How to Get into the Air Force Academy: Strategies and Essays That Worked
/Learn the Air Force Academy requirements and acceptance rate, plus strategies for writing the Air Force Academy essays
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Part 1: Introduction
If your child is a high-achieving, athletically gifted student who dreams of making their mark on society and serving their country, the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) warrants a spot near the top of their college list.
For over sixty years, the Academy has fulfilled its mission of educating, training, and inspiring young men and women to become Air Force officers possessing exceptional character and leadership abilities. The Air Force Academy offers a different college experience than your child will find at other institutions, combining academics with military training, leadership development, and athletics.
In the classroom, Air Force Academy students, referred to as cadets, are taught by military and civilian faculty who apply knowledge to real-world and military applications. In classes of fifteen to twenty students, cadets follow a specialized core curriculum and build their proficiencies in each of the nine Air Force Academy institutional outcomes. These include critical thinking, clear communication, engineering, principles of science, ethics and respect, human conditions, national security, warrior ethos, and leadership.
Outside the classroom, cadets participate in military training with their squadron, eat family-style meals with the entire student body—called the Cadet Wing—and conduct research at one of nineteen research centers. They might engage in airmanship programs to learn how to fly planes or, on the flip side, learn how to jump out of them. And while an Air Force Academy cadet’s day is more full than the average college student’s, they still enjoy some downtime, which they can choose to fill with studying, competing in knowledge bowls, or attending an on-campus concert.
And after the Air Force Academy? Graduates enter the United States Air Force as second lieutenants and are placed in roles related to their Academy major and training. In their required eight years of service, these officers have the opportunity to travel, live abroad, and pursue additional career advancement. Many graduates choose to make the Air Force their career and quickly climb the ranks. Those who choose to enter civilian life after meeting their military commitment can find success as pilots, politicians, engineers, and NASA astronauts.
If the Air Force Academy is a top choice for your child, getting in won’t be easy. Continue reading to understand the Air Force Academy acceptance rate, requirements, and application process so you can maximize your child’s chances of getting accepted to this elite military academy.
Air Force Academy ranking
Forbes*: 66
U.S. News & World Report: 22 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
Niche: 49 in Colleges with the Best Academics
*Forbes stopped including the Air Force Academy in their rankings in 2022. This is the 2021 ranking.
Where is the Air Force Academy located?
The Air Force Academy is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado—nestled right at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. In the winter, Colorado Springs residents look forward to the snow and the opportunity to enjoy winter sports at nearby ski resorts. The natural beauty of the area, as well as the many recreation options and low cost of living, earn Colorado Springs the #6 ranking for the Best Places to Live per the U.S. News and World Report.
Athletic students are excited to learn that Colorado Springs is home to the United States Olympic Training Center and the headquarters of the United States Olympic Committee, earning it the nickname of Olympic City USA. Colorado Springs has also hosted the World Figure Skating Championships five times and is home to the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.
If students occasionally yearn for a larger metro center and cultural hub, Denver is a mere hour’s drive away—the perfect way to spend a free Sunday as an Air Force Academy cadet.
Air Force Academy setting
The suburban Air Force Academy campus spans 18,500 acres, which is where cadets will spend the majority of their time learning, training, and developing into world-class leaders. Even though the strict daily schedule doesn’t allow much of an opportunity for students to venture off-campus during the week, the large campus boasts many activities for cadets to enjoy.
Students can choose from over ninety student clubs, including drama, falconry, and fly fishing. The vast Arnold Hall offers a place for cadets to dance, play games, watch movies, or cheer on the NCAA Division I Air Force Academy athletic teams.
Air Force Academy student population
Undergraduate students: 4,181
Note: The Air Force Academy does not offer graduate degree programs.
Air Force Academy majors
There are over 30 Air Force Academy majors available to students, each one providing hands-on learning experiences and real-world research opportunities.
Aeronautical Engineering
Astronautical Engineering
Basic Sciences
Behavioral Sciences
Biology
Chemistry
Civil Engineering—ranked #12 in Undergraduate Civil Engineering Programs by U.S. News
Computer Engineering—ranked #5 in Undergraduate Computer Engineering Programs by U.S. News
Computer Science
Cyber Science
Economics
Electrical Engineering—ranked #8 in Undergraduate Electrical Engineering Programs by U.S. News
English
Foreign Area Studies
General Engineering
Geospatial Science
History
Humanities
Legal Studies
Management
Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering—ranked #6 in Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Programs by U.S. News
Meteorology
Military & Strategic Studies
Operations Research
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Social Sciences
Space Operations
Systems Engineering
If more than one of these subjects appeal to your child, rest assured that many Air Force Academy cadets double major, making themselves even more prepared for illustrious military and civilian careers. Cadets can also choose to minor in Nuclear Weapons and Strategy, Philosophy, Religion Studies, or one of eight foreign languages.
