United States Air Force Academy Reviews
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Ismael from U S A F Academy, CO
01/17/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
53 out of 54 people found this review useful. 1 of 13
Categories Comments Great for these types of students self motivated, hard chargers. its a military school, if its not your cup of tea then think it through.
Tips for prospective students make sure you get in good physical shape before going, makes your life a bit easier. make sure you are prepared to handle stressful situations. be ready to study A LOT! if your not already good at time management, you will be. also, only come if YOU made the decision, don't let parents or friends decide for you.
Bang for the buck well, anyone who gets accepted here is on a full ride, period. you only pay for books and personal stuff, but they pay you every month (you are in the military). catch is you have to serve so many years in the air force after graduation as payment.
Am enjoying being here Freshman year is not as fun as the others will be, but you get a sense of pride being at a school that only takes in about 1200 students NATIONWIDE every year.
Am learning a lot seriously, USAFA has one of the toughest academic schedules anywhere, so you get one of the best educations anywhere! its supposed to be the 7th best school in the nation.
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Straight
06/19/2010Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
23 out of 24 people found this review useful. 2 people found this inaccurate. 2 of 13
Categories Comments Great for these types of students If you would like to accomplish something, become a Falcon. Every day is packed full of important tasks to begin and complee. Every cadet gets to fly with many opportunities to do simiar activities as scheduled.
Tips for prospective students Every candidate and cadet I met during the summer seminar is remarkably bright, physiclly fit, well groomed, and respectful of their superiors and themselves. More importantly, they know where they are going - there is purpose in their actions. Grades and standardized test scores are tremendously important - both my dorm roommates had at least one perfect sub-score in the SAT or ACT. Sports, extra-curricular activities, and community work are also huge, as is demonstrated leadership in both school and non-school activities.
Bang for the buck The value of an Air Force Academy education is - priceless. I have heard estimates ranging from $275,000 to $400,000. It is, in essence, a, full ride. And while the food I ate this summer is not like Mom's Sunday dinner, it was plentiful and nutritious. On top of tuition and room & board being paid for, cadets receive a monthly stipend approximating $400. The service commitment following graduation is meant to pay back the nation for the education received. That service is the best deal our nation offers any youngster.
Will enjoy being here I now have some understanding of how difficult it is to have fun in the freshman year at the Air Force Academy. While students at other colleges are partying, cadets are studying, marching and polishing their shoes. But while other students are, hanging out, cadets are jumping out of airplanes, flying gliders and powered aircraft, watching the Falcons Beat Navy/Army and participating in any number of co-curricular activities. If I am accepted, I will be among the thousand plus fortunate few that apply to be members of the class of 2015. It is my dream.
Will learn a lot I just returned from Summer Seminar 2010, and I am still thrilled about everyone I met, what I learned about the academy and myself, and the incredible opportunities available to the student cadets attending this national treasure. Every candidate/applicant I met, every cadet/cadre that led and instructed me, and every faculty/staff member is an outstanding individual in their own right. In just a short week I learned more about leadership and follower-ship than I have in my 17 years. The facilities (8,000 acres) are beautiful (tucked against the Rockies), modern and impeccably maintained. Every instructor is an expert in their field, and an accomplished teacher bringing excitement and information into the classroom.
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Ashley from Fort Walton Beach, FL
07/11/2009Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
18 out of 21 people found this review useful. 3 of 13
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Students who are determind, who keep up with their goals, who don't slack off, who are prepared to do what they have to do when they have to do it.
Tips for prospective students This is my dream school! So many students and cadets will apply, and you will have to be the best of the best o get in. I know this will be a great school.
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Just A Guy?
08/15/2011Reviewer is A past student here.
10 out of 10 people found this review useful. 4 of 13
Categories Comments Great for these types of students There are all types of students here. If you desire a life in the military, and not because you think that it would be awesome, or fun, or you have that determined/unique mindset. Look into what that life entails, and if being an officer is how you wish to live for the majority of your young life then this may be the school for you.
Tips for prospective students Learn to coast. Being the all-star freshman year only attracts negative attention. Remember that it is always more impressive to attract followers from actions rather than from bragging. Lettering four years while being an impressive AP student makes you average. Do not go for athletics, being an IC is an incredible opportunity, but it is not what a military academy is meant for. A large portion of students are very, very, very socially awkward. Get use to that and realize that there are some normal kids as well, some dudes, some bros, some good looking girls that you will have to fight over to date for a week, and some driven individuals. The place is either about doing your own thing or a lot of sucking up. You will be put in the command of fellow students under the guise of authority and power. Make friends. Friends will help you through. Being in a relationship is good, mature, and necessary in life, but during your young years do not get lost in it. The girls (or guys) that require a lot of attention will not get even close to any of yours.
