<p>I got this in the mail last month from my regional commander...</p>
<p>-
The enclosed chart depicts your by-event performance on the physical aptitude examination (PAE). Your score, compared to that of applicants for a recent class, seem inconsistent with your record.</p>
<p>Based on the strength of your overall record, I am authorizing you to take the exam again I recommend that you take advantage of this opportunity to improve your score.
You must send the Admissions Office your Physical Aptitude Examination results by February 11, 2005.</p>
<h2>Good luck in your efforts to gain admission to West Point.</h2>
<p>So what does this mean, beyond that I get to take it again? Is he saying my record is strong? Is he saying I have a good chance to get in? Thoughts on this, anybody? Has anyone else gotten this letter? </p>
<p>Oh, and by the way: The Naval Academy told me that my scores I sent them were qualifying. I haven't heard back from the Air Force Academy. I'm definitely taking this chance to improve my scores.</p>
<p>Sounds like they are saying that your PAE isn't consistent with your athletic record. Did you practice before taking it the first time? When you take the PAE at West Point, just passing isn't good enough---you need to do well on it. That is the biggest mistake candidates seem to make---assuming they are in great shape and then taking the PAE cold. Practice and then give it another shot! Good Luck!</p>
<p>skirrby: If you haven't participated in sports during high school, then you definately need to retake the PAE and show athletic competency. Since all the academies include a lot of physical activities in their curricullum, it is imparative that cadets have a strong physical attitude.</p>
<p>skirrby, you need to ask yourself if you would enjoy and excel in a physically demanding school environment. If so, great. If not, then you need to reconsider whether a military academy is right for you.</p>
<p>Thanks for the comments aspen, I have thought hard about whether or not such a place is appropriate for me, and I've decided it is. I grew up on the Air Force Academy and my dad is an AFA grad, so I have some idea of what is demanded.</p>
<p>I think the worse thing that could happen to not just me but to anyone looking into an academy would be to getting accepted, and then not being able to cut it once you're admitted.</p>
<p>Sorry if this post isn't very coherant, I'm listening to the Speaker of the House...</p>
<p>skirbyy:
There is much support for cadets to help them succeed. The Academies screen their applicants well to make sure the potential for success is there for all admitted. Once there, if an individual is faltering, he/she must seek whatever help is available to ensure success (and there is a huge support network in place for that reason). The will to succeed and personal accountability are the qualities that determine if a person reaches his/her personal best.</p>