<p>What is Comp & Research ?</p>
<p>An english class.</p>
<p>Oh I see. I though It was something dealing computer, now I know comp means composition.</p>
<p>There are no credit limits or anything like that. Like ds pointed out, a guy came here with a degree from ND. I agree with redhead, I don't think you'll get an appointment for 2013 with your stats at this point. IF you want to serve, go enlisted/guard and pursue a degree there. That will make you competitive and ready if you should make the cut for USAFA (or the P school). Also consider ROTC/OTS. There are three ways to become an officer, and you shouldn't discredit the other two. We all graduate the same, as 2nd LTs.</p>
<p>And don't be intimidated by me. I will tell you the truth, no sugar coating. I've come to value that here. We are here to help, but we will be completely honest and hold nothing back. You seem to have the drive, so don't give up.</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>AFPJ</p>
<p>You asked several posts ago whether you should apply, my answer is YES, however, I STRONGLY that you have a ROTC back up plane.</p>
<p>I am like Hornet and will lay it out to you, even if it hurts...I personally feel you have time to see your problems/issues and correct them.</p>
<p>Right now from what you have told us, you have a low GPA, low SAT, physically not qualified and no leadership positions...does this mean it won't happen, absolutely not! Does it mean you may have an uphill battle if you get an appt, absolutely yes! The AFA cadets are typically the top 5-10% of their class, with AP courses and avg of @1400 SAT, I believe 85% > are Varsity letter winners and NHS, Student Council etc.</p>
<p>Should you appy? Of course you should! I would not be surprised if you received a Falcon Foundation appt.</p>
<p>All of that being said, you do need to understand that the AFA wants to see you rise above without excuses. Our DS has worked 20 hrs/wk for the past 3 yrs, plus 40 during the summer as a lifeguard, he has had to drive his younger bro to piano lessons when his Dad was deployed and I was working in addition to his EC's, Was the family babysitter and taxi driver for many mos. He also spent 20 hrs+ a week in Tae Kwon Do yr round (became a State Champ 2X and a Nat Champ 1X), maintained a 4.1, SAT OF 1390, ACT 33, moved to another state in his soph. yr, in NHS and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. There is more to add, but I want you to understand that if you have the will than you will find the way. Every SA wants to see you push yourself to the limit and then push past it even further!</p>
<pre><code>Don't give up! Do Not Allow anyone to throw a wrench in your dream, but listen to them so you are grounded. Everyone will tell you apply to the AFA...the only way to get accepted is if you try, but have a great back up! I personally showed my DS's record so you can see where your problem areas are and correct them.
</code></pre>
<p>Finally fo not give, go to USMA site and there is a moniker of JesusPleaseHelpme...he might be able to give you more direction than any of us...he seems similiar to your path.</p>
<p>Good Luck and Thank You for wanting to serve!</p>
<p>No I have leadership credentials , It is just everything else I need to work harder. Just to give you an idea of what kind of candidate I am here is my resume. DS? SA? </p>
<p> 3.4 Cumulative GPA
Will graduate June 2009</p>
<p>Extracurricular Activities
Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC)
Last held rank: C/Capt
Cadet Vice Corps Commander. Cadet Support Squadron Commander- In charge of Community Service Section, MWR Section and Training Section.
Community Service Section Chief (in charge of organizing community service events and activities for corps participation)
First Sergeant/Second in Command to “Academic Section” in Support Squadron
Class/Flight Leader. (2005-2006)
Active Member
Basic Cadet Mentor</p>
<p>Governor’s Guard Drill Team
Unarmed Unit Inspection Commander
Commander of “Falcons”, New Cadet Basic Drill
Armed Exhibition Solo/Dualist
Member Unarmed Standard Regulation Team
o Base Element Leader
Member of Armed Standard Regulation Team
Active Member </p>
<p>Awareness Presentation Team
Awareness Presentation Team Leader/Commander
Did extensive research in the medical field relating to sexually transmitted diseases.
In charge of making public presentations on HIV/AIDS, Conflict Resolutions and other teen topics.
Active Member </p>
<p>Cadet Council
Make sure everything in the corps runs smoothly and resolve any problems the corps or cadets may have.
Active Member </p>
<p>Marching Band
Marching Band Librarian </p>
<p>Civil Air Patrol
C/Staff Sergeant
Cadet Training Instructor. </p>
<p>Baseball
Junior Varsity
Team member and Team Manager</p>
<p>Swimming
DeWitt Clinton High School Boys Varsity Swim Team
Madison Dolphins Swimming Team
Event – Freestyle and Breaststroke
1 Athletic Varsity Letter
Active Member </p>
<p>Outdoor Track
Participated in long distance running, discus throw, shot put, and javelin. </p>
<p>Mannes College of Music Preparatory School
Seniors Chorus
• Have experience conducting choral pieces.
