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USAFA Admissions
In order to better perform the ALO job, it is helpful to understand the USAFA Admissions process from an
applicant’s standpoint. This chapter details what a student will have to go through during the application process.
A. Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for admission to the United States Air Force Academy, an applicant must meet the following
requirements:
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Age - must be at least 17 years old, but not have passed their 23rd birthday, on 1 July of the year of entry
Citizenship - must be a citizen by birth or naturalization of the United States (except for cadets sponsored
by foreign governments under Title X U.S.C. 9344) - HQ USAFA/RRS (Selections Division) will verify
citizenship of all incoming cadets prior to administration of the oath of appointment, (i.e., by birth or
nationalization certificate). Facsimiles, photocopies, photographs or other reproductions of birth certificate
or certificate of citizenship must include proper certification as evidenced by the raised seal of the issuing
authority
Domicile – must be domiciled or meet residency requirements of the constituency if nominated by an
authority designated in the Congressional and US Possessions categories
Personal Standards - must exhibit the highest standards of moral character, personal conduct, and
integrity. Applicants must explain or clarify any of the following circumstances:
o Applicant is or has been a conscientious objector
o Appointment inconsistent with national security interests
o Conviction by court-martial of other than a “minor offense” (Manual for Courts Marital, 2008,
Part V, paragraph 1e, page V-1) or conviction of a felony in a civilian court
o Elimination from any military officer training program or federal service academy (including their
preparatory school) for military inaptitude, indifference, or undesirable traits of character (this
includes any person who resigned in lieu of pending charges or who was eliminated by official
action)
o Habitual alcohol misuse or drug abuse that exceeds Air Force standards (AFI 36-2019,
Appointment to the United States Air Force Academy)
o Behavior, activity, or association showing the applicant’s conduct is incompatible with exemplary
standards of personal conduct, moral character, and integrity
Marital Status – must be unmarried and have no legal obligation to support a child, children, or any other
person
Medical Examination - must be medically qualified as determined by the Department of Defense Medical
Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) - the Air Force Academy Command Surgeon may grant waivers
on a case-by-case basis
Academic Examinations - must achieve satisfactory results on the Scholastic Aptitude Test I (SAT I) or
the American College Testing (ACT) exams
Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) – must have completed the CFA with passing scores for each event
- HQ USAFA/AD (Athletic Department) may grant waivers if the candidate clearly demonstrates an
acceptable level of physical fitness
An applicant meeting these requirements is not guaranteed an appointment; an applicant who meets these
requirements has earned the right to be considered for an appointment along with 2000-3000 other fully-qualified
applicants.
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B. Initial Application Procedures
Applicants may begin the application process by completing an on-line Precandidate Questionnaire (PCQ) from 1
March of their junior year through 31 January of the year of entry. Starting the process late in the fall leaves very
little time for nominations, SAT/ACT testing, and waivers. PCQs must be completed NLT 31 January of the year
of entry. Applicants may apply every year until reaching the age limit. Students past the spring of their high school
junior year can begin a PCQ immediately and then join the next admissions cycle.
Airmen applying for direct entry to USAFA must meet the normal deadlines. A good booklet for Airmen to read is
The Air Force Academy is for Airmen. Airmen applying for USAFA Prep School have until mid-April when direct
entry applications are considered. Applications for direct entry will also be considered for the USAFA Prep School,
depending on the Airman’s age. Ensure AF Form 1786, Application for the United States Air Force Academy under
Quota Allotted to Enlisted Members of the Regular and Reserve Components of the Air Force is used.
C. Precandidate Phase
Any student who completed the Precandidate Questionnaire (PCQ) after 1 March of their junior year is a
Precandidate. The PCQ, which is essentially the Academy application, is completed online at
www.academyadmissions.com. Prior to 1 March of the junior year, interested students input their information at
the Admissions website and are entered into the Pre-Junior Database for future contact.
D. Tentative Candidate Phase
When preliminary screening of the PCQ indicates an applicant meets the basic eligibility requirements and
minimum selection criteria, the applicant becomes a Tentative Candidate. The applicant then appears as
"Recommended" on ALOWeb. Approximately 6,000 Precandidates typically exceed the minimum criteria and are
mailed a notification letter of their qualified/non-qualified status and how to access their online candidate forms.
