Posted on Apr 11, 2017
1LT Quartermaster Officer
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Col Joseph Lenertz
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For myself, HS grades were a factor, but less important than SAT/ACT scores. Those scores are probably the single largest factor in a large number of factors. But the "whole person" concept is still huge at USAFA, so involvement, success, and leadership in sports and other extracurricular activities (from Scouting to band to employment to community service) are all important factors. If your daughter is an athlete, especially if she has won at the conference/district/state level, reach out to the USAFA coach of that sport. I was surprised to learn (after the fact) that a single note from the men's gymnastics coach made my application folder different enough. So it doesn't need to be a big sport to help, but if it is (basketball, softball, soccer) even better. BTW, my dad watched boilers in a paper plant for a living...so while I'm sure it never hurts to have a senator as your uncle, it is not a requirement.
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1LT Quartermaster Officer
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COL Lenertz, thank you very much for taking the time to share this information. My daughter is very involved in athletics. She is in Varsity Cross Country, has played Golf, and is in Varsity Track and Field. That is outstanding to learn these slight advantages of having the interest of the collegiate coach (within an SA). That is really excellent insight! Thank you!
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SN Greg Wright
SN Greg Wright
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Forgive me for sounding condescending (I don't mean to be), but even that an AF Colonel knows what a boiler is, impresses me.
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Col Joseph Lenertz
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Col Joseph Lenertz
Col Joseph Lenertz
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1LT (Join to see) - Happy to help. Thanks.
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1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
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As far as cyber goes, the USAF seems to be positioning to take the lead in that area.
In order to get into the service academies, there are many routes. She will need to build a resume of academic, community, and athletic achievement. Joining groups like National Honor Society looks good.
Once she has that together, getting a Congressman to sponsor her is the surest route. Volunteering to be a paige or intern in their office opens doors and access.
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1LT Quartermaster Officer
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Thanks Top! I forgot about Paige and Intern programs.
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Lt Col Jim Coe
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Edited >1 y ago
Most Congress people have web sites that address their individual processes and minimum standards for considering a high school student for an appointment. Also, the Service Academies have information available, probably on their web site, about appointments, minimum admission standards, and processes. High School guidance counselors may have information from the Academies or Congress members also.

I tried for an appointment in the 1960s and I suspect that things haven't changed all that much. It helps a lot if you or somebody you know well is a friend of the Congress person to whom she will address her request. (My grandfather knew the Representative to whom I applied.) Very high SAT scores will help a lot (I had average SAT) as will being a straight-A high school student (I was more of a straight-B student). A record of both athletic and social leadership will help her too (I bombed on this one because I wasn't a jock at all). I took ROTC in college.

Look into Vice Presidential appointments also. I need to look it up, but I think she might be eligible for VP consideration because you are a vet.
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1LT Quartermaster Officer
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Sir, thank you very much for your kind response! I really am looking for that personal experience, which you have provided. She has done some considerable home work, as well as a visit to USNA candidate overnight and has received information from USMA (detailed package). I should have phrased the question more along the lines of 'how to be successful', etc. She is also going to apply to ROTC programs as well. We heard from a number of Midshipmen who came to USNA the 2nd year from ROTC. My daughter really wants the 'embedded' military experience rather than part-time via ROTC. Her preference, she has nothing against ROTC, she really wants to live the life from day one! Again, thank you for taking the time to reply to my question LTC Coe!
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1LT(P) Military Police
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1LT (Join to see) - You can see my above comment about my Alma Mater but the other Senior Military Colleges (North Georgia, Texas A&M, Citadel, VMI, Virginia Tech, Norwich) all have Corps of Cadets that live a military lifestyle 24/7 similar to the academies with the exception that they are not branch specific, and have ROTC programs for each branch that enhance the Corps of Cadets programs
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1LT Quartermaster Officer
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Would love to consider Citadel, but we really cannot afford the tuition. One of the best PLT Leaders I had was from the Citadel! My daughter is in varsity sports and is consistently High Honor Roll with Distinction in an IB program (she loves physics!). We have looked at TA&M for the ROTC program as a possible college.
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