I applied to USAFA 4 times- Make them tell you "no"

Don't give up on your dreams before you even try. At least make them tell you no. I applied to USAFA 4 times-- I wasn't going to just walk away without trying

[@WildBlueYonder]

You do not have to be perfect to be at the academy. In fact, no one here is perfect, we all have our strengths and weaknesses. Hopefully most of you will at least apply. In any case, not just USAFA, you should always shoot your shot. Never give up on your dreams without giving it your best shot first!

[@swizzy_5811]

WildBlueYonder Hey, would you say joining enlisted in order to gain more self discipline and more individuality a good to reason to join before college?

[@mikehascats26]

you mean you dont have to be perfect if you are black because they use affirmative action. if you are white, you need much better grades than you do

[@MakeShiftNaz]

Why would someone want to join the acadamy from active duty?

[@mikehascats26]

@@MakeShiftNaz because its a free way to become an officer. another way is to go to a normal college

[@MakeShiftNaz]

@@mikehascats26 OTS is free as Well so that can't be the main reason to go to the acadamy.

[@hyfrovoxojuice]

He doesn’t say what’s up my soldiers anymore... He’s changed...

[@mikehascats26]

thats because a soldier is someone who works for the army

[@WildBlueYonder]

They're on to me...

[@marvinren861]

Hey what's up my civvies

[@hyfrovoxojuice]

WildBlueYonder ooohhh i see what you’re doing ;)

[@suntzu5562]

Just got rejected. It's brutal out there boys, most competitive college year in history. Let that sink in. Join me in reapplying for the class of 2027. MAKE THEM TELL YOU NO

[@jakeb383]

You reapply?

[@_WilhelmII.]

Did you get accepted yet?

[@kaileejohnson101]

I relate to this hahah I applied 3 times, then enlisted and reapplied and finally got in.

[@aviator_z9188]

KaiLee Johnson heck yeah!

[@M.V6969]

Did you apply before age 22?

[@electrowolf6260]

I’m thinking of applying when I go to college feshman year, and I didn’t do much activities in school but do you think I can still increase my chance when applying as a college candidate?

[@Austin-iw9hj]

How old were you when you got in? How did you enlist and also have time to get in before turning 23?

[@nikikiooo]

@@Austin-iw9hj From what I seen there's a chance you get taken to their prep school which you need to be 22 for, and when you enlist and finish BMT and earn Airmen status you're able to apply into the academy through the LEAD program and I read it's a little easier through prior enlistment to get into USAFA

[@Murica-gh8bg]

I absolutely love that " Make them tell you no!" That's my favorite quote. I'm just about to start my first year of college and after that I'm hoping to apply to Navy otc and become a fighter pilot. That is my dream and I'm gonna make damn sure I follow it no matter what people tell me.

[@ThoneBone]

You shlould do NROTC or AFROTC and fight for a UPT slot that way

[@HR-kc4dd]

FreedomEnforcer What does “make them tell you no” mean?

[@soundestmonk]

@@HR-kc4dd The basic idea behind the saying is that you should never count yourself out. Go out and chase what you want to do with persistence. Make them you no. Dont tell yourself no. Brief example: You want to be a pilot but do not have perfect vision and you've heard that pilots have to have perfect vision. Instead of just giving up there...go to the recruiter, gets your eyes corrected, and fight for a pilot slot. Make the recruiters tell you no. Try all of your options and if they all tell you no...you can't be a pilot...then you can't say you didn't try. This is of course applicable to anything you want in life. *Make them tell you no*

[@HR-kc4dd]

Wes McCauley thank you

[@jakedennis984]

Just got accepted to class of 2023!!! I hope I meet you there. Thank you for you’re videos!!

[@ImmortalNinja33]

Jake Dennis see you there too man! You graduated high school yet or are you a senior?

[@jakedennis984]

Malatnic I’m currently a senior

[@hephaestus511]

Why do you have to wait so long?

