Preparation
- Academic: The Academy
strongly recommends four years of English, including a college prep course in
writing; fours years of math, with a strong background in algebra,
trigonometry, and analytical geometry; four years of lab science; three years
of social science; two years of foreign language; and a computer course.
Advanced placement or honors courses are very beneficial. Strive for the best
grades possible. Also, develop effective study habits and efficient time
management.
- Athletic: Develop your
fitness by participating in individual and team sports or an individual
fitness program. Upper-body strength, running speed, and endurance should be
your objectives. Participation in at least one sport is the minimum suggested.
At the Academy, about 83 percent of entering cadets have earned a varsity
letter in at least one sport and more than 95 percent have participated in
high school sports.
- Leadership: Your athletic and
non-athletic activities indicate your leadership potential. Quality of
involvement means more than quantity of activities. Earn leadership positions
in a few activities rather than being a member of many. Pick activities in
which you are most interested: sports, student government, school clubs,
publications, boy's/girl's state, national honor society, band, chorus, drama,
speech and debate, scouts, community service, junior achievement, church,
work, JROTC, Civil Air Patrol, etc.
How To Apply
- Air Force Academy: Apply
online at
www.academyadmissions.com after January 31 of your junior year, but no
later than December 31 of your senior year.
- Air Force ROTC Scholarship:
Apply online at www.afrotc.com no later
than December 1 of your senior year.
- To be eligible to enter the Academy, you must
be a citizen of the United States, unmarried with no dependents, of good moral
character, and at least 17, but less than 23 years of age by July 1st of the
year you would enter.
- Because the
SAT
or ACT tests are an important
indicator of your academic ability, you should plan to take them early.
Juniors should prepare by taking the
PSAT
since this your only opportunity to earn a National Merit Scholarship. Each of
these tests has a slightly different emphasis, so you should consider taking
both to reflect your true potential. You may take these tests several times
and your highest scores will be accepted. To be competitive on the SAT, the
average appointee scores 590-670 critical reading and 620-700 mathematics. On
the Enhanced ACT, the the average appointee scores 26-30 English, 27-32
Reading, 28-31 Math and 27-31 Science Reasoning. Your scores must reach the
Academy no later than March 1. You may signup online.
- If you meet the Academy's minimum
qualifications, you will be sent a letter with instructions for completing the
online candidate application. Contact your ALO and complete the application
before you get busy with school in the fall. Make copies of all information
sent to USAFA and ROTC. You may continue to update your Academy file with
additional achievements until March 1 of your senior year.
- Request a nomination for the
Academy from all sources: your U.S. Representative, two U.S. Senators, the
Vice President and any military-affiliated categories (if eligible). Deadlines
usually occur in November of your senior year.
- You will be scheduled for a
DoDMERB (Department of Defense
Medical Examination Review Board) medical examination. Complete this as soon
as possible to allow additional time in the event any medical issues need to
be resolved. If you haven't heard from DoDMERB (Department of Defense Medical
Examination Review Board) within 2 weeks after receiving your candidate kit,
call them at 800-841-2706.
- Prepare for the Candidate Fitness Assessment
(CFA) which is a timed 6-event test: basketball throw, cadence pull-ups (men),
flexed arm hang (women), 40-yard agility run, abdominal crunches, push-ups,
and a 1-mile run.
- An Academy candidate's overall composite score
is based on 60% academic composite (high school or college academic
performance, SAT or ACT scores), 20% extracurricular composite (athletic
participation, leadership position, public/community involvement and work
experiences), and 20% admissions panel (faculty and staff review, candidate
fitness assessment, Admissions Liaison Officer interview, and writing sample).
- You should
contact the
Admissions Liaison Officer (ALO) that is assigned to your high school. You may
search for your ALO
if you do not know. Keep your ALO updated on your progress. Academy candidates
will be scheduled for an ALO interview. AFROTC scholarship applicants will
normally be scheduled for an interview by a nearby AFROTC detachment.
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Summer Seminar
If you are a junior going into your senior year,
the Academy offers two one-week sessions during June to experience the academic
environment, physical requirements, team building, and leadership skills
necessary to become an Air Force Academy cadet. You will be able to choose from
approximately 30 different workshops, participate in other activities and
sports, and live in a cadet dormitory. The registration fee is $300 and pays for
all your meals and room, as well as all workshop supplies. You are responsible
for arranging your own transportation to and from Colorado Springs. Applications
are accepted between January 1 and March 15 and are available online at
www.academyadmissions.com.
Diversity Visitation Program
The Diversity Visitation Program is planned by the Diversity
Recruiting Division of the USAFA Admissions Office 4 times per academic year.
This program aims to help diverse students to decide whether the Academy is a
place they can see themselves in the future. Selected candidates travel to
USAFA to view cadet life, experience academics, attend varsity sports events,
and interact with minority faculty, cadets, and support groups. Students reside
in dorms, dine at minimal to no cost, and provided transportation at no cost.
For more information concerning tour dates, qualifications and applications,
contact the Region 4 Diversity Recruiting Officer at: (719) 333-2654
Falcon Sports Camps
Week long summer camps are led by Academy
intercollegiate head coaches for athletes 8-18 years of age: baseball,
basketball, cheerleading/dance, diving, fencing, football, golf, gymnastics, ice
hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, track/cross country, volleyball and
wrestling. Athletes are given the opportunity to improve their skills while
experiencing the Academy's unparalleled athletic facilities, learn from the
Academy's head coaching staffs, and live in cadet dormitories. The camps
encourage teamwork, help build self-esteem and encourage the practice of good
character qualities. Registration is approximately $550 and is on a first come,
first serve basis. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation to
and from Colorado Springs. Applications are processed after February 1 and are
available online at
goairforcefalcons.cstv.com.
Academy Tours
Cadet-escorted tours and admissions briefings are
available for high school seniors, juniors, and sophomores on weekdays during
the academic year from mid-August to mid-May. Briefings are available most
summer weekdays. Reservations are required at least 10 working days in advance.
If you wish to take the cadet-escorted tour, you should plan to stay for the
entire day. To schedule a tour, call 1-800-443-3864 (option 1) between 8:00 a.m.
and 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time, weekdays, except holidays. You can also email your
request to academy.tours@usafa.af.mil.
Candidates who are offered an appointment will be invited to attend a special
Appointee Orientation that is normally scheduled three times in April.
Air Force Officer
Whether you choose the Air Force Academy or ROTC,
the goal is the same: graduation and a commission as a second lieutenant in the
Air Force. After graduation, those who qualify for pilot or navigator training
will complete about one year of instruction to earn their wings. Graduates may
also select from a variety of other exciting career programs. As an Air Force
officer, you'll receive an excellent career compensation package. Your annual
salary increases with promotions in rank: 2Lt $34,790, 1Lt (2 years) $44,294,
Capt (4 years) $58,694 (not including flight or incentive pay). Other benefits
include: comprehensive medical and dental care, tax-free housing and food
allowances, 30 days paid vacation each year, graduate degree opportunities
(including tuition assistance or full scholarship), and retirement after 20
years of service. You'll also enjoy on-base shopping at reduced prices and
recreational facilities.
To learn more about Air Force officer career
opportunities, visit the official web site at
www.airforce.com.
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