Tentative Candidates are sent a letter from the Selections Division which contains the following:
Explanation of the Tentative Candidate's status and information on the Selections counselor responsible for
processing the application
Designated ALO assigned to the applicant
United States Air Force Academy Viewbook
Directions to continue the application process online and to download the “Instructions to Candidates” Booklet
which includes a Candidate Checklist (see the end of this Chapter) to help guide them through the process
Once online, they’re required to submit eight very important forms - all forms can be found on ALOWeb:
1. USAFA Form 148, USAF Academy Request for Secondary School Transcript - The school must also
provide an official transcript, school profile information, and the student’s senior year schedule (if still in high
school).
2. USAFA Form 0-158, USAF Academy Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) Score Sheet - The candidate
must take this form and the “Instructions to Candidates” booklet to any teacher holding a Physical Education degree,
an ALO, a JROTC instructor, or to any commissioned officer (except their parent) who can administer the CFA. It
is imperative the candidate performs to their best ability on each event since higher scores garner additional points
during the Selections panel. Selections may ask a candidate to re-take the CFA if they are otherwise competitive but
have a low overall score or low event score.
3. USAFA Form 145, School Official’s Evaluation of Candidate - This form requires the candidate’s current or
most recent Math, English, and Science instructor to evaluate a number of areas centered on character to include
personal integrity, how one performs as a subordinate in small groups, how one takes criticism, human relations, etc.
The on-line application allows electronic submission if the instructor’s e-mail address is provided. Alternatively,
they my print and mail the form to USAFA. All three evaluations are required.
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4. USAFA Form 146, Air Force Academy Candidate Personal Data Record - This form collects significantly
more detail than the PCQ. It answers the “Who are you?” question. The candidate should read every line carefully
as there are some imbedded instructions. Candidates must include complete explanations of any arrests, convictions
and/or fines. Incomplete reporting will delay processing their application. Youth offenses like traffic infractions
aren’t normally a problem.
5. USAFA Form 147, Air Force Academy Candidate Activities Record - This form collects non-academic
information such as sports, school office, music, awards, organizations, flying, Model UN, community activity, etc.
It answers the “What have you done?” question. Candidates should also submit a resume.
6. Air Force Form 2030, USAF Drug and Alcohol Abuse Statement - This form is a legal document the
candidate must submit and which they’ll be required to recertify upon in-processing for BCT. USAFA does not
tolerate substance abuse. They must fill it out themselves.
7. USAFA Form O-878, USAF Academy Candidate Writing Sample - The writing sample is just that. There is
no requirement for this to be a first draft. Candidates are free to compose/edit their responses and submit when they
are complete. This item is sometimes forgotten which may delay the application process.
In addition, the Selections Office Notifies DoDMERB of the Tentative Candidate's status, who will then send the
Tentative Candidate a postcard explaining the steps to take to schedule a medical exam with an approved medical
facility
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As soon as possible, the Tentative Candidate should:
Read the “Instructions to Candidates” booklet
Contact their ALO and request an interview (ALO may initiate contact first)
Interview with ALO, who submits a completed Form 4060
Take the SAT and/or ACT at least once and identify USAFA/AFROTC for receipt. It is highly advised that
the student takes the SAT and /or the ACT at least once or twice in their junior year. This way, they will
have College Board scores to send to USAFA/AFROTC as well as to their congressional members during
the summer between their junior and senior year or at the start of their senior year
Follow the information found on their DoDMERB postcard schedules and takes physical examination
(DoDMERB sends results to Selections)
Ensure their high school counselor/official mails to Selections a completed USAFA Form 148 (USAF
Academy Request for Secondary School Transcript), along with a School Profile and Senior Year Schedule
Give USAFA form 145 (School Official’s Evaluation of Candidate) to appropriate teachers to complete,
sign, and mail to Selections - preferred method is on-line submission
Submit USAFA Form 146 (Candidate Personal Data Record), USAFA Form 0-878 (USAF Academy
Candidate Writing Sample), and AF Form 2030 (Drug and Alcohol Abuse Certificate)
Take the CFA, and enter scores on-line and send copy of worksheet to Selections
Requests prep school or college transcripts to be sent to Selections, if applicable
E. Nomination Requirement
In addition to carrying out the tasks identified above, the Tentative Candidate must actively pursue a Service
Academy Nomination. A nomination is the identification of an applicant as an official candidate for admission to a
Service Academy by a legal nominating authority. A nomination is not required to attend the Prep School.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to pursue nominations in every category for which they are eligible and to apply
to any/all service academies they have an interest in attending. There are two major categories of legal nominating
authorities:
1. US Congressional/Vice Presidential/US Possessions and
2. Military Related.
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1. US Congressional/Vice Presidential/US Possessions Nomination Categories
US Congressional Nominations
A congressional nomination is the primary category source for most candidates. Each US Senator and US
Representative has considerable latitude in awarding nominations; however, most are based upon some combination
of academic achievement, leadership performance and athletic participation. Each nominator is allowed to have up
to five cadets in attendance at each service Academy at any given time.
