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How Can I Prepare?

Airmen Give Their All Every Day, You Can Start Now

Leading the greatest Air Force and Space Force in the world takes hard work and dedication. Show us you’ve got what it takes to stand apart from your peers and start preparing now.

Middle School Students
The Future Is Never Far Off

The earlier you start preparing, the greater your chances are of earning an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. The most important thing is understanding what will be expected of you so you can work toward those goals as you progress through school.

Middle School Students

  • Experience the Birthplace of Leaders

    How does it feel to trace the footsteps of some of our nation’s most revered leaders? Come see the United States Air Force Academy for yourself and find out.

    Plan Your Visit

  • If You Have Questions, Get Answers

    Our outreach programs can help you determine whether the U.S. Air Force Academy is right for you as well as help you make your application as complete and competitive as possible.

    Outreach Events

  • How Can You Learn More?

    The majority of our events are held in the fall and spring, with fewer events in the summer months. To learn more about the U.S. Air Force Academy, check for an event that may be convenient for you.

    Admissions Events

High School Students
Apply Yourself Before You Apply to the Academy

Even though your junior year of high school is when the application process officially begins, becoming a competitive applicant starts when you’re a freshman by building your academic record and participating in athletics as well as other leadership roles.

High School Students

“I knew there’d be challenges, but that’s part of the reason why I wanted to come here. The best thing about the Academy is the opportunities that come with it.”

Cadet Life

College Students
It’s Never Too Late to Set Your Sights Even Higher

If you’re already in college but have always dreamed of attending the U.S. Air Force Academy, it might not be too late. If you’ve set yourself apart academically and athletically while also developing as a leader, then an appointment could be yours.

College Students

Commitment
Spend Your Career Leading Others, Not Paying Off Debt

An education at the U.S. Air Force Academy is provided at no cost to cadets. Instead, once you graduate, you will commission as an officer in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force. The length of your commitment will depend on your career path, but the benefits will last a lifetime.

About Commitment

ENLISTED AIRMEN
Take on the Next Challenge in Your Career

Character and responsibility are traits that we seek in potential cadets—traits that enlisted Airmen already possess. If you’re looking to join the officer ranks and willing to put in the work, you just may have what it takes to earn a spot at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Enlisted Airmen

International Students

The opportunity to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy is not just available to U.S. students. Every year, a limited number of slots are reserved for international students. While the application process may be different, the strict admission requirements are the same.

International Students

Your Path to Excellence Starts Here

Apply to the U.S. Air Force Academy Now (opens in new window)