Recommendations for Air Force Academy

CrossMT 07

USMA 2026
Joined
Nov 1, 2018
Messages
62
Hey all,
I am 14 years old and I have made the decision to apply for USAFA when I am 17. I am looking for advice on what to do now to strengthen my application. I am a freshman in a STEM high school, I take 10th-grade math, pre-ap biology, CE (Concurrent Enrollment at a college) English, Creative writing, gym, weight training, and Spanish 2. I have a 4.14 GPA (straight A's). I am in civil air patrol and Boy scouts. I have held 3 leadership position in BSA, and color guard twice in CAP. I am planning to graduate as a stem scholar, which requires harder classes, a 3.5 GPA, and 100 hours of volunteer service. I am wondering what classes should I take because next semester I will most likely be taking robotics and intro to programming. Are these the classes the Academy wants? Is there anything else I can do to help my chances of making it in the Academy(considering I live in Colorado, where I think the competition is much higher) ? Finally, do you guys have any suggestions on how to get better at push ups, pull ups, or any of the other CFA items? Thank you for reading this long paragraph!
 
Hey all,
I am 14 years old and I have made the decision to apply for USAFA when I am 17. I am looking for advice on what to do now to strengthen my application. I am a freshman in a STEM high school, I take 10th-grade math, pre-ap biology, CE (Concurrent Enrollment at a college) English, Creative writing, gym, weight training, and Spanish 2. I have a 4.14 GPA (straight A's). I am in civil air patrol and Boy scouts. I have held 3 leadership position in BSA, and color guard twice in CAP. I am planning to graduate as a stem scholar, which requires harder classes, a 3.5 GPA, and 100 hours of volunteer service. I am wondering what classes should I take because next semester I will most likely be taking robotics and intro to programming. Are these the classes the Academy wants? Is there anything else I can do to help my chances of making it in the Academy(considering I live in Colorado, where I think the competition is much higher) ? Finally, do you guys have any suggestions on how to get better at push ups, pull ups, or any of the other CFA items? Thank you for reading this long paragraph!

First question is have you studied the primary source for most of this information - https://www.academyadmissions.com/admissions/the-application-process/application-steps/ - review every menu item and every link. It contains information regarding scholastic requirements, character, extracurricular activities, fitness and other requirements. Forum members really don't mind helping, but are typically more receptive when the applicant has completed their initial research from primary sources.

Regarding fitness, you have plenty of time, so start a daily fitness regime. Practice each of the CFA test elements several time each week - with repetition, your performance should improve.

Let us know if you have any more specific questions - thank you for your interest in serving. Good luck.
 
Hey all,
I am 14 years old and I have made the decision to apply for USAFA when I am 17. I am looking for advice on what to do now to strengthen my application. I am a freshman in a STEM high school, I take 10th-grade math, pre-ap biology, CE (Concurrent Enrollment at a college) English, Creative writing, gym, weight training, and Spanish 2. I have a 4.14 GPA (straight A's). I am in civil air patrol and Boy scouts. I have held 3 leadership position in BSA, and color guard twice in CAP. I am planning to graduate as a stem scholar, which requires harder classes, a 3.5 GPA, and 100 hours of volunteer service. I am wondering what classes should I take because next semester I will most likely be taking robotics and intro to programming. Are these the classes the Academy wants? Is there anything else I can do to help my chances of making it in the Academy(considering I live in Colorado, where I think the competition is much higher) ? Finally, do you guys have any suggestions on how to get better at push ups, pull ups, or any of the other CFA items? Thank you for reading this long paragraph!

First question is have you studied the primary source for most of this information - https://www.academyadmissions.com/admissions/the-application-process/application-steps/ - review every menu item and every link. It contains information regarding scholastic requirements, character, extracurricular activities, fitness and other requirements. Forum members really don't mind helping, but are typically more receptive when the applicant has completed their initial research from primary sources.

Regarding fitness, you have plenty of time, so start a daily fitness regime. Practice each of the CFA test elements several time each week - with repetition, your performance should improve.

Let us know if you have any more specific questions - thank you for your interest in serving. Good luck.