No political affiliation is necessary to apply for a nomination. Members of Congress want to nominate outstanding
individuals who are competitive for an appointment. Most members of Congress do not accept requests for
nominations after October, so an applicant should contact them as early as possible. Requests for a nomination
should be made directly to the applicant’s two US Senators and domicile US Representative. Candidates must be
domiciled in or have legal residence in the state or congressional district of the nominating authority. It is vital that
the student gets the paperwork for the nominations in on time. Meet all deadlines to ensure the congressional
offices accept the nomination package.
On the internet, Representatives can be found at www.house.gov/writerep/. Requests to US Representatives should
be addressed as follows:
Honorable (Applicant’s Representative’s name)
House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515
On the internet, Senators can be found at www.senate.gov/senators/. Requests to US Senators should be addressed
as follows:
Honorable (Applicant’s Senator’s name)
United States Senate Washington, DC 20510
Vice Presidential Nominations
The Vice President of the United States nominates from the US at large and is allowed to have up to five cadets in
attendance at each service Academy at any given time. The deadline for requesting a nomination in the Vice
Presidential category is 31 October. Requests should be addressed as follows:
Honorable (name of the Vice President)
Vice President
Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Washington, DC 20501
US Possessions Nominations
The Governor and Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico are allowed to have up to five cadets in attendance at each
service Academy at any given time. Requests to the Governor of Puerto Rico should be addressed as follows:
Honorable (name of Governor)
Governor of Puerto Rico
La Fortaleza San Juan, PR 00901
Requests to the Resident Commissioner should be addressed as follows:
Honorable (name of the Commissioner)
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Delegates to the House of Representatives are allowed the following number of cadets at each service Academy at
any given time:
District of Columbia - 5 cadets
Guam - 3 cadets
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US Virgin Islands - 3 cadets
American Samoa - 2 cadets
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (Resident Representative) - 1 cadet
Requests to the delegates in the House of Representatives from the District of Columbia, Guam, the US Virgin
Islands, American Samoa, and the Resident Representative of the Northern Mariana Islands should be e addressed as
follows:
Honorable (name of appropriate Delegate)
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
2. Military-Related Nomination Categories
Presidential Competitive Category
The President of the United States is authorized to nominate100 merit-based appointments each year. Individuals
apply to HQ USAFA/RRS between 1 March and 31 January. Applicants do not write directly to the President of
the United States.
To be eligible in this category, the applicant’s parent(s) must be or have been a Regular or Reserve member of the
Armed Forces with the following restrictions:
Parent(s) must have served on active duty (other than for training) and served continuously on active duty for 8
years
Parent(s) are retired with pay or granted retired or retainer pay
Parent(s) must have been a Reservist and accrued at least 2,880 points (see Title X USC, Section 12733)
Parent(s) died after retiring with pay, died after being granted retired or retainer pay, or died while on active duty
In accordance with 10 U.S.C. 9342, a person eligible for appointment consideration under the Children of Deceased
or Disabled Veterans (CODDV) category is not eligible as a candidate in the Presidential category.
NOTE: Children are defined as biological children and adopted children whose adoption proceedings were initiated
before their 15th birthday.
Children of Deceased or Disabled Veterans and Children of Military or Civilian Personnel
in a Missing Status Category (CODDV)
This category authorizes 65 cadets at USAFA at any one time. Individuals apply to HQ USAFA/RRS between 1
March and 31 January. USAFA will offer appointments by order-of-merit. Eligibility requirements are outlined in
Title X USC, Chapter 9342(a) (1). The Department of Veteran Affairs is the ruling agency for this category.
Disabilities under this category must be a full 100% determination.
