Most popular NCSAs

[Pulsar]

...of the ones you've attended

[Offutteer]

You missed IACE and NCLS.  Also, UAS and E-Tech Robotics are new, so no one has attended.

[jeders]

I know you're asking what our favorite is, but I can tell you hands down that NBB is the most popular. This year they received over 900 applicants for fewer than 200 slots. That's more than all the powered flight academies combined.

[A.Member]

Many NCSAs receive far more applicants than slots available.  Some also have additional prerequistes that may limit applicants.  In addition, most also have significantly fewer positions available making the selection process/acceptance significantly more competitive.

Each NCSA is unique in what it brings to the table and what makes one particular appealing ("good") for one cadet, may not be as appealing to another based on the cadet's interest.

[MIKE]

I know you're asking what our favorite is, but I can tell you hands down that NBB is the most popular. This year they received over 900 applicants for fewer than 200 slots. That's more than all the powered flight academies combined.

I'd bet most of that is the beanie.  Get rid of the beret and change the name to something more descriptive of the actual activity, and attendance will fall sharply.

[LSThiker]

I know you're asking what our favorite is, but I can tell you hands down that NBB is the most popular. This year they received over 900 applicants for fewer than 200 slots. That's more than all the powered flight academies combined.

I'd bet most of that is the beanie.  Get rid of the rid of the beret and change the name to something more descriptive of the actual activity, and attendance will fall sharply.

Aside from eliminating the beret, but I think the name and the patch need to be redesigned.  Either the patch designed for the EAA-Oshkosh rename or a patch with the St Alban's cross would be better designs than the 8-ball.  Change the name as well.  We do not call the SF school as the American Green Beret School or Airborne school as the American maroon beret, or Ranger school the American tan beret.  And yes, I know the history of the patches, but I think it is time for the "cheesy" looking patches to be updated to something a bit more professional looking.  JMO.

[Tim Medeiros]

Sadly, I didn't see the COS option when I was reading through the options.  I had a good amount of fun there, it rivaled my times at AFWAFC, however my favorite (hands down) was HGA.  I wouldn't have gone to it for 6 years if it wasn't fun, nor would I still be in touch with the director at the time.

[isuhawkeye]

changes were made to eliminate the beret and change the insignia in the 90's.  That program lasted for a few years then the old heraldry was brought back. 

Here is the insignia from that time. 

[LSThiker]

changes were made to eliminate the beret and change the insignia in the 90's.  That program lasted for a few years then the old heraldry was brought back. 

Here is the insignia from that time. 

I think that is a decent looking patch, which would have made had they not eliminated the beret.  That and it did not help they required all cadets to wear the smurf suits. 

Also a patch more like this one would be better than the 8-ball patch.
http://www.blueberet.org/NCRSSC-Patch.jpg

[Майор Хаткевич]

Sadly, I didn't see the COS option when I was reading through the options.  I had a good amount of fun there, it rivaled my times at AFWAFC, however my favorite (hands down) was HGA.  I wouldn't have gone to it for 6 years if it wasn't fun, nor would I still be in touch with the director at the time.

Plus 1 on HGA. Despite some BS drama, one of my favorite CAP memories.

[Гугл переводчик]

I'd vote for NCLS, as its the only NCSA I've attended 

[Eaker Guy]

HGA hands down! Hated the pain, but it was worth it.

[PHall]

HGA hands down! Hated the pain, but it was worth it.

Ah, this explains much about you.

[Eaker Guy]

PHall,

I guess it does My squadron is big into honor guard, and the year I attended HGA, all but one cadet staff member came from my squadron. Kind of like pain all year long when training for honor guard On the other hand, they gave me a great honor guard education, and I try to pass on what I've learned, now that HGA has been discontinued.

[MSG Mac]

Why isn't IACE on the list??

[AlphaSigOU]

Why isn't IACE on the list??

I'm guessing the age and minimum grade requirements (17, cadet captain), along with the expense of applying (around $1000) can be a deterrent for many cadets.