[@jakedennis984]

Hephaestus wait for what?

[@hephaestus511]

Jake Dennis It’s 2019, why aren’t you going until 2023?

[@daviddarden1915]

That is so correct young man on staying positive. I am 56 years old and a Air Force Security Police military veteram (now they call them Security Forces). I really like that type of dedicated positive self. I know I enjoyed my time in the military and things I do today is because I received my start as a 17 year old boy way back in 1980. Continue to inform all, Outstanding.

[@degenerateWA]

You're an inspiration to the next generation of Service members. I'm sure you're still feeling numb from the day you received your acceptance letter. I myself (Chief USN) am commissioning next year and, from time to time, pull out my acceptance message just to remind myself that it's still real. Its times like that when you really appreciate all the hard work that you put in even when it seemed pointless. Hard work is never pointless.

[@butterballin3686]

Thank you so much for this video! Thanks for giving me and other future officers inspiration to achieve our dreams!

[@danieltucker2670]

C-Squad '05/USAFA '09 here. Good on you for hanging in and persevering. Most of all, taking your struggles and helping others. All the best in your AF career and life beyond USAFA!

[@robt4925]

Congratulations on recognition, I am sure it pushed you to the limit but you made it through to the other side!!! 👍🏾✈️

[@quip1320]

As a 2000 grad, it makes me happy to see someone with such grit and determination. You deserve to be there and congrats on all your hard work. My oldest is a freshman in high school and I appreciate being able to show him your perspective and drive. Thanks for helping me keep him motivated to work for what he wants. Awesome videos!

[@jarrettpierce5626]

Your dad is a smart man, great job on listening!!

[@brandonlara7420]

Enlisted maintainer , first time applying and I’m off to the prep now still summer hopefully.. praying covid -19 doesn’t stop the process!!

[@ninasalian6199]

I love your realness and honesty

[@ggtapz4746]

Thank you! you have relieved and made me way less stressed and nervous if I don't get accepted! just watching this whole video gave me the confidence to if I don't get accepted, I am going to keep applying each year until I do!

[@robertturner7326]

Thank you for this video. I’m in the middle of my first application process and I kept thinking to myself I probably won’t get in. Now after watching this, I know that it’s ok if I don’t get in on my first try, because I know that I WILL keep trying until I do. Earned my like and subscription sir!

[@mollyb5078]

I am currently applying to be in the class of 2024 and I was worried about my ACT score. You just gave me my confidence back. Thank you so much for this video!!!!!!!!

[@V1Speed360]

Same here!!! I applied 4 times from Langley AFB, VA and on the 4th time I finally had enough awards/decs and experience to round out my application, and a few good officers that were willing to make stuff happen for me. Very cool man! Gratz! Prior enlisted officers = the best officers duh!

[@MrCommonSense00]

Thank you for this. Definitely inspiring. *kudos*

[@MarkTheDrunkenSailor]

your story is completety and utterly inspiring, your strength to never give up makes me believe i have the chance to pursue my dreams and i hope you know other people think this too

[@orzogra2390]

This gave me so much inspiration. I am mostly worried about the physical aspect as I was never too fit as a kid, but I've made great progress in just a month and I still have 6 months until my application process begins (PCQ) and more until I'll have to take the CFA. I think I can do it.

[@graceblocher7259]

Start your process early, start working out now, always be in shape for a pt test

[@cxptain3vil193]

wow very encouraging speech thank you

[@Mzgoldenhoney]

Hey my husband happy to see you I'm so proud of you.😍😃😄

[@joshuadelacerda7380]

Damn Man, that if awesome. What an inspiration.

[@graceblocher7259]

Hi I just wanted to say having your videos have been amazingly helpful on my path to one of the service academies (Hopefully USAFA). I complete my packet December 31st and my last thing is exercise to turn in and then it's appointments

[@graceblocher7259]

I've completed my packet except.for a nomination and so we'll see what happens from here on out

[@arichsnit]

You know how KZbin just starts playing with subtitles?, your vid came up and KZbin says you said “What’s up everyone, it’s wobbly under”! 😂😂 Just had to share. You shall now be known as Wobbly Under.

