Questions?/Concerns?

<p>AP Calculus is great preparation. Be sure to go to the USAFA math department web site and download their sample Algebra qualifying exam. Some cadets come with great AP math credentials, but they've forgotten algebra so much that they get placed in the non-credit algebra class. You really don't want that to happen. Besides the embarrassment, it makes it really hard to get into a tech major later on.</p>

<p>A little tip. If you have AP Calc BC under your belt and think you can tackle calc three, do it. It's a pretty nice course (math 253, honors calc 3). And if you fail at any point, even at the end, they put you down as a 'w' not failing which means withdrawn. You never took it. Then you can take 243 (normal calc 3) or keep two credit from calc 1 and 2. Win-win. Even if you retake, you are still a year ahead in math. AND, if you pass, it could be your last math (Calc based) you ever have to take unless you do an engineering major. I'm biochem, so my only math left is math 300, intro to statistics. easy peasy. :) Validate as much as you can, it helps you out a lot.</p>

<p>And what's better is that while the subject matter is harder than the other calc classes, the workload is not that tough at all, and the teachers in calc 3 are awesome...especially Captain Sawruk.</p>

<p>Man, capt sawruk rocks! I have finkelstein though. Just had sawruk for a couple weeks while Finkelstein was TDY. I like sawruk's teaching style a lot better, and he's got cool ways of teaching and running the class. Better luck next time I suppose.</p>

<p>TDY???</p>

<p>So basically do well in Calc 2 in high school and you're good? What score did you guys get on the AP tests for Calc 1 and 2?</p>

<p>Even doing well in CalC 1 will help. I was offered Calc 3, but I knew that I didn't know Calc 2 well enough, so I stuck with 2. It is nice, and the Calc 1 classes get a tougher workload. (I got a 5 on AP Calc AB, but learned some BC stuff along the way.)</p>

<p>TDY = temporary duty. Your military professors may have places to go randomly every now and then.</p>

<p>I got a 5 on the AP test for Calc BC, and I worked my butt off in high school studying it. As a result, I was easily placed into Calc 3. If you're just kinda good, or you only took AB, you'll probably get into Calc 2. Either way, you're ahead. It all depends on how well you do on the validation exams during basic...and believe me...its WORTH IT. Do well on them.</p>

<p>ya, 5 on the BC exam here. However, I must say the GR today ate me. Bad stuff. I need to get EI to pull my grade back up.</p>

<p>GR???
EI???
All these terms! :)</p>

<p>lol, sorry. GR is a Graded review (Big test, usually 10-15% of your grade per GR, most have 2 GR's a semester in a class) and EI is Extra instruction---going to your teacher for help pretty much.</p>

<p>How involved are you guys in the various clubs and activities at the academy? The admissions website lists a lot of different on-campus organizations you can belong to. Is there time for extras your four degree year? I mean, aside from academics and athletics...</p>

<p>Do you know of anyone involved in the marathon or triathalon clubs, and the commitments involved with them?</p>

<p>I'm in the ski club, but nothing happens there till later. I really won't get very involved till later, maybe next semester so I can get a solid footing here. I may wait till after recognition even so that it makes travel and such easier. That's my take.</p>

<p>A couple of upperclassmen in my squad are in the triathalon clubs, they get to go places for competition and it doesn't seem to take up their time. I think its very individual in terms of practicing and preparing.</p>

<p>I'm in the airsoft club. We go out (to a corner of the base) and play for a few hours every other saturday.</p>

<p>Most 4 digs can manage being in one or two clubs.</p>

<p>there's an airsoft club?! thats awesome. is there a paintball club too?</p>

<p>Yes, there is a paintball club. </p>

<p>In my opinion, airsoft is the better club. This is not only because I think airsoft is better, but because the airsoft club has already had 3 matches, while paintball has cancelled tryouts 3 times. There seems to be better organization in the airsoft club.</p>

<p>Do you recommend visiting the Academy prior to orientation weekend, in case I do end up getting an appointment? Also, as far as basic training goes, do you have time to write home? Was it more or less intense than you thought it would be? Are the cadre hard to handle? Where do you sleep during 1st BCT?</p>

<p>Yes! Absolutely visit the Academy before orientation. Talk to everyone you can who is here or is an alumni. You cannot know too much about the Academy before deciding whether or not to accept an appointment. Seeing the Academy from the inside is what will really cement your opinion.</p>

<p>As for BCT-Yes, you do get time to write home. There are times to attend chapel or have free time. If you do attend chapel, you can usually write after lights out (just don't get caught).
It was less physically intense than I thought it would be, but it was more mentally demanding. (Still, be in top shape when you show up!) Cadre vary widely. I had one who rarely did much of anything, one who acted like we were the greatest thing since sliced bread, and one who's nicest comment was along the lines of "you suck less than other people." Some are amazingly fit, others are not. We had one Cadre do 64 diamond push-ups with us, for fun...(fun for him anyway). We slept in the dorms during 1st BCT.</p>

<p>My son just started his first year at New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM as a high school sophmore. It's too early to tell what kind of grades he will earn but we think (hope) he'll graduate with a 3.00 GPA approx. While 3.00 isn't terrible it certainly isn't anything to write home about. I'm concerned that his grades won't be high enough to get into AFA. I'm wondering if a graduate from a military high school has a leg up just from the fact that he/she already has the "military" part. Hopefully that would mitigate an average GPA. Also he is interested in earning his private pilot license or rating. I'd think that would be a plus for applying at the AFA. Your thoughts???</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>Chivo</p>

<p>I don't really know what weight the Academy gives to military schools. I am guessing it would be higher than average because it is tough and a better indicator of how a student would perform here. Getting a private pilot license is a good thing. It was on the activity/accomplishments part of the application last year.</p>

<p>Again, I don't know what weight these carry in admissions. Encourage him to bring his grades up as much as he can. Every little bit helps. Academics are a big factor to USAFA.</p>