in your own normal wording. </p>

<p>Lastly, ENJOY this process. As hard as your senior year may be, your life will dramatically change next June if you get in. Enjoy your time with your family and friends. Enjoy playing your various sports. Enjoy doing your schoolwork (because it will get a lot tougher next year). Enjoy your life. Life is short. And your senior year will go much faster than you think. </p>

<p>Good luck 2012! And to the rest of 2011, I'll see you guys soon.</p>

<p>Good luck French's yellow mustard class.....and especially good luck on your applications 2012. :)</p>

<p>I have only completed 1/4 of my journey at USAFA, and let me tell you, I feel like I've done more in one year than in my life. The opportunities and chances to make something of yourself abound, if you take advantage of it you will never be disappointed!</p>

<p>Sir, the class color is Gold :)</p>

<p>That's not one of your 7 basic responses. ;)</p>

<p>BTW, what color is 2012?</p>