@MaximusGreff. Your biggest challenge is getting Nomination. And of course you must be a US Citizen before reporting to the Academy. Be sure to apply to all Nom sources. Don’t bet on VP Nom. Almost to impossible. I only know one of my mentee who received one. And it was because he was very lucky despite having top SAT, top GPA, top athletics, top leadership, he almost didn’t make it. He received his VP Nom 1 week before reporting to West Point.
For you, I will take everyone’s advice here. Because they are all relevant. Academically your SAT/ACT is the most important. I hope you have a good score because you will need it at the top like 33-36 ACT or 1500-1600 SAT. APs are nice to have if you have these core classes like Calculus, Physics, Chem, English, History. You don’t have to have taken AP tests but if you scored 4-5 then send them in. GPA, obviously you will want the best you can do but you will want to have an above average GPA of USAFA average class GPA. If you don’t have it don’t stress over it because it’s too late to change it now. Just don’t get any Cs in your Senior Year.
You do want to demonstrate athletic ability. If not in Varsity Sports at school then in accredited Club Sports in Martial Arts at the highest levels with Black Belt like in Tae KWON Do, Karate, Judo, Juijitsu, Boxing, Rowing (state/regional/national levels). These sports qualify as Varsity equivalent if not more. But if you don’t have this already then it’s too late to start now.
Eagle Scout as a Lone Scout or from a Troop is very highly regarded. You’ll get 100% on leaderships points for having this Merit. If not Eagle then you must have done Boys State/Girl State. You’ll also get 100% in leadership points. For most Boys State is a short cut to getting leadership points. Also Venture Crew Summit.
I’m afraid these will be your minimum applying from an international school. It is more challenging applying from an international school. I moved my son in his Senior Year after attending a non DOD American International School for over a decade due to Nomination. However, he did have everything and more I listed on this post to get into all the Academies and get ROTC Scholarships from the Navy, Air Force, Army. You have to demonstrate over time that you are well prepared. Cannot do it in your Junior/Senior years. Son commissioned in Naval Aviation from the Naval Academy.
I suggest to other parents and candidates to start prepping in their child’s 7th grade. My son started prepping in 7th grade my daughter in 10th grade. But daughter was in Scouting and School and Club sports since 6th grade. Also attended Naval Academy and Air Force Academy during her Sophomore and Junior year summer seminar and summer programs. She decided to attend UCLA after finishing her Junior year in high school. She’s now 2/C at UCLA NROTC.
If you dont get in next year then reapply while you’re in an ROTC Program in the US. You can get ROTC Nom to reapply to the Academy of your choice. For some this is a better pathway to USAFA. Good luck!