Recent Decision

Colleges and Universities A-Z Air Force Academy - Colorado Springs
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<p>Okay, Hi everyone, im a new member on this forum, and just wanted to introduce myself, and ask for some advice from what seems like a very knowledgeable group of folks. My name is Chris, im 16, a junior in high school, and have made the decision that i want to get after getting into the Air Force Academy and get on my way to being a fighter pilot. Now the reason im posting here, is because after reading a lot of the threads here, some people have been planning this since before high school. The reason i didn’t start sooner, was because i didn’t think that becoming a fighter pilot, or getting in the Air Force was attainable. But as i started high school, and got older, i noticed what i was capable of, and really think i have a chance. But, there are still a few things im worried about, that could throw me out of the running. First, let me give you a bit more of a background on my accomplishments: 4.0 weighted Gpa starting Junior year, taking a total of 3 ap courses this year, took 1 last year, and will take at least 3 next year, as well as 6 other weighted classes, not including that, will be in National Honor Society, Community Service Co-chair on Student Council this year, and was a regular member last year, and will be attending N.A.S.C leadership workshop next summer, Started working out and Running a few months ago and am now in great shape and can reach all the minimums on my CFA, which im going to take in the Spring(want to reach maximums). Waiting for Swimming season to start, and after that Golf. Taking the PSAT Oct 20, ACT w/writing Oct 27, and 2 SAT Subject tests sometime in December.</p>

<p>So thats just a little. Im worried that not being on any varsity athletics YET will really hurt me when i apply in late august. Reason i haven’t been on any varsity athletics, is because before i decided i wanted to be in the Air Force, and go to the U.S.A.F, i thought that academics were the most important, and that even though i was good at all sports, i wasn’t good enough to go to college on a scholarship. So now that i got into shape the past few months, i think that i could really compete in Winter/ Spring sports, and defiantly football next year. </p>

<p>Is Senior year too late to be involved in varsity Sports, and have U.S.A.F take notice?</p>

<p>What other things should i be considering? I really am motivated to get to this goal, but i want to know if Varsity Sports is a do or die for the U.S.A.F?</p>

<p>Thanks, Chris.</p>

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<p>It's not a do or die. I did not do any high school athletics, granted I have been taking Taekwondo since the age of 9. But, if you can show you have a senior year varsity sport, that will help you a lot. Academically you sound fine. I'd advise taking as many AP/advanced level classes as you can, preferably math and science based. </p>

<p>There are plenty of people that did not decide on USAFA until they were in high school, it just means you have to play the catch-up game. Keep in mind that even if you are not accepted, many people still come through prep schools and applying from college. You have until you are 23 to get in.</p>

<p>Make sure you are getting ahead on your nominations from congressmen, VP, senators, or any others you might be eligible for. Read up heavily on the USAFA admissions site so you know what to do. Take the time to write well on the written submissions for USAFA and congressmen as well as nailing the interviews for both. Clearly explain your goals for coming here. Be careful about talking about flying. It is a strong factor, but not the best reason to go to USAFA (at least as far as admissions sees it). </p>

<p>Anywho, those are just a few points. So much can be written (and will be below) on entrance. All you can do is try you best and hone in on key points. Good luck, we are always here to help people.</p>

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<p>If it's any encouragement, I was never a varsity athlete, nor did my school offer anything beyond club sports. Instead, I took up some sports on my own time, particularly fencing and soccer.</p>

<p>Show that you are athletically fit and involved in your community, and you should be fine.</p>

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<p>Wow, thanks for your responses already, and i feel relieved to know that, but i still really want to try to nail at least 2 varsity sports by the end of my senior year. And about becoming a fighter pilot. Yes, that was always my first thought when thinking about the Air Force, but after i took the time to research, and read about the Academy it self, i realize that the Academy is like a stepping stone to help boost you towards doing a wide variety of amazing, fulfilling things. I know their admissions is very selective, and once you graduate, becoming a pilot is even more selective, but its striving towards those goals that makes you the person you want to be once you get there. Im very involved in the community, through student council over the past year I've accumulated 30 hours of volunteering, just through that. So i know i have a ways to go, but thanks for your advice so far.</p>

