Air Force Academy?

Question

Do you think there is a good possibly I could be accepted to the US Air Force Academy? I am a sophomore in high school [I am a year ahead], I am homeschooled, I have a 4.0 GPA, I am taking advanced studies [aka Honors program] at the local community college [because my high school does not have a honors program], have OK eyesight, run, and take keichu-do [a form of karate, I am in the intermediate level]. I am thinking of joining the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program. How much does the CAP Cadet Program cost? Would it improve my chances of being accepted? Thank you for answering.

Also, any suggestions that would help my chances of acceptance besides a recommendation from a congressman or senator? Thank you.

Answer 1

Yes, CAP would help. In fact, its listed on the admissions application as an extracurricular activity. I was discharged from West Point Prep due to a medical disqualification, so think carefully when you fill out the medical paper work.

Answer 2

first thing: find out if your Home school program will be accepted by the military, because if it isn't, your 4.0 won't matter diddly squat. If the classes you are taking at the Community college are at least 100 level or higher COLLEGE courses, that will be in your favor. HOWEVER be advised that if you do get accepted to the AFA, you will start from scratch as a Freshman and will have to repeat all the courses you just took.

CAP may incur fees or out of pocket costs for uniforms and whatnot, but there isn't any real cost to it. CAP will help you gain advanced rank if you enlist, and would be a good bullet point for Academy acceptance, but it won't guarantee you a slot.

Answer 3

What the hell is Jim H saying? I don't see any problems with your question's first sentence.

Anyway, I hope a 4.0 GPA is good enough to get into something. I wouldn't want to apply to something that required a higher GPA. Now, if your home schooling is very low quality, then maybe they won't accept you. You may have to pass an independent test. But if your home schooling was high quality, you'll probably be fine.

In any case, if you're a sophomore and you want to go to the Air Force academy, I'd say you and your parents should go talk to a recruiter, tell them about yourself, and ask them if you're on track to be accepted, and if there's anything you should be doing that you aren't currently doing. If you went to a normal high school, you'd periodically meet with guidance counselors who would do that sort of thing.

Answer 4

From my own attempt to enter the Naval Academy, I would agree with these others that the Congressional Recommendation was the most difficult part (I didn't get it).

Another very important part, of which you seem to be aware, is athletic ability. Although my knowledge of current academy physical fitness requirements is 0, you may be able to get them from the academy itself. The Naval Academy (NA) test 'way back in 1980 was moderately rigorous for a young man as athletic as I was then (on 3 or 4 sports teams every school year). My particular concern is that you may need to take up strength training (i.e. weight lifting), as upper body strength was definitely one of the important factors in the NA test (my friend failed miserably, though he was slightly overweight). See if you can find out details of the physical test.

Remember, also, that you do not only want to meet their requirements, but impress them in all areas (not just academics). Ambitious community service is likely also a plus, both for Congressional Recommendation and academy application. For example, and Eagle Scout (highest-rank Boy Scout) would have a leg up over others. Likewise a lifeguard or EMT. Consider obtaining a summer job that is USEFUL to the community *and* teaches you worthwhile skills.

I guess the tenor of this message is: show ambition in *every* general area in which they might take interest. They want people who are hungry to excel. Be that person.

Jim, http://www.life-after-harry-potter.com

Answer 5

Write a letter to your Congressman or woman as you enter your senior year. The things you have pointed out here should be repeated in the letter.

Congressman and , I believe, Senators have the opportunity to recommend a certain number of people for admission to the academies.

You have expressed yourself well, and should have a real good chance of being one of those sponsored by these people.

Answer 6

Sure,good luck!

Answer 7

You have to get a congressional appointment first. Then you have to qualify. I would not hire a home schooled person to do my laundry. You started your first sentence off with an error that a 10th grader should know better then to do. So your have not impressed anyone.