College Spotlight: United States Air Force Academy

(Cadet Craig Phelan, Severn '09, visiting 11/28)

Link: USAFA Admissions

In our rapidly changing world, the high-tech United States Air Force rules the skies. In order to continue protecting our country and its interests, we need highly motivated, top-notch people. If you've got what it takes to be a leader in the Air Force of the 21st Century, we offer you an outstanding opportunity — and education at the Air Force Academy.

As an Air Force Academy cadet, you'll spend four years at one of the best schools in the country with all your tuition, fees, and room and board paid for. You'll be continually challenged academically and personally. Upon graduation, you'll receive a bachelor of science degree and a commission as an Air Force second lieutenant.

By knowing the requirements and recommendations to receive a potential appointment to the Academy, you can help prepare your students during high school.

Requirements

The applicant must be:

• A United States citizen (United States citizenship must be finalized prior to entering the Academy.)
• Unmarried with no dependents (Note: Dependents include being married, mother/father by having a birth child, step child, or adopted child prior to graduation, regardless of whether or not you provide financial support for said dependent. Further, if such marriage or paternity/maternity were to occur but not be known to Air Force authorities until after graduation, you may be subject to disciplinary or administrative action as an officer.)
• Of good moral character
• At least 17, but not past your 23rd birthday by July 1 of the year entering (The age requirement is public law and cannot be waived.)

Recommendations

The following high school courses will help make the applicant more competitive:

• Four years of English
• Four years of college-prep math
• Four years of lab science
• Three years of social studies
• Two years of a foreign language
• One year of computer study

For questions or to find out more about the Air Force Academy's admissions process, please call 1-800-443-9266. 

**Students (sophomore or junior) interested in a service academy should express that interest to the College Counseling office as early as possible.