<p>My name is Steven from the Bronx, New York. I am involved in numerous of activities such as Air Force JROTC, CAP, swimming, and music. I have a huge problem. My academics are not where they should be. Ok so here is the story. At the beginning of my sophomore year of high school, my grades went down. Mostly because my mom had lost her job. I decided to get a job of my own but I didn’t want to neglect athletics, so I decided since I just started swimming, I decided to train to become a lifeguard. I took me months of training before I was fast enough to make it. It also took me a long time to raise the money to get the certification. At the end of my sophomore year I was a lifeguard. My grades went up at the final semester of sophomore year. My summer schedule had been pack with activities such as Engineering, Aviation training, Summer Leadership School, and CAP that I was not able to get a job. By the time school started my mom found a job. She is working full time. She didn’t have time to take care of my little brother who is in first grade, or help him with his homework. Most of my time I spent cooking, cleaning and teaching my brother how to read. I neglected my academics because of it. And now I am suffering. I overloaded myself with classes junior year and extracurricular’s. I took AP English. I basically wasted two years of my high school because of teachers that didn’t teach me how to write persuasively, and now I am guaranteed to fail that class. I don’t know if I’m going to fail Math because of the same reason. Also I might fail Physics. I started Physics this year. The teacher wasen’t very good and what is worst is that he retired in the middle of the semester and now I have to take this exam, and I might fail the class. My average now is like 88. Now with these three possible failures, it will go down indefinitely. I learned a lot from this situation, such as becoming an independent learner. But the fact of the reality is that I am failing. I promised myself that I wouldn’t allow this to happen my second semester of junior year. I feel like I haven’t learned anything. I want to be strong in Math, Physics, and Chemistry. I want to write a good paper. I desire to go to the Air Force Academy (or any service academy). Does anyone have any suggestions on how to catch up? Does anyone think I will make it even with these failures?</p>
<p>Why are you considering an 88 a failure? That's B+ barring any wierd grading systems. The USAFA application allows you to explain hardships or any reason why grades, etc. were hurt. Don't lose hope yet, do your best and use the section in the application to allow you to explain your situation.</p>
<p>Definitely what hornetguy said. From what I've read and heard the Academy is pretty understanding and that showing real maturity and leadership in tough situations at home will go a long way to help with academic scores that are below average. If this is what you want to do, you will find a way.</p>
<p>Like hornet said, don't give up. If nothing else, use this as an opportunity to do the best you can and show that you can learn from adversity. </p>
<p>In addition, don't forget that USAFA looks at the whole person. Although grades are important, everything else is too. If you really want to come to the Air Force Academy, continue to do your utmost. Don't overload yourself to the extent that you can't succeed, but don't give up either.</p>
<p>Although most people don't like these routes, the USAFA prep school is always a possibility if you're academics aren't quite there (see some other threads about the prep school), or going to a civilian college and doing ROTC works too. There's a guy in my squad (a freshman), who went to a school up north and did ROTC, since he didn't get in the first year he applied. He says it made up a better leader and better at academics too (he validated Calc1, Calc2, and Chem 100 when he got here). </p>
<p>So, if you really want this, as you seem to show that you do, don't give up. Because, like is written on one of the walls in my squad, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."</p>
<p>Never EVER give up.</p>
<p>Besides prep school or ROTC another option could be the prior enlisted route. I think the Air Force allocates ~85 slots per year for deserving airmen. I know of one cadet from our hometown who took that route who is now a 2 dig.</p>
<p>Your motivation and "stick to it"-ivness is a plus and an asset -- and the adversity that you've already overcome is a strength. Feel good about that! I'm guessing you're a mid-term junior? Do well from here on out by doing everything you can about your academics. Ask your teachers for help; is there one who you admire? If so, let them in on your goals and seek their advice. If they don't know, ask them who does know about the academy process. Get into a study group for math, English and your science courses. </p>
<p>Have you spoken to your guidance counselor about the academy? Find out who your ALO is (by calling admissions) and telling him/her what you've said here. Find someone -- teacher, trusted adult, fellow student who is tops -- and get some free tutoring that way. Focus on prepping for the SAT/ACT and take one soon to give you a benchmark. These are just a start, but (as has been said already!) don't give up! Focusing on your goals from here on out can still get you into the Academy, get you a nod to the prep school, or even a scholarship to one of the private prep schools that are out there! </p>
<p>You can do it -- look at all the people who have already replied to your question in a positive sense who believe in you!</p>
<p>Like Firesil said..NEVE EVER GIVE UP..</p>
<p>Take the SATs if you havent already and do well at those....youll definitely excell at those.. so
CHEERS!!</p>
<p>Thank you for all of your support. How can I describe my hardships to the Academy without looking like some charity case. My situation does not define me. I define me. One way I see it is that the lessons I learn in life eventually will help me in the long run. </p>
<ul>
<li>Respectfully, </li>
</ul>
<p>AFPJ</p>
<p>You have done the most admirable thing possible. As a young man you took care of your family. You did not stray, but stuck around and did what was right. You helped your mom and your brother. Keep your head up. And no matter which path you follow, you have every reason to be proud of yourself.</p>
<p>Arrange a private meeting with your school counselor to go over your hopes, dreams, disappointments and come up with a plan. Make sure your counselor knows that this will be a long meeting. Maybe it's possible to take summer school courses to lighten your class load next year (am I reading correctly that you are a junior?) and to up your gpa before you apply. </p>
<p>Also, you may need to redefine failure....an 88 is not failure, but maybe your next test might bring it down a bit. Realize that you will have good and "bad" teachers. The best way to get past a bad experience with a teacher is to have a meeting with him/her and let him know what your goals are. You might be surprised by their reaction and their desire to help you achieve your goals. Meet with each teacher that you are struggling with. Realize that you must find a way to get past any personality differences, regrets, etc and find out what it is they need from you to succeed. Most teachers will respond to this mature approach and be in your corner. Some might even offer extra credit.</p>
<p>Once you have a plan for your academics, can you meet with the your AJROTC representative for a serious meeting about your options? You are young, and you have had to do alot for yourself and for your family. It's time to look to the adults in your life for some guidance.</p>
<p>Keep us informed and if you want to talk to just a mom, please private message me.</p>
<p>-singaporemom</p>
<p>AFPJ-</p>
<p>Keep your head up. I talked to one of the instructors who is on the Admissions board the other day, and they take things like supporting your family into account when it comes to grades. That doesn't mean you can have bad grades and it not matter, but if you have pretty good grades, and you have circumstances that keep you from doing better, they take note of that.</p>