<p>About the top fourth of applicants to SS are never asked to interview with an ALO. They simply receive an e-mail acceptance with a request to choose which session they want to attend.</p>
<p>Also, I was just bumped from ASPL to SPL. How do I update my file, or should I wait to receive a candidate ID and such?</p>
<p>"I'm pretty sure I'm going to be rejected."</p>
<p>Hey drumin guy, I don't mean to jump on you at all because I know what it's like to be worried about whether or not you'll be a competitive candidate, but I've got to tell you... I think the best thing that you can do for yourself is to have a positive attitude. Don't take no for an answer, even if it's in your own mind. Start thinking of yourself as a cadet. I know the Academy compiles statistics about what level of scores, rank, GPA, athletics, leadership positions, etc. are competitive and what aren't, but I would argue that one of the biggest things that will get you into the Academy is your attitude. If you are enthusiastic about serving, excited about the Academy, confident in your ability to be a good cadet and a good officer, and genuinely in earnest about getting in, I can basically guarantee you that you will. Everyone looks good on paper. And every candidate has his/her weakness on paper. Overall, everyone who applies is pretty good. What makes the distinction between you and another student is your attitude. If you start now by envisioning yourself as a cadet and truly believe that you can achieve your goal, you will. I may sound idealistic and some of you may disagree with me, but in my experience, when you make yourself stand out by being confident and enthusiastic, people will go the extra mile for you to assist you in your pursuit of an appointment to the Academy. Maybe it means that your congressman will personally make a phone call to make sure the panel knows what a fabulous Air Force leader you would make, or maybe it means that your ALO will do a little extra for you than he normally would. That's just a word in general to all of you guys who are going to be applying next year. Attitude is everything. Believe that you can and will become a cadet and it will inspire you to take the steps necessary to ensure that it happens. I firmly believe that. You WILL become a member of the class of 2012 if you do that (well, as long as DoDMERB doesn't present a problem). Sorry if it sounds like I jumped on you, drumin guy; I just want to make sure you all know that believing in yourself and thinking of yourself as a cadet will make your dreams come true. I'm gonna kick myself later for how corny this sounds, but it's so true! Good luck! :)</p>
<p>Couldn't have been said better, redhead.</p>
<p>Everything she said is correct.</p>
<p>There is no question that attitude is important and assuming you have a chance (or make the chance!) to show that attitude, it really can make a difference. However, redhead, I would caution you about phrases like "I can basically guarnantee..." We had some posters last year who looked good on paper and had incredible attitudes (BEYOND persistant) and did not get in. Fortunately, they had alternative plans/back-ups but they were advised to have those backups in place. Your thoughts are well-placed and for the most part I agree with them. But the simple fact is that a great attitude is not sufficient -- it helps a lot however.</p>
<p>I still agree with Red, the senator/ALO factor can be huge in getting an appointment if the applicant is on the fence.</p>
<p>Ok, I take back the (almost) guarantee. Thanks for the correction, AFDAD. :) But what I'm trying to say is stay motivated, stay confident, stay pumped about the Academy. Don't let yourself feel defeated before you even start the application process. I know that's easier said than done (especially for those of us who are already in or are cadets!) but it will pay you huge dividends.</p>
<p>....And that's right on target! redhead, you have an atttitude that not only helped you get in but you will find that it will help you STAY in! ;)</p>
<p>agreed, redhead. nearing the end of 40 days, and hacing completed basic, you have to want it and have confidence in yourself. most of what occurs here is mental, and having a good attitude in poor situations will make you survive</p>
<p>I have some new things that my be worth adding to the application, such as National Honor Society. Are we allowed to add to it at this moment, and how?</p>
<p>Yes. Son added/updated his application several times. They expect it and you should do it. He generally wrote them a separate letter which I believe just got put in the file.</p>
<p>So to update it, I type a letter and mail it to admissions?</p>
<p>Ah found the address</p>
<p>HQ USAFA/RRS, 2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 2300, USAFA, CO 80840. </p>
<p>What do they expect in the letter? Like, what sort of personal info. Should it be laid out like your entire resume, or just the new things?</p>
<p>They told me the best way is to just fax it to them with Attention Summer Seminar, my name, date, n social security number on it.</p>
<p>Exactly, basic info and they'll add it to your file. I would just add the new things, not the entire resule, making it clear that these are updates.</p>
<p>Do you know what fax number to send it to?</p>
<p>Well I retract my statement about the faxing. When I called the Academy thats what they told me to do, so I did it and then called them again right after to make sure they received it. They did. But I emailed my ALO and he told me to call again and make sure that they actually updated my file upon receiving it. Well my semi-ALO (retired ALO but he's helping me with a lot of things) said he would call and when he did they never updated my file and they don't have my new scores :/. Now he is just snail mailing them over there.</p>
<p>I mailed my update out this morning. How long should I wait until I call them? Maybe monday or tuesday?</p>