Pre-candidate Phase
The admissions process begins with our Pre-candidate Questionnaire, available online starting March 1 every year. This online form gives you the opportunity to self-report important qualifications, including your grade point average, class rank and extracurricular activities.
If your self-reported qualifications meet our candidate guidelines, your application will
be promoted to candidate status. At that time, your self-reported qualifications will be verified and expanded upon. It is important to provide accurate and complete information during this phase.
Pre-candidate Questionnaires are officially due December 31 each year, but we recommend you submit them as early as possible.
Eligibility
To apply to the United States Air Force Academy, you must be of good moral character and meet these basic eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 17 years old but not past your 23rd birthday by July 1 of the year you enter the Academy.
- Be a United States citizen.
- Be unmarried with no dependents.
If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States, please see How Can I Prepare? International Students.
Pre-candidate Questionnaire
Start date: March 1
Deadline: December 31
To become a candidate for appointment to the Academy, you must complete and submit a Pre-candidate Questionnaire.
Once you complete your Pre-candidate Questionnaire, our system will send you an automated email to verify we have received it. Those pre-candidates granted candidate status will receive Candidate Kit instructions online.
Have the following information available to complete the Pre-candidate Questionnaire:
- Full legal name, birth date and Social Security number
- Mailing address, home phone and email address
- High school name, class size
- Class rank and grade point average (on a weighted 4.0 scale)
- One or more test scores: PSAT, PreACT, SAT and/or ACT*
*You must provide a standardized test score in order to submit the Pre-candidate Questionnaire. If you do not have an SAT or ACT score, you can use PSAT or PreACT scores. You will be able to update scores throughout the application process.
Your class rank, grade point average, test scores and answers to questions regarding your situation and activities will determine whether you will be granted candidate status.
In addition to the information listed above, we recommend you become familiar with all Academy admissions requirements, particularly the Academic Requirements and Physical Requirements factors, so that you understand what we are looking for in a candidate.
Seek Your Nomination
Apply for Your Nomination Early
To be eligible to accept an appointment to the Academy, you must be nominated by a legally authorized nominating entity. The process of securing a nomination is competitive and lengthy. It is recommended you begin applying for a nomination at the same time you are completing your Pre-candidate Questionnaire.
Seek Your Nomination