heyyall

Hey guys, thanks for reading this.
Lets start from the beginning; I've wanted to go to the AFA ever since I've been in 8th grade (it wasn't just "oh, I want to go there," I had a -rabid- passion for the school.) Freshmen year of high school I went to a private school (for the soul reason of the academy) and everything that could have gone bad happened. Eventually, I dragged myself out of that hell and by independent study, managed bring my first semester grades back from the dead. For my second semester, I transferred to the local High school. I spent that whole semester trying to get my life back in order and ended freshman year with a solid 3.0
Because of that year I had pretty much washed my hands of the Air force academy and wanted nothing to even do with it.
Its now my sophomore year, and by a true act of god, my passion for school has been renewed. At the moment I have a 4.0 and I'm taking:
-Biology
-English
-Spanish
-Geometry
-Chemistry
I've Been on AFA mailing list for three years now (so they do have me on some type of list)
I've been a varsity track athlete for the 800m and 1600m since freshman year, this year I'm our XC team's #3 varsity runner. This year I'll also become a varsity 3200m in track.
I do know a lot about AFA, ever since middle school, I've read the 3rd edition AFA cadet book on how to get in and practically have the book memorized.

I'm in the invisible children club at my school and also hold a high position in my schools physical science club

so overall, I just want people-to-people advice on getting into the Academy. I've been out of touch with it for awhile (and if you didn't know, the book I've read is probably really out-of-date)

ps: I'm interested in Aerospace engineering

07PETKO

Work hard in school. Work hard out of school. Simple as that.

Also, you mean "sole" purpose, and I'll give you ten to one odds that you change your mind on Aero before graduation from the Academy.

eagle36

keep trying in school, and particpate in activities out of school THAT YOU ENJOY. Going to USAFA may sound great (and it is) but don't spend your entire high school life trying to get to the next point. do activities that you enjoy, which may help make you well-rounded, but ultimately have fun and find what works for you. also, look into why you wanted (or want it) and see how those feelings may change. is it b/c its prestigious, free, pilot appeal, challenge, to prove to yourself you can? don't tell us, but think about it. when time gets closer, you'll know if it's something you want to look into, in which case hopefully you're dedicated to the process and show consistent involvement in other activites.

"Don't count every second... make every second count."

heyyall

Thanks guys, that really helped

packermatt7

Eagle, sent you a PM.

fencersmother

Another piece of advice: always show that you're willing to take on a challenge. Take the most demanding coursework while doing well in your sport, having a job, and teaching Sunday School (just as an example). The AFA likes to see a well rounded, ambitious candidate.

MD Mom

Apply for the AFA summer program between junior and senior years.

CadCandMateus

I've wanted to do Aero engineering since the prep school 2 years ago and still love it. True, ten to one odds.

heyyall

Well I'm trying to prove that I'm constantly pushing myself,
ex: I"m taking two science courses this year to catch up. My seinor year I'm taking two science classes also. This summer I'm taking Alg2 so I can take pre-cal next year. I'm going to do that the next year too so I'll be at BC calculus my senior year.

Its not even Dec and my '10 summers booked already: I'm going to intern at a jet engineering lab, take a year of math and do varsity xc evening and morning practices and start my SAT sub II classes

CadCandMateus

lol k cool

fencersmother

Well, just keep at it heyyall. Have you requested materials from AFA yet?

heyyall

Materials? As far as anything recived from AFA, I only get their highschool mailing list. fencersmother, could you PM me about it?