I've been on that site a lot more than I should have been. Probably more than my school website! I am in the process of making a checklist of all I need to do, and what for each congressman. I just wanted a perspective from an "alive" person. Thank you for answering my questions! However, I do have one more. I ran cross country this year, and I was wondering if it would count as a team sport. I know that they wanted a team sport for leadership and everything, I just didn't know if that would count. Thanks and have a great day!
 
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Here’s what an SA admissions consultant — and USAFA grad — told my DD: Take the hardest classes your school has to offer, put yourself in stressful situations, make a leadership impact. So, one by one:

Take as many AP courses as your school will allow. (If the AP choices are slim, take the next highest level.) Do very well in these classes. USAFA wants to know you can succeed in its very challenging academic environment.

Get busy with academics, athletics and other extracurriculars. The point is not to spread yourself thin, to be a mile wide and an inch deep, to be a serial joiner. No, instead the point is to get highly and deeply involved in the activities that are most meaningful to you. USAFA wants to know you can manage your time well, have stamina, can prioritize — all the things necessary to handle its heavy workload.

Don’t just hold leadership titles, but make a meaningful impact. Leave an organization or community better than how you found it. USAFA wants to know you’re a leader who can rally others to a cause.

You’ve got time. Saddle up and have fun!
 
I would like to thank everyone who has replied so far, I greatly appreciate it! I also would welcome any other perspectives, tips, or advice.
 
Consider buying one of the "How to get into the AFA & how to succeed there..." type of paperback books available on bookseller websites. Good luck!
 
Thank you Wishful for the book recommendation. I am going to have to save a bit for it. I was debating about making an account, but I am glad I did! Do any of you guys know what type of math/science/engineering classes the Academy wants? (Calculus vs. Analytical Geometry, Physics vs Chemistry, AP computer science vs CAD) Would they give extra consideration to me because I go to a STEM school? Thanks and have a great day!
 
Aim to do at least calculus, chemistry, physics, computer science — at AP level if your school offers them. USAFA will consider your school profile and course rigor in assessing your class rank, which is more important than GPA. Going to a STEM school doesn’t necessarily confer any advantage — it’s about how well you do wherever you may be.

And as mentioned above, read every page, link and dropdown on the USAFA website. The answers to almost all of your questions, such as how to prepare, are there.
 
Thank you everyone! I have recieved tons of helpful information. I'm so glad I decided to sign up for this forum. Anymore tips are welcome!
 
First of all, right on.

Apart from what everyone has said, participate in the community deeply and in events(expos, conferences, activities etc) happening in your area which you like and want and enjoy it.

You'd be amazed at how much stuff happens around you and what you can learn from it.
 
I was wondering if Colorado District 4 was competitive? I know that it is competitive because it is in colorado, but does anyone know how much?
 
I was wondering if Colorado District 4 was competitive? I know that it is competitive because it is in colorado, but does anyone know how much?

Most of the Colorado front-range congressional districts will receive relatively high number of applications each year, but there is no way to quantify the level of competitiveness. IMHO, you should not spend any time worrying about others applying from your district and put those energies into improving your application package. Focus only on the things that you can directly control.
 
Thanks FMHS-79! Does the Air Force Academy value colorado applicants because of the similar elevation and the competitiveness of the congressional nomination? Is there anything I can do strenghtn my appeal towards the congressman/woman? Finally, should I join allies in diversity or speech and debate club after school? Thanks!
 
Thanks FMHS-79! Does the Air Force Academy value colorado applicants because of the similar elevation and the competitiveness of the congressional nomination? Is there anything I can do strenghtn my appeal towards the congressman/woman? Finally, should I join allies in diversity or speech and debate club after school? Thanks!

IMHO, USAFA does not value the applicants from Colorado any more than those from Maryland, New York, or any other state.

You have received excellent feedback within this and your Air Force Application Review thread. The chance of getting a nomination is strengthened much more by the quality of your application package than efforts to build a relationship with your congressman.

Follow the guidance from @Hoodlum15 in your other thread - don't spend your entire high school career doing things only because you think it might help you get into the academy. If you enjoy speech and debate then join the club. If you are passionate about Allies in Diversity and think that you can contribute to the success of their efforts then join the organization. But please don't join one of these organization based on anonymous feedback (mine included) on a internet forum.

Lastly, please remember that your long-term goal should be becoming a commissioned officer in the US Air Force. Admission to USAFA is just one of the potential paths to that goal. Good luck.
 
