A lot of good info provided. However; this is very important; NONE OF THIS IS INTENDED TO SCARE YOU OR DISCOURAGE YOU. It is/was intended; at least from me; to let you know that getting the appointment to the air force academy is only the beginning.
As for being "Turned Back"; each year is a little different. This year for instance, the academy was a lot more forgiving. You still have to complete a certain number of days and hurdles. But, if you are willing to fight to keep your spot, the academy is willing to fight and help you. Remember, they didn't spend all the time and money just to send you home. They want you to succeed.
Realize that it is very difficult to get set back if you truly want to be there and are determined. In the athletic world we have a saying that "Players play hurt; they don't play injured". In other words, if your feet are "Sore" from all the marching and hiking, suck it up and keep it to yourself. If you're getting a sore throat from screaming, don't complain about it. The academy will not take chances. If you say your not feeling well, they will take you from what you're doing and have you checked out. Know the difference between "Hurt" and "Injured". If you are injured, definitely let them know. If you are hurt, keep it to yourself. If you're an athlete, you know what I'm talking about. If you don't understand, maybe someone else can decipher.
But most importantly, this was a prelude of things to come. You still have a long way between now and then. My son was a multi-sport varsity all state athlete in high school. He received his appointment the 1st week of November on the same exact day as the state championship football game. (Which they won). I didn't tell him about the "Envelope in the mail" until AFTER the game. I didn't want to break his concentration. A week later, he was also recruited by the academy to play football. He took it upon himself to forgo the rest of school year's sports involvement. Not that he had to, but because he didn't want to take that risk of a broken leg, concussion, etc... in soccer, baseball, etc... That was his choice. Obviously, that's easier to do when you actually have an appointment in your hand in November instead of having to wait until March. The point is, that's how bad he wanted the academy. He used the new free time to concentrate on maintaining his GPA, spending time with his girl friend and other friends, time with his family, and making the most out of his senior year. But he was "HELL BENT" on not getting injured, getting in trouble; messing up a class; etc...
Each of you are old enough to make up your own decisions. There's a lot of things that you will continue to do. Very low risk. However, there are some things in your life that you may want to back off of. Maybe getting a christmas present present to go skydiving for the very first time is exciting, but maybe not the right time to try it. Maybe it will be very tempting to hang out every minute out of school with your friends because you won't see them much, if at all, in the future. But maybe you should think about maintaining that GPA that got you into the academy. Anyway; as I said; this post was not intended to scare or discourage you. It was intended to make you realize that you must now start making some very difficult and mature choices in your life. Determine what is important to you and prioritize your actions. Best of luck to all of you. later... mike....