1. Find who your ALO is, and contact them.
2. Apply for Summer Seminar as soon as it opens (Nov-Dec I believe is the first application for Summer seminar)
3. Be taking the most advanced classes you can take and still do well in them with HIGH GPA.
4. Take, take again, and retake your ACT/SAT and get the highest scores possible. Don't stop until your ACT is above 30 Composite (With 28+ in individuals); and 2000+ SAT combined.
5. Be involved in Varsity sports, volunteering, clubs, etc... And be a leader in those activities.
6. Volunteer and attend boy's state
7. Get a list of the CFA requirements, and practice them 2 times a week. LEARN how to do all the tests. Be ready to take your CFA as SOON AS you officially apply to the academy.
8. Get talking with your teachers, school, friends, family, etc.... Let them know how excited you are and your intentions. You are going to need all of their help. Some recommendations, some administrative, etc...
9. View online your representative and senator's requirements for applying for an academy nomination.
10. Stay focus on everything. Mainly your studies, classes, tests, etc... Academics count for 60% of your total score. Don't slack off.
I am glad that you are looking into this now, and asking questions now. When prepared, there is absolutely no reason that you can't have all of your post high school options ready to go. You can have the entire academy application process for air force, as well as all the other academies, ready, completed, and finished by 1 August. Then, you can ALSO be applying for any ROTC schools/scholarships you may be interested in. Also; you can be applying for "Early Admissions" with any college/university that you are also interested in, in case the academy doesn't work out or you change your mind. If you finish your academy application in it's entirety by 1 August of next summer; after you've returned from Summer Seminar (If selected); you will have all of August and September to concentrate on early admissions to the civilian schools; getting your academics set up for your senior year; and getting ready to enjoy one of the best years of your life. Senior Year of High School. Best of luck to you. Mike....