@Air Force7, pay heed to what @FMHS-79 said. The good thing about being a high-school freshman is you have a lot of time to get your ducks in a row. The bad thing is you also have a lot of time to overthink this whole thing. Your question about USAFA favoring candidates from high elevations tells me you’re on the verge of overthinking this.

The same things that will put you high on USAFA’s list are the same things that will put you high on a MOC’s list. So no need to go to any special effort with the MOC.
 
Hey all,
I am 14 years old and I have made the decision to apply for USAFA when I am 17. I am looking for advice on what to do now to strengthen my application. I am a freshman in a STEM high school, I take 10th-grade math, pre-ap biology, CE (Concurrent Enrollment at a college) English, Creative writing, gym, weight training, and Spanish 2. I have a 4.14 GPA (straight A's). I am in civil air patrol and Boy scouts. I have held 3 leadership position in BSA, and color guard twice in CAP. I am planning to graduate as a stem scholar, which requires harder classes, a 3.5 GPA, and 100 hours of volunteer service. I am wondering what classes should I take because next semester I will most likely be taking robotics and intro to programming. Are these the classes the Academy wants? Is there anything else I can do to help my chances of making it in the Academy(considering I live in Colorado, where I think the competition is much higher) ? Finally, do you guys have any suggestions on how to get better at push ups, pull ups, or any of the other CFA items? Thank you for reading this long paragraph!

Outstanding Attitude Air Force 7. To be very honest and realistic, you should take what excites you the most offered at your school and do them well. Be sure to include challenging STEM HUM SOC SCI LANG and do them all well. What will help you the most in your Plebe and 3/C at USAFA are the following classes: and get 3-5 on tests.

AP CHEM
AP CAL
AP PHYSICS
AP LIT/COMP
AP GOV/APUSH
AP COMP SCI
AP PSYCH (can place out of leadership)

If you can cover these classes you are very well prepared. And of course get that SAT/ACT ideally to >1500/32. If you have this, academically you are solid. Don’t worry too much about your class rank because your class rank will be high enough if you are at a STEM School, Academy will recalibrate in your favor. If not in STEM School your class rank will be high enough with mostly As and some Bs. If class rank not given then the Academy will take it from your test score rank.

Be sure to cover your varsity team athletics/CFA and leadership, Boys State. Get that Eagle if you’re a Scout and be sure to serve as an SPL. These are the other 45%. All these info you can find on the Academy website. There is nothing you cannot find on school website.

Lastly your district matters a lot for Nom. This is why you need to be the best in your district and don’t have to be the best nationally. So know your competition and prepare and be dedicated. And pray!
 
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Follow the guidance from @Hoodlum15 in your other thread - don't spend your entire high school career doing things only because you think it might help you get into the academy. If you enjoy speech and debate then join the club. If you are passionate about Allies in Diversity and think that you can contribute to the success of their efforts then join the organization. But please don't join one of these organization based on anonymous feedback (mine included) on a internet forum.

I'm sorry that it came off that I was just joining the club for the resume addition. I choose these 2 from the clubs offered at my school, and since I was equally attracted to both, I wondered which one I should choose. Next time, I will explain more! :)
 
Thank you Wishful for the book recommendation. I am going to have to save a bit for it. I was debating about making an account, but I am glad I did! Do any of you guys know what type of math/science/engineering classes the Academy wants? (Calculus vs. Analytical Geometry, Physics vs Chemistry, AP computer science vs CAD) Would they give extra consideration to me because I go to a STEM school? Thanks and have a great day!
Hi @Air Force7 ! - I have that book and I can mail it to you for free if you still need it - please let me know :)
 
Thank you Wishful for the book recommendation. I am going to have to save a bit for it. I was debating about making an account, but I am glad I did! Do any of you guys know what type of math/science/engineering classes the Academy wants? (Calculus vs. Analytical Geometry, Physics vs Chemistry, AP computer science vs CAD) Would they give extra consideration to me because I go to a STEM school? Thanks and have a great day!
Hi @Air Force7 ! - I have that book and I can mail it to you for free if you still need it - please let me know :)
That would be amazing! Are you talking about How to get into the AFA & how to succeed there....?
 
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