USAFA Class of 2015

Comment

Comment by Susan Meng on November 21, 2009 at 10:39pm

Hi Haley! USAFA is looking for a few things...high GPA/test scores, athleticism, and volunteer/leadership potential. I'll expand on each of these: be sure to keep your grades up. Aim to have all A's in each class, but don't worry if that doesn't happen. As for the ACT and/or SAT...USAFA will need your scores from one of these tests. I suggest that you go to your local library and check out a study book for one of these tests. I don't think its necessary to study the questions that might be on the test, but it is more important to get smart on how to take that test. For instance, if you don't know the answer to a question, it might be better not to guess on one of those tests (I can't remember which on it is). The SAT and ACT grade on different rules, so get smart and get really good at your test-taking skills. I suggest that you take one of these tests over and over again. I only took the ACT twice, but my score increased the second time I took it. I have a friend who took the ACT 6 times, and she eventually got a very high score. So sign up to take the next test that is offered right now. I think that some congressional nominations are normally awarded to those people with high GPAs, but USAFA is looking for well-rounded people. I suggest that you call your congressman (you'll likely talk to his/her secretary) and ask what they look for in awarding nominations. Some include an interview, and if that's the case, ask what types of questions they will ask. Athleticism-USAFA is very physically demanding. I suggest that if you are not on the track team right now, talk to the coach, tell him/her that you want to go to USAFA, and tell them that you would like to be on the team, or at least participate in long-distance practice so you can get some good pointers for running. Any other sport would be great, too. It is important to volunteer, but be sure to not volunteer for lots of different things...USAFA sees a lot of that. They want to see that you are involved in only 1-2 volunteer activities, but that you are either in a leadership position or have been a leader in some way in that organization by organizing an event, etc. So choose a couple of volunteer activities that genuinely interest you, and get really involved with them.

Another idea is that you can apply for Summer Seminar (SS). You can find information about it and apply online at www.academyadmissions.com. SS is 1 week in the summer (2010), and right now is the window to apply. It is extremely competitive, and if you don't get accept to summer seminar, it's not a big deal...don't worry about it. SS is more difficult to get accepted to than the actual Academy. Most people who go to the Academy never went to SS. SS would just be a unique experience for you to get an idea about what USAFA is like. So if you don't get in to SS, then just apply for USAFA anyway!

Comment by Haley Jones on November 20, 2009 at 10:32pm

Hey. I've got several questions, but they all boil down to one thing. What can I be doing now (middle of Junior year) to help my chances for a congressional nomination and appointment? I'm going stir crazy not being able to move forward anymore in the process.

Comment by Susan Meng on November 20, 2009 at 7:29am

Hi everyone! I'm an Admissions Liaison Officer (ALO) for the Air Force Academy. I can answer any questions that you might have about requirements and the application process, which can be long and extensive. I'm not a recruiter, and I don't have a quota...my job is to just assist others in applying to USAFA. I can also answer any questions about Air Force ROTC scholarships, which are a great plan B. Let me know how I can help.