Agreed. I had fairly strong academics, good interview, good recommendation letters, and well rounded sports involvements. However I did not have a single varsity letter. I still got appointed and currently I am ranked ~ top 10% athletically at USAFA.
Thank you for your videos. We find them very informative and helpful. However, I would like to get your feedback on a particular situation with my son. He is highly interested and motivated to attend the Military Service Academies (USAFA). He is 14 years old, and he was homeschooled up to last year. This year he got accepted to a Publilc Junior College as a dual-credit student to complete his High School and associate's degree at the same time. However, he is not able to participate in the typical varsity teams, due to his age. His sports activities include; Jujitsu (Orange belt), competitive Water Polo, Swimming, and Fencing. He is a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol, and he is doing volunteer work in the community. His current GPA is 4.0. (0-4). Do you think that going this route, instead of a regular High School is hurting his chances of being admitted in the Military Service academies? Do you have any general recommendations?
As a current cadet at USAFA, I can tell you that being homeschooled most likely will not hurt his application strength as much as you would think. I have many friends here and at other academies that were homeschooled. As long as he can demonstrate his ability to lead and perform, the admissions will understand those inevitable circumstances.
I just had a quick question / seeking advice. My son is in his Junior year. He is currently signed up for Algebra 2 Honors. His teacher suggested he drop to Algebra 2 Advanced (there are 4 levels; Cp, Adv, Honors, and AP) She suggested this because his freshmen year he got a high C in Algebra 1 and high B in geometry his sophomore year. We want him to be in the best position when applying to USAFA, understanding that math is of particular importance. I want him to push himself but also don’t want him to fail. What would your suggestion or advice be?
Thank you for the question. He certainly doesn't want an "F" on his report card. You're correct math is critical for any of the academies. If it was my son I would take Algebra 2 Advance with the goal of going up to Honors if possible. More importantly look at what calculus classes he can take. Pre-calc is not really going to help him, Calculus and calculus based Physics will make his life easier when he gets to an academy. Remember, easy classes are high grades are seen through pretty fast, hard classes and good grades are always a plus. I hope that his answers your question.
How should we address sports in the application process if we sustained major injuries that prevented us from participating in team sports for a year or more of high school?
#1 Be honest on why you could't compete and show that you used your "free time" productively; job, volunteered, scouts, church groups, took extra classes, team manager, etc......... Everyone gets hurt of sick, it's how you use your time that matters
Thanks for the video. Very helpful
I'm very happy that you found it helpful! If there is any topic that you would like discussed please let me know.
Agreed. I had fairly strong academics, good interview, good recommendation letters, and well rounded sports involvements. However I did not have a single varsity letter. I still got appointed and currently I am ranked ~ top 10% athletically at USAFA.
"Well rounded", that's the key! Thanks for your support and service.
Thank you for your videos. We find them very informative and helpful. However, I would like to get your feedback on a particular situation with my son. He is highly interested and motivated to attend the Military Service Academies (USAFA). He is 14 years old, and he was homeschooled up to last year. This year he got accepted to a Publilc Junior College as a dual-credit student to complete his High School and associate's degree at the same time. However, he is not able to participate in the typical varsity teams, due to his age. His sports activities include; Jujitsu (Orange belt), competitive Water Polo, Swimming, and Fencing. He is a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol, and he is doing volunteer work in the community. His current GPA is 4.0. (0-4). Do you think that going this route, instead of a regular High School is hurting his chances of being admitted in the Military Service academies? Do you have any general recommendations?
As a current cadet at USAFA, I can tell you that being homeschooled most likely will not hurt his application strength as much as you would think. I have many friends here and at other academies that were homeschooled. As long as he can demonstrate his ability to lead and perform, the admissions will understand those inevitable circumstances.
I defer to @seankim, above. He also appears to be well rounded in sports, a plus.
I just had a quick question / seeking advice.
My son is in his Junior year. He is currently signed up for Algebra 2 Honors. His teacher suggested he drop to Algebra 2 Advanced (there are 4 levels; Cp, Adv, Honors, and AP)
She suggested this because his freshmen year he got a high C in Algebra 1 and high B in geometry his sophomore year.
We want him to be in the best position when applying to USAFA, understanding that math is of particular importance. I want him to push himself but also don’t want him to fail.
What would your suggestion or advice be?
Thank you for the question. He certainly doesn't want an "F" on his report card. You're correct math is critical for any of the academies. If it was my son I would take Algebra 2 Advance with the goal of going up to Honors if possible. More importantly look at what calculus classes he can take. Pre-calc is not really going to help him, Calculus and calculus based Physics will make his life easier when he gets to an academy. Remember, easy classes are high grades are seen through pretty fast, hard classes and good grades are always a plus. I hope that his answers your question.
How should we address sports in the application process if we sustained major injuries that prevented us from participating in team sports for a year or more of high school?
#1 Be honest on why you could't compete and show that you used your "free time" productively; job, volunteered, scouts, church groups, took extra classes, team manager, etc......... Everyone gets hurt of sick, it's how you use your time that matters
@@theserviceacademyinfochann1591 Thank you very much sir!