Air Force Academy?

Question

I am a freshman in high school, and I would like to go to the Air Force Academy. I already know that I have to get very good grades and be in top physical shape, but can anyone give me in depth information on ways to prepare for the Academy.

Answer 1

Great to see interest in the Academy. The USAFA is highly selective, in multiple ways. Here's about how it breaks down:

Academics:
Academics are a huge factor. Try to keep your GPA as high as possible while taking the most advanced courses offered. If your high school offers honors, AP, college prep, etc. strongly consider taking these classes and always do your best. A 4.0 isn't mandatory, but it never hurt. Also, your ACT/SAT scores are very important. There are minimum scores required on each, but remember that minimum is not ideal. You want to shoot for several points above minimum. I know the average ACT composite is 28, and 30+ is a good goal for that. I didn't take the SAT yet, so I can't help there.

Athletics:
Try to be in at least one sport per year. If you missed that chance as a freshman, it happens, but start right in there sophomore year. Strive for varsity, but if your school's huge, this might not always be possible and that's understood. Try to get in great physical shape. Remember, the Academy is in the mountains and if you live at a lower altitude you will not perform at the same level. Three miles straight at a pace of around 8 minutes per mile is a good goal aerobically. Muscular strength is more individual really, but do your very best. Try working out at the local YMCA or perhaps the weight room at school. If nothing else, a couple hundred push ups and sit ups daily should do well. You don't have to start out at that level, but build up to it. Always challenge yourself. Your physical performance at basic cadet training is your very first chance to prove yourself. Prepare, but don't injure yourself. You have plenty of time.

Extracurricular:
Another considerable factor is what you do outside of school. Clubs, scouts, community service, part time job, etc. What they're really looking for here is responsibility and leadership. Don't be in every single school club just so you can put them on your application. Pick a few favorites and stick with them. Try to achieve as much as possible in these clubs. Awards, club officer positions, etc.

Congressional:
You'll need a congressional nomination to actually attend the academy. If you properly prepare for admissions, this shouldn't be a huge problem, and isn't even a concern until early senior year. You can be nominated by your two senators, the vice president, or your state representative, so apply to all of them. You send them your scores, transcripts etc. like you would for college admissions and you will probably have an interview as well. Only one nomination from any of these officials is necessary. I believe each one can nominate five people, except the vice president who can nominate more. If you're already a strong candidate for admissions, this shouldn't be too difficult.

I think that about covers it really. What they really want isn't the uberjock or the valedictorian, but more of a whole person. Well rounded and ready to go. Academics are the absolute biggest factor, but all of them are important. Keep in mind that doing well in a few things is better than just participating in a ton of things. Finally, try to contact your admissions liaison officer. They can give you more specific information and advice on anything and everything you could possibly want to know. Your counselor should be able to provide you with his or her phone number so you can set up an appointment.

Answer 2

Grades, good health, and a well rounded resume. Be active in sports and other after school activities. If your school has a JR ROTC program, get involved in that and pay attention, push for leadership positions. Having a recommendation from your JR ROTC commander helps. Study for the SAT and ACT tests as high scores on those help also. Do not get into trouble with the law as that will blow any chance of getting an appointment to the Academy. Do not get any tatoos, body piercings, weird hair cuts or hair colorings. You want to look like an cadet, not like a wild eyed hippy. If you have any opportunity to meet your Representatives or Senators, do not pass it up as they have a lot of power in getting people into the Academy. Lastly, do not burn any bridges with what you say. If you can not get into the USAF Academy, you might be able to get into the US Navy Academy or West Point. There is also a Merchant Marine Academy to consider. (Sometimes we have to settle for less than the best.)

Answer 3

I'm in Air Force ROTC, I have a 2 friends who attend the Air Force Academy, and 1 friend who is going off this fall also my aerospace instructor graduated from the Academy. You can expect alot of drilling, running, and academics. But drilling, I've been in ROTC for 1 year and I still on occasions fall over on my own two feet when doing an about face. Also since your planning to become a future Air Force officer, watch alot of news, believe me I can't stress this enough. The upperclass cadets either in ROTC or at the Academy will drill you on current events, my friend Rich emails me constantly and he's over @ the Academy, & I'm in college in California. But start learning the 7 basic responses you will always be using these!
1. Yes, sir/ ma'am!
2. No, sir/ ma'am!
3. I do not know sir/ ma'am!
4. I do not understand, sir/ ma'am!
5. Sir/ Ma'am may I may a statement!
6. Sir/ Ma'am may I ask a question?
7. No, excuse, sir/ ma'am.
Also check out the academy website @ www.usafa.edu.
Also it is extremely hard to get into any academy, so look into ROTC. Here's the website: afrotc.com

Answer 4

You will need a letter of recommendation. Make it somebody high up on the list, such as a state senator. Which means you have to do something to get his/her attention through a letter writing campaign, and requesting a personal visit.

Answer 5

good test scores, on the major tests