The actual selection process for the USAFA Prep School is truthfully...
Known only to those involved in the process. It is pointless to speculate (although everyone does) because our air force is looking for a diverse population of cadets and cadet candidates (title of prep school student). And I don't mean "racially, ethnically, etc." when I say "diverse."
"In the Air Force, diversity is broadly defined as a composite of individual characteristics, experiences and abilities consistent with the Air Force Core Values and the Air Force Mission. Air Force Diversity includes but is not limited to: personal life experiences, geographic background, socioeconomic background, cultural knowledge, educational background, work background, language abilities, physical abilities, philosophical/spiritual perspectives, age, race, ethnicity and gender" ("AFPD36-70," 2010, p. 2).
So while there are many young airmen appointed to the prep school, and there are recruited athletes there too, there are a bunch of other candidates that met one or more criteria that the USAFA and the USAF have established for admission. As an ALO I can't tell you what that criteria is or even if it's "firmly set in stone" or "variable by year." I have a "hunch" its a living criteria and changes to meet the needs of the air force and our nation.
Just thought I'd put that out for all to ponder...
Reference
Air Force Policy Directive 36-70. (2010). Retrieved from
http://www.af.mil/Portals/1/documents/diversity/afpd-36-70-diversity.pdf
(What, no sense of humor? I was working on a paper in my PhD program when I took a break and came on the SA forum!
)
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83