How Do I Apply
Applying to the United States Air Force Academy is more involved than applying to a typical college or university. There are many steps and important deadlines to meet. But first it’s important to understand how the process is divided into pre-candidate and candidate phases. Many of the steps in each phase can and should be completed concurrently.
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
Application Part I
The First Steps in a Longer Journey
When you first apply to the Academy, you are an “applicant” or “pre-candidate.” Pre-candidates who qualify are then granted the status of “candidate.” In the pre-candidate phase, you will self-report your grade point average and class rank. The Pre-candidate Questionnaire opens March 1.
Application Part I
Application Part II
Becoming an Official Candidate
Those applicants who achieve candidate status will be able to access the online application, which contains valuable information and instructions on how to complete the official application for admission to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Candidate portals open in July.
Application Part II
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
Unique Student Groups
A Strong Air Force and Space Force Starts With a Diverse Academy
Diversity is more than the color of your skin. Students with all imaginable backgrounds and life experiences from every corner of the country—and even the world—come together to make the United States Air and Space Forces stronger. Because when we put on the blue, we’re all one.
Unique Student Groups
Admissions Cycle
Get the Big Picture to See Where You Stand
Applying to the U.S. Air Force Academy takes more time and commitment than applying to other universities. But then this isn’t like any other university. Discover what you need to do to get an education above the ordinary.