Air Force Academy acceptance rate
Below are the admissions statistics for the class of 2026:
Applications: 8,393
Acceptances:1,071
Acceptance rate: 12.7%
The Air Force Academy acceptance rate sets it at the same competition level as prestigious schools like Cornell, Vanderbilt, and Rice.
Air Force Academy tuition and scholarships
While the total cost of attendance for a single year at the Air Force Academy is estimated to be $104,000, students don’t pay a dime. In return for the free, world-class education they receive, cadets commit to serving a minimum of eight years in the Air Force after graduation—at least five years of active duty service, and the remaining three years may be spent in the inactive reserves.
Who gets into the Air Force Academy?
In 2021, 53% of the students who matriculated into the Air Force Academy ranked in the top 10% of their high school graduating class.
Air Force Academy average high school GPA: 3.9
Air Force Academy average ACT score: 32.5
25th percentile: 31
75th percentile: 35
Air Force Academy average SAT EBRW score: 711.3
25th percentile: 680
75th percentile: 740
Air Force Academy average SAT Math score: 742.9
25th percentile: 720
75th percentile: 770
International students: 2%
Of the first-time students who enrolled in 2022, 28% are women.
79% of incoming students identify as Caucasian. 13% identify as Hispanic, 8% as Native American or multiracial, 15% as Asian American, and 10% as African American.
Over twenty-five percent of students major in one of the many branches of engineering offered by the Air Force Academy. The next most popular major is Management with twenty-two percent of students, followed by Social Studies with thirteen percent.
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Part 2: Air Force Academy admissions requirements
The Air Force Academy requirements are designed to ensure only the best and brightest students join the Cadet Wing. The main factors used in the Air Force Academy admissions process are academics, extracurriculars, and demonstrated character.
Air Force Academy academic requirements
The Air Force Academy admissions committee considers the rigor of students’ high school classes to be a “very important” factor when making admissions decisions. Here are the classes that the Air Force Academy recommends its applicants to take in high school.
English: 4 years
Mathematics: 4 years, including geometry, algebra, trigonometry, and pre-calculus
Lab-based science: 4 years, including biology, chemistry, and physics
Foreign language: 2 years of a modern foreign language such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, or Russian. Latin is also acceptable.
Social studies: 3 years, including of U.S. history
Computer science: 1 year
Beyond taking the right classes, the Air Force Academy will evaluate each applicant’s high school class rank, academic GPA, and standardized test scores. You’ll want to make sure your child can present an impressive academic record in order to stand out to the Air Force Academy admissions committee.
(Suggested reading: Every ACT and SAT Question You Have for College Admissions)
Air Force Academy extracurricular requirements
While every top college will want to see students have accomplished extracurricular histories, the Air Force Academy specifically wants its applicants to demonstrate their strength of character and leadership through their activities.
When deciding with your child how to approach their extracurriculars, consider the Air Force Academy’s core values. “Integrity First. Service Before Self. Excellence in All We Do.” Your child should choose a few activities to pursue deeply rather than spread themselves thin over too many pursuits. One of their activities should incorporate community service, and one should give your child the opportunity to take on a leadership role.
Athletics are an important part of cadet life at the Air Force Academy. All students either play in intramural leagues or on an intercollegiate team. Even if your child isn’t interested in becoming a college athlete, demonstrating their commitment to a sport is a must to fulfill the Air Force Academy requirements.
(Suggested reading: Extracurricular Activities for College Admissions: The Ultimate Guide)
Air Force Academy application steps
Like most prestigious institutions, the Air Force Academy application process is meticulous. The last thing you want is to overlook a key aspect of your child’s application. We’ve listed everything your child will need to complete or submit in order to be considered for admission to the Air Force Academy.
Before the application:
Arrange a meeting with their Admissions Liaison Officer to demonstrate their interest in the Academy.
Attend the on-campus Summer Seminar. (Optional)
Pre-candidate application:
Submit the Pre-Candidate Questionnaire, where they self-report GPA, class rank, SAT/ACT scores, and extracurriculars.
Candidate application:
Submit official high school transcripts.
Complete their Extracurricular Activities Record.
Write the required Air Force Academy essays.
Obtain three teacher evaluations.
One must be their 11th or 12th grade English instructor.
One must be their 11th or 12th grade Math instructor.
Seek a Congressional nomination from their U.S. representative, U.S. senator, or the Vice President.
Pass the Candidate Fitness Assessment.
Complete an admissions interview with their Liaison Officer.
