<p>So I dropped the ball first three years in High school. I have a low GPA, but I am a bright individual. My senior year gpa is a 3.9, but cumulative is a 1.9. I’m going to CC, and I want to join the air force to become a pilot. Does the air force academy accept transfers, or can you transfer? </p>
<p>Yes…and no. USAFA does not accept transfers, however as long as you meet the age requirements you can continue to re-apply to USAFA each year until either you are successful or become too old. Keep in mind that even if you finish your sophomore year at CC, you will start as a new freshman at USAFA. You should attempt to take the same classes at CC as you would as a doolie (freshman) at USAFA so that the admissions board can see what a “bright individual” you are and how well you could do at USAFA. The classes you need to take can be found on the USAFA web site. Also…continue to take the SAT/ACT and don’t forget about applying for all your noms each year and staying in good physical condition. Hopefully you have some HS varsity athletic experience. </p>
<p>Yes, I played varsity football 3 years and varsity track 2 years. So I should try and apply at the end of freshman year? </p>
<p>Good! The varsity athletics will help your application. </p>
<p>Apply as soon as the new application is available THIS year…before the end of your freshman year. Before the beginning of your freshman year. Continue to re-apply each year if you are not initially accepted/appointed. You want to demonstrate an ongoing interest and perseverance in attending USAFA. Being turned down one year does NOT have an adverse effect on the next years application. In fact the opposite is true. The admissions committee knows how difficult / time consuming the application process is…and they will take a positive interest in those applicants that show they REALLY want an opportunity at USAFA by continuing to improve their applications and continuing to try to gain an Appointment. </p>
<p>You need to be VERY serious about your grades during your freshman year at CC. The level of competition/difficulty of the CC classes will not be the same as USAFA so you need to "knock the ball out of the park " with your grades. Especially after your earlier HS experience. </p>
<p>Also…you might want to check with your HS math/science/athletic coaches and see if they will write you letters of recommendations. You never know which you might need but it will likely be easier to get them while you are still in school rather than over the Summer and next year after you graduate. Keep in mind you will probably need letters of recommendations from you college professors as well. </p>
<p>Remember to consistently practice all the events that you will be tested on for your physical fitness test.</p>
<p>Check to see if there is an AFROTC Detachment at a college that is close enough for you to commute to a couple of times weekly. You do not need to attend classes at that particular college but a lot of AFROTC Detachments have cadets from many outside schools including CC. Involvement (and success) in AFROTC will make your application stronger…if it’s available to you. Keep in mind you will need your Detachment Commander’s recommendation…so work hard and get/stay involved in Detachment activities.</p>
<p>Don’t forget to apply for ALL the noms you are eligible for each year. </p>
<p>If you work hard enough at this you can succeed. Keep in mind some things are out of your control…like DODMERB…so get the application complete as soon as possible and try to complete the DODMERB as soon as USAFA allows it. If you are going to have some physical disqualification you need to find out early and to determine whether you can get a waiver. </p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>aglages is correct on all points. Re-read his post more than once.</p>
<p>I might add…
if possible you might want to try to attend a regular college instead of CC. As aglages states, CC is not especially challenging, and many students there are not capable of going beyond the Associates degree. So, try to apply to a few regular colleges and also see if you can financially afford that path. The extra rigor will be understood by the admissions committee at the Air Force Academy.</p>
<p>Whether in CC or regular college, definitely try to get involved with Air Force ROTC. They might give you a three year full tuition scholarship if your freshman year is outstanding, in addition to helping you gain an appointment to USAFA, .</p>
<p>The Merchant Marine Academy is another legitimate path to obtaining a commission as an Air Force officer. It is also the easiest academy to obtain an appointment. Plus it gives you the option of a Navy commission too, and you could fly for the Navy.</p>