[@AshtonEdwards]

I love your videos super inspiring keep making videos thanks

[@remnantvoid.4647]

I was sweating bullets until i seen this video, thanks.😮

[@MangoAssassin8]

Advice as a cadet: you really dont have to be perfect. A lot of people here are average or above average. Your excitement and commitment towards being an officer you show in your essays and interviews are 10x more important than GPA, stats, or anything like that. Obviously stats help, but they aren't (I would say) even the primary factor.

[@cybercab]

Good info! Great job!

[@Bolazer]

Just finished my LEAD application last month; waiting with bated breath. I'm hopeful for this first shot, but I'm willing to try it again next year. Thanks for the first hand experience, man.

[@DonutsFoSho]

good luck bro!

[@matthewkunselman1661]

I'm in the same boat as you. March is supposed to be the big month for appointments, so I'm definitely anticipating any word back from USAFA. Best of luck, dude.

[@Bolazer]

@@DonutsFoSho Much appreciated!

[@Bolazer]

@@matthewkunselman1661 Likewise! If I get an offer it will likely be to the prep school considering I'm currently enlisted, but I'll be more than satisfied with that.

[@KillerPunchLine]

Got accepted to the prep in January, see you there my dude

[@miriyasmith6923]

I'm applying for class of 2025! Got a nomination for the USAFA. I'm hoping I can get an appointment!

[@V1Speed360]

A side note - you cant be a dirt bag airman IF you decide to enlist and backdoor your way into the Air Force Academy. I saw plenty of guys that were brilliant but they were late to formations, had paperwork or other issues with PT etc. SO if you do decide to backdoor your way into the academy you must remain 100% squared away and you really got to stand out amongst your piers. Otherwise your leadership will take notes of this and will not submit any packages on your behalf or be willing to stick their necks out for you when applying to the Academy. Just food for thought everyone! Great video!

[@gsento6459]

I’m currently enlisted right now and I’m about to start my LEAD application

[@benhutson5]

Currently a freshmen in college, never really applied myself too much in highschool, had a 3.3 gpa and a 25 on my act, no extracurriculars, but im going to apply this year and shoot my shot. I know its a little late and the chances are slim but ay worth a shot. This summer im planning on getting my private pilots license and learn to fly so maybe that'll help with things

[@nasirbakhtyarii]

Thank you very much for amazing information Peace

[@kevtheman7226]

I got accepted into the class of 2024!!!!

[@freddieweisbrod]

Im currently applying for my third time and I am LIVING by this rule. I am trying to improve my package each time because I WANT to get in.

[@Mysteryqueen86]

great vlog thank you for sharing this is a powerful vlog

[@rcgp4122]

Great advice. 👍🏻

[@zachmrskillz8453]

It is really worth it I am pj and I love my job but I want to continue going to school but I feel like UsAfA isn’t for me

[@0utlawactual363]

They’ve told me no once. Now I’m gonna get told no 5 times or less.

[@lukeliming8408]

This makes feel a little better about trying but I have a question did you try prep school?

[@wally7211]

Thank you for service #oncearoomiealwaysaroomie

[@raintenvideos632]

just appllied fro class of 2025 this video helped me a lot

[@hey9433]

That is just incredible. I have a question, correct me if this isnt the case, but don't you have to write an admissions essay every time you apply? Wouldnt you have had to re-write one each time? Also, what did you go to the academy for, did you want to become a pilot of sorts?