Pass the Medical Evaluation.
Submitting the many pieces involved in the Air Force Academy application requires organization, planning, and persistence. It’s the first test of your child’s ability to become an exceptional cadet.
Air Force Academy application timeline
The Air Force Academy admissions cycle follows a unique timeline. Stay aware of the following deadlines to increase your child’s chances of submitting a successful Air Force Academy application.
December 1 of junior year: Applications open for the Summer Seminar. (optional)
March 1: The Pre-Candidate Questionnaire opens up.
June: Summer Seminar sessions take place.
July 1: Qualified Pre-Candidates will receive their Candidate Kit and online application, along with a personalized deadline to submit all materials.
December 31: Deadline to submit the Pre-Candidate Questionnaire.
January 31: Final deadline to submit all materials included in the Candidate application.
February—April: Applications are reviewed and decisions are released.
May 1: National College Decision Day.
June: The U.S. Air Force Academy welcomes its incoming class.
As you can see, being proactive and organized are important to navigating the many steps of the Air Force Academy application process. Keeping your child on track and on time is the best way to support them as they work to make their Air Force Academy dreams come true.
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Part 3: 2021–2022 Air Force Academy supplementary essays (examples included)
The Air Force Academy essays offer your child another chance to demonstrate their character and leadership skills in an attempt to convince the admissions committee they’re the ideal candidate for the Air Force Academy.
First, sit down with your child and create a list of their best qualities. From there, you can choose which qualities to focus on in their essays. Keep the Air Force Academy’s core values in mind—integrity, service, and excellence. Once your child has chosen the main qualities to include in their essays, pick key experiences that demonstrate those characteristics in action. Now your child can form outlines for each essay and begin the writing process.
(Suggested reading: The Ultimate Guide to Supplemental College Application Essays)
Question 1: Describe a setback or ethical dilemma that you have faced. How did you resolve it? How did the outcome affect you? Most importantly, what did you learn about yourself and how would you handle a similar situation in the future? (400 to 500 words, 3,000 characters max)
This essay prompt asks your child to write a version of the standard adversity essay. It’s important they keep the essay focused on their thought processes, rather than getting caught up describing the setback or ethical dilemma in unnecessary detail. The admissions committee wants to understand how the applicant thinks through challenges. Remind your child to self-reflect and identify the lessons they learned through their experience.
Remember, the Air Force Academy wants to develop its cadets into outstanding leaders. Applicants aren’t expected to be perfect, but they should show a desire to grow and better themselves. That’s what this essay is driving at. It’s okay for your child to show vulnerability or admit to making a mistake, as long as they acknowledge it as an area they’re working on improving.
Here’s an example essay:
I knew something was wrong. As captain of my soccer team, I was setting up equipment before practice, but paused to investigate why my teammates were furtively whispering together. “It’s about Holly,” one player volunteered after I interrupted their conversation. Rumors were circulating that her family was losing their home, and the stress had taken a toll on Holly’s physical and mental health. After winter break, she returned to school at least fifteen pounds lighter.
I had vaguely noticed Holly seeming less energetic lately, but hadn’t given it much thought. Regardless, I couldn’t let our team spread rumors about one of our own. “If we don’t know anything for sure, we shouldn’t speculate and gossip,” I told the group. “And she’s our teammate. Whatever her situation is, it’s our duty to support her, not judge her.”
Throughout the practice, I paid closer attention to Holly. She did seem distracted. And worse, some of our teammates were treating her differently and acting distant. I couldn’t allow this to continue, both for Holly’s sake and for the unity of our team.
After practice ended, I took Holly aside. I shared what a valuable member of the team she was. I observed she hadn’t been acting like herself lately, and I told her that whatever was going on, she could talk to me. With tears in her eyes, she explained that her father’s struggling restaurant was closing, and they would be losing their home as a result. Her parents had warned her not to tell anyone, but her frail frame made it obvious that something was happening.
I reminded her that everyone—her parents, our coach, the team—would always love and support her. My teammates, following my lead, approached her and reacted with kindness when she shared more details about her family’s predicament.
This experience taught me important lessons about leadership and compassion. I learned that as a leader, I need to make greater investments in the lives of my teammates. It’s not enough to encourage them on the field. They need me to support them in personal matters, too. I have resolved whenever I enter new leadership roles to make these intentions clear. From the outset, I will tell my team I am someone they can lean on and turn to. But even more important, I will communicate this message through my daily actions. I will make time to get to know each individual and show them I care. And if someone displays a negative change in behavior, I will approach them to offer my support. This is how I will be an effective, compassionate leader throughout my life and career.