<p>And as far as the nominations from the politician, my counselor gave me last years sheet to look over, and the website where i can find a new one. I imagine i will first get in contact with him by phone or email in the coming months, and try to set up a meeting a bit after that.</p>

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<p>Read the stuff on wwwacademyadmissions.com. It has most of the official information on applying. What is your GPA for all of HS, thus far? If it wasn't good before junior year, admissions will see the upward trend, but can still be a factor.</p>

<p>I didn't have any sports until junior year either.</p>

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<p>My cumulative gpa of freshman and Sophomore is 3.875. And i will look at that site. And yea, i heard of them liking an upward trend, as long as it isnt from like, anything below a 3 or something.</p>

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<p>You're looking good so far. Keep challenging yourself and you'll do well.</p>

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<p>Ya, um if you want to talk about late decisions..I'm the perfect example. I didnt commit/decide to come here till late September of my Senior year..(wow almost a year ago exactly..lol. crazy) anyways you being a junior still gives you plenty time. Listen to the guys above(they answered all my questions last year..thanks guys..;} ..tear) haha and did a great job helping me out. Also stay focused on your goals, like getting in the best shape possible and keeping your grades up, and yes varsity sports do help, but the leadership, responsibility and dedication are what really matters, if you can show that you have those attributes through something other then a sport, Do it. Good luck with everything and stay positive.</p>

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<p>Your grades look very good. The academy generally looks at 3 major categories- academics (60%), leadership/ECs, and Sports/fitness. Joining sports junior year will not hurt you too badly...I'm an example of that! However, please don't come unprepared physically. I made that mistake, and it has taken over a year to come close to fixing it.</p>

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<p>"I know their admissions is very selective, and once you graduate, becoming a pilot is even more selective"</p>

<p>It's not that difficult to get a pilot slot...</p>

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<p>I was thinking about commenting on that earlier too. Basically, if you:</p>

<p>A) Come here to USAFA,
B) Are medically qualified, and
C) Don't do anything rediculously stupid</p>

<p>you WILL get a pilot slot. Coming out of ROTC or OTS, pilot slots are extremely competitive. Here though, to quote a ROTC cadet, they "give them out like candy."</p>

<p>At the same time, this doesn't mean you won't have to work hard; you definetly will. And UPT is certainly no cakewalk either. But if you get in here (and it looks like you've got a good shot so far) and do what you need to do, I can almost guarantee you'll get a slot. Best of luck to you.</p>

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<p>And don't be in the bottom 10% of your class. There's a waiting list of maybe 100 people? who want pilot slots but might not get them straight out of the Academy because of their academics. One of my friends is maybe 40something on the list... not good. But really, it's true, you will pretty much get one if you really want it.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the all info guys. This positive reinforcement really helps. And im glad that its not as impossible as i thought it was to get a pilot slot, but that doesn't mean im going to slack. Ill try and keep you guys updated, and come back with any other questions i have. Thanks, Chris</p>

<p>P.S. The Office season premier tonight, Wewt. Its the only show i watch(besides the military channel of course), and its the greatest.</p>

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<p>The military channel...I miss getting that and Discovery Wings, before that.</p>

<p>(My mil. history major showing? lol)</p>

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<p>You're a Mil. History Major, raimius? I'm probably going to be that or a Humanities major. Oh, btw, one of your squadmates from last year is my Coach. Small place, huh? (actually, it really is). He's short and an out-doors kind of guy, if that helps tell you who he is. He showed me the video of you beating that 3-dig in boxing last year...I thought it was pretty funny.</p>

<p>Anywho, I did not do varsity sports, and didn't play any sports at all my sophomore and junior years. I did soccer and basketball my senior year, and that was enough.</p>

<p>As for AP course, I also recommend doing as many as you know you can handle while juggling everything else. It will also help you if you learn good time management skills beforehand, so it won't be as hard later. That was my mistake, and I pretty much shot my Prog (mid-term) GPA to pieces at the beginning of the semester. Yeah, Academic Probation, here I come. :-(</p>

<p>Your stuff looks pretty good right now, just make sure you don't spread yourself to thin and bring everything down b/c your schedule's too cray. Good luck.</p>