How To Get Into The Air Force Academy After High School
How To Get Into The Air Force Academy After High School, Requirements GPA, Tuition. Are you passionate about serving your country and dreaming of a career in the military? If so, attending the prestigious United States Air Force Academy could be your golden ticket to achieving that goal. With its rigorous academic curriculum, physical fitness requirements, and leadership development programs, getting into the Air Force Academy is no easy feat.
However, with proper preparation and understanding of the application process, you can increase your chances of being accepted into this esteemed institution. In this article, we will guide you through the steps and provide valuable tips on how to get into the Air Force Academy, along with tips and tricks to make your application stand out.
Who can apply to USAFA? And how?
To be eligible to apply to the Academy, applicants must be: At least 17 but not past their 23rd birthday by July 1 of the year they enter the Academy; A U.S. Citizen (international students are eligible under different requirements); Unmarried with no dependents.
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Getting Into The Air Force Academy
Acceptance is very competitive, and the majority of students who get into the Academy have an SAT score from 1320–1470 or an ACT score of 28–33. The Academy also takes high school ranking into heavy consideration. Most students who are accepted into the program rank in the top of their high school class.
To join the Air Force Academy, students should strive for SAT scores higher than 1480 and ACT scores higher than 33. 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.
Air Force Academy Requirements GPA, Tuition, Admissions
Applying to the United States Air Force Academy is more involved than applying to a typical college or university.
Physical Requirements for Air Force Academy
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:
- Shuttle run
- One mile run.
- Modified sit-up
- Basketball throw
- Pull-ups
- Push-ups .
Air Force Academy Academic Requirements
You will also need to meet the academic requirements to get accepted into the Academy, which are:
- Get a minimum SAT score of 620 or an ACT score of 24 for evidence-based reading and writing.
- Get a minimum SAT score of 580 in math or an ACT score of 25 in math/science .
- Get a minimum GPA of 3.78 or higher.
- Graduate from the top three percent of your high school class (adjustments are made for PAR students).
Legal Requirements for Air Force Academy
The legal requirements to joining the Academy are:
- Be unmarried and have no dependents.
- Cannot be pregnant or legally responsible for a child.
- Be at least 17 years of age and no older than 22 years of age.
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be of good moral character.
- Be of sound mind and body and able to pass the medical requirements of the Academy.
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).
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.
What is the U.S. Air Force Academy’s prep school?
The U.S. Air Force Academy’s Preparatory School prepares a diverse group of cadet candidates in academics, athletics, character development, and military training to succeed and lead at the Academy. Cadet candidates are not guaranteed an appointment to the Academy, but may earn a recommendation to the Academy from the Prep School Commander based on their performance during the Prep School’s rigorous 10-month program.
Air Force Academy Acceptance rate | How hard is it to get into the air force academy
It is very competitive to get into the Academy. The Air Force Academy acceptance rate is just 11%. The Academy’s recent class profile shows that out of the 8,353 applicants, only 1,056 students enrolled.
Air Force Academy Application Deadline – Application Timeline
| Dates | Force Academy(AF) Application Steps. |
|---|---|
| March 1st – December 31st | The Pre-Candidate Questionnaire (PCQ) opens on March 1st. The deadline to submit your PCQ is December 31st of your senior year. This is the first step in the application process and must be completed to be considered for acceptance. |
| July 15th – January 31st | Once you complete your PCQ, you will receive further information on your next steps. |
| December 1st – January 15th | Summer Seminar applications open December 1st, and the deadline is January 15th. No late applications will be accepted. |
| January | Your SAT or ACT must be taken by this time. Your test scores must be sent from either testing authority (ACT or College Board). |
| February – April | Applications are reviewed, and offers on appointments are made during this time. |
| April | Most applicants will find out their admissions status by this time. Results will be posted to your application portal. |
| June | Summer Seminar begins. |
Air Force Academy Summer Programs For High School Students
What is the Summer Seminar? The Summer Seminar is a program that allows high school students to see the Academy and get a first-hand account of cadet life. It’s specifically designed for high school juniors heading into their senior year and offers a unique opportunity to get the Academy experience by living in cadet dormitories, eating at the cadet dining facility, and exploring academic facilities and research labs.
How To Get Accepted Into the Air Force Academy
The Air Force Academy minimum ACT scores are 24 on English and Reading and 25 on Math and Science.
1. 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.
Should I take the ACT or the SAT to get into the Air Force Academy?
Yes. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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. Specifically, do well in your English, math, and languages 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.
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. 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.
Conclusion
Getting into the Air Force Academy is a challenging but rewarding process. By focusing on academic excellence, physical fitness, leadership development, and demonstrating a strong commitment to serving in the United States Air Force, applicants can increase their chances of being accepted into this prestigious institution. It is important for prospective cadets to start preparing early, setting goals, seeking mentorship and guidance from current or former cadets or officers.
The application process requires dedication and perseverance but offers an unparalleled opportunity for personal growth and the chance to serve one’s country with honor and distinction. With determination, hard work, and a genuine passion for aviation and military service, aspiring candidates can fulfill their dreams of attending the Air Force Academy.
