How to Apply to the U.S. Air Force Academy

Co-authored by Amy Bobinger

Last Updated: February 26, 2023 References Approved

The United States Air Force Academy is a four-year university located in El Paso County, Colorado. Students who graduate obtain a bachelors degree along with commission into the United States Air Force with the rank of Second Lieutenant. The application process consists of a Pre-Application/Eligibility portion followed by a formal application that can take up to 5 months to complete. Although this is a competitive process, you can increase your odds of getting in if you understand all the required steps and start the process early.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing While You're in High School

1
Excel in your academics in high school. Getting into the U.S. Air Force Academy requires above-average academic performance throughout all four years of high school. If you are currently in your junior or senior year with a GPA below the school’s average, achieving higher than average testing scores may help boost your chance for admission.^{[1]
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The interview is a crucial part of your overall application so dress appropriately and treat it with the seriousness of a job interview.}
- The average grade point average (GPA) of high school seniors admitted to the Airforce Academy is 3.87 out 4.0.
2
Participate in extracurricular activities. Staying active in a variety of school activities (both athletic and non-athletic) is an asset to your application and shows you’re a competitive candidate. Involvement in leadership roles, volunteer opportunities, and civic engagement will be noted and used in the overall evaluation of your application.^{[2]
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- Consideration is also given to candidates without access to extracurricular activities as well as students who hold part-time jobs after school.
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3
Earn a competitive score on standardized tests. Applications to the Air Force Academy need to take the SAT or ACT (or both) as part of the admissions process. There are a variety of books, programs, and classes available to help you prepare for both tests. Additional resources can also be found in your school's guidance office and/or career center.^{[3]
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- The average SAT score for admitted applicants is 970 while the average ACT score is 30.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Meeting the Pre-Application Requirements

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Confirm you meet the basic eligibility requirements to apply. Appointment to the Air Force Academy requires applicants to be of good moral character and meet rigorous leadership, academic, and physical requirements. Before you apply, check that you meet the minimum application requirements. You must be:^{[4]
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- At least 17 years. You also cannot be past your 23rd birthday by July 1 of the year you enroll. This requirement is mandated by public law and cannot be waived.
- A United States Citizen. Proof of citizenship must be submitted to the Academy before you can attend. International students are exempt from this requirement.
- Unmarried with no dependents. This status must be maintained while you are a student.
2
Contact an Air Force Academy Admissions Liaison Officer (ALO). Your ALO can help answer all of your admissions questions and help guide you through the process. It’s recommended you reach out to an ALO as early as possible and maintain a positive relationship throughout the application process.
- This person will also be your go-to resource to prepare for the in-person interview.
3
Complete the Pre-Candidate Questionnaire. You become eligible to complete the questionnaire starting March 1 of your junior year. The deadline for submission is December 31. The following information will be needed to complete the questionnaire: ^{[5]
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- Full legal name, date of birth, and social security number.
- Mailing address, home address, and email address.
- High school name and class size.
- Class rank and grade point average (on a weighted 4.0 scale)
- One or more tests scores including PSAT, PreACT, SAT, and/or ACT
4
Seek a nomination for your application. This can be a highly competitive and lengthy process so it’s best to start seeking a nomination early. Nominations also need to be from a legal nominating entity from a recognized nominating category. Nominations must be received by the Academy by January 31 each year. The official nominating categories are:^{[6]
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- Congressional. Each Member of Congress is allowed to have a total of five cadets attend the academy at any given time and can nominate 10 candidates for each vacancy. If you would like to obtain a congressional nomination, reach out to your local congressperson’s office.
- Vice presidential. Like congressional nominations, the Vice President of the United States can also nominate 10 candidates for up to a maximum of 5 vacancies. After you submit your application, the Academy makes recommendations to the Vice President’s office based on your admissions file.
- Military Affiliated. If you are a member of a military family or have attended a military school, you can seek a military-affiliated nomination. There are several sub-categories depending on your specific situation.
- U.S. Territory. If you reside in a U.S. Territory, you can obtain a nomination through your governor’s office or office of a congressional delegate.
- International. If you are a citizen of another country, nominations must be from a government entity. The deadline to submit nominations for international students is December 31.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Completing the Admissions Process

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Request your official school transcripts. Once you make it past the pre-candidate phase, you will need to submit your official transcripts in order for you to move forward in the admissions process. The Academy has slightly different requirements for transcription submission than other colleges and school and you will be provided with specific instructions with your application.^{[7]
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- Your transcripts will need to be submitted by your guidance counselor.
2
Obtain teacher evaluations. As part of the application process, you are also required to submit three teacher evaluations that speak to your academic preparation and character. For high school students, teachers who provide your evaluations must be your:^{[8]
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- 11th or 12th grade English instructor
- Math instructor
- One other instructor (a science instructor is preferred, but they can be from any subject)
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Train for and complete the required fitness assessments. To qualify for admission, you must take the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA). The CFA is a pass/fail test consisting of six physical events that are administered consecutively. While there is no official score needed in this area, it’s important you perform to the best of your ability. Failing even one event can be grounds for disqualification so become familiar with what is expected on the CFA and practice to score well. The six events are:^{[9]
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- Basketball throw
- Pull-ups/flexed arm change
- Shuttle run
- Modified sit-ups (crunches)
- Push-ups
- One-mile run
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Submit a personal writing sample. You will be given the choice of providing a written response to two out of three prompts that will be provided during the online application. This is your chance to speak to the admissions selection panel in your own words.^{[10]
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- Your responses should be an original reflection of who you are while also demonstrating your skills in critical thinking, grammar, and language.
5
Attend an in-person interview with your ALO. During your interview, you may ask any questions you have about the Air Force Academy, including questions you may have about your personal goals after enrolling. This is your chance to add a personal touch to the admissions process and show your ALO your passion for joining the Academy.^{[11]
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- The interview is a crucial part of your overall application so dress appropriately and treat it with the seriousness of a job interview.
6
Submit personal records and drug/alcohol abuse statement. You will be given a form to fill out that asks details of any legal incidents, traffic citations, or other personal activities you may have had. Make sure you include all personal records and provide full details for each one. Instructions on completing the drug and alcohol statement must be obtained from your ALO, either over-the-phone or in-person.^{[12]
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- Be thorough and honest when completing this statement.
7
Complete a medical evaluation. All potential candidates have to meet the medical and weight requirements for a commission in the United States Air Force. The Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB) oversees exams and is responsible for determining your medical qualification. Completing the evaluation is a lengthy process and you should be prepared for a 3-4 month timeframe. It’s important to remember that you can only complete the medical exam after the following application steps have been completed:^{[13]
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- Candidate Fitness Assessment
- Candidate Personal Data Record
- Candidate Activities Record
- Teacher Evaluations
- Writing Sample

Community Q&A

Question

I am missing some of my testing info from my school, and the counselor is gone for the summer. If I fill in the application incorrectly, can I go back in and change it later?

Benjamin Prowell

Community Answer

I would contact the academy directly; there is always somebody on duty at the campus. They can get whatever is required. You can also contact one of your local recruiters to help with filing and submitting your package.
Question

If I have been diagnosed with depression in the past and have previously been on medication but no longer on medication and no longer depressed, could I be disqualified for having that on record?

GB742

Top Answerer

You should get in contact with the US Air Force Academy directly to discuss what assessments you made need to undertake in order to attain a medical waiver. A history of depressive or anxiety symptoms may be considered for a waiver if treatment has been completed and a period of convincing stability has been demonstrated without need for ongoing medication or psychotherapy.