Prior Academic Record (PAR)

This is a measure of classroom performance based on a combination of your rank in class and your GPA. When class rank is not provided, the PAR is based on our evaluation of your transcript.

High School

Generally, candidates must rank in the top 40 percent of their high school class. However, the average of recent entering classes is the top three percent.

Adjustments are made to the PAR for students attending unusually competitive schools with a rigorous college prep curriculum and/or where honors and Advanced Placement courses are NOT weighted in the school’s calculation of class rank and/or GPA.

To ensure that we make accurate adjustments to your PAR please ask your counselor to include a profile of last year’s graduating class from your high school with your transcript. Note: A solid foundation in algebra is more valuable than exposure to calculus.

Home School

Home-schooled students make up a small but increasing number of applicants for admission to the Air Force Academy. They compete against the same standards as students coming from a traditional school setting.

Post High School

A strong post-high school prep or college record, that essentially duplicates the Academy’s academic program and course load, will be carefully evaluated and may offset a poor high school record. At a minimum, the total post-high school record must be satisfactory; that is, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) with no grades lower than a C. In addition, all failing grades must be satisfactorily repeated.

Advanced Placement (AP)/Transfer Credit

The Air Force Academy will accept scores of four and five on most AP exams in conjunction with core course placement exams that you will take during Basic Cadet Training. Scores of three will be reviewed on an individual basis.

College Admission Test Scores (SAT Reasoning or ACT)

Students who score below 580 verbal and 560 math on the SAT Reasoning and below 24 English/reading and 25 math/science reasoning on the ACT normally will not be competitive for an appointment.

Academic Composite

This score is a combination of your SAT Reasoning or ACT test scores and your PAR and is the most heavily weighted component of the selection composite. A low PAR and low test scores, even though they are individually qualifying, will usually result in an academic composite score below our qualifying guidelines.

Extracurricular Composite

This score measures your activities (athletic and nonathletic) in high school, community service and work. Low participation in sanctioned or high school athletic and nonathletic extracurricular activities may result in a disqualifying extracurricular composite score. However, consideration will be given to candidates from schools that do not offer typical athletic and extracurricular activities, as well as to candidates who work after school. Special consideration is always given to unusual accomplishments either in or out of school. Be sure the Admissions Office knows of your successes.

Weighted (Objective) Composite

This score is a combination of your academic and extracurricular composite scores. A relatively low score for either component may result in a disqualifying composite score. This score is the objective measure of a candidate’s overall potential to succeed at the Academy.

Selection Composite

This final score combines all admission factors into an overall competitive standing comprised of your weighted composite score plus an objective Selection Panel Rating. This rating includes all the objective components and intangibles that may be present in a candidate’s record. A relatively low weighted composite plus a low selection panel rating will usually result in a disqualifying selection score.

A Selection Panel, composed of a cross section of senior Academy staff, reviews every qualified admissions file. The objective component that is evaluated is primarily the candidate’s motivation and potential for success at the Academy and future performance as a career Air Force officer. It is here, also, that your writing sample, Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) and everything else in the admissions file is reviewed in evaluating the "whole person." The assignment of a Panel Rating to each file is the final review in the selection process and occurs as soon as your file is complete (medical results and nominations can still be pending).

For the average candidate, the relative weighting of the scores that go into the selection composite are: 60 percent academic composite, 20 percent extracurricular composite and 20 percent selection panel rating.