You desire to be an AF Academy cadet, but are you really good enough?
I remember the day I opened the US Air Force Academy catalog (yes, a catalog!) and I immediately noted the average SAT score for entering cadets. It was higher than the highest SAT score in my school district! Boy was I intimidated.
The class profiles for any of the service academy classes are extraordinary. Many Naval Academy midshipmen were class presidents, Eagle Scouts, Civil Air Patrol Mitchell Award winners and other impressive credentials. More than 80% of West Point cadets were varsity athletes in high school and graduated as the valedictorian or salutatorian of their high school class. Cadets at Air Force are equally as impressive. The same is true for USMMA mids and USCGA cadets.
Based on the picture I just 'painted,' it would be easy to 'stop before you start' the application process to any of the service academies (SAs) with the feeling that you cannot compete with this group. In fact, you may truly experience an imposter syndrome. In other words, an "inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one's own efforts or skills." But I hope you will rethink any rash decisions.
I work with many different students (and future appointees), and I can assure you that you too should apply to one or more of the SAs. My recommendation is to start your preparations today. Evaluate how you can compete by expanding your résumé and then get to work!
Academic qualifications for the SAs include your GPA, the quality of your courses and your college admissions test scores (i.e., SAT or ACT results). To be a great candidate, you must become the best student you can be. Many cadets and midshipmen (about 70%) were in the top 20% of their high school class. The academies recommend an academic course load that includes four years of math and science along with four years of English. Plus, all of the SAs require an evaluation from a math and an English teacher. Refer to my academic blog to read more about scholastic preparations for the SAs. Finally, your SAT/ACT scores are an important consideration for all of the schools.
Scores for the SAs average in the top 15% of all SAT/ACT test takers. USNA Admissions notes that the 50% of the Class of 2027 achieved SAT scores in range of 610 - 700 Verbal and 610 - 710 Math. As a candidate, you should focus initially to achieve a minimum SAT score of 1220 (or the ACT equivalent of a 25). However, to be more competitive, push yourself to score beyond a 1350 (or 29 on the ACT). Note that your math score will be weighted higher than your verbal score.
Athletic qualifications include your sports participation and your Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA). To be a great candidate, play one or more sports, and be a strong teammate. About 80% of cadets and midshipmen were varsity athletes in school. No matter your sport, I recommend that candidates start a running program of approximately 10 miles per week at about 3 miles per run. The program will provide you with the stamina to complete the CFA successfully and for basic training at any of the SAs.
I have written a number of blogs about the CFA and the separate events. One specifically discusses the kinds of preparations you should make to do well on the test. Needless to say, a great candidate will meet or exceed the published averages for each of the six CFA events.
Activities and Leadership qualifications include all of the different extracurricular activities in which you participate. Scouting, Civil Air Patrol, school clubs, church youth groups, and many others are good examples. With all of these activities (and your sports teams) seek to engage, find additional responsibilities, and earn a leadership role. Serving as a team captain, club president, or troop leader will enhance your qualifications for any of the SAs. Review my leadership blog to understand more. Overall, the academies value 'quality' over 'quantity.' As an AF Admission Liaison Officer, I was never impressed with someone in 10 different clubs (or similar résumé details). I wanted to hear 'what' you did inside a club to shoulder responsibilities and provide leadership lifting others around you.
Hard work and determination will eradicate anyone's 'imposter syndrome' -- you deserve to be a cadet or midshipman, like any other student at the service academies today. Focus on being a scholar, an athlete, and a leader across all of your teams and clubs, and you will find that you are not only going to be a great candidate, but very likely, an appointee!
[Let's discuss how I can help you! I offer coaching services to pace and prepare you (and your parents!) for the entire Academy application process, including ways to be an ideal candidate and not an imposter! Contact me at chris@cbbrechin.com, 503.515.7406 or complete my contact form on the home page.]
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