English applicant

[dale.bird]

Hi there, I'm an english student (18), currently at university (three year course).

I'm hoping to apply in my final year, this is the only way I can be sure that the USAF has enough information about me that they can actually review. The education system is different in structure than it is in the states and our GCSE's are rougly equvilent or better to/than the ACT's. I did very well in these however did NOT do so well at 'A-level' (abysmal). I hope to make up for this at university where I'm taking a joint honours course; mixing practical psychology (high competancy in mathmatics/science required) and international relations (High level of english language skills required), where the added bonus of the marking system being much closer to the USA equivalent. This will also allow me to participate in a greater range of extra curricular activities and sports which were not available in 'sixth form' (approximate/comparable to the last two years of high school. However, they are seperate edit: seperate from secondary school years).


In the UK there are no formal transcripts of our secondary school lives; the system relies on referances, quotes, written application letters and final grades presented on certificates with very little raw data to review.

I'm wondering; If I were to apply; how might the USAFA evaluate me?

Also; are there many english/british cadets at the Academy or have there ever been? As I'm not sure our M.O.D. participates in the international programme; does the academy accept english appllicants?

Would it be to my benefit to take the U.S. S.A.T.s or A.C.T.s?

 

[USNA69]

Foreign students must go through their own government to gain admittance to the service academies. Once you have found the proper channels, not sure if it would be military or foreign affairs, it will become a matter of your convincing your own government that you are capable of being a successful cadet. Good luck.

 

[Luigi59]

From: http://academyadmissions.com/admissions/howtoapply/international.php

Basically, international students must meet the same admissions requirements as all regular candidates. The most notable exception is your nomination must come from your own country.

• If you are not a citizen of the United States and you are interested in applying for entry to the U.S. Air Force Academy, you must first apply, in writing, to the Ministry of Defense of your country.
  
  
• Do not apply directly to the Air Force Academy or other United States government officials. If you are an international student from a country invited by the Department of Defense, you may request a nomination to the Academy through an appropriate official of your own government.

Applying from abroad


Your application letter or request should contain information about your background and your potential for success at the Academy – and should be made at least a year prior to the date of admission. Your nomination should be received by the Academy by December 31.

If you are nominated by your country, the United States Defense Attaché, or the Attaché Office of the American Embassy in your country, will help you get and complete the proper forms and forward them to the Academy.

Selection

• If selected to attend the Academy, you must be able to read, write and speak English proficiently. English language instruction will be provided during the first semester of your fourth-class year.
  
  
• If you are judged unable to benefit from the academic courses, become deficient in conduct or aptitude, or commit an offense for which a United States cadet would be dismissed, the Department of the Air Force will be requested to disenroll you from the Academy.
  
  
• Every student who meets the established academic requirements will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree. Students who do not meet the degree requirements will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
  
  
• International students who graduate from the Academy receive a Bachelor of Science degree; however, they are not commissioned in the United States Air Force. The maximum number of international students at the Academy at any one time is 60.