Honor Military and Honor Naval Schools, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps
(AFROTC), and Honor Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC)
Competitive Category
This category authorizes 20 total nominations. USAFA will offer appointments by order-of-merit in each category.
Honor Military and Honor Naval Schools - Designated units may nominate five honor graduates or prospective
honor graduates. School authorities certify that each nominee is a prospective honor graduate or an honor graduate,
and meets the basic eligibility requirements. School authorities submit nominations directly to the HQ USAFA/RRS
using specific nomination forms no later than 31 January of the entry year. Nominations are not limited to honor
graduates of the current year. Eligible candidates apply to the administrative authority of the school involved.
AFROTC - Each college or university AFROTC detachment may nominate five cadets (inclusive of students under
cross-town agreements) to compete for an appointment. Students must apply for nomination to the Professor of
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Aerospace Studies (PAS) who must certify that the applicants meet the basic eligibility requirements and have or
will have satisfactorily completed at least 1 year of scholastic work at the time of admission. The president of the
institution will nominate directly to HQ USAFA/RRS by 31.
Honor AFJROTC - Each designated unit may nominate five students from each detachment to compete for an
appointment. Cadets will apply for nomination to the Aerospace Science Instructor, who must certify that the
applicants meet the basic eligibility requirements and have or will have successfully completed the prescribed
AFJROTC program by the end of the school year. The principal of the high school will nominate directly to HQ
USAFA/RRS by 31 January.
Children of Medal of Honor Recipients
The child of any Medal of Honor recipient who served in any branch of the Armed Forces may apply for nomination
directly to HQ USAFA/ RRS between 1 May and 31 January. If applicants meet the eligibility criteria and
qualifications for admission, they are admitted to the Academy. Appointments from this category are unlimited.
NOTE: For the purpose of this category, children are defined as biological children and adopted children whose
adoption proceedings were initiated before their 15 th birthday.
Regular Airmen Category - Active Duty
This category is authorized 85 nominations each year and filled from candidates in order of merit. Any enlisted
member of the Regular component of the Air Force may apply for nomination by 31 January.
Candidates must be in active duty enlisted status when appointed as cadets and must complete AF Form 1786,
Application for Appointment to the USAF Academy under Quota Allotted to Enlisted Members of the Regular and
Reserve Components of the Air Force. They then submit it to their organizational commander.
The commander’s endorsement on AF Form 1786 must be sent to HQ USAFA/RRS. This endorsement must
include a comprehensive statement of the applicant’s character, ability, and motivation to become a career officer.
The commander will use official records to verify statements in the application regarding component, length of
service, and date of birth.
NOTE: The commander will advise the local Military Personnel Flight (MPF) to hold any reassignment action
pending selection of an appointment by placing the Airman on assignment availability code 05 (AAC 05).
Reserve Airmen Category - Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard
This category is authorized 85 nominations each year and filled from candidates in order of merit. Any enlisted
member of the Air Force Reserve (AFRES) or Air National Guard (ANG) may apply for nomination by 31 January.
Applicants must complete AF Form 1786, Application for Appointment to the USAF Academy under Quota Allotted
to Enlisted Members of the Regular and Reserve Components of the Air Force. They then submit it to their
organizational commander.
The commander’s endorsement on AF Form 1786 must be sent to HQ USAFA/RRS. This endorsement must
include a comprehensive statement of the applicant’s character, ability, and motivation to become a career officer.
The commander will use official records to verify statements in the application regarding component, length of
service, and date of birth.
NOTE: A Reserve applicant is not placed on active duty for the purpose of processing them for a nomination or
appointment to the Academy.
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F. Candidate/Nominee Phase
A Tentative Candidate becomes a Candidate when they receive a nomination. The term “Nominee” is synonymous
with Candidate because the law requires that all Nominees be considered. This means a few Candidates may never
submit an application (PCQ). However, only Nominees meeting the Tentative Candidate requirements will receive
Candidate Kits.
G. Candidate's Application Package Reviewed
Selections reviews completed applications/records and submits them to a Selection Panel.
Selection Counselors - As items are submitted by students, a Selections counselor builds a file and ensures that: all
minimum requirements are met; and the Extra-Curricular Composite and the Academic Composite components
(which make up the Weighted Composite Score used in the overall Selections Composite) are calculated.
Selection Panel - Selection Panels meet weekly from October through March. They are comprised of officers from
the Academy staff and faculty and chaired by an AF Colonel. Panel members review completed files and assign a
panel score and recommendation. The panel chair will review each panel member’s scored files.
