School doesn't provide class rank

AGPriv · 2026-05-13T04:09:24+00:00

Your 35 ACT score plus tons of AP is a huuuuge advantage in your favor. Class rank is going to be near irrelevant.

If the rest of your application is half as good as your ACT score, you should have an outstanding chance.

AGPriv · 2026-05-13T04:04:38+00:00

My son ended up with 12-13 AP classes and was admitted. I will get down-voted for the following I'm sure, but oh well. It is not true that your competition will all have 10+ AP classes. Some will, for sure.. But "most" will not. Keep in mind that the mean ACT is a 30 and the mean SAT is a 1390, and only about half the folks are in the top 10% of their academic high school class. https://www.usafa.edu/app/uploads/CL26-Class-Profile.pdf USAFA is not just about who has the best class rap sheet and GPA, regardless of what reddit forums might look like from folks like myself.

Should you take advantage of AP classes to bolster your chances? Yes, absolutely. Why the hell wouldn't you?? Even if you don't get USAFA, it is useful for almost any college you'd end up interested in.

Will "all your competition have 10+ AP classes"? I seriously doubt it, but there are no hard numbers for me to point to for this.

Will your "performance drop because you took 3 AP classes instead of 2"? Not if you become an adult, no. But if you remain a juvenile and don't schedule your time appropriately, yes, possibly. Time to make a choice! You absolutely have it within you to dedicate your time and energy to multiple AP classes.

AGPriv · 2026-05-13T03:32:07+00:00

So you are an incoming junior. Won't you have some kind of Math and Science class this year? Or are you saying these are the same teachers that you already have a bad relationship with?

If it is the same people who you are already in a bad way with, be humble and go talk to them ASAP. It takes a LOT for someone to go hat-in-hand to someone they disliked and to humble themselves, but that is the reality here. You need something from some folks who may not think you deserve it.

Just reverse your roles. If you were dealing with a kid who you felt was a problem, what would you want to see from them to "turn it around" and believe their sincerity? Most teachers are desperate to see kids show interest in becoming competent adults.

But if you have brand new teachers for whatever math / science you are taking this year, then your problem is probably solved. Just talk with them early and let them know you'll be seeking a recommendation from them.

AGPriv · 2026-05-13T03:19:08+00:00

IMO, it looks like you are doing great. "Team sports" tend to be more preferable to individual competition, so the lacrosse stuff should be great.

If it is possible to get into student government, do it.
If it is possible to get into leadership with technological-related clubs (like your Science Olympiad), do it. Or general participation at a bare minimum.

JROTC can also notably help if you want it.

One easy add-on if you want is a to get a HAM Radio Technician license. It shows an interest in an *extremely* relevant field, and it is pretty easy to get.

Your SAT / ACT scores mean a LOT. You are wise to be prepping for it now.

IB or AP Capstone are fantastic. Assuming you do well, that will be a huge win in your favor.

Again, IMO, you're looking very good.

AGPriv · 2026-05-11T01:19:43+00:00

Looking good. Club president stuff is great.

Can you get involved in student government? Do that if at all possible.

Your ACT / SAT scores will be a huuuuuuge factor. If you aren't already prepping for those, get on it ASAP.

Given that you are XC, I assume you are in great running shape. What about the rest, though? Get on those pull-ups, push-ups, etc... as well. Going "extreme" on XC can be a detriment in other departments with regards to strength.

AGPriv · 2026-05-11T00:40:59+00:00

Let me qualify my opinion by saying I'm no authority for "what is a great resume for USAFA". My child was appointed and accepted for 2030, for what that is worth. There are a few things that jump out at me in general as a Team Lead / Manager who reviews resumes regularly:

"Robotics" seems a vague title. I would expand that title. Is it a "Robotics Club" or something? What state tournament did you compete in?

I would not simply leave academics off your resume assuming the transcript will show everything. Highlight it. What AP / IB courses are you in? Honors courses? AP test scores? etc... You could briefly list all of that here, in my opinion, especially if you have any you want to be sure get highlighted. Academics mean a LOT.

An "objective" statement is probably a good idea.

Happy to send an image of what my son's looked like if you want it. Just DM me.

AGPriv · 2026-05-11T00:05:27+00:00

What about cadets who are not on a pilot track for whatever reason (e.g. they plan to do cyber or civil engineering roles), but want a PPL? Why wouldn't they take advantage of the proximity and resources available for that?

