A major nuance between USAFA and civilian schools is competing at the campus level and permission/endorsement by USAFA – by major and by those interested in that program/scholarship. Also, dependent on slots available that year – are some scholarships every other year, etc. Heavy emphasis on competitng at the campus level for limited slots. My DD got 1 of 4 slots for full summer internship in Washington, DC. She didn't have to apply "at large" per the program website, but did apply internally with USAFA, application and interview. In fact, the website says they have deals with certain colleges and USAFA gets 4 slots.
Your cadet should find out these things and for the specific type of graduate school, what is the optimal strategy for YOU. For example, MBA – is it better to attempt during AF days, get it paid for, payback period, finer nuances of all options such as how coming back to teach affects promotion/progression, or MBAing after your service to take advantage of all networking, internship, experiences that you would have to forego if paid by AF? My DD attended a session of 2 AF grads who when to HBS. One had his paid for by AF, and one who 5 and dived, and that was enlightening.
What entrance exam, what are threshold competitive scores?
Last, will their commissioning job even allow the cadet to pursue said degree?
My DD’s desired commission job requires a GRE; she took her first test on 12/19/22 (she is a 2C) and scored amply above the threshold. She’s walked the bases, now up to bat again for a home run on try #2 in the Spring when she will study and prepare. She doesn’t know for certain what she may get endorsements for, if any, but it won’t be for lack of things that are in her control.