1. Standards
Standards are established based upon past experience of the qualities needed to successfully complete the Academy
program. The minimum standards are set high enough to ensure that Appointees have a reasonable chance for
success provided they have sufficient motivation and are able to establish goals/priorities. A distinction must be
made between “minimums” and “competitive averages.” Meeting the minimums allows the candidate to be
considered, but in the vast majority of cases, the candidate will not be competitive without significantly higher
scores. Candidates compete within all nominated categories. That’s why a candidate can never have too many
nominations.
The “minimum” standards listed here are for internal use and are not published. They also are not absolute as
Selections considers special cases and needs of the institution as they arise.
2. The Extracurricular Composite Score
The Extracurricular Composite comprises 20% of a candidate’s evaluation. This includes all activities that
demonstrate leadership ability. Comprised of both athletic and non-athletic activities, a minimum score of 1300 is
required.
Athletic Participation: This scores athletic participation in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades only.
Participation must be at the varsity level or with sanctioned athletic organizations such as "United States
Swimming". It also scores exceptional achievements and awards in athletics and leadership.
Non-Athletic: This accounts for all non-athletic or community participation. The emphasis is placed upon
quality (leadership) over quantity. These activities may include school offices, clubs, orchestra, band,
chorus, drama, Junior ROTC, Scouts, Civil Air Patrol, private pilot’s license, work experience, voluntary
community service, etc.
3. The Academic Composite Score
The Academic Composite comprises 60% of the candidate's overall evaluation. This score is computed by
combining the Prior Academic Record (PAR) with either the highest SAT scores or the highest ACT scores. The
minimum Academic Composite is 2700, which approximates the 85 th percentile of those taking college entrance
exams.
PAR - This score is based upon high school class rank and grade point average with extra credit given for honors
and advanced placement courses. Evaluation includes 9th grade through the most recently completed semester, but
at least through spring semester of the junior year. The PAR uses a 200-800 scale with the minimum score of 400
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equating to the 60th percentile. The PAR is weighted heavily because it’s the best single predictor of success for a
college freshman.
SAT/ACT Scores - The Academy uses whichever set of test scores make a candidate most competitive. The highest
combination of test scores from multiple testing dates are used for evaluation purposes. For example, if a candidate
has a higher math score on the first SAT/ACT test they take but earns a higher verbal score on a subsequent
SAT/ACT test, the Academy will combine the higher scores from each respective SAT/ACT tests. Therefore, it is
to an applicant's advantage to retake these tests often. The written portion of the ACT test is currently not required
but strongly encouraged.
NOTE: Candidates can never hurt themselves with a lower score on a subsequent test. Test scores are not mixed
between the SAT and ACT. The math SAT/ACT scores count more heavily than the other tested areas.
The required tests are:
 ACT: Math, English, Science Reasoning, and Reading
 SAT: Math and Verbal
SAT (Verbal+Math) and ACT Composite Score Comparisons
1600
1560-1590
1510-1550
1460-1500
1410-1450
36
35
34
33
32
1360-1400
1320-1350
1280-1310
1240-1270
1210-1230
31
30
29
28
27
1170-1200
1130-1160
1090-1120
1060-1080
1020-1050
26
25
24
23
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4. The Weighted Composite Score and Selection Panel Score
The Weighted Composite (the Extra-curricular Composite Score plus the Academic Composite Score) comprises
80% of the points awarded to any given application package. The Selection Panel score is the final 20%. If
Selections is satisfied a candidate meets all of the minimum requirements and has submitted a competitive (that is,
"fully qualified") application file, then they will submit the file to the Selection Panel. The Selection Panel will
assign a score based on the ALO's Form 4060 evaluation/score (largest component), candidate writing sample,
teacher evaluations, letters of recommendation, CFA, language skill, notable individual achievements reported, and
success in unique life challenges/adversities, etc., which reflects the candidate's potential.
Selection Composite
All of the scores and composites factor into an overall competitive standing reflected in the Selection Composite.
This score is the recommendation forwarded to the Academy Board, which, in turn, is considered in the offer of
appointments based on nomination categories in which the candidates compete.