Bang for the buck The education is free...ish. You will owe five years in the military at least; however, you will get more financial opportunities and less financial worries than going any other route while pursuing your undergraduate education.
Did enjoy being here The friendships will last a lifetime. Remember that this is not a normal college. You will have little to no social life, but the rewards are worth it if you go with no strings attached (girlfriends/family drama). If you get out of the freshman mindset after recognition, and do not lose who you are in the place it is not that bad.
Did learn a lot Like any college your education is what you make of it. I have attended several universities/colleges/USAFA. During my high school education I was an AP scholar (7 or so AP classes), a three sport athlete (Football, Wrestling, and Lacrosse), an avid skier, and involved in the community. As USAFA is a difficult school to be admitted to this is the norm. Standing out in high school is one thing, at USAFA it is quite different. Unfortunately the course load freshman year at USAFA is very, very basic in the beginning. I found few classes challenging, and therefore harder to take seriously. The first year will put you in a weird place as far as mental state. While I personally found no particular part challenging as a whole it will test your determination to continue. I left to pursue a civilian life, as I found that civilian college can propel my academics better. None the less, the Academy is an excellent education. The friendships will last a lifetime, and if you are socially awkward you may find yourself at home. I can not speak on the final two years academically, only that during the first two years you may not find yourself challenged in regards to academics if that has always been your strong point.
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Future USAFA Cadet
12/19/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
5 out of 5 people found this review useful. 5 of 13
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Obviously, the Academy is only for those who are serious about serving their country; it isn't a place for everyone. Cadets are seen to be tough-minded, physically fit, always showing integrity, and persistent. No one is perfect, but basically, be the example and be the best at what you do. Good luck to you as a future USAFA cadet.
Tips for prospective students Start your 9th grade year off strong. It's better to start off with a 4.0 than a 3.0 GPA. Stay on top of your grades. Take up sports and make your way up to varsity,and hopefully, captain. Join a club or team, or even better, start a club yourself. USAFA wants to see people exceed the standard expectation. Do community service activities and projects; show USAFA you care about your country. Lastly, be per servant and stay strong. The Academy likes to see candidates who are persistent. Keep applying if you don't make it the 1st time. Keep improving your ACT/SAT scores and grades. Stay strong.
Bang for the buck Attending USAFA is an education worth about $150,000 (could be mistaken) without a paying a penny out of your pocket. Four years of service ARE required after graduation.
Will enjoy being here Obviously, there's pros and cons to attending a military academy. Pros - the greatest friends for a lifetime, set up for success after graduation, promised career after graduation, the best physical shape you'll probably ever be in your life, and the opportunity of serving your country. Cons - restricted free time (due to academics, rules of the campus, and physical training), limited time with family, long hours of studying, and the rigorous curriculum.
Will learn a lot You will most definitely learn a lot here! Being at one of the most rigorous colleges in the U.S., the minimum credits needed to graduate is 140; while for other colleges, it's only 120. However, this rigorous curriculum prepares the future AF officers in their profession, the future leaders of America.
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Myles from Apo, AE
06/16/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
4 out of 4 people found this review useful. 6 of 13
Categories Comments Great for these types of students -Dedicated students -Americans who want to offer service to their country -Developed or developing leaders
Tips for prospective students From what I hear, physical fitness and good study habits are the best things to develop if you plan on attending.
Bang for the buck A lot of people stop and think that the education is free, but that is simply not the case. When you decide to enter the Academy, you commit yourself to a few years of dedicated service in the U.S. Military. Nevertheless, when you weigh the pros and cons, a free education and a chance to serve your country outweigh the risks of combat for some dedicated Americans.
Will enjoy being here I have a friend who lives nearby the Academy. She says that the cadets seem to enjoy their experiences. As for surroundings, pictures of the area show that this is one of the most beautiful areas of America.
Will learn a lot From what I have read at the admissions site, as well as the student review I have seen, I know that this school offers a challenging and beneficial education.
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Alisa from Grand Junction, CO
08/05/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
3 out of 4 people found this review useful. 7 of 13
Categories Comments Great for these types of students High achieving students, students who want to serve in the military, those who love different altitude conditions and seasons, students who love air/space/flying
Tips for prospective students Before you consider USAF Academy, make sure you know that this is your own choice, and not someone else's. Go to the Academy's website and seek out the different information regarding the campus. Not only do you have to have stellar grades and amazing test scores, but they also look at what activities you have done in high school (music, volunteering, sports, academia, etc.), your teacher's input, your ALO (Admissions Liaison Officer) interview, your writing sample, and other miscellaneous information they may ask you. Know that, as you are entering the military, you need to be in prime shape for the different training periods. Get active in competitive sports and take the time to work out as often as you can, because it will definitely help you as you go along.
