<p>Well, no one in my family was ever in the military or close to it. They definitely arn’t hot for me wanting to go to the Academy and assume that “they make you think you’re going to college, then as soon as you sign the contract they send you to war” which I know isn’t true. I know they are just worried that something might happen to me if I ever decide to become a pilot (want to major in aerospace engineering). What can I say or show them that will maybe warm them up to USAFA? And another off topic question- On the Academy website and such, it says the average ACT scores are 26-31. But as far as I know, the academy is extremely competitive and I thought anything less than a 26 on the ACT wouldn’t have a chance? Am I remembering wrong and the 26-31 is the range just about all the cadets have or are there really cadets with lower than 26’s? Thanks</p>
<p>I thought the average was 30. I would have your parents look at academyadmissions.com, get the academy video, and watch "Inside America's Military Academies." Also, have them talk to your ALO (liason officer) and some cadets.</p>
<p>It doesn't make sense to send cadets off to war. They aren't fully trained as leaders yet...the academy's mission is their training and education.</p>
<p>Like raimius said, get some info materials for them. IF they don't want to read them, just bring it up in conversation and mention things, so they begin to learn more. It's all about having all the facts. Even so, its YOUR choice, and while having them behind you is a saving grace at times, remember, its your life and your dreams. You have to be happy with what you do. </p>
<p>It's also nice that no one can use tuition or money to leverage with academies if you get in.</p>
<p>On the site it actually says that the mean is 28 and 30, so iono how good that is cause i took the SAT but it is higher then what you you thought. Also you might want to look at Princetonreview.com or usanews.com(college reviews) and show your parents what it says about AFA's ranking. There pretty good as far as a parent would be concerned. The partying factor is nill and the proffesor availabilty is #1 in the COUNTRY. As the guys have said, if you want to learn while your there, you will. And you can't beat getting paid to go to college :). With a guarenteed job waiting for your once your out. Not to mention the fact that you got a pretty high chance of flying planes(REALLY REALLY FAST ONES) as your profession. :)</p>
<p>Speaking as a parent, I suppose your parents would rather have you in a college where boozing, partying, and hooking up were the number one priorities. Sadly, some parents really do think that way, others are just misinformed. Personally, I thank God every day that my son is at USAFA. Maybe your parents would be willing to talk candidly with some other parents from USAFA. If it's not an eye-opener for them, then maybe your values at this time are even a little higher than theirs. Go for it!</p>
<p>"Speaking as a parent, I suppose your parents would rather have you in a college where boozing, partying, and hooking up were the number one priorities. Sadly, some parents really do think that way, others are just misinformed."</p>
<p>While there is a risk of death in boozing and hooking up, the probability is MUCH lower than being in a WAR ZONE. Some parents just don't agree with this administration about the worth of their children. </p>
<p>Bully for you that you support your kid's involvement, and I hope you never have to bury your child. But in the same token, don't put parents down for not wanting their kids in that environment. "Maybe your values are a bit higher than your parents"... Please, that's an unnecessary cheap shot. </p>
<p>Maybe in another time with another administration, those same "lesservalue" parents might feel differently. I would NEVER encourage my kids to do so under this president's term, in the same way I wouldn't let a unknowledgable little league coach be around my kids back in the day. Show me how good you are before you get my kids, don't tell me. </p>
<p>I hope the next administration that comes in during your child's years of service has the knowledge and experience to only put your child at risk for right reasons, after all other attempts have been tried. While you implied I have "less values" for some reason..... I still value the life of your child and the service he is committed to. I only hope those who command feel the same way.</p>
<p>Wow, way to go off topic. If you want to spout your dislikes and opinions about the current administration then go to the parent's cafe. I believe this forum is about the Air Force Academy, and helping and answering questions of those who are interested, not political opinions. So please, if you want to say something then keep it pertinent to the topic at hand.</p>
<p>Now, back to the main discussion.</p>
<p>"While there is a risk of death in boozing and hooking up, the probability is MUCH lower than being in a WAR ZONE."</p>
<p>Sadly, this is not true by any standard of measure. Alcohol and STD's garner far more casualties both in absolute figures and in percentages. I may dispute you, but it's a sign of immaturity to disrespect me or anyone else on this forum.</p>
<p>Maybe in another time with another administration, those same "lesservalue" parents might feel differently. I would NEVER encourage my kids to do so under this president's term, in the same way I wouldn't let a unknowledgable little league coach be around my kids back in the day. Show me how good you are before you get my kids, don't tell me. </p>
<p>......what about their right to choose</p>
<p>Just like to note, by the time any of us are out of the academies and into the service, we will already have had a new administration for about 2 years...</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice and good point with the new administration. That completly slipped my mind. Guess I'm just thinking to hard haha. A recently received a brochure from the academy in the mail, and instead of them just throwing it away I was told to put it in a "safe place" so maybe they will be more accepting of it.</p>