essay for air force academy

How to Get Into the Air Force Academy | Requirements 2024

Reviewed by:

Rohan Jotwani

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 3/26/24

Are you interested in joining the U.S. Air Force? Keep reading as we outline how to get into the Air Force Academy. 

Are you ready to soar to new heights and serve your country with honor and distinction? Joining the United States Air Force Academy is a life-changing opportunity that opens doors to an elite education, exceptional leadership training, and rewarding careers such as a Pilot , Cyberspace Admissions Officer , or Air Battle Manager . 

However, with a competitive acceptance rate, getting into the Air Force Academy is no easy feat. It requires a combination of academic excellence, physical fitness, strong character, and unwavering dedication to service.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the rigorous admissions process, key admission requirements, timelines, and insider tips to help you stand out from the competition. Prepare for takeoff on a journey that will push your limits, challenge your abilities, and ultimately guide you toward a successful landing at the prestigious U.S. Air Force Academy.

Air Force Academy Admissions Requirements

To join the Air Force Academy, students should strive for SAT scores higher than 1470 and ACT scores higher than 32. You should aim for a GPA of around 3.9. Top applicants also excel in physical assessments , achieving impressive scores such as 6.29-minute (male) and 7.30-minute (female) one-mile run times!

There are both legal and additional requirements to be considered for acceptance into the Academy. The Air Force Academy requirements are listed below. 

Legal Requirements 

To be eligible for admission to the United States Air Force Academy, you must meet the following legal requirements:

• Age : Be at least 17 years old, but not older than 23 by July 1 of the year you enter the Academy.
• Citizenship : Be a U.S. citizen or have obtained citizenship by the date of entry.
• Marital Status : Be unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents.
• Academic : Complete a high school education or equivalent, with a strong academic record in college-preparatory courses.
• Physical : Meet the physical requirements, including vision, medical, and physical fitness standards.
• Nomination : Secure a nomination, typically from a U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator, the Vice President, or the President.
• Entrance Exams : Take the SAT or ACT, and complete the Candidate Fitness Assessment.
• Character : Demonstrate strong moral character, leadership potential, and commitment to service.

Academic Requirements 

You will also need to meet the academic requirements to get accepted into the Academy, which include:

• High School Education : Complete a high school education or equivalent, with a strong focus on college-preparatory courses.
• 4 years of English
• 4 years of Math (including Geometry, Algebra II, and Trigonometry)
• 2 years of a foreign language
• 1 year of Chemistry
• 1 year of Physics
• 1 year of Biology
• 1 year of U.S. History
• GPA : Maintain a high GPA of around 3.87 or higher.
• Class Rank : Rank in the top 20% of your high school class.
• Standardized Tests : Achieve competitive scores on the SAT or ACT. The average scores for admitted students are:
• SAT : Score at least 1350 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing + Math) on the test.
• ACT : Receive a composite score of at least 31.
• Transcripts : Submit official high school transcripts showcasing your academic performance.

If you do not meet all these academic requirements, you may still be considered for admission, though your chances may be reduced.

Physical Requirements

While attending the Air Force Academy, you will take part in basic cadet training. This training tests your strength, agility, and endurance. 

Therefore, you will need to successfully pass the Candidate Fitness Assessment test to qualify for admission into the Academy. The CFA tests your ability in the following areas: 

• Basketball throw
• Shuttle run 
• Modified sit-up
• One-mile run 

Here is a breakdown of the average competitive scores:

The CFA test is pass or fail, so do your best in each category. It is highly recommended that you train and do multiple practice runs before you take the test. 

Medical Requirements

To meet the medical requirements for admission to the United States Air Force Academy, you must:

• Medical Examination : Undergo a comprehensive medical examination by a Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) approved physician.
• Vision Requirements : Have 20/20 or better distant and near vision, either uncorrected or corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Refractive eye surgery is permitted, but you must meet specific criteria.
• Dental Health : Have good dental health, with no active orthodontic appliances such as braces upon entry.
• Height/Weight Standards : Be no less than 4’10” (58 inches) and no more than 6’8″ (80 inches). Refer to the weight table for the individual expectations of each cadet.
• Physical Fitness : Demonstrate a high level of physical fitness by passing the CFA.
• Medical History : Provide a complete medical history, including any past injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions.
• Disqualifying Conditions : Certain medical conditions, such as insulin-dependent diabetes, severe asthma, or specific heart conditions, may disqualify you from admission.

Meeting the stringent medical requirements is a vital part of the application process as cadets must be physically and mentally prepared for the demanding academic and military training at the Air Force Academy.

Air Force Academy Acceptance Rate

The Air Force Academy acceptance rate is just 14%. This means roughly 1 out of every 10 applicants is accepted to this school.

Air Force Academy Application Timeline

Here is a breakdown of the official U.S. Air Force Academy requirements and application timeline. 

Source : Air Force Academy

To secure your chances of being considered for the Academy, be sure to familiarize yourself with all the deadlines. Due to the competitive nature and high demand of the Academy, late applications will not be accepted. 

Who Gets Into The Air Force Academy?

Those who demonstrate strong academic capabilities get into the Academy. To put it simply: get really, really good grades. Acceptance is very competitive, and the majority of students who get into the Academy have an SAT score from 1310–1480 or an ACT score of 27–33. The Academy also takes high school ranking into heavy consideration. Most students who are accepted into the program rank at the top of their high school class.

Air Force Academy Essays

As part of your application, you will be asked to write a short essay responding to certain prompts. Your personal statement is a great way for the admissions team to get to know you as a person and demonstrate your commitment to leadership and military service.

The three different topics you’ll write about include:

• How you’ll contribute to USAFA
• A time you overcame a challenge by demonstrating leadership and initiative
• Any additional information you want the admissions committee to be aware of

See below for an example of a successful essay written for the Air Force Academy application to give you an idea of expectations and structure. 

Here is a brief overview of the traits the admissions committee at USAFA is looking for:

• Are you academically prepared?
• Do you have leadership potential?
• Can you prove your athletic ability?
• Are you involved with extracurricular activities such as sports teams?
• Do you operate by the “Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do” motto?
• Do you have a motivation to serve?

Make sure you answer each one of these questions not just in your essays, but in your entire application. But, getting it in writing is a sure way to increase your chances of acceptance.

Example Essay: 

Prompt : 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? (400 to 500 words, 3000 characters max)

“It is difficult to have to confront a problem with an adult. I had an incident in my high school where I had to step forward and help my peers in the class while continuing to show deference to our teacher. Through this experience, I learned how to show respect to everyone involved and come to a successful resolution. 

During my junior year of high school, all the assignments in my math class were being graded after our unit exams. This negatively impacted me and my peers throughout the first half of the year. I believed that the late grading of our assignments was unfair for two reasons: students were unable to determine their errors and ask for help before the test and also were not given the opportunity to revise their work for a higher grade before the test. 

I was faced with the issue of having to address this issue with our teacher. My classmates turned to me because they knew that the teacher respected my opinion and that I was the best person to reach out to her and see if something could be done. I first asked my parents and my advisor at school for their opinion. They both told me that a well-written email is the most effective and best way to address the situation. I wrote a draft of the email and brought it to them, and they told me how I could improve it. I then made the revisions and sent it to the teacher. Shortly after I received a response from her saying she never realized the negative effects of grading so late and that she would grade earlier in the future. She thanked me for my candidness and honesty. 

As a result of this challenge, I learned a lot about solving problems. I learned how to respectfully address problems with my elders and how to take initiative when something is negatively affecting my peers. Overall, it is better to confront issues and take a leadership role in effecting change than to sit on the sidelines and do nothing.” 

Why This Is a Good Essay

This essay was successful because it pulled from the candidate’s specific experiences. The applicant uses concrete examples from their life to describe how they responded and worked through the circumstances. 

While writing your essay, avoid being vague or inconclusive. You’ll want to show off your strong decision-making and problem-solving skills. The candidate also demonstrates their integrity and ability to confront difficult situations. Both of these qualities are highly valued in the Academy.  

Air Force Academy Tuition

While an education at the Academy is valued at $416,000 , students who commit to serve in the Air Force receive their education at no cost. 

Even better, Academy students are also given room, board, and benefits at no cost to them or their families. 

Tips to Get Accepted Into the Air Force Academy

The Air Force Academy is a competitive program, but there are strategies you can use to increase your chances of getting in! 

Here is a list of some of the things you can do to make your application stand out. 

1. Do Well In Your High School Classes 

You need to show off your brain power to be considered for acceptance into the Academy. The majority of applicants accepted into the Academy scored in the top 10% of their high school class. In fact, the official website of the U.S. Air Force Academy says, “ proving you belong begins in the classroom .” 

Specifically, do well in your English, math, and language classes. These are classes that are important to the Academy and are prerequisites to getting into the program. Achieving high grades in these classes will surely impress the admissions officers. If you score low in these areas, the Academy may not even consider your application. 

Taking a second language class is a great way to stand out from other applicants. The Academy values those who can speak more than one language. 

2. Diversify Your Resume 

The Air Force is looking for youth who are well-rounded, reliable, and dedicated individuals. The best way to demonstrate these qualities is by participating in extracurricular activities and sports. Consider participating in extracurricular activities that demonstrate commitment and leadership skills , such as joining the debate teams or serving on your school’s student government. 

Your participation in sports is super important in this case, as you will have to pass fitness tests to get accepted into the Academy. Athletics will keep you in shape and also show the admissions committee that you are in good physical health. This is also a great activity to get involved in to demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills on your application. 

3. Ace Your SAT/ACT 

You will need to send your SAT or ACT scores to the Academy as part of your application. Neither of these tests are easy, so take your preparation seriously. The Academy accepts both SAT and ACT scores, so it’s up to you to decide which test you want to take . 

The Academy will not accept applicants if they score low on either test. To ensure a good score, build an effective study plan . The key to doing well is being prepared. 

Studying for the SAT or ACT is a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be boring! Follow a plan that keeps you focused and engaged to get the most out of your time. 