• Music Piece Soloist
• Bass Soloist.
Tenor Saxophone Player </p>
<p>Catholic Youth Organization Sea Cadet Corps
Last Held Rank C/Ensign
Cadet Midshipmen Company Commander</p>
<p>Awards and Accomplishments
Leadership Conferences
The Congressional Youth Leadership Council’s Global Young Leaders Conference.
The Congressional Youth Leadership Council’s National Young Leaders Conference;
Sea, Air, and Space Intrepid Museum Leadership Conference
The National Conference for Community and Justice Leadership and Diversity Conference
Awards
Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Academic Student (October 2005, June 2006)
Outstanding Cadet of the Month (October 2005, February 2006) )
Certificate of Excellence for participation as a valued drill team member at the 2006 Air Force National Invitational Drill Classic. (March 2006)
Plaque for Outstanding Assistant Section Chief Support (2005-2006)
Plaque for Outstanding Drill Team Member – New Cadets (2005-2006)
Executive Officer Recognition Award (June 2006)
Trophy for Highest ROTC Average – First Year Cadet (2005-2006)
Trophy for Highest Academic Average – First Year Cadet (2005-2006)
American Veterans (AMVETS) ROTC Recognition Award presented in certificate, ribbon and medal. (June 2006)
NYLC, National Scholar Medalist and Youth Leadership Award (July 2006)
Swim Medal Athlete-Scholar (2006-2007)
Air Force Association Award
Military Order of Purple Heart Award
Accepted to the People to People Ambassador Program
Accepted to the United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar
Honors
Academic Honor Roll (2005-2006)
Student of Macy Honors Program - students must maintain high average and take honor and AP classes.
Member of the National Society of High School Scholars.</p>
<p>Community Activities
Soup Kitchen -Serving Food to Needy Families
College Fair- Helped organize a college fair in school; was in charge of assisting colleges and setting up.
Church Activities- Volunteered to help in church community service activities such as helping set up a recreational center for youths and decorating the entire church for Christmas.
Tutoring- Organized a successful tutoring program. Volunteered to tutor high school students in Math, Science, English, History and Foreign Language.
Total Hours of Community Service: 100 + hours </p>
<p>Summer Camps
2006 Aerospace and Technology Honors Camp
• Out of 107,000 cadets, only 500 cadets (top 1%) are selected to attend Honors Camp
• The objective of the camp is to introduce high-achieving high school cadets to scientific, technical, and rated career opportunities in the Air Force. This camp orientates selected AFJORTC cadets to Aerospace related careers through “hands-on” curriculum. Cadets visit college campuses, air and space operational units, research labs, historical centers, and museums. Additionally, cadets hear lectures from general officers, astronauts and pilots, and participate in simulators and airplane rides
• Selections to attend the camp are very competitive. Those selected have a minimum GPA of 3.0, are enrolled or have completed college-prep math and science courses, and have demonstrated strong leadership background. Cadets must exhibit the character, drive, and determination to pursue a technical aerospace related career in college and in the Air Force.
United State Air Force Academy and Society of Military Engineers’ Construction And Engineering Camps<br>
Naval Sea Cadet Corps Aviation Ground School
Global Young Leaders Conference and National Young Leaders Conference
National Hours Convocation on Leadership on 1,500 dollar scholarship.
Air Force JROTC Summer Leadership School 2007, Fort Dix, New Jersey.
