Hello. I’m a freshman in high school. I’m wondering if now is a good time to get in contact with my Admissions Liaison Officer. I hear that it’s given to me once I reach a certain point in the application process but I’m not even a sophomore yet but I feel like I should get in contact with my ALO now. Any cadets or ALO have any advice? Thank you.
ALO
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FlyFalcon
'26, FFS (NWP 2021)
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I reached out my sophomore year and while he appreciated the reach out he also recommended waiting. Most AlO's are very busy and may not have the capability to reach out. If you have questions about the process feel free to look around and welcome!
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You are smart to start preparing for your application journey early. Others will have good insights, but in the meantime, a few recommendations, if you haven’t already done so:
- Read every page, link and drop down menu item on the USAFA website. Take notes. Look at timelines and admissions cycle rhythms. You’ll find things like:
www.academyadmissions.com
www.academyadmissions.com
www.academyadmissions.com
Note USAFA tells you to apply for all nom sources for which you are eligible.
- Go to the service academy nominations web pages on your Senators’ and Representative’s website. Again, read thoroughly, noting the process. They might have service academy information sessions.
The application process itself tests your attention to detail, executive task management skills, patience and perseverance.
- Read every page, link and drop down menu item on the USAFA website. Take notes. Look at timelines and admissions cycle rhythms. You’ll find things like:
Medical Requirements | U.S. Air Force Academy
Learn about the medical requirements, examination process, and disqualifications for all U.S. Air Force Academy candidates.
www.academyadmissions.com
Physical Requirements | U.S. Air Force Academy
The physical requirements for Air Force Academy admissions include satisfactory completion of the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA).
www.academyadmissions.com
Nomination Requirements | U.S. Air Force Academy
To be considered for the Air Force Academy, you must obtain a nomination. Learn about the deadlines and nomination categories to apply.
www.academyadmissions.com
- Go to the service academy nominations web pages on your Senators’ and Representative’s website. Again, read thoroughly, noting the process. They might have service academy information sessions.
The application process itself tests your attention to detail, executive task management skills, patience and perseverance.
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Hello! I was wondering, what are some good things that admissions look for in candidates? Are there specific things that set others apart that the admissions people want to see the most? Thank you!
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As @Capt MJ noted, the Academy website has some very specific details around the process and the qualifications that Admissions seek in a good candidate. I ask all of my students to conduct that review. Your focus should be in the three main areas: academics, athletics and activities. Work to become a leader in all three areas. There are many alternatives to fulfill this goal. Sports teams, Scouting, Civil Air Patrol, etc., along with working with your school counselor to satisfy the AFA academic recommendations are just some examples. I'm sure others will add some of their insights to mine. Best of luck with your preparations!
PFroggie
USAFA Class of 2028 parent
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There are an infinite number of answers to these questions, yet no answers. Every cadet would reply differently.
Be your best YOU. Be authentic. Pursue your highest levels of academics, leadership opportunities and physical challenges.
I would add to cultivate strong mentor relationships to prepare for excellent letters of recommendation.
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Academician above nailed it. That's precisely what I would say as well.
Every candidate is unique and brings so much to the table. You'll hear the term "well rounded" and it gets old...but it's oh-so-true. I've seen a student who was in the top 2% of their HS class (HUGE class) and with a perfect 800v/800m SAT not get selected.
Why?
I can only speculate but...that was all there was. He gamed...and he got amazing grades and scores. NOTHING else; he wasn't even a member of NHS (I don't do clubs was what he said to me).
And I've seen candidates appointed that I sat back and just went "Wow...I didn't see THAT coming..." and four years later I was there to commission them and see them start their officer career. That is an honor that...it's something VERY special.
So, re-read what folks have said and begin your research! It's all out there...start to build YOUR package!!
Steve
USAFA ALO
(Mentor & Evaluator)
DomerDad
Proud Dad of a USAFA 2026 DD
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Take a look at the Class of 2026 Class Profile. The numbers suggest you should be in the top 5% of SAT/ACT test-takers. Graduate in the top 5th of your HS class. Letter in one or more varsity sports (team captain should be your goal). Participate in extracurricular activities (that you legitimately enjoy) and seek out leadership roles. JROTC/Civil Air Patrol/Scouts are popular and teach leadership skills.
I suggest distance running as a sport (Cross Country) or incorporated into your training. Your CFA requires a 1-mile run after completing the other tasks (with limited rest in between). Running skills will pay dividends in the admissions process and at the Academy.
USAFA is 7,250 feet above sea level. Running at that altitude is very difficult and you will run frequently during BCT. You will also be expected to do the AFT (1.5-mile run) and PFT (600-yard run following physically exerting exercises) twice a year. If you fail to hit your AFT and PFT minimum scores, you are placed on RECONDO, a mandatory reconditioning program that eats into your limited free time.
Good luck!
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This is a great summary and basically what I tell candidates as well.
Christcorp
15-Year Member
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As Flieger and MJ stated, now is a great time to do your research. I can’t emphasize enough to “know what you’re getting yourself into”. There are plenty of YouTube videos and websites to inform you. Then, come here and ask all the questions you have. (HINT: search first. There isn’t a question you can ask that hasn’t been asked and answered before). Never too early to start looking and planning.