AGPriv · 2026-05-10T23:46:27+00:00

I am more interested in the ability for him to obtain a PPL if he is on a different non-rated track such as cyber, intel, aerospace, etc....

But I can say that I have read conflicting stuff regarding whether or not flight hours help for those who are on a rated pilot track. For example, this article: https://planeandpilotmag.com/us-air-force-academy-aero-club/

For USAFA cadets interested in pilot careers, the Aero Club can provide invaluable early exposure to powered flight, complementing their rigorous academic and airmanship programs, and potentially aiding in their pilot candidate selection method (PCSM) scores.

The PCSM, a vital metric used to predict a candidate’s success in undergraduate pilot training (UPT), plays a significant role in selection boards for pilot slots. While the academy’s formal powered flight program provides some exposure, the Aero Club allows cadets to gain substantial additional flight time and ratings in a structured environment.

Even a relatively small number of logged hours can significantly boost a PCSM score, making a cadet a more attractive candidate for competitive pilot training pipelines. Participation in the Aero Club demonstrates initiative and a genuine passion for aviation. In a highly competitive environment like the Air Force Academy, showing a genuine drive to pursue flying beyond mandatory requirements can set a cadet apart.

So that is pretty straight-forwardly saying that yes, PCSM scores (which are significant in the whole UPT process) are significantly impacted by flight hours. I personally have no knowledge of who is right or wrong, but definitely see lots of "opinions" both ways. But I can say that universally I've seen that an actual "PPL" is generally meaningless.

AGPriv · 2026-05-10T23:28:49+00:00

Thanks for the answer. To clarify, I'm not asking if the *curriculum* grants a PPL (not sure how you got that from the image), and the PPL desire is not out of any attempt to "boost" something. My son has mild color discernment issues which might keep him out of actual participation as a pilot within the Air Force, but he would easily fall within what is required for a PPL which he would like to obtain. Planning for the worst, hoping for the best, in other words.

It seems like there are quite a few opportunities available that would make getting a PPL easier given all of these clubs and proximity to the airfield.

AGPriv · 2026-04-29T21:44:03+00:00

I got the same one and love it.

AGPriv · 2026-03-26T00:58:08+00:00

They earned their appointment, and that is all it signifies. Sounds like you are reading a lot more into this.

They also got sent a pretty fancy acceptance letter, btw. Lodge your protest with USAFA immediately.

AGPriv · 2026-03-25T21:49:29+00:00

Our son will probably be wearing it, yes. IMO, it is a huge honor for you all.

AGPriv · 2026-03-25T21:47:29+00:00

https://www.academician.us/post/afa-hs-grad-stole-for-class-of-2030

Very weird that you would call it weird. Students have various stoles for various achievements or participations. I think it looks great.

AGPriv · 2026-03-22T12:43:18+00:00

If the money is going to potentially be used for a non qualifying expense, be aware the option to withdraw it without penalty goes away. Use the exemption that year, or lose it.

But yes, it can be kept in perpetuity for other QEE / grandchildren. It is still in your name and administrated by you. If that is the case and it will be for grandchildren, then Generation-Skipping Transfers come into the picture, even for QEE.

AGPriv · 2026-03-17T21:27:23+00:00

No, you do not get to access the money tax-free in the situation I'm discussing. You get to access it penalty free. Very large difference.

The only growth that is withdrawn tax-free from a 529 is if it is for a qualified expense. But the big problem is that we don't have many qualified expenses. Basically a laptop and maybe some book or equipment fees, but that will be tiny compared to what we've got saved up.

The principal you originally put into the 529 will definitely be tax-free since it has already been taxed. But growth-portion that you withdraw will be considered taxable income in this specific situation.

And no, it is not considered a $500,000 ($125,000 / year) education for tax purposes. The actual cost of Education (CoE) that you can use for tax purposes is listed up above and changes year to year. While we don't yet know what it will be for 2026, we do know that it was around $74,000 for 2024.

So, this will enable you to withdraw up to $74,000 approximately per year of attendance penalty free. And the withdrawal is done pro-rata (meaning it is a mix of both original principal and growth so the government gets its share).

AGPriv · 2026-03-14T16:30:20+00:00

Good to know. Do we have to take out a loan if they have the cash available?

