I'm 16 and a sophmore in HS.

I have done/ been awarded:

*taking class at community college 3 credit hours

*taking AP class

*Eagle Scout

*Speech & Debate Team Letterman (will have 3 letters by application time)

*3.3 GPA

*active in drama club


The question is...do I stand a chance for the four major service academies (AF,Naval,West Point, or CG)?

The 3.3 GPA and no sports will hurt your chances. You do have time to improve your GPA and join some sort of organized athletics. Those are the two important things that would improve your chances.

I didn't join sports until my Junior year, so you still have time to do that, no problem.

Good point. You don't have to be good at the sport, but it is important that you join...

John
Former USAF
www.realmilitaryflix.com

quote:

Originally posted by raimius:
The 3.3 GPA and no sports will hurt your chances. You do have time to improve your GPA and join some sort of organized athletics. Those are the two important things that would improve your chances.

I didn't join sports until my Junior year, so you still have time to do that, no problem.

I'm joining the HS soccer team (conditioning currently with them)......I have another question. Do I stand a chance at an appointment to the Prep Schools? Also, next year can I apply to all 3 service academies they require congressional appointments?

You generally apply at the start of your senior year.

Each academy has its own unique application. Nomination sources (Senators, Congressmen, the VP, etc) usually have their own applications. I recommend starting all of them as early as possible.

Yes, I think you probably have a very good shot at a prep-school. Still apply to the academies! You never know exactly what the selection boards look for, and the academy applications are usually applications for that academy's prep school.

It would even be a better idea, if can place yourself in a leadership position, ie, a council member of an organization (Prez, VP, Sec., Treasure, Sgt@Arms) or a member of the Student Council.
You need to show a well rounded education with sports, leadership, and academics.
Good luck on your future.

quote:

Originally posted by christian1991:
I'm 16 and a sophmore in HS.

I have done/ been awarded:

*taking class at community college 3 credit hours

*taking AP class

*Eagle Scout

*Speech & Debate Team Letterman (will have 3 letters by application time)

*3.3 GPA

*active in drama club


The question is...do I stand a chance for the four major service academies (AF,Naval,West Point, or CG)?

Your GPA sucks...might as well forget it.

Christian,

Yes, you should definitely apply, starting March of your junior year. You can apply to as many or as few as you like. For me, all the academy hopefuls met with a nominations board on the same day and they ask how you rank the academies. For me it was USAFA one and West Point two. They asked if I would consider the Merchant Marine academy (you can comission to ANY service from there) but I declined. Ended up getting the AF nomination anyways. I had a 3.5, played varsity soccer, was in girls scouts, key club (w/leadership position) and took AP classes. Nothing is a hard and fast yes or no. Just start the process early because it's LONG!

quote:

Originally posted by UWWomanRugger:
Christian,

Yes, you should definitely apply, starting March of your junior year. You can apply to as many or as few as you like. For me, all the academy hopefuls met with a nominations board on the same day and they ask how you rank the academies. For me it was USAFA one and West Point two. They asked if I would consider the Merchant Marine academy (you can comission to ANY service from there) but I declined. Ended up getting the AF nomination anyways. I had a 3.5, played varsity soccer, was in girls scouts, key club (w/leadership position) and took AP classes. Nothing is a hard and fast yes or no. Just start the process early because it's LONG!

\

Yes and you are a female so your low GPA didn't hurt you as much.

And you know this how?

quote:

Originally posted by raimius:
And you know this how?

Common knowledge einstein.

The formula for the Whole Candidate Score is NOT common knowledge.

Either you have more information than most cadets, appointees, and applicants will ever get, or you are speculating.

Well i know some one else started their forum, but i was also wondering the same thing, and also what else i could do to have more of a chance. I'm going to be a sophomore in high school and my GPA is 3.8.
I also am in the CAP cadet program, and plan on doing track next year. I do community services in my city, and i was thinking about doing AFJROTC (i was wondering if that would help at all).


A reply would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, and i am also in Honors math and history currently, and plan on being in honors english next year, and AP world history next. (history isnt required in my sophomore year, but i like it.)

It's too early to tell, but you seem to be on the right track.
Remember, academics is 60% of admissions. Extracurricular dedication and leadership is more important than the number of extracurriculars you have. So, be really involved in what interests you.

anyone have any simple suggestions to get a recommendation from a senator/congressman.

Basically I think writing a letter.



hope all these posts are not annoying anyone.

Visit their website or call their office. Ask about an application for a nomination. If they do not have a system in place, you can send a form letter with your information. That letter is included in the USAF Academy catalogue (IIRC).

NOTE: You do not apply through any member of congress, only the ones who represent your district. (1 Representative, 2 Senators)

Wow, what I wouldn't give to be 16 again. You have a great opportunity to enjoy life and serve your country. Think heavily about what you want to do. Having said that remember that the military is not all fun and games and wearing a nice uniform. It's about war and are you prepared to be away from your family for extended periods and most importantly, are you ready to kill someone? If you are then read on. My son applied to West Point twice and he turned down his first appointment. However, he went to another college and reapplied to the USMA and got his nomination and needless to say, he graduated with honors from West Point in 2006. He's now deployed in Iraq. While in H.S., He was co-captain of the track team and that helped him greatly to get into the academy. So, if you still want to go into the military, get into sports and remember what I said in the opening of this message.

Have you tried to get your congressional nomination? Without that, you can't get in unless you are a select jock for one of the Zoo's sports programs.