Admissions Cycle
Staying on Track
The United States Air Force Academy admissions cycle helps students manage their applications efficiently. The process consists of pre-candidate and candidate phases. To get a general picture of important dates in the Academy’s annual admissions cycle, see below.
March 1–December 31
The Pre-candidate Questionnaire (PCQ) opens March 1 of a student’s junior year. This is the first step in the application process. The deadline to submit a PCQ is December 31 of the student’s senior year.
July 15–January 31
Upon completion of the Pre-candidate Questionnaire, all pre-candidates will receive correspondence with guidance and next steps for the application process. U.S. Air Force Academy uses rolling deadlines whereby specific deadlines are posted on each applicant’s portal. All items must be completed by the deadline posted.
December 1–January 15
Summer Seminar applications open for rising seniors on December 1. The last day to start a new application is January 10. The Summer Seminar deadline is January 15 with no extensions or late applications accepted.
January
College Admissions Tests (ACT and SAT) must be taken by this time for the results to arrive at the Admissions Office by mid-February for current applicants. Test scores must be official and sent from the respective testing authority (ACT and College Board).
February–April
Applications are reviewed and the majority of appointments are offered during this time.
April
Most candidates who completed an application will know their admissions status by this time. All notifications will be made through a student’s application portal.
May 1
National College Decision Day
June
U.S. Air Force Academy class enters. Summer Seminar sessions take place.