what high school course requirments do you need for the air force academy

by Carrie Schaden 8 min read

Here are the high school classes the Air Force Academy recommends taking: Four years of English (with a college preparatory class in writing) Four years of math

To be academically competitive for an appointment to the Academy, we recommend completion of the following high school courses:
  • Four years of English (with a college preparatory class in writing)
  • Four years of math. ...
  • Four years of science. ...
  • Three years of social studies (to include a course in U.S. history)

Full Answer

What does it take to get into the Airforce Academy?

United States Air Force Academy typically prefers applicants to be in the top 20 percent of SAT test takers. The school consistently takes SAT composite scores down to 1230 on a 1600 scale, below which admission should be considered a reach. We estimate some students could be accepted with SAT's as low as 1120.

What are the requirements for the Air Force Academy?

  • Four years of English (with a college preparatory class in writing)
  • Four years of math Strong background in geometry, algebra, trigonometry and pre-calculus
  • Four years of science Lab-based and should include biology, chemistry and physics
  • Three years of social studies (to include a course in U.S. ...

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What are the requirements to become an Air Force officer?

of the Air Force JoAnne Bass said that if they meet the requirements, enlisted drone pilots “will be offered” a seat at officer training ... intended for it to become a long-term option.

What classes can you take in the Air Force Academy?

To be considered for admittance, you should take math, science, English, social studies, computer science and a foreign language in high school. While a specific GPA is not required, you should be in the top 25% of your class. How Do I Start Preparing for the Air Force Academy?

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What does it take to get into Air Force Academy?

Be at least 17 years old and not have passed their 22 birthday by July 1 of the year they enter the Preparatory School. Be eligible to be a U.S. citizen. Be unmarried and have no dependents. Meet specific medical standards for a commission in the Air Force.

How hard is it to get into Air Force Academy?

The acceptance rate at United States Air Force Academy is 11.4%. For every 100 applicants, only 11 are admitted. This means the school is extremely selective. Meeting their GPA requirements and SAT/ACT requirements is very important to getting past their first round of filters and proving your academic preparation.

What GPA is required for Air Force?

Meet minimum Air Force Officer Qualification Test (AFOQT) scores and grade point Average (GPA). The AFOQT minimum of 10 or higher on the Quantitative score and 15 or higher on the Verbal score is mandatory for all applicants. Minimum GPA for rated and non-rated applicants is 2.50.

Can you join the Air Force at 17?

Requirements to join the Air Force Be between 17 and 39 years of age (With parental permission if 17)

What disqualifies you from joining the Air Force?

Criminal Record The Air Force is strict about criminal records. Even an excessive number of traffic-related law violations within a 365-day period could disqualify your eligibility, but you should discuss any concerns with your recruiter.

How much do you get paid in Air Force Academy?

approximately $1185.00 per monthWhat is the advance the cadets must take out when they come to the Academy? Cadets earn approximately $1185.00 per month in basic pay. This covers the majority of school related expenses. However, most expenses are incurred within the first eight months (uniforms, computer, textbooks, etc.)

Does the Air Force allow tattoos?

Tattoos are not completely disqualifying, however. There are no size or area limitations for authorized tattoos on the chest (below an open collar), back, arms, and legs. Tattoos, brands, and body markings are prohibited on the head, neck, face, tongue, lips, and scalp.

Is Air Force Academy free?

The U.S. Air Force Academy delivers a college experience that's not for everyone. But then again, you aren't everyone. An Academy education is valued at more than $416,000, yet we offer it at no cost to our cadets. All that is required in return is your commitment to serve as an officer in the Air and Space Forces.

How can I increase my chances of getting into the Air Force Academy?

Candidate application:Submit official high school transcripts.Complete their Extracurricular Activities Record.Write the required Air Force Academy essays.Obtain three teacher evaluations. ... Seek a Congressional nomination from their U.S. representative, U.S. senator, or the Vice President.More items...•

How much do you have to weigh to be in the Air Force?

91 lbs.The minimum weight requirement is 91 lbs. It's important to note that the Air Force requirements are contingent on your body mass index (BMI). This means that taller applicants will have a more generous weight allowance. If your BMI is more than 25, you are deemed “overweight” or “obese.”

How hard is the ASVAB?

The ASVAB is honestly not difficult, but it might be challenging for people who are not good at math or reading comprehension. It is essential to prepare by studying the necessary skills beforehand in order to make a good performance on this test.

What are physical requirements for Air Force?

Males: 1.5-mile run in less than 13:45 minutes, more than 25 push-ups in a minute, more than 35 sit-ups in a minute. Females: 1.5-mile run in less than 16:00 minutes, more than 15 push-ups in a minute, more than 30 sit-ups in a minute.

What is the CFA in cadet training?

Therefore, applicants must successfully complete the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), which tests their strength, agility, speed and endurance. Physical Requirements.

