Physical Appearance

W

Wendolyn.89

Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2023
Messages
12
Hello everyone! This is probably an uncommon question, but I am curious if anyone has come across this topic. I am a girl, a junior in high school, and I have long hair, but I'm considering getting a small undercut. Do any of you think that specific hair cut would look irresponsible and affect the way service academies (particularly USAFA) will view me? I personally don't feel that it looks irresponsible, and I present myself in a respectable manner, but I just wanted to see if anyone thought admissions might not be fond of "different" hair cuts.
 
Is it possible you get judged in interviews? Sure. I don’t think it changes anything though.

If you get appointed and don’t meet standards, there is a solution to that.
 
Check the AFi 36-2903 for the current USAF hair standards. To my knowledge, unlike for males, there are no exceptions to the AFI in USAFA's CS&D. I believe section 3.1.3 covers the female hair regs.
 
My only advice is to think about this from a 360 degree point of view. Think ahead to having an undercut style, gaining an appointment, and any challenges related to the awkward grow-out period in terms of keeping your hair within standards. Apply your critical thinking skills, do the research on USAFA women’s hair requirements, reverse engineer the issue and plan accordingly.

Undercut styles can range from subtle to extreme. It may or may not make an impression on interviewers. Their focus should be on quality of your interview responses, how articulate you are and your motivations for applying to USAFA and serving as an AF officer for at least 5 years after that. The general rule of thumb for interviews is “nothing distracting” - such as overwhelming fragrance, jangly jewelry, dressed-for-a-date-and-not-business vibe, etc.

Take the long view and do the legwork to figure out what’s required at your goal and would you be ready to be in compliance with applicable regulations.
 
Most people make a "read" or have a first impression when meeting someone for a job. It's unavoidable and human nature but it's especially amplified when the purpose of the meeting is your character and suitability for professional military service. It could be argued that it shouldn't matter but all that counts is the reality of situation.
 
Your first interviews should be in the late summer/ early fall timeframe, based upon your progress with your applications. My point is you might 'try' the hairstyle and then let it grow back for this time. However, as you have read above, it 'may impact' the impression you make during the interviews. As a former ALO, and father of two daughters, I would ignore the hair style as we all know that you must meet regulations as soon as you enter the Academy. Plus, today, the Evaluator ALO will meet you via a video link so your hair will be less visible to her/him. I tell my students to dress appropriately (essentially 'business casual') for all of their interviews, including ones over Zoom, as your dress will be more directly interpreted, especially if you underdress or dress sloppily. I hope that helps!
 
What they said! Stay on script. Know your audience. You want to walk out of the interview and the only thing they remember is your terrific answers.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top