pixeldog Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 My 12 year old son has his sights on the Air Force Academy. He has waited for two years to join Civil Air Patrol a month ago, has just taken his first O-Flight and has been flying on a simulator for a year. He's a military history junkie and can identify *any* jet (or helicopter) he sees. I've been asking for advice within the Civil Air Patrol and Air Force about what he can/should be doing to be competitive when the time comes. I've heard that he really needs all of his grades to be high (especially math), he needs to hold leadership positions in organizations, he needs to play team sports, etc. Are there any homeschool moms out there who can tell me how you facilitated your child's acceptance into a military academy? How did you handle team sports? What about testing? What are STEM camps and did you do any of them? Also, my son is in a grade higher than his peers (completed 7th grade this year). Any advice on his "extra" year for 12th grade? I don't think it would be a good idea to have him try for acceptance a year younger than everyone else (I'd rather let him have the year to mature). Any advice is welcome! Thanks so much! Nancy in NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 Hi Nancy, You might want to post this on the high school board as well. Lots of knowledgeble moms over there that have btdt and may have specific advice. When I was in school, one needed a recommendation from your state senator to attend Academy. I'm not certain if that is still the case, but it might be worth checking into. Maybe one of his/her staffers can give you an idea what accomplishments the candidates of the past had on their resumes that elevated them above the others also seeking admission. Additionally, it might be worth while to see if you can get anyone from the Academy to speak to you or at least send you a detailed letter. No specific advice though. I've never had a child seek that path. Faith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shannon in TN Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 I don't have an answer to your question, I just want to say I think it's fabulous that your son wants to do this. My dh is in the Air Force and it's the best of the military branches. Can you tell I'm a bit biased :D ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 Shannon, my dad was in the air force - this was in the 60's. Missile engineer! As he puts it, the Air Force is where the Geeks go! He's quite proud of that fact. Faith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In The Great White North Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 Here's their admissions page, with tons of info. http://www.academyadmissions.com/#Page/News_and_Events DS is there now and there is at least one more freshman from the Hive that I know of. Cadets have to be 17 when they sign in. There was one in his squadron who turned 17 the next day ( a girl.) He'll be in good company - this comes up every couple of months: http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=249625&highlight=usafa http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227601&highlight=usafa'>http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227601&highlight=usafa'>http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227601&highlight=usafa'>http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227601&highlight=usafa http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227601&highlight=usafa http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=160047&highlight=usafa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastian (a lady) Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 There are several threads on academies on the high school board. Margaret in CO and I have posted a lot over the last several years about the process. (Margaret's dd just graduated and I am an admissions liaison for USNA, my alma mater.) In general, the advice you're getting is spot on. The academies are not looking for students who meet a minimum level of qualification. They are looking for students who are outstanding. I think if you google "USAFA homeschoolers" you will get a FAQ answer about what course work homeschoolers should take to be competitive and to prepare for the rigorous academic load at USAFA. Sports participation is used to gauge both physical readiness and leadership potential. Academies understand that homeschoolers may have limitations on participation. They would be looking for what students did take advantage of (martial arts, cycling, distance running, club sports like fencing, crew, soccer or lacrosse, or a rigorours personal fitness regime allong with active leadership in another sphere). For academics in ds's last year, look at those recommendations for homeschoolers. (USNA's is here.) He'll want to make sure that he has all of those, then continues on in a logical manner. So he would take another strong science course, another math course, more literature. If he's really completed all of the normal high school level courses, look at the recommendations for students who are applying from college. (Again from USNA - "If you are taking college or prep school courses, we suggest you take courses similar to those required of first-year midshipmen, such as calculus, chemistry, English and history.") Consider enrollment in community college courses or online courses. Look for sources for letters of recommendation that aren't all from you as his teacher/parent. They will accept a parent written letter of recommendation, but keep in mind that this could mean that the same voice is answering questions as the math teacher, English teacher and guidance counselor. If he takes outside courses, it is great to get recommendations from those instructors. Also CAP instructors or similar junior military organizations (JROTC). It would be great if he contacted the local admissions liaison officer and asked about upcoming student outreach events. Sometimes these are coordinated by a local congressional office. Sometimes reps have a table at events like air shows or big scouting events. Sometimes there are events scheduled around local college fairs (which are usually open to anyone) or sporting events involving an academy team. This is a great chance to chat with either an admissions liaison (Volunteers or reservists - Navy calls them Blue and Gold Officers or BGOs) or a rep from the academy admissions office. This is a good chance to get questions answered and really get a feel for what is offered by an academy. I would also suggest that he investigate ROTC (the college training and scholarship program, not JROTC, which is a high school program) and other academies. For example the Naval Academy also commissions many officers into Naval and Marine Corps Aviation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastian (a lady) Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 Here's another thread. http://welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131575 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastian (a lady) Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 Also, click on the tags on these threads: Military Academy, Service Academies, USAFA and you will find still more threads on the topic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pixeldog Posted May 3, 2011 Author Share Posted May 3, 2011 Yay! Thank you all so much for the great advice, encouragement and links! It's just what I was hoping for - I love this forum. Blessings to all, Nancy in NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pixeldog Posted May 3, 2011 Author Share Posted May 3, 2011 Wow, thanks Margaret! I know you're so happy for your daughter. Has all of this really increased your prayer life?! Nancy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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