4. Use Your Connections 

If you have connections that can write you an out-of-this-world letter of recommendation, use them. Don’t be afraid to ask for a personalized letter from alumni or others who would write a stellar recommendation. 

5. Get Your Private Pilot License 

While not a requirement on the application, getting your private pilot license can definitely help your chances of getting accepted. 

It won’t guarantee your acceptance, but having flight experience is a great asset going into the Academy!

FAQs: How to Get Into the Air Force Academy

If you still have questions about how to get into the Air Force Academy, we’ve got you covered! We answer some of your frequently asked questions below. 

1. How Hard Is It to Get Into the Air Force Academy?

The Air Force Academy is very competitive and has an acceptance rate of just 14%. 

To get accepted, you will need to be a strong candidate. If you are seriously interested in attending the Academy, begin building your resume and academic record as soon as possible. The earlier you start preparing and working towards your goal, the more well-rounded and impressive your application will be.  

2. What GPA Do You Need for the Air Force Academy?

The average GPA of students who are accepted is 3.78. You’ll want to achieve at least this GPA score, or better yet, even higher . As the Air Force is so competitive and has a low acceptance rate, any GPA lower than this hurts your chances of acceptance. 

3. How Much Does It Cost to Join the Air Force Academy?

There is no cost to attend, but you will need to commit to a certain number of years of service, usually five years. 

4. What Disqualifies You From Joining the Air Force Academy?

Before you even begin the application process, it is in your best interest to find out if you are disqualified from joining the Academy. Here is the list of potential factors that can disqualify you:

• Age : If you are outside of the legal age requirements, you will not be eligible to join the air force. You must be at least 17 years of age and no older than 39 years old. 
• Height and Weight : If you are over or under the height and weight requirements, you will not be allowed to serve in the Academy. Measure your height and weight before you apply to ensure you meet the physical requirements. 
• Physical and Mental Health : The Air Force is not easy. It can be very stressful and both physically and mentally healthy. If you have a physical and mental health condition, you will probably be disqualified from joining the Academy. Good health also includes you having good vision. 
• Education : You need your high school diploma or GED before entering the Air Force, and you need to have high marks as well. The Academy is very competitive and takes its students’ education very seriously. If you don’t have your diploma, you will not be able to apply for the Academy. 
• Marriage and Children : Having dependents (i.e., a child you have custody of) or having a spouse immediately disqualifies you from the Academy. You are able to relinquish all custody rights of your child/children if you want to be eligible for the Air Force, but don’t make this decision lightly. 
• Tattoos : While there are some exceptions to this rule, the Air Force does not allow any tattoos or piercings that are “prejudicial to good order and discipline, or of a nature that may bring discredit upon the Air Force.” Small, non-offensive tattoos that you can cover up should be fine. 
• Criminal Record : The Air Force will conduct criminal background checks before allowing admittance into the Academy. Even having traffic violations on your record can affect your chances of acceptance. 

Serving in the Academy is physically and mentally demanding, and has high expectations of its students. These requirements may seem strict, but they are in place to ensure the reputation and professionalism of the Academy. 

Familiarize yourself with your medical history, any potential conditions you have, and any physical or mental ailments that could affect your performance in the Air Force. If you already know you will not qualify for acceptance, there is no point in putting in all the work and time to complete an application.  

5. Is Going to the Air Force Academy Worth It?

If you are genuinely interested in serving in the Air Force, then going to the Academy is absolutely worth it. While it is not easy to get in, and there are a lot of high expectations of those who join the Academy, the Air Force is a great place for personal growth and opportunities. 

The Air Force is one of the safer branches of service you can join; it is relatively less physically dangerous. The Air Force is also regarded as a highly prestigious branch of the military, so there are a lot of perks and good reputation that comes along with joining the Academy. 

Even better, you become eligible for full retirement benefits after twenty years of service. 

6. How to Get an Air Force Academy Congressional Nomination?

To attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, you must obtain a nomination from an authorized nominating source. Members of Congress can nominate applicants who are legal residents of their state/district. Here are the key steps:

• Determine Eligibility : Ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria for admission to the Air Force Academy.
• U.S. Congress
• Vice President of the United States
• Military-Affiliated Official
• U.S. Territory Representative
• International Government
• Apply for Nominations : Contact the offices of your nominating sources to understand their process and deadlines. Provide required documents like test scores, transcripts, essays, etc. The deadline to receive your nomination is January 31.
• Interview : Many Congressional offices require an in-person interview as part of the nomination process.
• Submit Nomination File : If selected, your nominating source will submit your nomination file directly to the Air Force Academy.
• Complete Admission Process : Receiving a nomination allows your application to be considered, but does not guarantee admission. You must also meet all academic, medical, and other admission requirements.

Applying for multiple nominations can increase your chances. The nomination process is highly competitive, so demonstrating strong academics, leadership, and character is critical to your admission.

Final Thoughts

The Air Force is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get a prestigious education with renowned leaders. In addition to receiving a top-of-the-line education (at no cost to you!), there are many perks and benefits for those who serve in and graduate from the Academy. Benefits include a great career path, full retirement benefits, and a respected reputation.  

Getting accepted into the Academy is no easy task. You will need to work hard to build your application and academic resume to impress the admissions team. 

Best of luck on your future endeavors!

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United States Air Force Academy | Air Force’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Common app personal essay.

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

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• Dec 22, 2023

Summer Seminar Essays for the U.S. Service Academies

Updated: Mar 31

It is likely your first one for the SAs so make it good!

For most students applying to the summer seminars at the U.S. service academies, the first question I hear is simply, "what should I write about?"

Let's discuss some good approaches for candidates seeking to attend these programs and creating the personal statements required for the application.

Applying to the Air Force Academy and the Naval Academy summer seminars is straightforward. USMA's Summer Leaders Experience is easier as it has not historically required an essay. The same is true for 2024. Finally, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy's AIM or "Academy Introduction Program" also requires a couple of essays. All of the applications require some basic details, including your full name, your address, your congressional district, your social security number, your activities, your GPA and some other personal information. Each application ends (except USMA SLE) with the essays prompts for your response.

Here is a list of the different essays, either confirmed (C) or predicted (P) for 2024:

USAFA #1  (C) - Please discuss any personal life experience where you have overcome adversity or challenges that have shaped you into the person you are today? [3000 character limit]

USAFA #2  (C) -What makes you a unique candidate for the summer seminar program? [1500 character limit]

USNA  (C) - Please answer the following questions briefly:

Why are you interested in attending the Naval Academy Summer Seminar?

Have you been involved in any STEM-related activities, groups, or conferences?

Please elaborate on any extracurricular activities in which you have participated.  [1000 character limit]

USMA  (C) - no essay is required

USCGA   #1 (C) - Why do you want to attend the AIM Program and what are your expectations for the program? [500 word limit]

USCGA  #2 (C) - This is an opportunity to provide any additional information, such as a résumé . [500 word limit]

With all of the essays or personal statements, there are some central themes:

Each application asks you to list your activities, sports, and awards. Keep this point in mind as you write your personal statements. There is no need to repeat those simple facts. In other words, you listed earning the Civil Air Patrol's Mitchell Award, so move to details that talk about how you earned it and your current responsibilities.

Ensure that you respond to the full set of prompts for each essay. For the AFA, note both the personal experience and how it "shaped you," too.

Focus on your unique story. Ideally, you write a story that no one else can write. Clearly, with a short word limit, that will be challenging, but I'm sure you will find a way!

Let's talk about each specific set of essays . . .

Air Force Academy Summer Seminar :

The limit for each essay is measured in "characters" not words. I have students misread this point each year - LOL! A limit of 3000 characters is about 500 to 600 words.

Most of us are very fortunate, as we have not experienced 'great' adversity, such as losing our home or experiencing hunger. However, you have likely addressed challenges earning your good grades, hiking and camping in some rough terrain with bad weather in Scouting, or winning your first match after your hard work and dedication as a freshman wrestler. You may use these kinds of examples in your first personal statement for USAFA.

By the way, this prompt is quite similar to several that you will encounter later as you apply to all of the SAs and ROTC scholarships so be sure to save your personal statement for potential reuse this summer with your applications.

"Unique" can be difficult to identify. But it also demonstrates self-awareness and helps USAFA understand your motivations to attend the seminar. Some ideas are your personality, attitudes, perspectives, habits, intellect, goals, experiences, relationships, creativity, passion, hobbies, skills (especially STEM talents), communications, humor and/or tastes. Think through each 'area,' and speak to what you 'bring' to the seminar.

Naval Academy Summer Seminar :

As with AFASS, the NASS essay limit is counted in "characters." Plus, at 1000 characters, it is quite short, translating into about 200 or less words. It is little space to include lots of details!

To address 'why' (the first prompt), you may want to include 'seeing' the Academy, 'meeting' staff and faculty, and 'learning' more about a midshipman's lifestyle. You could mention your motivations to be a Naval officer and the career you seek. In short, what inspires you?

To cover the second prompt, be sure to cover your Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics experiences. Course listings are part of the application so no need to list them; however, you might point out projects, reports or other technical work that you accomplished in the courses. Clubs, Scouting, CAP, etc., often include STEM activities so be sure to note those experiences, too.

For the final prompt, highlight leadership, or other impactful ways that you have acted, in your different activities. You will likely 'run out' of characters so don't fret, as everyone has the same limits. Just do your best to be concise.

Coast Guard Academy AIM :

The 500-word limit for these two personal statements should give you ample space to cover the topics.

Address the 'why' in the same manner as noted previously for the NASS statement. The second half addressing your expectations should 'line-up' with the reasons with which you started the essay. In other words, you desire to 'see' the Coast Guard Academy so you 'expect' to have a tour of the campus along with opportunities to experience the facilities as you participate in the program.

AIM prides itself on being the 'toughest' summer program among the service academies so you may want to note this challenge and your desire to be 'tested' by the experience.

For the second promp t, a résumé outlining your activities, sports, and awards makes sense, especially if this list of items is not included in other sections of the application. With 500 words, you will have an opportunity to provide some deep dives into some of the 'impact' that you made (or make) in your different leadership roles. Take advantage of the 'space' to tell USCGA Admissions about your successes!