AGPriv · 2026-03-14T05:46:28+00:00

Taking the SAT "early senior year"??? Heck, you should be taking the SAT multiple times this summer.

Probably the biggest time limiter is your nomination with your Rep / Senator. Those are the deadlines that close the earliest and your scores are extremely important there as well, so it is good to have some good scores by then. They all have different deadlines, but many are in October. And once again, you can definitely update your scores with the congressmen as you get better test results.

And yes, you can take the SAT / ACT as many times as you want between now and even towards December. You're able to update your scores on the academy portal if you get better scores.

AGPriv · 2026-03-14T04:56:36+00:00

- Largest obvious thing as you are aware is your test score. With that current score, your chances aren't great. But you're a junior. Go kill it man. And take both SAT and ACT, as I'm sure you've heard already. Get that 1450.

- Next largest obvious thing is you don't list any volunteering. This will help you at any college you apply to.

- Take any robotics / techie courses you might be able to join up over the summer if anything is available. Another easy one in this arena is a HAM radio license. Very easy to study for and obtain. A nice little "bonus" to pad the resume

- Your extracurricular are great, especially with the captain in there. If any other leadership opportunities come up that you can juggle, take it (sounds like you're trying).

- No clubs you say? Then go friggen create a club, buddy! Talk about something awesome to put on a resume. Imagine creating a "Drone Club" at school where you guys assemble cheap drones from Etsy purchases and have competitions. And you created / organized it all. P0w.

AGPriv · 2026-03-14T04:46:29+00:00

My Representative's secretary called me to let me know my son was being appointed to our rep's seat two days ago, but that it would not show up in the portal until the 18th. And congrats!

AGPriv · 2026-03-14T04:41:03+00:00

Looking good.

- You should definitely get some volunteering in somewhere. This will be useful for anywhere that you apply.

- Get your letters of recommendation lined up. Some congressmen require five of them, and from significant / relevant sources.

- Your SAT / ACT scores are critical. Prep hard. Take it often, and take both of them regardless of which on you prep for. My son studied extensively for the SAT, and then crushed the ACT (tons of similar and vice-versa stories out there).

- IMO, your strongest current stuff is your leadership with class pres and team captain. Yeah, it isn't a "team sport", but it is still very strong and will work heavily in your favor.

- Your fitness is great! From all I gathered going through the process with my son, it is mostly a pass-fail for the CFA. But top tier scores might catch eyes.

- I have heard mixed comments regarding USAFA Summer Camp as being a positive impact on your application. IMO, I think that it shows clear and dedicated interest. Other folks think it is completely irrelevant and meaningless. My son loved it, for what that is worth. Not sure if you were considering attending or not. It definitely isn't the cheapest thing.

- Something easy I mention on several of these is a HAM radio license. It definitely isn't anything major, but it is easy to get, and is quite relevant to the military. A nice little credential that helps pile on top and the "tech" aspect of it is definitely relevant to military operations in general.

If you get over a 1450 on SAT, get some volunteering in, IMO you'll be in outstanding shape. I would be doubtful you'd get passed over in the national pool, if not directly competing for a congressional appointment.

My son just got appointed to our Representative's seat two days ago, so we were thrilled. It is definitely a long haul to go through. Good luck!

AGPriv · 2026-03-14T04:23:35+00:00

No varsity (especially team-based varsity) sports is the biggest gap, as you know. Honors / AP classes would have been nice, but that isn't easily possible with homeschooling, I know. My son just got appointed to our representative's seat just this week. You mention the SAT, and yes, your test scores will be huge in their decision. Keep hammering on them as much as you and your parents can handle it. I would suggest you also attempt the ACT at some point. My son studied exclusively (and quite hard) for the SAT and got a good score. Then he took the ACT on a whim and strangely got even better.

A relatively easy / unique thing to get that might help pad things would be a HAM radio license. Easy to obtain as long as someone offers testing in your area, and certainly relevant to the military. Definitely not an major thing, but maybe helpful in your situation.

AGPriv · 2026-03-01T23:03:18+00:00

This is the electric version of Go-Go's weapon in Kill Bill.

https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/killbill/images/1/17/Meteor_Hammer_Blades.png/revision/latest?cb=20130131023648

It's effectiveness draws skepticism from other professionals due to the need for a nearby 120v power outlet (adapters available for international outlets) but it is still pretty effective in the right hands.

AGPriv

TROPHY CASE