[@alexanderrodriguez4125]

I am currently a senior I did varsity cross country and track and varsity wrestling my freshman and sophomore year. I joined Civil Air patrol my junior year and continue to go. I am also a Glider pilot student and working on getting my private license. I am also an explorer at my local police department, And went to a local programming academy and learned web programming in 5 months. I also have a certification in Entrepreneurship and business I also was in junior high/ high school band 4+ years I attend my city council meetings and my community Rotary club for possible new ideas for our youth. I also volunteer at community events 40+ hours as staff. I am also a young Eagle member 1.5 years. I am currently learning 2 foreign languages at the moment both Spanish and French. My Gpa has had its peak and lows the highest 4.0 and lowest 3.8. I am personally trying my very best and hardest to do the most I can to stand out from everyone else as I have a strong desire to become a officer for the US Air Force I plan to lead and do an excellent job at whatever situation I may encounter. Do you think I have a chance to have a pilot slot in the Us Air Force academy ?

[@alexanderrodriguez4125]

I would extremely appreciate a response @WildBlueYonder

[@sierraquesenberry2696]

I'm not sure if you're still interested in going to USAFA, but from where I'm standing it looks like you would have a pretty good chance. You should check out the service academy forums, they have a ton of info on all the service academies and ROTC stuff.

[@lordfinesse6850]

They stay telling me no, even when I'm qualified.

[@fahimishungry5865]

How long were you enlisted for when you got accepted to the academy ?

[@manuelsalas1608]

I found this video really motivational ! I also got denied In high school and now I am currently enlisted about graduate tech school at sheppard. I have a pilots liscense ,letter of Rec from a brigadier general and Congresswomen. waterpolo and swim captain and was in sea cadets for 6 years. Although what hurt me the most was having 3.2 gpa and 1150 SAT Since enlisting I was Top PT and Honor Grad In BMT and in good running for DG at tech school. I am very determined to apply again for next years class of 2024 I’ll be going to Cannon AFB in April with hopes of joint the LEAD Program and beginning my application process once it opens again in July. I was just wondering if you have any advice for what I should do to help strengthen my application until it opens. Thanks a lot !!

[@manuelsalas1608]

Thank you very much !! Really appreciate you reaching out to me. I’ll try and fill as much leadership roles as I can!

[@joejohnson3814]

What do you do during the summer? And do these years count towards your TIS?

[@TheNinja3456]

Can I apply with a discharge From the coast guard because I couldn’t do it? And a 2.6 gpa on civil technology degree and don’t remember what I got on my sat?

[@rck3321]

If you don’t mind what were your ACT and/ or SAT scores?

[@johnycm4450]

Currently applying for the class of 2025, Hopefully I get accepted

[@erikzazueta3932]

Same bro! Good luck

[@davaasambuubatbold6955]

Applying as an international student for the 3rd year. Got an interview on 13th of Jan. Hopefully 3rd time is the charm 🤞

[@sane7107]

How was it

[@Motormouthstick]

Hey, I just watched your video about tech school and had a question. You said not to bring like a TV or something like that but then made comments about playing xbox and stuff. How would that be possible? Thanks for being such a great help to understand this

[@John-oc1ow]

Stacey Pierce When I was in Tech School I had my Xbox mailed to me once I hit phase 2 and I just bought a cheap TV while I was there.

[@Cyberpro-001]

Day rooms on each floor usually have a TV. Other places in the tech school area or chapel area have xboxs for airman to have this type of fun.

[@peacefulpatriots2345]

Man my grades aren’t Top 10 in the class, my GPA is barely above the margin of average. And doing a bunch of research and reading about having to have a 4.0 GPA and straight A’s your entire life to even qualify for the USAFA, that dream of becoming an Air Force pilot of mine just went down the drain, cause I thought I just wasn’t fit for it. But after watching this video I think I’ve gotten second wind. But I have a question if you don’t mind me asking, when you kept on applying, what did you do differently to get eventually accepted into the academy?

[@AV4Life]

Dude… ever heard of ROTC?

[@andrewhoskins3194]

respect

[@aces7894]

How old were you when you got accepted into the academy? I am 20 years old right now and I am still applying!

