Character Requirements
The Makings of a Leader
In addition to academic performance and physical fitness, our admissions process carefully reviews strength of character and leadership potential. Each applicant’s character assessment consists of the following:
Teacher’s Evaluation
The School Official’s Evaluation is critical to your application. We use three teacher evaluations to gain further insight into your academic performance and your personal character. You can print the form from the status page of your online application.
If you are in high school, these evaluations MUST come from your 11th- or 12th-grade English instructor, math instructor and one other instructor (preferably a science instructor but may be another such as history). If you are in college, you can have your college instructors complete the evaluations. Homeschoolers can have individuals wi...
The School Official’s Evaluation is critical to your application. We use three teacher evaluations to gain further insight into your academic performance and your personal character. You can print the form from the status page of your online application.
If you are in high school, these evaluations MUST come from your 11th- or 12th-grade English instructor, math instructor and one other instructor (preferably a science instructor but may be another such as history). If you are in college, you can have your college instructors complete the evaluations. Homeschoolers can have individuals within their community who know them well complete the forms.
Writing Sample
In the writing sample section of the online application, you will have a choice of providing a written response to two out of three questions to evaluate your background and aptitude for commissioned service.
The writing sample allows you to speak directly to the admissions selection panel in your own words. Use this section as an opportunity to show the unique aspects and experiences of your life. Your answers should reflect who you are using specific, concrete details. They should also clearly demonstrate critical thinking, organizational and grammatical abilities.
Responses can be a maxi...
In the writing sample section of the online application, you will have a choice of providing a written response to two out of three questions to evaluate your background and aptitude for commissioned service.
The writing sample allows you to speak directly to the admissions selection panel in your own words. Use this section as an opportunity to show the unique aspects and experiences of your life. Your answers should reflect who you are using specific, concrete details. They should also clearly demonstrate critical thinking, organizational and grammatical abilities.
Responses can be a maximum of 3,000 characters.
Letter of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are not required but are strongly encouraged. You may submit two letters from individuals who can speak about your character, integrity, leadership abilities and experiences.
These letters are separate from the required teacher evaluations and should be from individuals different from the instructors who will complete the School Official’s Evaluation.
Personal Data Record Review
The information provided in the Candidate Personal Data Record gives the selection panel a holistic review of your file. Make sure that you type your name in the last block of this form exactly as it appears on your birth certificate.
For the arrest and/or citation record, be sure to include all incidents, including traffic violations. Provide complete details (date, location, charge, monetary amount of fine, points assessed, community service, required classes, etc.) as well as a detailed explanation in your own words of each incident. You may include a copy of official court/police documents in addition to your statement if you wish.
Include any cases in which the record may have been expunged or sealed, including juvenile records. Your application will not be evaluated unless a complete and detailed description of each incident is provided.
If you are appointed to the United States Air Force Academy, any probation, deferred sentencing or community service must be completed prior to in-processing. Failure to report any such incidents may be grounds for withdrawal of an appointment or subsequent dismissal from the Academy.
If you are appointed and subsequently involved in an incident, you must report it to the admissions office immediately. If selected as a cadet, a complete background investigation will be administered for purposes of granting a security clearance.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Certificate
Please read the “Definition of Terms” carefully and complete the drug and alcohol abuse certificate. Carefully read all items of the “Certification at the Time of Application” and “Statements of Understanding.” Be sure you understand each before you mark the appropriate blocks.
You MUST answer all appropriate boxes.
Note: While past experimentation with marijuana is not necessarily disqualifying, current use detected during Department of Defense or United States Air Force drug testing will be disqualifying.
Recertification at Time of Appointment
If you receive an appointment to the Academy, you will be required to complete a new (paper) copy of AF Form 2030 with your full legal signature upon entry into the Academy and recertify that what you verified on your original submission is still true.
Any abuse of drugs or alcohol after you sign the 2030 and before In-processing Day may cause us to withdraw your appointment. If you are appointed and subsequently involved in an incident, you must report it to the admissions office immediately. Should that occur, you would not be entitled to any travel expense reimbursement or travel home at government expense.
Enlisted Airmen Only: In addition to completing the online Air Force Form 2030, you must provide a copy of your Air Force Form 2030 that you filled out upon enlisting. Contact your Military Personnel Flight (MPF) for a copy and either fax or mail it to U.S. Air Force Academy Admissions.
Extracurricular Composite
This score measures your activities in high school, community service and work. Low participation in sanctioned or high school athletic and nonathletic extracurricular activities may result in a noncompetitive 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 or who have unusual accomplishments either in or out of school.
How Can I Prepare