By the way, you may be interested in my other blog about the Summer Seminars , which discusses some 'nuts and bolts' details of the programs.

I hope this blog helped provide you have some good ideas to use for summer seminar personal essays. Happy writing and good luck with your summer seminar applications!

[ I have many more ideas for your personal statements and essays! I would welcome a chance to discuss the details with you. I offer coaching services to pace and prepare you (and your parents!) for the entire Academy application process. Contact me at [email protected],  503.515.7406 or complete my contact for m on the home page.]

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How to Get Into The Air Force Academy

Welcome to our guide on earning an appointment to the Air Force Academy!

Here is an overview of the major sections in this guide:

• Part 1: The Air Force Academy Mission
• Part 3: The Admissions Timeline – What to Do First
• Part 4: How to Get a Nomination

Air Force Photo by TSgt Julius Delos Reyes

The Air Force Academy Mission

The Mission of the United States Air Force Academy is to educate, train and inspire men and women to become officers of character motivated to lead the U.S. Air Force and Space Force in service to our nation.

• Why You’d Make a Good Candidate

With 5 Service Academies to choose from, it’s important to research and understand why you are choosing the Air Force Academy.

With the mission above in mind, think about your reasons.

Above all, a desire to become an Air Force or Space Force Officer should be amongst the top reasons.

Passion about leadership and service is a must.

Deciding to attend the Air Force Academy is a career choice, not just an educational one.

Air Force Photo by Joshua Armstrong

Basic Requirements – Who The Air Force Academy is Looking For

There are both legal requirements and additional requirements for admittance into The Air Force Academy. Legal Requirements:

• 17-22 years old
• U.S. Citizen
• Not pregnant; with no legal obligation to support a child
• The Air Force Academy Acceptance Rate

Many places you’ll see admission stats claiming that USAFA has around a 10% admission rate.

This is true if you include the thousands of students who inquire about admission.

Every year, about 11,500 students apply to attend the Air Force Academy.

Only 1,400 are offered appointments to attend USAFA.

At first glance, the Air Force Academy acceptance rate appears to be about 12% . However, in reality, the acceptance rate for the Air Force Academy is actually much higher around 48%.

When looking at admissions statistics, we pay attention to qualified candidates .

A qualified candidate is someone who meets the criteria that we outline in the rest of this post.

The admissions team considers this person to meet the “Whole Person Concept” across the scholar, athlete, and leader components of their application.

Of the 11,500 students who apply, the admissions team only considers anywhere from 2,600 to 3,300 students to be  qualified candidates .

If you are a  qualified candidate , the Air Force Academy acceptance rate is 48%.

Read on to find out if you are a qualified candidate!

• Air Force Academy Selection Composite Score

• Air Force Academy Academic Requirements

Academic capability shows the Air Force Academy admissions team you will be able to handle the tough course load at USAFA.

The admissions team is looking for a well-rounded academic record with strong class rank, GPA, and SAT/ACT test results.

Average cadets rank in the top 3% of their high school class.

What GPA do you need to get into the Air Force Academy?

The Air Force requires capable officers who excel academically. You’ll need to be at the top of your class if you’re applying to the Air Force Academy to be considered a qualified candidate, with nearly straight A’s.

Year over year, the average GPA for Air Force Academy appointees is 3.85.

25% of Air Force Academy cadets earned a 4.0 GPA in high school.

You can make up for a lower GPA (to a certain extent) by focusing on your SAT or ACT scores.

Just because you have a GPA that fits this criteria doesn’t mean you’ll receive an appointment from the admissions team, as they focus on the whole person concept (with the Selection Composite Score).

On the other hand, the SCS also gives you a chance if you started excelling later in your high school academic career and your GPA isn’t as high!

Note: Any Ds or Fs on your high school transcripts will be immediately questioned by the admissions team, especially if they occurred further along in your high school career.

• Academic Rigor

Taking challenging classes is another indication of academic success. Here are the high school classes the Air Force Academy recommends taking:

• Four years of English (with a college preparatory class in writing)
• Strong background in geometry, algebra, trigonometry and pre-calculus
• Lab-based and should include biology, chemistry and physics
• Three years of social studies (to include a course in U.S. history)
• Two years of a modern foreign language
• One year of computer study

Air Force Academy SAT Scores

The Air Force Academy minimum SAT scores are 580 on Math and 620 on Reading and Writing.

Aside from trying to score as high as possible, the Air Force Academy admissions team generally does not accept students as direct-entry candidates with scores below the ones listed above.

These scores really don’t give you a good idea of what you need to earn an appointment.

• What SAT score do you need for the Air Force Academy?

While both are important, the Air Force Academy places a higher emphasis on your SAT Math score over your SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score.

The truth of the matter is that published averages do not really reveal what scores you need to achieve to be competitive, because of the mysterious admissions process that’s happening behind the scenes.

(Learn about the Selection Composite Score to understand how admissions chooses applicants and how make yourself as competitive as possible).

The SAT score you need to be appointed into the Air Force Academy is based on a variety of factors, but most importantly, it’s where you live .

Since most candidates are applying for an appointment with a Congressional nomination, the competitiveness of your Congressional district dictates what score you need.

Your goal is to obtain the highest Selection Composite Score in your district to ensure you earn the appointment (assuming your Congressman, Congresswoman, or Senator nominates candidates using the competitive method).

With all of the above being said, you can still learn valuable insights from looking at recent cadet class SAT scores.

The Air Force Academy average SAT EBRW score for the Class of 2026 is 686.

The Air Force Academy average SAT Math score for the Class of 2026 is 703.

In order to be competitive for the Air Force Academy, you should aim to beat an SAT EBRW score of 690 and SAT Math score of 710, at a minimum .

Discover recent Air Force Academy SAT trends

Air Force Academy ACT Scores

The Air Force Academy minimum ACT scores are 24 on English and Reading and 25 on Math and Science.

• What is the average ACT score to get into the Air Force Academy?

The same fundamentals apply for Air Force Academy ACT score requirements. Your competitiveness is based on how you compare to other students from your Congressional district.

Notably, the Air Force Academy prioritizes your Math ACT score over your Reading and Writing ACT score.

The Air Force Academy average ACT Reading + Writing score for the Class of 2026 is 61.7.

The Air Force Academy average ACT STEM Composite score for the Class of 2026 is 29.65.

In order to be competitive for the Air Force Academy, you should aim to beat an ACT Reading + Writing score of 62 and ACT STEM Composite score of 30, at a minimum .

• Should I take the ACT or the SAT to get into the Air Force Academy?

It depends!

You should probably take both the ACT and SAT and see how you do in either test.

You can read more about which test you should take in our article on Service Academies and selecting the ACT or SAT.

If you don’t meet these test criteria, you should still apply. There are other methods of entry, including the Prep School.

Strength of Character and Leadership Potential

The Academy relies on your own testimony (essays and your ALO interview) along with references from those who know you best to provide character references.

• Personal Essays

Essay responses also let you speak directly to the admissions panel to demonstrate an aptitude for leadership and military service .

You’ll write about 3 different topics:

• A time you faced a challenge
• What you bring to USAFA
• What else you’d like admissions to know

The admissions team is looking for you to describe who you are and show the unique aspects and experiences of your life.

Traits admissions is looking for:

• Critical thinking
• Do you operate as a team player?
• Do you follow the Air Force core values?
• How much do you know about the Air Force? The Academy?
• Organization & Grammar

Write better essays by reading example Air Force Academy essays

You may want to fly – but what other careers are there that interest you in the Air Force that you could include in essays? Air Force Photo by A1C Shelby Kay-Fantozzi

Teacher Evaluations

The admissions team requires three teacher evaluations to learn more about your academic performance and character.

For high school students, these teachers are:

• English teacher
• Math teacher
• Additional (counselor, principal, JROTC instructor, or physics/chemistry)

Note: These must be from 11th or 12th grade.

Start the year off strong with these teachers and build strong relationships early!

Optional Letters of Recommendation

Although these are optional, we highly recommend adding these to your application.

High school coaches and other mentors in your life have great insight into your leadership abilities, integrity, and character.

Read samples of Letters of Recommendation

• ALO Interview

Your ALO will also schedule an interview with you to provide a recommendation to the USAFA admission’s team. They will be rating you on:

• Character/Core Values
• Self-Confidence
• Human Relations
• Planning and Organizing
• Communicative Skills
• Motivation Toward Air Force

Here is more information on what to expect during your ALO interview: Air Force Academy Liaison Officer Interview Questions .

• Extracurriculars

Getting involved in your high school and community early on in your high school career is a great way to build leadership skills.

The admissions team looks at your community service, work, and high school involvement.

The most common activities cadets participated in during high school include sports and the National Honor Society.

Over 80% of a recent Academy class received at least one Varsity letter in sports during high school.

There are many different activities to choose from, we recommend getting involved in something you are actually interested in and doing it for the right reasons – not just for admissions purposes.

Fitness is a major part of the application process. The physical test, known as the Candidate Fitness Assessment, is a series of 6 exercises that you can practice before the test, and we highly recommend doing just that with the right equipment ! You can calculate your score using our Candidate Fitness Assessment Score Calculator .

• Air Force Academy Fitness Requirements

Recommended goals for the fitness assessment from admissions team

The good news is that this test is the same across all service academies, so you if you are undecided about which service academy to apply for you can still prepare for all and only test once. The test can be administered by any physical education teacher, Service Academy Liason Officer or JROTC instructor.

You’ll also want to make sure you meet the height and weight requirements for the Air Force Academy.

Admissions Timeline

Here is a brief overview for the admissions timeline. We recommend starting the process second semester of your junior year of high school. For more details, read a detailed description of requirements here: Air Force Academy Application Timeline .