[@aviator_z9188]

I’m in rotc so I’m gonna apply this year and hopefully get an appointment or to the prep school. I’ve heard rotc helps but I’m not sure.

[@Justin-bz7ed]

Any update man?

[@israelsantiago62]

How does going from enlisted to USAFA works??? Does going to USAFA use up your GI bill??? Do you keep getting pay from the military in the USAFA???

[@marvinren861]

Even if you think you might get in, I’m wondering if going enlisted first would be a good choice just for the experience and knowledge of being prior enlisted?

[@WildBlueYonder]

Absolutely

[@cdxzminecraft7953]

I’m going into the last year of high school I have faced many troubles academically due to technological mishaps so I only have a 2.9 GPA but I took the SAT and I got 1540 790 math 750 ELA So I’m thinking of going through the enlistment process as academically I probably won’t sand a chance

[@ballwizk]

If I have my CCAF, do I still have to complete every year normally at the academy? Or would it be shortened?

[@ballwizk]

And if I dropped out of college before I enlisted, would that be taken into account if I applied?

[@jamisonzhang6178]

Hi so your situation was you got denied and then you got enlisted. But how could you still go to the academy while you are still under the contract?

[@dom4780]

So, when you finish high school, how do you enlist? And at what age do you recommend to enlist?

[@peonyanand8970]

As someone who got rejected 2028 and is applying next year-what did you do to improve your application every time? And was there anything that stuck out your last time when you got accepted?

[@samanthatrimble111]

How old were you when you received your appointment ??

[@Skysymptoms]

you are now filled with DETERMINATION.

[@rishiprabhuram4368]

Did you consider ROTC or OTS as like backups if you didn’t get in on try 4

[@chevy4x466]

I think it is a mistake to pursue the academy after getting turned down in high school. The focus should be rotc scholarship at that point. This puts one on track to be an officer 👮‍♂️ at the same age. No doubt, academy helps in career opportunities especially at the senior officer level. But the rotc is an awsome opportunity. I’ll go one step further. The rotc may be a better route for some that r qualified for an academy. For example, I live in the Detroit area. Our oldest is a 9 th grader building an academy resume already. She may have a better experience at an rotc at the university of Michigan or Norte dame where the education is just as spectacular. Rotc provides a different road to get where u want to go.

[@Austin-iw9hj]

How old were you when you got into the academy?

[@PAPIOSO908]

If join the academy do u still need take the asvab if trying join ?

[@WildBlueYonder]

No, but you will need to take the AFOQT test

[@_WilhelmII.]

So, if I get a bad GPA and SAT/ACT score, I should enlist and then apply to the USAFA?

[@chelseaK11]

Hi, I'm 14 and want to go to the USAFA. I don't play ball sports, but I want to try martial arts. I take a community college class: Aviation ground school.( before you jump on me saying I'm lying, you can enroll your teen in community college classes. LOOK IT UP.) I want to go to be a pilot. I also am joining CAP and I have fairly good leadership abilities. My grades actually are on the "better" side, mostly B's and A's, sometimes C'S. Community service is something I will do for the rest of my high school years. Do I have a good chance of making it? I go to a charter school.

[@sierraquesenberry2696]

Check out the service academy forums, it has info on just about everything from the congressional nomination interviews to life after the academy. Most of the people on there are either old grads, current cadets, applicants, and parents of cadets/applicants, so the facts are pretty reliable.

[@spiceyyburritos]

How did the ground school go? I’m 16 interested in enrolling on those classes did you get any license out of that ? because I didn’t know you could take those classes at this age

[@chimkinnugg7777]

When did you start applying?

[@rachellee2160]

instead of being enlisted, what if i go into afrotc in college.. then can I transfer to usafa?

[@_CORVUS]

what was your SAT/ACT scores?

[@eliassaavedra4049]

What are you getting your major in at USAFA?

[@diabeetus9522]

Would losing over 200lbs naturally vs surgery just to be able to enlist help?