Other Required Items
The DoDMERB evaluation, Drug/Alcohol Abuse Statement, CFA, and various reports/transcripts make up each
candidate’s file. A candidate’s file must be complete, except for the medical and nomination, in order to meet the
Selection Panel. Missing documents are identified in the candidate’s on-line status.
Academy Board
Comprised of the senior Academy officers, the Academy Board meets weekly to approve appointment selections
and consider requests for exceptions or needs of the institution.
H. Offer of Appointment
The Secretary of the Air Force, through the Superintendent and his senior staff officers, appoints candidates to fill
vacancies in each nominating category.
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When an applicant is approved for appointment by the Academy Board, that decision is identified under the
candidate’s status on ALOWeb. Admissions then notifies the appropriate members of Congress who have requested
the privilege of notifying their nominees of selection to the Academy. To accommodate congressional desires, the
Academy ensures that at least three business days elapse before making any announcement outside Air Force
channels or through direct contact with the candidate or ALO. At the end of this grace period, a letter is sent to the
Appointee asking him/her to accept or decline the offer by 1 May. The result of this process is that your candidates
will learn of their appointments before you do. Appointees declare Acceptance/Declination of Appointment on
USAFA Form 0-28.
1. Early Selection
If a highly qualified Candidate has a nomination and completed file, USAFA may notify that candidate of an
appointment after the first Selection Panel/Academy Board round in mid-/late-October.
2. Letter of Assurance
If a Candidate is highly qualified for selection but doesn’t have a nomination, USAFA will send a Letter of
Assurance to indicate the Academy's serious interest. This is considered a legitimate offer of appointment with the
only stipulation being the receipt of a nomination. This allows the Academy to compete with civilian institutions
and other service academies while the nomination process unfolds, and is an option typically exercised early in the
selections cycle. This decision is identified under the candidate’s status on ALOWeb as Letter of Assurance.
3. Conditional Appointment
This is an appointment that is conditional upon certain information being cleared prior to the class start date.
Typically, this occurs because of incomplete medical examinations, requests for medical waivers, and/or temporary
medical conditions, completion of satisfactory high school, college/prep school transcripts, or in rare cases, pending
US citizenship.
4. Regular Selections
USAFA will consider all official candidates in March if an applicant's records are complete, the applicant meets all
admissions requirements, and the applicant hasn’t received an early notification. If an applicant's medical clearance
or transcripts are not received by 1 March, they will be considered for a conditional appointment. If selected, a final
appointment will depend on medical qualifications and receipt of a satisfactory transcript. There are very few
appointments available after regular selections have been made.
Appointee - This is a candidate who is offered an appointment for the entering class. About mid-March,
Appointees are designated against congressional vacancies as well as the other categories. Appointees are then
identified such that there is at least one qualified nominee per category. Appointees who have accepted their
appointment receive a USAFA Appointee Kit.
Qualified Alternate (QA) - The QA category exists to fill the class to its authorized strength, a size that varies with
the attrition of preceding classes. This “topping-off” process allows almost every nominee a second chance to be
appointed while allowing the Academy to achieve its entrance goals with truly outstanding new cadets. By law, the
first 150 QA Appointees must have congressional nominations. Three out of four of the remaining QA winners
must also have a congressional nomination.
5. Late Selection
If an applicant's records are not complete by mid-March, USAFA will consider an applicant for an appointment at a
later date as long as a vacancy occurs and an applicant is eligible in that category. By law, at least one qualified
candidate must be selected from each nomination list. As declinations or withdrawals occur, additional offers of
appointment (referred to as "back fills") are made right up to a few days before the class start date. This assures that
an appointee is named in each nomination category.
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Qualified No Vacancy (QNV) - Official candidates (with nominations) who are qualified for admission but who are
not selected, and who do not rank high enough to be Qualified Alternates, will be notified of their non-selection
status with a QNV letter by the first week in April. Encourage them to apply again. A few of these candidates may
be offered an appointment to backfill withdrawn and declined appointments. If a candidate is late completing his or
her file, that person could be forced into this status without ever meeting a Selections Panel.
Ex-Cadets - Ex-Cadets are former cadets seeking readmittance to USAFA. They must reapply and compete for
nominations like any other applicant. The former cadet should submit a letter to the Director of Admissions
explaining the rationale for departing and reasons for wanting to return. Ex-Cadets who separate to pursue religious
missions are the most successful applicants in this category, though readmittance is not guaranteed. Of those who
leave for reasons other than a religious mission, fewer than 10% are readmitted. Counsel ex-cadets to be realistic
about their chances for re-admittance.