An overly simplified timeline for the Air Force Academy application cycle

• Freshman-Junior Year
• Focus on getting good grades in school and taking challenging academic classes

Junior Year – get the application process started

• Prepare for the SAT/ACT
• Take the SAT/ACT for the first time
• Apply for Summer Seminar (December 1 – Jan 15)
• Start file with USAFA Admissions
• Apply for a Congressional Nomination
• Start the Pre-Candidate Questionnaire (March 1 – December 31)

Senior Year – finish up any application items

• Attend the Summer Seminar
• Schedule your Air Force Liason Officer (ALO) Interview
• Take the physical fitness test (Candidate Fitness Assessment)
• Complete all USAFA forms – including essays, transcripts, and teacher evaluations
• PCQ deadline is December 31
• The deadline for all application item completion is January 31
• Letter of Assurance from USAFA – Receive “Pre-Approval”

A Letter of Assurance is a reservation of an appointment to a Service Academy contingent upon medical qualification, physical qualification, Height/Weight and continued excellent work in school, and file Completion. Letters of Assurance are conditional and subject to review throughout the entire application process. Candidates receive Letters of Assurance based upon excellent scholar, athlete, leader credentials at noted in this post.

How to Get a Nomination

If you are seeking a Congressional Nomination, the process is similar across the 3 main service academies. Understanding how the nominations process works will help you plan accordingly.

• Nomination vs. Appointment

First let’s discuss the difference between a nomination and an appointment, because they can be easily confused!

A nomination gives the Service Academy admission teams the legal authority to consider a candidate for appointment. The appointment itself is the offer of admission from a Service Academy. So you need a nomination first in order to be eligible to receive an appointment.

You are required to receive a nomination from a nominating authority in order to attend the Air Force Academy. The majority of cadets receive their nominations through Congress – either a State Senator or their local Congressional Representative. There is also a Vice Presidential Nomination, although this is incredibly competitive. If you have a parent who was active duty or retired, you are also eligible to receive a Presidential Nomination.

• Who are you eligible to receive a nomination from?

Typically you are eligible for at least your U.S. Congressional Representative, your 2 U.S. Senators, and the Vice Presidential nomination. These usually increase in competition as you increase from the local to national level.

Each Member of Congress is authorized to have 5 candidates at any one-time. Typically Senators and House Representatives will have 4 candidates and 1 open slot. They will usually use one open slot per year. Each slot can be filled by up to 10 nominations from the Senator/House Representative.

This chart depicts the nomination slots that each Senator/Representative has:

Although the class years have different designators at each Service Academy, we simplified them to make the chart easy to understand.

We’ve written extensively about the nomination process in our book: Air Force Academy Secrets .

Bottom line: You are competing for one of those 10 nomination slots. There are different methods for the Member of Congress to use for nominations, but typically the 10 nominees are not ranked by the Member of Congress. The nominating authority will usually leave that up to the Service Academy to decide who is the most qualified.

You should apply to every nomination source you are qualified for in order to increase your chances of selection for nomination.

• Additional Nominating Sources:
• Presidential: children of military personnel
• Regular Army & Reserve Components
• ROTC & JROTC schools
• Children of deceased and 100% disabled Veterans
• Children of Medal of Honor Winners

Find your Senator or Representative here.

Article Contents

• Junior Year – get the application process started
• Senior Year – finish up any application items

Never Miss a USAFA Application Deadline

Want to learn if you’re doing everything you can to earn an air force academy appointment.

• Air Force Academy Resources
• Our Mission

Subscribe to get instant access to all the important Class of 2028 deadlines

Learn more about the Air Force Academy

Pre-Candidate Questionnaire

Summer Seminar

Interview Questions

Letters of Recommendation

Essay Examples

SAT/ACT Scores

Learn where you fall in USAFA’s Selection Composite Score System

Calculate Your Chances

This book employs an engineer’s mindset to guide you through the USAFA application

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Step-by-step guidance through the entire Air Force Academy application process – increase your chances of appointment

Many high school students dream of attending one of the elite U.S. Service Academies. The Air Force Academy combines a world-class education with athletics, character, and leadership development to forge outstanding Air Force officers.

The rigorous admissions process for the Air Force Academy can be daunting and mysterious, especially for candidates with no history of military service in their family. Our goal here at Gain Service Academy Admission is to help guide you through the admissions process to give you the best chance to receive a coveted spot at USAFA.

As a Service Academy Graduate, my team and I have written the most comprehensive guide to getting into The Air Force Academy. Our mission is help you to understand what Congressional Representatives and admissions officers at USAFA are really looking for and how to go about gaining admission!

If you are looking for someone to help you navigate the admissions process, my team and I are here to personally guide you through everything from understanding the selection panel composite scores to Congressional Nomination interview preparation. It is crucial that you become educated about the process and set yourself up the best you can in order to get that call from your Member of Congress.

I wish you the best of luck in your pursuit of an appointment and your honorable goal of becoming an officer in the U.S. Air Force.

-Lieutenant Colonel Robert O. Kirkland (U.S. Army, Retired)

How to Get Into the U.S. Air Force Academy: Admissions Data & Strategies

May 5, 2021

Guided by the values of “Integrity First. Service Before Self. Excellence in All We Do,” the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is presently home to 4,307 undergraduate students who receive four years of education valued at an estimated $416,000 completely free of charge. The idea for this institution was first conceived after World War II and in 1954, its Colorado Springs location was selected. By 1959, the youngest of the five U.S. service academies had already graduated its first class.

The US Air Force Academy of the 2020s is a highly-selective, prestigious four-year university that accepts just over 10% of those who apply—a similar figure to Cornell, Tufts, USC, or Rice University. In addition to the fact that almost 90% of applicants are ultimately rejected, high school students seeking admittance into the US Air Force Academy also need to understand that they face a different type of admissions maze than encountered by applicants to other uber-selective universities. To help guide you through the complex gauntlet that awaits, we will cover:

• The Air Force Academy’s Class of 2024 acceptance rate
• SAT, GPA, and class rank of accepted Air Force Academy applicants
• Admissions trends from the Class of 2024
• The Air Force Academy’s unique nomination/application elements
• When to apply for nomination
• A look at the demographics of current the Air Force Academy undergraduates
• The percent of accepted students that attend the Air Force Academy (yield rate)
• Tips for applying to the Air Force Academy
• USAFA essay tips
• How to assess whether applying to the Air Force Academy worth the immense effort

Let’s begin with an examination of the most recent admissions data.

USAFA Class of 2024 Acceptance Rate

Out of the 10,747 applicants seeking a spot in the Air Force Academy’s Class of 2024, a total of 9,197 made it into the candidate pool, only 2,588 made it to “Qualified Candidate” status, and just 1,416 were ultimately admitted into the USAFA. This calculates to a 10.7% acceptance rate. The previous year, Class of 2023 hopefuls were admitted at an almost identical rate.

SAT, ACT, GPA, and class rank of accepted Air Force Academy applicants

The mid-50% SAT range for entering members of the Class of 2024 was 1220-1420; the ACT range was 29-33. The mean SAT score was a 1,364. Looking at class rank, 54.6% finished in the top decile of their high school class, 81.6% were in the top quartile, and 97.5% placed in the top half. The average unweighted GPA was 3.86 with 24.4% earning a perfect 4.0.

Admissions Trends & Notes – Class of 2024

• 6% of the Class of 2024 were the sons or daughters of service academy graduates.
• 730 of the 1,145 attending 2020-21 first-year cadets are non-minorities.
• 276 members of the Class of 2024 were recruited athletes.
• 181 entering cadets were first-generation college students.
• Women represented 30.2% of the incoming class, up from 26.5% five years ago.
• 8% of those attending were the valedictorian of their high school class and another 4% were salutatorian.

The Air Force Academy’s Unique Nomination/Application Requirements

Those seeking admission to Stanford’s Computer Science program do not need to seek the formal endorsement of Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, or Google-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin. That would just be strange, right? Well, when applying to the Air Force Academy all applicants must actually seek a formal “nomination” from one of the following sources:

• A member of the U.S. Senate
• A member of the U.S. House of Representatives
• The President of the United States (for children of active duty, reserve, retired military parents only)
• The Vice-President of the United States
• Your AFROTC or AFJROTC Unit
• Your commander (for active service members)
• Through being a child of a deceased/disabled veteran

While getting more than one Congressional nomination will not benefit you, it behooves applicants to apply to both of their Senators as well as their local House of Representatives member, as doing so will increase the overall odds of obtaining a singular nomination. Each House member and Senator can have five constituents attending the Air Force Academy at any one time (which averages out to just over one per year).

When to apply for an Air Force Academy nomination

While the Air Force Academy doesn’t need your nomination paperwork until the 31st of January during your senior year, it is advisable to start the process of reaching out to your Members of Congress (MOC) during 11th grade. The online Vice Presidential nomination application opens on March 1st and closes the following January 31st. All MOC nominating offices have their own deadlines. Some members of the HOR and the Senate have application deadlines in September of senior year while others have a later November deadline; most will allow you to submit your applications as early as the second-semester of your junior year.

Who actually gets into The Air Force Academy?

Let’s look at the demographics of USAFA Class of 2024, beginning with ethnicity:

• Caucasian/White: 62.7%
• Asian American: 13.6% (including those who identify as two or more races)
• Hispanic: 13.6%
• African American: 9% (including those who identify as two or more races)

A look at the gender split reveals that university enrolls far more men than women:

The 2020-21 freshman class participated in the following extracurricular activities during high school:

• Student Body President: 10%
• School Publication: 12%
• Boy/Girl Scouts: 19%
• Varsity Athletics: 81%
• Civil Air Patrol: 10%
• National Honor Society: 67%

Geographically, cadets in the Class of 2024 hailed from all 50 U.S. states; there were also 15 international students admitted.

The United States Air Force Academy’s “Yield Rate”

Very few people apply to the U.S. Air Force Academy (or any service academy) if they are not extremely serious about attending. As a result, The Air Force Academy’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted is 81%. This figure is comparable to those of other high yield institutions such as Harvard (83%) or MIT (78%). In short, very few people go through The Air Force Academy’s harrowing and lengthy admissions process and ultimately enroll somewhere else.

