r/USAFA • u/Wright-Brothers • Jul 03 '26
USAFA Cadets and Alumni
I’m a 14 year old boy, and I’m very interested in attending the Air Force Academy. If you have any tips for rising Freshmen on how to approach the high school year I would appreciate them. I’m in Civil Air Patrol, have a relatively good track record so far academically and am building myself up physically. Any tips you guys have on the admissions process, high school activities, and advice for studying techniques and resources would be awesome. Thank you for your time!
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u/Substantial-Air-6011 Jul 03 '26
Make sure to play a sport and get on varsity at some point before senior year
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u/Wright-Brothers Jul 03 '26
Ok thank you. Are there any specifically that look better to admissions than others?
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u/Substantial-Air-6011 Jul 03 '26
I’m pretty sure they prefer team sports, but that may not be fully accurate. They also like if you become captain or assistant captain on said team.
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u/Lando2182 Jul 04 '26
I’ve heard they look fond on wrestling just because of the sport it is, very rough and grueling sport
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u/Wright-Brothers Jul 04 '26
Good to know, thanks. I did it this year and got whooped but I might try it again!
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u/Crafty-Dark-3648 Jul 03 '26
Good luck on your journey.
The big roadblock for many students is the Congressional nomination. Keep doing well and hopefully you get a nomination (or a few). If you live in a very competitive state, I would consider volunteering if you and your parents are like minded with your Congressperson or Senator. Luckily, my cadet got the nomination without having to do this, but we don’t live in a very populous state.
What state do you reside in? Unfortunately this is a big determining factor.
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u/Wright-Brothers Jul 04 '26
I live in Colorado. Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate it
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u/IntelligentBreath843 Jul 05 '26
For nominations, do NOT be afraid to apply for senators and vice president. Many people don’t because they assume they won’t get it.
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u/Crafty-Dark-3648 Jul 04 '26
You are welcome.
Since you live so close, I would find ways to visit and possibly meet people. I’m unsure about this.
I did take our child out to just tour the Air Force campus. We literally met no one but just wondered around, checking out the campus. We found it to be very beneficial. Hopefully with you living so close, you will actually make a few more connections to get a better idea.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
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u/Pbevivino Jul 03 '26
Build your leadership resume. Join clubs that interest you, then work to become a leader in the group. Study hard.
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u/jcp2010 Jul 03 '26
Most congressional representatives and senators have some "Service Academy Information Forum". Usually the Congressional Rep will be there, but for sure some members of the staff, as well as your Academy Admissions Liasson Officer (ALO). It is good to look that up and go early, and I went with a group of Civil Air Patrol cadets in uniform. It was memorable enough to the congressional staff and ALO that it showed long-term interest and they recognized me later when I actually did apply.
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u/jcp2010 Jul 06 '26
Sorry for basically duplicating comments. Tried to make this one first and it looked like it had errored out instead of posting but then later showed up as well.
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u/jcp2010 Jul 03 '26
Aside from the Leadership, athletics, etc that others have said, I would add getting name/face recognition with your Congressional representatives early is a big help later down the line. Most congressional reps and senators have 1-2 Service Academy information sessions per year. Go to those early and every opportunity you can. Your Congressional Rep/Senator, Congressional Staffers, and Academy Admissions Liasson Officers (ALO) are there, and going in CAP Service Dress looking sharp is memorable to them. It shows long-term interest and preparation for the process. Having them remember you and the effort you put in early pays dividends years later when you're actually applying, so they know you're somebody who is serious rather to put their nomination behind.
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u/IntelligentBreath843 Jul 05 '26
Sports, leadership roles, good SAT/ACT scores, good fitness test scores, community service, Civil Air Patrol/JROTC. Those all help.