How To Get Into Air Force 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Do I Meet the Requirements?

The United States Air Force Academy is one of the most competitive schools in the nation. You must meet high academic, physical, character and medical standards to be eligible for an appointment. Knowing what these standards are is the first step to surpassing them.

Watch the video for Standards Are High Because Expectations Are High

Basic Requirements

Every cadet is different, but to earn an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy, you must meet certain basic requirements.

• Be at least 17 but not past your 23rd birthday by July 1 of the year you enter the Academy.
• Be a United States citizen.
• Be unmarried with no dependents.
• Be of good moral character.

Cadets who attend the U.S. Air Force Academy can expect to be challenged academically every day. That’s why we look for those who demonstrate a well-rounded academic record that includes exceptional class rank, GPA and college admission test results.

Watch the video for Cadet Testimonial: A Day in the Life

“I knew there’d be challenges, but that’s part of the reason why I wanted to come here. The best thing about the Academy is the opportunities that come with it.”

Physical fitness is an integral part of Academy life, whether it’s participating in sports or Basic Cadet Training (BCT). Therefore, applicants must successfully complete the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), which tests their strength, agility, speed and endurance.

Officers of Character Begin as Cadets of Character

To lead others as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force requires high moral character. That’s why at the U.S. Air Force Academy, we look at more than grades and physical fitness. Every cadet goes through a qualitative review as part of the application process.

To prepare cadets for their careers in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force, we require applicants to meet and maintain certain physical standards during their four years at the Academy.

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.