Tips for Applying to the Air Force Academy  

If you plan on joining the nearly 11,000 USAFA hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, you should know the following:

• The USAFA values eleven factors above all others: rigor of your coursework, GPA, class rank, standardized test scores, application essays, recommendations, the interview, extracurricular activities, character/personal qualities, geographical residence and an applicant’s level of demonstrated interest.
• Talent/ability and volunteer work are also considered “important” to the admissions committee when evaluating applicants.
• Interviews are mandatory and a critical component of any application. Interviews are conducted with an Air Force Academy Liaison Officer (ALO).
• During the interview, the ALO will be assessing your level of interest, leadership potential, core values, interest in the Air Force, communication skills, organizational ability, self-confidence, among other similar attributes. You should come prepared to talk about the institutional honor code and demonstrate that you have done your homework as to why the Academy is the perfect postsecondary home for you.
• The Air Force Academy does strongly consider “ demonstrated interest ” so you will be judged on contacts with your ALO, member of Congress, etc.
• Begin the Preliminary Application as early as mid-March of your junior year. This can be submitted until December 31, at the latest.
• The USAFA gives you an opportunity to apply for the Summer Seminar after your junior year of high school. While not a required part of the application process, it is recommended. The deadline for submitting an application to the Summer Seminar is January 15.
• You will need to arrange for and pass a Candidate Fitness Assessment which can be administered by your gym teacher, JROTC instructor, or Service Academy Liaison Officer. This involves push-ups, a one-mile run, abdominal crunches, a 40-yard shuttle run, pull-ups, and a basketball throw from a kneeling position.
• You must also meet the basic medical requirements for consideration.
• Make sure to dedicate sufficient time and effort to the essays required by United States Air Force Academy. In the 2020-21 cycle, the prompts were as follows:

 (1) 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? (400 to 500 words, 3000 characters max)

(2) What attributes, life experiences, unique perspectives, and/or special talents do you possess that would contribute to the classroom, student body, and/or Air Force Academy? (400 to 500 words, 3000 characters max) 

(3) Please provide any additional information or background you believe will be of assistance in evaluating your application. (400 to 500 words, 3000 characters max)  

College Transitions’ USAFA Essay Tips

One of the best ways to prepare for writing these essays is to self-reflect on why you are making this career/life choice and what being an Air Force officer means to you. It is best to speak with current and past service members, mentors, teachers, and your family as you develop these answers. The goal is not to be highly-creative with your responses, but rather to leave an unmistakable impression that you are a mature and committed young man or woman, who understands the responsibility and sacrifice that lie ahead. The stories you share about setbacks/ethical dilemmas and your unique life experiences/talents should be 100% based in reality—no need for hyperbole or grandiosity.

Should I Apply to The Air Force Academy?

There are good reasons for the long line jockeying for a position inside of the Air Force Academy. The USAFA boasts an outstanding 6:1 cadet-to-faculty ratio and a collection of dedicated professors that are routinely voted among the most accessible of any institution in the country. There are 32 majors to choose from including seven with the word “engineering” in the title. This works out well, as the Air Force Academy runs one of the premier undergraduate engineering programs in the entire country.

Of course, it goes without saying that all teens applying to a school of the USAFA’s caliber also need to also have a proper mix or “target” and “safety” schools on their college list. More on creating a balanced college list can be  found here .

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Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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United States Air Force Academy: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

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The United States Air Force Academy is a federal service academy with an acceptance rate of 11.1%. The Air Force Academy is highly selective, and the application process is different from many other schools. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements including U.S. citizenship, age, and marital status. Students who meet eligibility requirements can submit a Pre-Candidate Questionnaire application which will determine if they are competitive to become an Official Candidate for admission. Applicants must also receive a nomination from a senator, member of Congress, the Vice President of the United States, or a military-affiliated nominator. Other components to the Air Force application include a medical exam, a fitness assessment, and a personal interview.

Considering applying to the USAFA? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Why the United States Air Force Academy?

• Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Campus Features: USAFA's 18,455-acre campus is both an operational Air Force base and undergraduate university. The iconic Cadet Chapel stands against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
• Student/Faculty Ratio: 7:1
• Athletics: The Air Force Falcons compete in the NCAA Division I Mountain West Conference .
• Highlights: USAFA delivers a high-quality education tuition-free. Upon graduation, students must serve at least five years in the Air Force.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, the U.S. Air Force Academy had an acceptance rate of 11.1%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 11 students were admitted, making Air Force's admissions process highly competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

The United States Air Force Academy requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 50% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of the U.S. Air Force Academy's admitted students fall within the top 20% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to USAFA scored between 610 and 700, while 25% scored below 610 and 25% scored above 700. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 620 and 740, while 25% scored below 620 and 25% scored above 740. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1440 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Requirements

The U.S. Air Force Academy does not require, but recommends, the SAT writing section. Note that the Air Force Academy participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates. Applicants who score below 620 on the ERW section and 580 on the math section of the SAT will not typically be competitive for an Air Force Academy appointment.

ACT Scores and Requirements

The U.S. Air Force Academy requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 50% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of the U.S. Air Force Academy's admitted students fall within the top 12% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to USAFA received a composite ACT score between 28 and 33, while 25% scored above 33 and 25% scored below 28.

The U.S. Air Force Academy does not require the ACT writing section. Unlike many universities, the Air Force Academy superscores ACT results; your highest subscores from multiple ACT sittings will be considered. Applicants who score below 24 on the English section and 25 on the math/science section of the ACT typically will not be competitive for an Air Force Academy appointment.

In 2019, the average high school GPA of incoming USAFA freshmen was 3.78, and over 73% of incoming students had average GPAs of 3.75 and above. These results suggest that most successful applicants to USAFA have primarily A grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to the U.S. Air Force Academy. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

The United States Air Force Academy is one of the country's most selective colleges with a low acceptance rate and high average GPAs and SAT/ACT scores. However, the Air Force Academy has a  holistic admissions  process involving other factors beyond your grades and test scores. The U.S. Air Force Academy looks at the  rigor of your high school courses , not just your grades. The academy requires all candidates to complete an interview and pass a physical fitness assessment. Winning candidates typically demonstrate leadership potential,  meaningful extracurricular involvement , and athletic ability.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students. You can see that the majority of successful applicants had high school grades of "B+" or higher, combined SAT scores of 1250 or better (ERW+M), and ACT composite scores above 26. The higher your grades and standardized test scores, the better your chances of admission.

Tuition Costs and Benefits

The U.S. Air Force Academy pays 100% of the tuition, room and board, and medical and dental care for Air Force Academy cadets. This is in return for five years of active-duty service upon graduation.

First-year cadet pay is $1,116 monthly (as of 2019) before deductions for uniforms, textbooks, a personal computer, and other incidentals.

Cost-reducing perks include regular active-duty benefits such as access to military commissaries and exchanges, commercial transportation, and lodging discounts. Air Force cadets can also fly (space available) in military aircraft around the world.

If You Like USAFA, You May Also Like These Schools

• Cornell University
• Purdue University
• Coast Guard Academy
• Merchant Marine Academy
• Naval Academy at Annapolis

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and the United States Air Force Academy .

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United States Air Force Academy Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are United States Air Force Academy's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into United States Air Force Academy and build a strong application.

School location: USAF Academy, CO

This school is also known as: AFA, USAFA

Admissions Rate: 16.2%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at United States Air Force Academy is 16.2% . For every 100 applicants, only 16 are admitted.

This means the school is extremely selective . Meeting their GPA requirements and SAT/ACT requirements is very important to getting past their first round of filters and proving your academic preparation. If you don't meet their expectations, your chance of getting in is nearly zero.

After crossing this hurdle, you'll need to impress United States Air Force Academy application readers through their other application requirements, including extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation. We'll cover more below.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

United States Air Force Academy GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.8

The average GPA at United States Air Force Academy is 3.8 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.8, United States Air Force Academy requires you to be near the top of your class , and well above average. Your transcript should show mostly A's. Ideally, you will also have taken several AP or IB classes to show that you can handle academics at a college level.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.8, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

United States Air Force Academy SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1331

The average SAT score composite at United States Air Force Academy is a 1331 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes United States Air Force Academy Moderately Competitive for SAT test scores.

United States Air Force Academy SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1320, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1470. In other words, a 1320 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1470 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

United States Air Force Academy has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, United States Air Force Academy will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and United States Air Force Academy forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1470, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

United States Air Force Academy ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, United States Air Force Academy likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 32

The average ACT score at United States Air Force Academy is 32. This score makes United States Air Force Academy Strongly Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 28, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 33.

Even though United States Air Force Academy likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 28 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 32 and above that a 28 will look academically weak.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 33 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to United States Air Force Academy, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 33.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

United States Air Force Academy considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is extremely selective, getting a high SAT/ACT score and GPA is vital to having a chance at getting in . If you don't pass their SAT/ACT and GPA requirements, they'll likely reject you without much consideration.

To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1470 SAT or a 33 ACT . You should also have a 3.8 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score.

For a school as selective as United States Air Force Academy, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.

But if you apply with a score below a 1470 SAT or a 33 ACT, you unfortunately start out with the odds against you and have a tiny chance of getting in. There are just too many students with high SAT/ACT scores and strong applications, and you need to compete against them.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of United States Air Force Academy here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation 1
• Interview Required
• Application Fee No fee required
• Fee Waiver Available? None
• Other Notes Authorized nomination, Candidate Fitness Assessment, medical examination required for freshmen

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Required
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office None

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language
• Social Studies

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes December 31 Rolling, notification begins October 15

Admissions Office Information

• Address: HQ USAFA/A9A, 12304 Cadet Drive, Suite 3800 USAF Academy, CO 80840-5025
• Phone: (800) 443-9266 x9266
• Fax: (719) 333-3012
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in United States Air Force Academy, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to United States Air Force Academy.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than United States Air Force Academy. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for United States Air Force Academy, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for United States Air Force Academy, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If United States Air Force Academy is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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Home » Academy Endeavors Blog » USAFA Essay Tips: Essay #3

USAFA Essay Tips: Essay #3

Academy Endeavors provides tips on every Service Academy essay question…

USAFA #2 essay question: What attributes, life experiences, unique perspectives, and/or special talents do you possess that would contribute to the classroom, student body, and/or Air Force Academy? (3000 characters max)

AE Guidance: Ohhh the dreaded open-ended essay question. What am I supposed to do with this?

