DEFINITIONS OF TERMS
Precandidate
A student interested in attending the Air Force Academy who has completed the application/precandidate questionnaire.
Tentative Candidate
A precandidate who appears to have the potential to be a qualified candidate, based upon self-reported information.
Nomination
The selection of a precandidate as an official candidate for admission to the Academy by a legal nominating authority.
Candidate
A precandidate who has a nomination in an authorized category (also referred to as a nominee).
Qualified Candidate
A candidate who has met all admission requirements.
Appointment
An offer of admission to a candidate.
Appointee
A competitive candidate who has been offered an appointment to the Academy.
Qualified Alternate
A competitive candidate not chosen to fill any specific nomination category but placed in a nationwide pool from which additional appointments are made to fill the entering class.
Cadet
An appointee who has been admitted to the Academy and has taken the oath of allegiance.