[@Bolazer]

They ask for a lot of information during your application process. This is something worth including in one of the personal essays.

[@King-2077]

Lose it naturally of course. They will ask you about your medical history and any surgery, that’s the least you wanna do, telling them you had surgery to lose weight. Besides if you lose weight naturally that means youre ready for airforce fitness at the very least.

[@diabeetus9522]

Sorry I should have clarified I did not have the surgery. I've been eating right and exercising and down 40 lbs so far. I just wanted to know if me doing it naturally would help me show them I'm motivated and serious

[@kinghumanjr7654]

Definitely bro! And good luck on your journey man!!

[@yahyashirmedov779]

I am a freshman in high school and I still wonder how you got in the air force with a 3.0 gpa. I have a 3.166 gpa in high school rn. And I talked to an air force officer and he said that I can't become a pilot if I am not the top of my graduating class and If I don't have 3.9 gpa to get in to the academy to become a pilot. Is this true? Can I still become a pilot if I have at least 3.1 or finish high school with 3.3 gpa? This got me discouraged to apply to the air force.

[@WildBlueYonder]

Your GPA in high school has a minimal effect on your chance of getting a pilot slot. Don’t let that guy discourage you. Your high school GPA is only going to effect which colleges you can get into. At that point, it’s up to your performance in college, your PCSM score, and flying experience. That’s all they consider for a pilot slot

[@yahyashirmedov779]

@WildBlueYonder What is a PCSM score? Just asking because I am only in high school, not college.

[@AV4Life]

@@yahyashirmedov779PCSM is a composition of your AFOQT pilot score, your TBAS score, and your flight hours (only goes up to 41 hours now) add additional points. While GPA is part of your OM (order of merit), it’s one of the smallest factors. Even if you’re below average, you’ll be okay. Basically all Academy guys who are FC1 qualified get to go pilot, even those at the bottom of their class.

[@ProcuraRt]

I'm turning 23 this March and plan on enlisting this summer after I finish my associates. The fact that I am older and already have college credits will that disqualify me? On the website it says max 23 years old :(

[@Bolazer]

Unfortunately they're unshakable on that age requirement. It isn't even waiverable. College credits aren't the disqualifying factor.

[@ProcuraRt]

@@Bolazer thanks for the reply. I won't stress it then I'll find another opportunity :)

[@King-2077]

ProcuraRt dude i signed up when i was 25 lol and during bmt i had many people older than me. There were four people at the age of 30-35 and 5 who were in their late 20s.

[@Bolazer]

@@King-2077 For ENLISTED, sure. We're talking about commissioning through the Academy, specifically. Age requirement is 18-23.

[@King-2077]

Drixen ah yes academy is for young and single.

[@andynsx457]

If you are enlisted already what are some good tips or things to do to make you more accepted into the academy?

[@WildBlueYonder]

Volunteer, get your associates, do great at your job, try to get you Squadron/Group/Wing leadership to see that you're doing well so they back you up

[@andynsx457]

@@WildBlueYonder I would like to become a pilot so should I get a associate degree with aviation related? Does it matter what I go for?

[@sallysue8176]

How hard is it to cross train? To change jobs in the Air Force?

[@Cyberpro-001]

Easiest to cross train during your first re-enlistment. After that it usually does not happen unless there is an overage in the amount of people in your career field vs what the AF needs. Not sure of the odds if your received a bonus to join or if your career is considered a critical career field.

[@sallysue8176]

Ralph G thank you. I am so excited! I have MEPS next week.

[@dohwankim8931]

I have a question, you said that you applied to USAFA 4 times. How is it possible? Because I thought when you are in high school senior year and rejected, you loss your chance to get into the USAFA.

[@maribelsoto3468]

If you’re to be 20 how many more year you have to apply?

[@paulapazos6344]

The age requirement for USAFA is 17-23 so about three more years

[@TimeSpace1]

3.0 is NOT terrible lol

[@sahajkohli4305]

For academy standards yes it is