This is a great opportunity to feature something (or multiple things) about yourself that hasn’t already been mentioned.

First, read USAFA essays 1 and 2. Don’t duplicate anything they’ve already seen. Next, read your Resume, Congressional essay, or other Academy essays to see impressive stories or qualities that haven’t been mentioned yet. You could approach this as 2-3 mini-essays if they were brief.

This question can also be an opportunity to potentially address a weakness in your application. (i.e.. C+ in Chemistry, gap in extracurriculars, etc.) If you do, take responsibility, but also explain the extenuating circumstances, so it doesn’t appear like you are hiding from it.

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• Service Academy Discussion
• Air Force Academy - USAFA

Summer Seminar Essay Question

• Thread starter Rabbitfoot10
• Start date Dec 8, 2022
• Tags #air force academy #essay questions #summerseminar

Rabbitfoot10

• Dec 8, 2022

Good evening. I am interested in gaining a learning experience in the USAFA Summer Seminar program and have finished all the parts in my application- except the last question on my essay writing part. Here is what I have for both essays. Please let me know how I could improve those essays. (Constructive criticism is absolutely welcome by the way. Let me have it!) 1.) Please discuss any personal life experience where you have overcome adversity or challenges that have shaped you into the person you are today.? (3000 characters max) My family and I were packing our bags, changing homes from Miami to Naples, Florida. Leaving family and friends was a difficult challenge for my family and I. Not too long after the move, my Abuelo, (grandfather) passed away. This conflicting event was the low point of my life. I had been excited to see him for weeks so that I could show him around the museum at the airport with all the Vietnam-era model aircraft. The air loomed with despair, and the lack of motivation caused me to do poorly in my first year of middle school. After some time, I decided that, although the passing of my Abuelo was a difficult internal conflict to combat, I knew that it was a battle that I had to fight. I decided to take ownership of my physical health and set goals for myself. Getting into shape, and deciding to study, constantly pushed me in the direction of being better than I ever thought I could be. Besides, I would not want to disappoint my Abuelo, as he would want me to continue to move forward. By my second year of middle school, I had set goals for military service in order to better myself and serve the country that my family and I loved. My dad, being a former combat engineer in the U.S. Army, and my Abuelo, a drill instructor and Vietnam veteran in the Marine Corps, provided me with the foundation to want to push through the challenges in my life and dedicate myself to being an officer in the military. Facing the passing of my Abuelo taught me to always stay strong, no matter what. Being able to adapt to situations that will test your very soul, and maintain a level of adaptability and vigor as a result of understanding these characteristics taught me a lot. As a result of these characteristics, I was able to comfort my little brother and provide an example for him, who was hiding his pain from my Abuelo's passing. His increase in personal confidence and success in JROTC and school have made me feel like an accomplished brother, and I can't wait to lead and help others that may need a little motivation to keep moving forward. 2. What makes you a unique candidate for the summer seminar program? (1500 characters max) Aviation was one of the factors in my life that made me want to pursue the Air Force Academy more than the other service academies. While I am aware that the Navy, Marine Corps, and Army are all involved in some capacity in aviation, the Air Force has never ceased to amaze me with the global changes it has brought not only to aviation but also to the changes in tactics the United States has utilized in its military. I am currently in ground school preparing to take my private pilot exam as a high school student, as well as attending a JROTC program. One of the most important lessons I have learned throughout my time in the aviation and JROTC courses is dedication. I have had friends drop both the aviation and JROTC courses because they could not handle the rigorous content and non-stop flow of responsibility. The responsibilities varied, from preparing cadets to compete in drill competitions to understanding how to keep everyone inside and outside of an aircraft safe. Although I had questioned myself about being in those programs, those questions were nothing short of intrusive thoughts trying to break me. However, I was motivated by my interest in the aircraft and cadets that I would surround myself with throughout my life. If I am accepted into the United States Air Force Academy Summer Seminar, then I will dedicate myself to whatever challenge or task is thrown at me. Whether it be to think outside the box or to work with other cadets in order to accomplish a goal, I will utilize my skills to their utmost efficiency. (My second one is quite awful. Let me know how i can fix or add to it.)  

robinolds'mustache

And kill migs.

• Dec 9, 2022

I'm also in the process of applying to Summer Seminar, so feel free to take this with a grain of salt since we're both in the same boat: Your second essay has a great foundation, but it's "basic". It is basic in a way that it does not showcase who you are as a person. How many other people in JROTC could write the same thing as you? The answer is probably quite a few. The Academy can see your extracurriculars when you apply. They know what JROTC entails and how it can develop you. The Academy knows that most people applying will have some sort of interest in aircraft, that's almost a given because it is the Air Force. They know that their cadets will motivate each other, that is the program they have built. What they don't know is who you are as a person. The admissions officers want to see specifics. They want to see who you are as a person: as a leader, follower, friend, classmate, teammate, etc. Your first essay does a good job at this. You nailed it right on the head with lots of details that specifically show how you sorted through and overcame adversity. The first essay perfectly goes through the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) model that they're looking for. Your second essay doesn't do that. It gives generic examples as to why you are a unique candidate. Do not get me wrong, they are great qualities, but nearly everyone applying will also have the same motivations and desire to serve. My suggestion is to develop another story with details and specifics. Perhaps how you created a new program in ROTC, challenges as a leader in ROTC and how you overcame them, or a story regarding your impact on your school or community. The idea is to get the Admissions officers to remember you. They won't remember the hundreds of kids writing about how great the Academy is, the admissions officers know this. Make them remember your story. Give them something to use to advocate for you. A personalized story is a great way to do that. (That definitely developed in an unorganized critique, so let me know if you have any questions. You're off to a great start with your first essay, now drive home your case with the second one!) Edit: TLDR: Show don't tell!!!  

robinolds'mustache said: I'm also in the process of applying to Summer Seminar, so feel free to take this with a grain of salt since we're both in the same boat: Your second essay has a great foundation, but it's "basic". It is basic in a way that it does not showcase who you are as a person. How many other people in JROTC could write the same thing as you? The answer is probably quite a few. The Academy can see your extracurriculars when you apply. They know what JROTC entails and how it can develop you. The Academy knows that most people applying will have some sort of interest in aircraft, that's almost a given because it is the Air Force. They know that their cadets will motivate each other, that is the program they have built. What they don't know is who you are as a person. The admissions officers want to see specifics. They want to see who you are as a person: as a leader, follower, friend, classmate, teammate, etc. Your first essay does a good job at this. You nailed it right on the head with lots of details that specifically show how you sorted through and overcame adversity. The first essay perfectly goes through the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) model that they're looking for. Your second essay doesn't do that. It gives generic examples as to why you are a unique candidate. Do not get me wrong, they are great qualities, but nearly everyone applying will also have the same motivations and desire to serve. My suggestion is to develop another story with details and specifics. Perhaps how you created a new program in ROTC, challenges as a leader in ROTC and how you overcame them, or a story regarding your impact on your school or community. The idea is to get the Admissions officers to remember you. They won't remember the hundreds of kids writing about how great the Academy is, the admissions officers know this. Make them remember your story. Give them something to use to advocate for you. A personalized story is a great way to do that. (That definitely developed in an unorganized critique, so let me know if you have any questions. You're off to a great start with your first essay, now drive home your case with the second one!) Edit: TLDR: Show don't tell!!! Click to expand...

• Dec 10, 2022
• Dec 11, 2022

Rabbitfoot10 said: I fixed the second essay. A little less basic? 2. What makes you a unique candidate for the summer seminar program? (1500 characters max) I am currently a high school student preparing to take my private pilot exam in ground school, as well as being enrolled in a JROTC program. My time in the aviation and JROTC classes has taught me many valuable lessons, one of which is the value of commitment and dedication. I remember having to choose between studying for an upcoming aviation exam and getting ready for a JROTC lesson debrief. Instead of allocating time to prepare for both classes, I had decided to only prepare for my aviation exam. The cadets in my platoon weren't ready for the mission debrief as a result of my apathy toward balancing both classes. Although I had allocated all my time to my aviation course, the exam was delayed anyway. After learning a valuable lesson that day, I decided to work with my First-Sergeant and Company Commander to schedule time to fully comprehend our JROTC assignment (lesson debrief) and prepare for our battalion inspection. I was able to focus myself the following day on scheduling and leveling time for my aviation test and preparing my unit for the upcoming instruction. If I'm selected for the USAFA Summer Seminar, I'll give everything I've got to my team and any challenges we face in order to succeed. I'll use my abilities as effectively as possible. Even if I am not accepted into the summer seminar, I will continue to dedicate myself to my studies, the aviation course, and JROTC. This will eventually get me ready to apply to the Air Force Academy. Click to expand...

MDRDV said: This is what makes you unique? Aviation, JROTC, and another challenge to overcome? I attended SS in person last year. It's more of a recruiting session than working in teams as you're assuming. Personally I think your audience wants to hear justification on, why you, and not the 1000 others that are into aviation and JROTC. You mention your Abuelo. Assuming you're Hispanic, why not approach this as wanting to represent diversity an aviation? I believe Hispanics are the lowest represented minority in USAF officer ranks (6% USAF officers vs. 18% of population I think read recently). That's fairly unique. If you have high test scores, you're going to have options after HS. Rather than sounding as if you made your decision on USAFA, you might want to state that you'd like to attend SS to make sure USAFA is right for you before you have to make a choice. Think like an admissions officer and ask who you're looking for to fill a SS session and ultimatly a class. If you're not one of the MANY blonde hair, blue eyed cadets with military and political connections, make it known. Represent! Click to expand...

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Class of 2019: Why attend the Air Force Academy?

Prior to Inprocessing, we asked new appointees for their story. What made you decide to attend the Air Force Academy? What are you looking forward to the most? These are some of the comments we received.