This essay works for many reasons. It follows a clear narrative structure to engage the readers and brings them inside the applicant’s thought process. It focuses primarily on the applicant and their actions in the face of this challenge, rather than the other characters involved. And it clearly explains how this experience caused the applicant to grow and redefine their understanding of leadership.
Question 2: What attributes, life experiences, unique perspectives, and/or special talents do you possess that would contribute to the classroom, student body, and/or Air Force Academy? (400 to 500 words, 3000 characters)
This essay should be approached as a version of the typical diversity essay. Some applicants might choose to share how their cultural, socioeconomic, or religious background will contribute to the diversity of the Cadet Wing. However, diversity can be defined in many ways. Students might instead focus on a unique life experience that shaped them and gave them an uncommon perspective, such as a trip to a foreign country or the death of a relative.
This could also be your child’s chance to elaborate on any special talents they possess. If your child goes in this direction, they want to be sure their talent is both unusual and exceptional. Writing about a talent possessed by half of the applicant pool isn’t the best use of this space. If that’s the case, it would be more advantageous for your child to share a meaningful life experience relating to their talent, rather than to focus solely on the talent itself.
Here’s a sample essay:
Intrigued by the passion, determination, and confidence of the lawyers I watched on television, I joined my high school’s debate team to improve my skills of persuasion and public speaking. I loved crafting and delivering my arguments, watching the audience respond in the ways I hoped they would.
After my debate team won second place in our state championship, my parents surprised me by offering to send me Georgetown’s Summer Law Program for high school students. I was over the moon! I couldn’t imagine a better place to study law than Washington, D.C.
While at Georgetown, I developed an intense fascination with the creation of law and policy, particularly how laws impact what we experience in our day-to-day lives. As we explored current policy issues, I realized that while my generation has big ideas and dreams for how we want the world to be, we can’t affect change if we remain uninvolved. Rather, members of my generation need to rise up into places of political influence so they can listen to their communities and fight for change through law and policy. My career goal was entirely redefined.
After I came home from the Georgetown summer program, I saw my community in a new light. I noticed what systems needed improving and recognized how I could better the lives of my neighbors through politics. One of the problems facing my community was the lack of affordable housing. Wanting to get involved, I founded a community activism club at my school to address this issue.
I directed the club’s first efforts on an empty lot near our school. We created an online petition calling for it to be developed into affordable housing units. At first, we promoted the petition at school, asking our classmates to get every eligible family member to sign it. Next, we went door-to-door explaining the petition and handing out postcards for residents to sign before sending them to our District representative.
Our petition gained momentum, and we received the required 100,000 signatures to bring it before our city council. In the face of such overwhelming community support, the council granted our request and dedicated the lot to be purposed for affordable housing. My club, school, and entire community rejoiced at our success in creating a better future for our community.
After experiencing the elation of positively impacting my community, I have no intention of stopping. Wherever I go, whatever community I join, I aim to leave it better than I found it. With my passion for community improvement and my enthusiasm for politics and lawmaking, I hope to participate in the Air Force Academy’s student government and use my determination to improve the cadet experience.
This essay works well because it takes the reader through the arc of the applicant’s career formation. There’s an “aha” moment when the applicant discovers a new passion and redefines their career goal. Then the applicant demonstrates how they pursued that passion, focusing on their unique experiences (navigating the political system) and perspectives (passion for community improvement) that will contribute to the Air Force Academy student body.
Question 3: Please provide any additional information or background you believe will be of assistance in evaluating your application. (400 to 500 words, 3000 characters max) (Optional)
This essay is optional, and your child won’t be penalized for skipping it. In fact, if they can’t find anything meaningful to write, they’re better off not answering this prompt than submitting a weak essay.
However, this essay offers an opportunity for your child to explain any weak parts or irregularities in their application. For example, if the death of a relative affected your child’s grades one semester, this would be the space to explain their dip in academic performance. If your child takes this route, be sure they show how they’ve grown and developed through their hardship. Maybe they’ve learned to invest in self-care or open up about their grief to teachers rather than bear it silently. Showing this level of self-reflection will impress the application readers.
On the other hand, your child might share a passion, dream, or motivation for attending the Air Force Academy that didn’t fit elsewhere in the application. If your child chooses this option, make sure they are in fact providing new information. Most importantly, show how this new insight into their character makes them the ideal candidate for the Air Force Academy.
Final thoughts
Getting into the Air Force Academy will open up a lifetime of doors for your child. But with competition being so fierce, this prestigious military academy is a reach for even the highest achieving students and athletes. By using the strategies and guidance we’ve offered, you can improve your child’s chances of getting accepted to the Air Force Academy and beginning an illustrious career.
About the Author
Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on college admissions. For nearly 20 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get into top programs like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT using his exclusive approach.