Bang for the buck There is the Oath of Commitment that you must take, which is the only repayment to the Academy, but in other regards, earning a free education when accepted to this campus is absolutely worth it. You get hands-on training for your respected fields, and the chance to be commissioned as a military officer is one of high esteem.
Will enjoy being here The location of the base/campus is prime for many different vacation and fun tours that include biking, hiking, and river rafting in the summer, while skiing and snow activities in the winter. You get your four seasons in Colorado Springs. Knowing that, take into account all the training you will be doing here for the military. While there are fun activities you can do on your off time, be mindful of the different climates if you are not used to them. Otherwise, it will be definitely worth it coming to school here.
Will learn a lot Just by reading the catalog they offer in the visitor center, it is quite obvious that a student accepted here will learn more than ever before. For those interested in air and space, you will definitely get what you asked for in a prestigious school such as this. If you don't enjoy taking on a big course-load all throughout your college years, then this may not be the school for you. For those that love to learn, and are willing to take on the challenge, I say go for it!
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Alexis from Nucla, CO
08/23/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
2 out of 3 people found this review useful. 8 of 13
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students Get your applications done as soon as possible!
Will enjoy being here This school is located in a nice area
Will learn a lot This school is very competitive in the education department as well as physical training
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Billie from Lakewood, WA
03/16/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 2 people found this review useful. 9 of 13
Categories Comments What to do for fun We don't have fun here.
Food and Dining It has it's moments.
Dorm Life Life is awful.
Academic Rigor It is very difficult
Tips for prospective students If you think you will be able to handle it, it is a great opportunity.
In three sentences It is a very tough school, but worth the blood, sweat and tears.
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Shatyra from Miramar, FL
05/25/2012Reviewer is A past student here.
1 out of 2 people found this review useful. 10 of 13
Categories Comments Greek Life None at the Preparatory School
What to do for fun There is a lot to do on base if you like the outdoors. We did a lot of grilling and BBQ. You can find plenty to do in the Colorado Springs area.
Dorm Life It's ok nothing special but it's also what u make it. Get to know everyone and don't be anti-social.
Academic Rigor Classes start off easy but they do get challenging so stay focused and study hard
Tips for prospective students -Make sure your head is in it -Try to turn every experience into a positive one -Take everyday one day at a time it gets better -Participate in everything
In three sentences I attend the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School. It's honestly not for everybody but it's a great opportunity. Wonderful experience and the classes are great.
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Sarah from USAFA, CO
10/17/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 11 of 13
Categories Comments Campus Safety Campus safety is first rate because you are not protected by regular cops, but you are protected by military personnel whose sole job is to protect the cadets.
Clubs and Activities There are numerous clubs and activities that you can partake in. If you have the desire to be a part of a club here, chances are you will either be able to find, or even start it yourself.
Bang for the buck Your entire education is paid for, so you are definitely getting your bang for the buck. It may be hard, but coming out on the other end it is worth it to say that you made it through.
What to do for fun When you have free time there is a lot for you to do. You can go hiking up in the mountains, go out to eat or go to the movies in the city, and during the winter you can take the weekend off and go skiing at some of the best ski resorts.
Food and Dining The food is not the best, but it is still food. You are served a variety of food every week with some consistencies like pasta night every Monday.
Dorm Life Living in the dorms with everyone in your squad is a great experience. You are surrounded by people that you work with and you are forced to learn how to get along with everyone even if you don't like them.
Academic Rigor The classes are hard, but they are rewarding. The class sizes are small enough that it is possible to have one on one time with your professor. If you need it the teachers are always willing to make time for you.
Tips for prospective students If you really want to come here you need to start preparing as soon as possible. Get involved in your school and your community. Take advantage of every opportunity to make yourself bettter.
In three sentences One of the most challenging and rewarding colleges in America. The competition is tough, but being surrounded by the best minds in the country will only increase your skill. It provides more opportunities than you could only imagine of having at other schools.
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Leah from Grand Junction, CO
03/20/2013Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 12 of 13
Categories Comments Campus Safety Very secure campus, no access allowed without government issued ID and all personell on campus are required to display their badge.
Clubs and Activities you will never be bored, there are clubs or groups for just about everything, and if they dont have your activity, you can start your own group
Food and Dining You eat at the dining hall for the most part, and the food is about average, but there is a pretty good selection after you get out of basic training.
Dorm Life You get assigned your squadrons and rooms and roommates, and thats where you stay unless there is a major issue, so you really dont have the choice of a civilian college, but you form cloe and lasting relationships with your squadron mates which helpd you through the tough times.
Academic Rigor Academics are very similar to high school life, just at a college level, which means twice the homework, but its not like you're the only one with classes all day every day so its ok.
Tips for prospective students DO NOT slack off on staying in shape, and team sports really really help.
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Daniel from Battle Ground, WA
02/01/2013Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
13 of 13
Categories Comments What to do for fun What do folks do for fun during breaks?
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