Civil Air Patrol Leadership Encampment 2007, Stratton Air National Guard Base, New York.</p>
<p>The Naval Academy definitely saw something in you. Be proud of that. Apply to Naval Academy and USAFA anyway, and to an instate school for ROTC. Remember you have about 9 months to complete everything (CFA, weight loss, DoDMERB). Summer is coming and you will have more free time, even if it means getting your brother out of the house and working out with him. I'm sure you two can work out a plan that will benefit both of you. </p>
<p>When Saturday comes, enjoy the moment. YOU ARE HEADING TO ANNAPOLIS! Realize your limitations and use this opportunity for motivation. You will probably exceed your expectations.</p>
<p>Okay, that's the cheerleader talking.</p>
<p>Here's the "Mom in your face" side of my personality.</p>
<p>Get going, get off the stick, and just do it! Get with your brother and work out. Pick healthy foods at the store, at the cafeteria, and say no to your parents when they want to serve you otherwise. Offer to shop or your family a couple of days a week and make salad and baked chicken. You have control over this situation. You are old enough to make these changes. </p>
<p>If I was in NYC I'd march up to your house, pull you out by the ear and force you to exercise and grocery shop!</p>
<p>Then I'd tell your parents that you are working towards an admirable goal and they will not stand in your way</p>
<p>Okay, I'm done.</p>
<p>wow afpj!! your resume truly is mind boggling!! </p>
<p>i might not be wrong in stating that most of us underestimated you....</p>
<p>hmm, why didn't you mention some of this stuff sooner? If all of this stuff is true, then you're a lot better off then you might think you are. Your dream is still reachable, even if you don't feel like it will be. </p>
<p>Do not EVER get discouraged. Instead, buckle down and get to work. If you make it into a SA, then you will have to control for yourself how YOU eat, how YOU exercise, how YOU lead. So why not start now?</p>
<p>Well this summer, I raised a lot of money and bought a ticket to Nicaragua. My parents are from Nicaragua because I am a first generation American, and probably the first person in my family to go to college. In Nicaragua I will be teaching young kids English, music, computer skills and HIV/AIDS prevention. It is very tropical in Nicaragua so when I come back hopefully I will be less than 184 pounds.</p>
<p>If you really want to do it, then do it, just as everyone else is advocating. However, stop looking for the "easy" way, as there is no "easy" way through the Academy once you get there. Also, self-motivation is very important. If you're looking for people all along the way to give you praise and ensure you feel all warm and fuzzy, that's just not going to happen. You'll have support from back home and most likely your classmates, but you will be shown no mercy from cadre/upper classmen. There are days as a cadet that it seems the whole world is against you, and it is at those times that you have to find it in yourself to keep going and do what has to be done. People work extremely hard to get into the Academy, but that is only the beginning. I don't want you to be discouraged, but just realize it never gets easier. I say this from the perspective of a graduate of the AF Academy.</p>
<p>Also, don't expect things to happen on their own. For instance, you say that since it's tropical in Nicaragua that you'll hopefully come back weighing less. Do you expect this to magically happen? Take a more proactive approach. Eat better, and work out more effectively. That is easier said than done, but if you truly want something, you'll do whatever you can to get it. Don't let yourself settle for less than your absolute best.</p>
<p>I don't know if this will help me or not , but I have a few college credits. I have 4 college credits from my local college from a course that I took in computer programming, which I recieved a B. And I have 6 credits from the University of Colorado and Colorado Springs, all A's. I don't think my class rank will help me, in my school they only rank seniors, but I would imagine that I would at least rank in the upper 20 percent if not the upper 10 percent, because in my school there is a 60 or 70 percent graduation rate.</p>
<p>Here's the problem. Academics is 60% of the composition coming in. Your SATs are WELL below average for USAFA and your GPA is lower than the average. Your ECs look great and will help you, but they are only 30% of your application. Then, if you can't become medically qualified, its all for nothing. You have the advice of appointees, candidates, cadets, parents, and a grad; take it and develop yourself a plan.</p>
<p>OK AFPJ tough love time. A lot of good advice has been dispensed here for you. The standards are what they are for a reason. As has been said before there will be no easy road. The purpose of any academy is to forge the military leaders of tomorrow. Understand what that means becuase it means a lot. Athletes do not become superstars overnight. countless hours of preparation go into their success. They are usually gifted and talented, but it is the practice that hones that skill into something special. Don't believe me look at some of the recent failures. </p>
<p>Ryan Leaf was drafted into the NFL with great promise and given large amounts of money. He believed the hype. he had the talent but not the discipline to develop his leadership skills. His team abandoned him. Today he is just a memory.</p>
<p>Michael Vick is probably one of the most gifted quarterbacks ever to enter the NFL, but his own character could not be overcome. He thought he was above the rules, and now he sits in a prison cell. He had everything it took but again instead of developing the character, he too failed.</p>
<p>If you want to get into the Academy YOU will do what it takes. There are no short cuts, but there are several roads. The qualifications are clear and no mystery. Apply, go Active enlisted, Guard, or reserve. Study at a CC for a year or two in necessary, but DO NOT EXPECT IT TO HAPPEN unless you do your part.</p>
<p>Understood.</p>
<p>hornetguy, you mentioned that a cadet had a degree before coming into the Academy, was that associate or bachelors? just curious.</p>
<p>The cadet he was talking about had graduated with a Bachelors Degree from Notre Dame. He was aware that he could have gone OTS or another route, but the Academy was what he wanted, so he chose to complete college all over again. Granted, I'm sure it was a little different the second time around... ;)</p>
<p>Wow. That right there is truely movitivating.</p>