I. Commitments and Obligations
1. Service Obligations
Before a cadet takes the Oath of Allegiance, he or she will sign an agreement, with the consent of his or her parents
or guardian if the cadet is a minor. This agreement states that the cadet will fulfill the following service obligations
which apply to all cadets except international students:
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Complete the course of instruction at the Academy (unless the cadet is disenrolled by proper authority)
Accept an appointment and serve as a commissioned officer in the Air Force for at least five years after
graduation.
If a cadet entered the Academy from the Regular or Reserve component of any service and is discharged from the
Academy before graduation, that cadet will normally return to former rank and branch of service to serve the rest of
his or her obligation.
Graduates who enter pilot training incur a longer commitment once they’ve completed training. The Air Force
policy in effect when a person enters flight training determines the length of that person's commitment.
2. Discharge Policy
The policy requiring discharged cadets to serve in the Air Force may vary depending on manpower needs of the
Department of Defense and Air Force. Air Force policy now states:
Fourth-class and third-class cadets (freshmen and sophomores) who are separated by the Academy or whose
resignations are accepted will ordinarily be completely relieved from all military duty—active or reserve.
Second-class and first-class cadets (juniors and seniors) who are separated by the Academy or whose resignations
are accepted will normally incur a commitment for active-duty. Exceptions will be made for humanitarian reasons
and those few cases in which it is not in the best interest of the Air Force to call a cadet to active duty because of
physical disqualification, misconduct or demonstrated unsuitability for military service in an enlisted status. If a
cadet incurs a commitment, he/she will normally transfer to the Air Force Reserve and serve on active duty as an
enlisted airman.
Second-class cadets who are disenrolled or resign on or after the first day of academics in the fall semester of the
second-class year will incur a two-year commitment for active-duty service. This commitment is three years for
first-class cadets on or after the beginning of the first-class year academic semester.
First-class cadets who complete the entire academic program and then resign or refuse to accept a commission may
be ordered to active duty for four years as enlisted airmen.
Cadets who fail to complete any period of active duty may incur a liability to reimburse the US Government for an
appropriate proportion of the cost of their Academy education.
3. Resignation Policy
A cadet who submits a request to resign must state a specific reason for the action. The cadet will be counseled to
determine if the problem can be resolved prior to action being taken to process the resignation.
10
For Official Use Only
Chapter 2 – USAFA Admissions
September 2010
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR CHAPTER 2
Please complete this self-test after reading this chapter. The correct answers can be found on the page immediately
after the test questions. Page numbers are listed after each question if you need to reference where the correct
answer can be found in this chapter.
1. If an applicant the United States Air Force Academy is married, they are still eligible for admission. (page 1)
A. True
B. False
2. To be considered for admission to the United States Air Force Academy, an applicant must meet which
requirements? (page 1)
A.
B.
C.
D.
Must be at least 17 years old
Must exhibit the highest standards of moral character
Complete the CFA with passing scores for each event
All of the above
3. A Tentative Candidate becomes a Candidate when they receive a nomination. (page 7)
A. True
B. False
4. What percentage does the Weighted Composite (the Extra-curricular Composite Score plus the Academic
Composite Score) comprises out of the total points awarded to any given application package. (page 8)
A. 70%
B. 80%
C. 50%
D. 100%
5. If a Candidate is highly qualified for selection but doesn’t have a nomination, USAFA will send a __________
to indicate the Academy's serious interest. (page 9)
A.
B.
C.
D.
Letter of Intent
Conditional Appointment
Letter of Assurance
Letter of Acceptance
6. Official candidates (with nominations) who are qualified for admission but who are not selected, and who do not
rank high enough to be Qualified Alternates, will be notified of their non-selection status with _______________
letter by the first week in April. (page 10)
A. An appointment
B. A Non-Qualified Alternate (NQA)
C. A non-select
D. A Qualified No Vacancy (QNV)
`
7. Fourth-class and third-class cadets (freshmen and sophomores) who are separated by the Academy or whose
resignations are accepted will ordinarily be completely relieved from all military duty—active or reserve. (page 11)
A. True
B. False
11
For Official Use Only
Chapter 2 – USAFA Admissions
September 2010
ANSWERS________________________________________________________
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
B
D
A
B
C
D
A
12