Air Force Academy Admissions Checklist

Why these items are on the list

1. Check the basic eligibility rules. Common App: at least 17, not past 23 by July 1 of entry year; U.S. citizen; unmarried, no dependents.
2. Take four years of English. Include a prep writing course, as Peterson's suggests, to stand out from classmates.
3. Take four years of math. Peterson's suggests algebra, geometry, trigonometry and pre-calculus.
4. Take four years of lab science. Peterson's advises four years of lab-based science, such as biology, chemistry and physics.
5. Take two years of a language. Peterson's recommends two years; language and cultural immersion also help given the military's global nature.
6. Add a computer science year. Peterson's suggests one year of computer science covering coding, programming and web development.
7. Protect class rank and GPA. Prior academic record is measured by class rank and GPA, and the Academy weighs rigor of schoolwork.
8. Aim for varsity and captain roles. Service Academy Coach: over 80% of admitted cadets earned varsity letters; many captained teams, clubs or classes.
9. Take on leadership in your community. Community involvement and a strong work ethic in a job both read as character signals.
10. Sit the SAT or ACT with writing. Peterson's competitive marks: SAT above 620 reading, 580 math; ACT above 24 English and reading, 25 math and science.
11. Start the pre-candidate questionnaire. Service Academy Coach says to complete it after March 1 of junior year.
12. Complete the candidate kit. Service Academy Coach: instructions are mailed from July, between junior and senior year, to approved pre-candidates.
13. Request a Congressional nomination. Apply early and complete all of its requirements and activities in a timely manner.
14. Choose recommendation writers early. Ask them to speak to your character and integrity, well before the deadline.
15. Draft essays and written response. Outline first, focus on achievements and commitment to service, and answer the questions asked.
16. Request a teacher evaluation. From an 11th or 12th grade English, math or science teacher.
17. Gather the drug and alcohol certificate. It is part of the character review, along with your personal data record.
18. Practice for the nomination interview. Practice articulating your answers to Congressional nomination interview questions.
19. Coordinate the DoDMERB medical exam. Medical and weight standards are checked, including vision, hearing, height and weight; tattoo and piercing standards apply.
20. Train for the fitness assessment. Peterson's lists six events: pull-ups or flexed arm hang, basketball throw, crunches, shuttle run, push-ups, one-mile run.
21. Do the Academy Liaison Officer interview. Your designated Academy Liaison Officer conducts the admissions interview.
22. Visit a camp or seminar. Visits during camps, seminars or orientation programs are recommended.
23. Submit before December 31. Common App says the application opens March 1 of junior year and closes December 31.
24. Report changes to your file. Tell the Academy or the Congressional boards if anything in your application changes.
25. Watch for admissions decisions. Service Academy Coach: decisions are rolling; most offers are decided by March 15 and communicated in April.

Tick items as they happen and hand the phone to a parent or counselor to see what is left. The list suits a long application where several people hold different pieces.