My dad was initiating motivation behind my decision to pursue the Air Force Academy. He showed me picture and talked about it like it was the pinnacle of the Air Force. Since my older brother Ryan was already in the Air Force I figured I had to one up him by get into the academy. My application process hit a very large speed bump my Junior year when my mother, Dorothy Marsh, died of Ovarian cancer. It was hard to concentrate on my goal when such a big part of it had been taken away from me. Somehow my family and I persevered through and devoted all my time into the application for USAFA. I received more disappointing news when they disqualified my application for medical purposes. I was so scared that all the work and effort would leave me with nothing but through what seemed like hundreds of phone calls and extra doctor visits I was granted a waiver. Then just a month or so after that I received the official appointment that I had been dreaming of. It almost seemed too good to be true. - Michael I chose USAFA because I wanted to serve my country, but also earn a college degree. The Academy seemed like the best way for me to do that. The Air Force provides more active duty assignments that fit my personality than other branches. At USAFA I intend to study either Aero or Astronautical Engineering with hopes to go into research and design or a cargo pilot slot. I also look forward to jump school, and intend to try out for the Wings of Blue. - Marcus I grew up in China for sixteen years of my life. As the son of a White-American father and South Korean mother, I was born in the United States but felt like I needed to earn my right to call myself an American citizen. What better way than joining the military, and more specifically, the United States Air Force Academy. Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan province, was where I grew up for the majority of my life. Coincidently, it also happened to be the main headquarters of the First American Volunteer Group, famously known as the Flying Tigers! Seeing memorials scattered across the city and an entirely new museum, all dedicated to the Flying Tigers and the role they played in repelling the invading Japanese during World War II, inspired me to fly as an Air Force pilot. That's when I heard about the United States Air Force Academy. Hopefully I can continue to embrace my passion of leading others and learning how to improve myself in the process, by leading some of the best and brightest men in the country.  - Justin I’ve known for a while that I wanted to go to the Air Force Academy. When I was very little I had the opportunity to tour the Pentagon, and the Secretary of the Air Force pulled me into his office. He told me in no uncertain terms that if I wanted to succeed in life and make a difference, that USAFA was the place for me. For a long time that was enough for me. But as I grew older I realized that I should probably do some objective research. Now I know for certain that USAFA is indeed the place for me. A place where I can form a family with individuals of the highest caliber of character and behavior, and a place where I can position myself to succeed in life, and above all else serve my country. - Harry I come from a tradition: a proud line of military service members that goes back to my great grandfather. I wouldn't want anything else but to continue that tradition. I grew up with stories about Russian Bear bomber intercepts, near death experiences at 600 MPH and the challenges of the Air Force Academy. My father, a F-15 Eagle pilot and my mother, USAFA class of '88 graduate and T37 Instructor Pilot, have been my inspiration for as long as I can remember. But it's not just family. I have lived the American Dream and experienced everything my country has to offer, and I recognize that our freedom and opportunity are forever at risk. God has called me to be a part of the defense of that freedom. I also honestly and simply love the excitement of flight. I spent my childhood watching military aircraft on base, and it has always been my aspiration to be in the cockpit of those aircraft one day. I'm one step closer now. I think I'm most excited about leadership. Leading has always been a passion of mine, and what better place to exercise that passion than the Academy. I recognize that I will start off at "the bottom of the food chain," but I'm ready to learn so much more about leading than I already have. - John A family reunion in 7th grade is what sparked and sustained my interest in attending USAFA. Our family has members all across the country, however, mainly in California and Ohio. Every 3 years we pick a destination and all meet up for about a week or so and spend a small vacation with each other. My 7th grade year the family decided to visit Colorado Springs because at the time I had an uncle and aunt that lived out near Pueblo. It was the last day before we left that we decided to quickly stop by to USAFA- completely out of the blue. We visited the gift shop and took a trail to the chapel and back. The small visit was enough to spark my interest in the academy and when I got home I did research and realized this would be an awesome place to go to after high school, I fell in love! Things all fell into place from that point on to get me where I am at now. At the academy I hope to reach my dream of becoming a fighter pilot and a starter on the football team, as well as the chance to create lifelong friendships. - Jett I have many relatives in the military, but my mom being in the Air Force (and stereotype of the newest branch of the armed forces being the smartest), led me to pick the Air Force. I knew I wanted to serve my country, and after the military I might just join law enforcement. But choosing the Academy was something else; I applied to all the service academies, and even received a Type 1 AFROTC scholarship (so I could have gone to any of my other schools, full tuition payed), but there was something about the Academy that just stood out. While a "normal" college life would have been fun, if not stressful in different manners, USAFA would provide something I didn't have much of in high school: a challenge. Not to say that I didn't work hard, and that somethings took time to understand, but at the Academy I know I'll be pushed to my limits, and I'm excited and scared to see just where those limits are. My goal is to graduate as an officer and then serve my country and give back, not just for the education, but also for the amazing and wonderful 18 years I had living in America before the Academy. I want to serve, and I believe the best place to do that is at the Air Force Academy. - Joshua I wanted to attend the service academies because I felt like I could truly push myself to my limits in that kind of environment. I want to excel not only in academics, but also in the physical and the mental aspects of my life and I couldn't think of a better place than the United States Air Force Academy to pursue that goal. - Diana I wanted to attend the Academy because I felt like I would be achieving something bigger than myself. The great balance of academics, athletic and morals made it my number one choice. I am proud to call myself an Air Force Academy appointee and can't wait for what the year has in store for me. - Isaac I wanted to attend the Academy for several reasons. The most important reason was the people: I want to be surrounded by people with as much personal drive and integrity that I have. In an environment where people are striving to do their best, it makes me push myself that much harder. - Nick Near the middle of sophomore year, I was debating what college to attend because I wanted a challenge. No colleges in my area truly offered a challenge for me, until my Dad mentioned the Air Force Academy. He explained where it is, what it is, and what it can do for people who graduate from there. I set my heart on it immediately. I am the third person in my school's history to attend, and I cannot wait to experience the military, physical, mental, and academic challenge. - Devin Being born and raised in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with a Dutch father and American mother, I never really thought of myself as a candidate for the US military. Heck, I never even heard of the US military academies until just a couple of years ago. Merely four years ago, English wasn’t my academic language, I predominantly spoke Dutch in my daily life, and was stuck in quite a low level in the Dutch public schooling system. I then got the opportunity to attend an International School, which opened lots of doors for me. With a keen interest in aviation, I decided to look more into a career in the US Air Force. I’ve only had family on my mother’s side that had served in the Navy and Coast Guard, but none of them served in the Air Force. At first, this goal I set seemed way beyond what I could achieve, and even my mom thought I was crazy (but still supportive). However, the past three years I’ve dedicated myself to to try and become a competitive candidate. I visited the Academy in February of 2014 for a tour, and I instantly fell in love with everything. The campus life, the people, the opportunities, the lifestyle. It just felt right, and I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to become a US Air Force officer, and do so by going to the US Air Force Academy. Less than a year after my visit to USAFA, I got my appointment. February 12, 2015. When I read that letter, it was one of the happiest moment of my life, and I didn’t hesitate a moment before accepting my appointment. Now that BCT is less than 3 weeks away, I feel more excited everyday. I look forward to meeting new people, and to create a tight knit squadron. I love the idea of the camaraderie at USAFA, and hope to become a successful part of a squadron. I hope to study Aerospace Engineering at USAFA, and get a pilot slot once I graduate. - Kevin I decided that the Air Force Academy was going to be the best opportunity for me to develop my leadership skills in order to achieve my dream of being a great leader for the United States Air Force.I'm looking forward to meeting the great people that will be apart of my growth and development over the next four years. - Quinton I am looking forward most to being surrounded by so many great people full of character and integrity. I can't wait to make life-long friendships with amazing people. - Garrett I decided to attend the Air Force Academy because of the campus. My mom and I visited one day last October and right away I told her it was home. When I visited campus I was so excited to finally find people like me. Yes, it had been an option before visiting because of my aspiration to be a pilot, but until visiting campus I had been leaning more towards ROTC. Visiting the Cadet Chapel really sealed the deal for me. The second I sat down and looked up I started to cry because I knew that no matter how difficult my time at USAFA would be, I wanted it. What I am looking forward to the most at USAFA is to be pushed past my limits. I want to be the best person I can be and I know that all the staff, upperclassmen, and my graduating class will push me to be that person. - Ginamarie The first time I came to know of the Air Force Academy was in my freshman year of high school. My father, who served in the army, believed I would fit in well with people that attended the Air Force Academy. Later that school year, my family and I took a trip to Colorado Springs and visited the Academy. I fell in love instantly, and ever since then, I've wanted to make USAFA my next home after high school. I was fortunate enough to attend the summer seminar between my junior and senior years of high school, and my experiences during that week helped me further prove to myself that the Air Force Academy is the place for me. I was surrounded by the top tier of students, who, like me, were well-rounded and excelled in school, athletics, and extracurriculars. Everyone I met was kind, determined, and had very good morals, and that is exactly the type of people I want to surround myself with. USAFA offers me a place to become the very best I can be, and I am very excited to be joining the class of 2019 in the near future. - Vanessa When I was 10 I went to the Nellis AFB air show with my father and it was an amazing experience. I wanted to know what I could do to be the amazing "flying" people. Fastforward to my junior year I thought long and hard about it and decided going to USAFA regardless of being a pilot or not was something I wanted to do. These are tough times and their are evil people out there and I want to do my part to protect my country. The things Im looking forward to the most are the flying programs and the Navy/Army VS. Air Force weekends. I hear they get pretty crazy and fun. - Chris I decided to attend the Academy because I wanted to be surrounded by likeminded, driven individuals and I know this is the school that will allow me to make a great impact on the world and serve my country. I am most looking forward to all of the opportunities to reach out to the worldwide community! - Laren I enlisted in the Air National Guard in 2013 directly after high school because I was intrigued by what the Air Force boasted. I immediately decided that a career in the Air Force was exactly what I was looking for, the planes are amazing, the people are honest, hardworking, and intelligent, and no other career instills the pride and patriotism in its employees that the military does. I have met many people in the National guard who have mentored me and have become my close friends, I can think of no better future than to stand beside my brothers and sisters in the worlds greatest Air Force. - Zachary I decided to come to the academy after I was offered the opportunity to play division 1 hockey. I ultimately made the decision to attend because the academy is a place where I am going to develop in all areas of life and become a well-rounded leader in whatever my future holds. The academy offers an unparalleled combination of rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and leadership opportunities. - Dan

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How Do I Apply

Applying to the United States Air Force Academy is more involved than applying to a typical college or university. There are many steps and important deadlines to meet. But first it’s important to understand how the process is divided into pre-candidate and candidate phases. Many of the steps in each phase can and should be completed concurrently.

