United States Air Force Academy

Date: May 02 2009
Major: Business - Management and Administration (This Major's Salary over time)
I was originally accepted to the Air Force Academy Preparatory School, which I attended for a year prior to entering USAFA. I graduated in 2008 with a degree in Systems Engineering Management. Every aspect at the Academy challenges you to work harder and be better. There is a lot of BS, however. Be ready to be flexible and be ready to work. That being said, I'm currently in pilot training with an awesome degree, getting paid pretty decent, and have a guaranteed job and no collegiate debt. I really can't complain about the results afterwards. USAFA sets you up for a rewarding career in a variety of career fields. Keep in mind you don't have to want to be a pilot if you come to USAFA. You can graduate, do 5 years in the AF, and then get out and utilize your degree/get a masters (that the AF will sometimes pay for). There are a lot of opportunities at USAFA, like studying all over the world, getting graduate scholarships, intercollegiate D1-A sports, skydiving, flying, and the list goes on. The social life isn't spectacular, but it is what you make of it. You have Colorado Springs with plenty of places to eat, see movies, bars. Then you can head to mountains and ski/snowboard, hike, see Pike's Peak, etc. Denver can be a lot fun as well. Make the most of it. I learned how to snowboard while I was there and I love it. You'll forge bonds with awesome people that you'll be united through all the stuff you endured together, leading up to graduation, which is still the greatest day of my life. Seeing the USAF Thunderbirds fly over Falcon Stadium as I toss my cap in the air is a sight I will never forget. If you're willing to work hard, you're going to set yourself up for success big time.