USAFA ESSAY TIPS: ESSAY #1

Academy Endeavors provides tips on every Service Academy essay question…

USAFA Essay #1 question: Describe a setback or ethical dilemma that you have faced. How did you resolve it? How did the outcome affect you? Most importantly, what did you learn about yourself and how would you handle a similar situation in the future? (3000 characters max)

AE Guidance: Admissions wants to learn about how you respond to adversity, make choices under pressure, and bounce back and grow from it. Choose a topic that was difficult for you.

This is an invitation to tell a story. Use the STAR framework (Situation-Task-Action-Result) to explain the the steps you took to address the challenge, the lessons you learned along the way, and how you would handle a similar situation in the future.

Oftentimes, its the topic that gets people stuck. What should I write about? How my girlfriend broke up with me? How I was injured playing basketball? Here’s our take: first, brainstorm 3 examples of times when you were at your lowest or most challenged spot. Write those down. Next, think about the attributes you want to communicate about yourself.

When you read them, which one most communicate “fit” as a future leader of character in a 50-year old Colonel’s eyes? When you have the right topic, and stick to the STAR framework, this one will be a home run.