Seek Your Nomination Apply for Your Nomination Early

To be eligible to accept an appointment to the Academy, you must be nominated by a legally authorized nominating entity. The process of securing a nomination is competitive and lengthy. It is recommended you begin applying for a nomination at the same time you are completing your Pre-candidate Questionnaire.

Application Part I The First Steps in a Longer Journey

When you first apply to the Academy, you are an “applicant” or “pre-candidate.” Pre-candidates who qualify are then granted the status of “candidate.” In the pre-candidate phase, you will self-report your grade point average and class rank. The Pre-candidate Questionnaire opens March 1.

Application Part II Becoming an Official Candidate

Those applicants who achieve candidate status will be able to access the online application, which contains valuable information and instructions on how to complete the official application for admission to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Candidate portals open in July.

Commitment Spend Your Career Leading Others, Not Paying Off Debt

An education at the U.S. Air Force Academy is provided at no cost to cadets. Instead, once you graduate, you will commission as an officer in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force. The length of your commitment will depend on your career path, but the benefits will last a lifetime.

Unique Student Groups A Strong Air Force and Space Force Starts With a Diverse Academy

Diversity is more than the color of your skin. Students with all imaginable backgrounds and life experiences from every corner of the country—and even the world—come together to make the United States Air and Space Forces stronger. Because when we put on the blue, we’re all one.

Admissions Cycle Get the Big Picture to See Where You Stand

Applying to the U.S. Air Force Academy takes more time and commitment than applying to other universities. But then this isn’t like any other university. Discover what you need to do to get an education above the ordinary.

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Your Path to Excellence Starts Here

Louisiana student appointed to U.S. Air Force Academy following Speaker Mike Johnson's nomination

A northwest Louisiana high school student has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy following his nomination from the United States Speaker of the House.

Speaker Mike Johnson said, “Reagan has excelled on the field, in the classroom, and in extracurricular leadership roles throughout his life. I was honored to nominate him to the Air Force Academy, and am certain he will be an exceptional cadet.”

He continued by saying, "North Louisiana possesses a deep connection to our national defense, and we are thankful Reagan is continuing this great tradition. We are praying for his success."

Loyola College Prep senior Reagan Coyle plans to attend the Air Force Academy upon graduation from Loyola in May. “Attending the Air Force Academy is something I have been preparing to do for years now,” said Coyle.

Admission into the U.S. Air Force Academy is extensive requiring academic and extracurricular records, leadership activities, physical fitness test results and a required nomination.

Read: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson meets with Louisiana firefighters Monday

"I would like to thank God for allowing me this unbelievable opportunity," said Coyle. "I would not be able to do this without Loyola preparing me to succeed at the Academy, and without the support and encouragement from those closest to me."

Throughout high school, Coyle has served on SGA holding a class officer position, maintained a 4.29 GPA and been a leader on the football and basketball teams. He was also named an All State Baseball Player and an All District Football Player.

"Reagan has worked hard both in the classroom and in athletics over the past four years, and he has grown tremendously," said Anna Beth Clark, Director of Admissions. "His nomination is the result of diligence, humility, and determination. Loyola is so proud of his accomplishments and know that he will make us proud in the Air Force."

Coyle plans to start at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado this summer for basic training and will begin classes with the rest of his classmates in the fall.

More: Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Young Woman Awards announces 2024 winner

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at [email protected].

The United States Air Force Academy provides updates on construction projects

AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — The United States Air Force Academy has released updates on four construction projects that are taking place on the base.

The four projects consist of the following:

• True North Commons
• Falcon Stadium East Club
• Madera Cyber Innovation Center
• Cadet Chapel

Here is some information about each project: True North Commons: This is a 57-acre development that is located outside of the northern security checkpoint. The development contains the 32,000-square-foot Hosmer Visitor Center, as well as the Hotel Polaris which is an accessible hotel that contains 375 rooms, a conference center, and office space.

The new development will serve as an Official Colorado Welcome Center . Construction on this project began in 2022, and is expected to be completed in May of 2024, however, the facilities will not be available to the public until December of 2025. Funding for this project was made possible through the Colorado Regional Tourism Act tax revenue.

Falcon Stadium East Club: This project sees the enhancement of the east concourse of the football stadium and will now feature 1,200 premium seats. It will now include its own entrance, heritage plaza, open-air hospitality decks, food and beverage options, restrooms, a merchandise area, and a ticket office.

This project comes as a result of the Defining Our Future campaign that was launched in 2021 by the nonprofit Air Force Academy Foundation and Association of Graduates. Construction began in 2023 and is expected to be finished by September.

Madera Cyber Innovation Center: The center will be a three-story facility that houses 49,000 square -feet of auditoriums, classrooms, and collaboration space which will allow the Department of Computer and Cyber Sciences to serve more than 1,400 cadets who will be attending courses there annually.

This facility will also be the home to the Air Force CyberWorx . The collaboration spaces will allow academia, industry, and military cyber operators to work together to educate and train future officers of the Air Force and Space Force.

This center was also helped to be funded by the Defining Our Future Campaign. The project started construction in 2020 and is expected to finish in August.

Cadet Chapel:

This chapel was finished being built in 1962, but faced water intrusion issues immediately. Over time, attempts were made to patch the water leakage issues. These attempts were unsuccessful as water leakage has continued to plague the chapel, and efforts have been made to permanently resolve the issue.

WATCH: Air Force Academy Chapel restoration

The restoration project began in 2019 and is slated to be completed in 2027. More information regarding the project can be found here . ____

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Men's Gymnastics Slated for 2024 NCAA Men’s Gymnastics Championships

4/18/2024 11:53:00 AM | Men's Gymnastics

I make more than $5,500 a month using an app to pick up restaurant shifts. Here's how I maximize my earnings.

• Kai Cowan uses FrontHouz, a staffing platform, to balance gig work with family responsibilities.
• The flexible scheduling allows Cowan to waitress and bartend while pursuing her passion for dance.
• Cowan's earnings from using FrontHouz regularly average more than $5,500 monthly.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kai Cowan, a 24-year-old gig worker in Atlanta. It's been edited for length and clarity.

I'm a waitress, hostess, and bartender in Atlanta. I pursued a degree in dance for one year but dropped out to gain experience. I then spent a few years working in retail and hospitality until the restaurant I worked at shut down due to COVID-19.

In September 2020, my dance career picked up, and I'm now balancing my work with caring for my aunt, who recently became disabled. To manage my responsibilities, I pick up shifts through FrontHouz , a staffing platform for hospitality workers that allows for flexible scheduling .

This balance has been crucial for me to continue working while being there for my family.

I first discovered FrontHouz when I met the founder

I met the CEO of FrontHouz, Starr Douglas , in February 2023. I worked at a restaurant that often had slow days and was unhappy with my schedule. This meeting was a turning point for me.

I ordered at a bar downtown and couldn't resist telling the bartender to take his time and that I also bartended up the street. Starr overheard me ordering and told me about FrontHouz. I took her card and kept in communication with her.

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I decided to sign up for FrontHouz and applied online, which was a straightforward process. After submitting my application, there was a waiting period while my account was reviewed and approved. There was no fee to apply, which made the decision to join even easier.

On an average week, I put in between 20 and 30 hours

FrontHouz allows me to work for employers who may have never had the time to look through my résumé . When a restaurant has a call-off or just needs extra help, they put it in a request on FrontHouz. I'm often requested due to my high rating on the platform, but gigs are listed for workers to pick up on a first-come, first-served basis.

The "pre-shift training" feature teaches me the specifics of each establishment before I start a shift. It provides a 360-degree view of each establishment and its menus, cocktails, seating charts, weekly specials, and more.

My shifts mainly involve serving or bartending , though I occasionally take on busser or hostess roles. The variety is one of the things I love about this platform — I get to work in different settings like upscale event centers, bars, and fine dining restaurants. I also appreciate having control of my own schedule and being able to develop a network with the people I meet on the shifts.

One challenge is that shifts can sometimes be scarce as local restaurants continue to join the platform, and the platform isn't available nationwide yet.

I average more than $5,500 a month

It's been rewarding financially as well. FrontHouz doesn't take a cut from my pay and instead charges restaurants to use the app.

Since I've been using the app more regularly for the past six months, my earnings break down to an average of more than $5,500 a month. I work around 22 shifts a month.

The flexible schedule has allowed me to care for my aunt while simultaneously pursuing dancing, acting, modeling, and social media management .

Here's my best advice for making the most money

It's essential to have a professional profile that details all your previous experience to attract higher-end venues. If you can travel, expanding your job search radius by X miles or more could also significantly increase the number of available gigs.

Checking the FrontHouz app at specific times, like each morning or before a dinner rush, is a strategic move. This is often when new shifts are posted, giving you the advantage of being among the first to apply.

Promptness in picking up shifts is crucial; if you find a suitable shift, it's wise to secure it quickly to avoid missing out on the opportunity. Restaurant shifts are usually posted a week in advance, but it's not uncommon for a last-minute shift to pop up for the same night.

Consider dedicating specific days or nights to FrontHouz shifts, particularly when restaurants are busier, like special event nights or popular weekly specials (think: Taco Tuesday or Sunday brunch). This approach not only increases your chances of consistent work but also aligns your availability with potentially higher-earning shifts.

Watch: How the Air Force Academy makes 10,000 meals a day for 4,000 cadets

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