How old do you have to be to join the Air Force?

Basic Requirements. Every cadet is different, but to earn an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy, you must meet certain basic requirements. Be at least 17 but not past your 23rd birthday by July 1 of the year you enter the Academy. Be a United States citizen.

Why are the standards in the Air Force so high?

Standards Are High Because Expectations Are High. The United States Air Force Academy is one of the most competitive schools in the nation. You must meet high academic, physical, character and medical standards to be eligible for an appointment. Knowing what these standards are is the first step to surpassing them.

What happens to your commitment after you graduate?

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.

What is the SAT score for the Air Force Academy?

United States Air Force Academy SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT) The 25th percentile New SAT score is 1230, and the 75th percentile New SAT score is 1410. In other words, a 1230 on the New SAT places you below average, while a 1410 will move you up to above average. Here's the breakdown of new SAT scores by section:

What to do if your GPA is lower than your GPA?

If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as United States Air Force Academy, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.

What is the average GPA for the Air Force Academy?

Average GPA: 3.87. The average GPA at United States Air Force Academy is 3.87. (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. With a GPA of 3.87, United States Air Force Academy requires you to be near the top of your class, and well above average.

What is SAT score choice policy?

SAT Score Choice Policy. The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy. United States Air Force Academy has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section.". This is also known as "superscoring.". This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school.

What is the minimum ACT score for the Air Force?

The 25th percentile ACT score is 28, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 33. Even though United States Air Force Academy likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 28 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application.

How many times can you take the SAT?

Because you can choose which tests to send in, and United States Air Force Academy forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

What is the highest score you have ever scored on a test date?

700. 1400. Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, United States Air Force Academy will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

What happens if a prior enlisted member graduates the Preparatory School and is not selected for an appointment

If a prior enlisted member graduates the Preparatory School and is not selected for an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, he or she will be made available for assignment via the Air Force assignment process.

What is the form for USAFA?

Only Air Force enlisted members, including Reserve and Guard Airmen, may apply to USAFA via Air Force Form 1786 and will be considered for the Preparatory School. This form is submitted through a member’s unit commander and Military Personnel Flight (MPF).

How old do you have to be to join the Air Force?

Be at least 17 years old and not have passed their 22 birthday by July 1 of the year they enter the Preparatory School. Be eligible to be a U.S. citizen. Be unmarried and have no dependents. Meet specific medical standards for a commission in the Air Force.

Can a Civilian be a direct entry cadet?

Civilian students who apply for, but do not receive an appointment to the Academy, will automatically be considered for a Preparatory School appointment. Civilian selectees are enlisted into the Air Force Reserve, placed on active duty orders for the purpose of attending the Preparatory School, and are considered Direct Entry Cadet Candidates.

What is the Academy curriculum?

The Academy curriculum is extremely robust—in addition to the academic demands placed on a cadet, there are also many athletic, military training and other extracurricular activities that fill a cadet’s schedule. To help balance these demands, cadets are assigned an academic advisor upon entering the Academy. Advisors also help with:

What is the minimum GPA required to become a second lieutenant?

To graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree and be commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, a cadet must complete the following curriculum requirements: Core curriculum and an academic major Must maintain a minimum of 2.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) – 2.00 GPA in the academic core and 2.00 GPA in major-specific ...

When do cadets have to declare a major?

All cadets must declare a major by the registration deadline of their third semester (typically, October of their second-class/sophomore year). Major’s Night provides cadets with an opportunity to learn about available majors and minors at the Academy.

What is a management chemistry major?

The management major is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Academy Academics.

What are the requirements to get into the Air Force Academy?

Requirements for getting into the Air Force Academy are intensive, and although there isn't a specific GPA requirement, you'll need to do well in school. In addition to excelling at academic coursework, your odds of admittance improve with physical proficiency and certain personality traits. Once accepted into the academy, you will go ...

What is the Air Force Academy?

The U.S. Air Force Academy offers postsecondary education for aspiring military officers. Cadets are held to rigorous standards, and the academy recommends you start preparing well in advance of applying.

How long does it take to become an Air Force officer?

You'll study a core curriculum, including military education, and undergo five weeks of basic training. Military education introduces you to military history, doctrine, strategy and professionalism, preparing you to serve as an officer in the U.S. Air Force.

What are some examples of basic training?

You'll have the opportunity to serve in one of three flight training squadrons. Some examples of core curriculum courses include: Economics . Calculus I. Physics.

What does it mean when you get a letter of assurance from the Academy?

If selected for the first stage of the application process, you'll receive a letter of assurance stating that you've been given an appointment to the academy. Once your nomination is approved, you'll receive your acceptance letter.

Do you need a GPA to go to the academy?

Although the academy doesn't require you to earn a specific GPA in high school, it stated that typically 81% of applicants are ranked in the top quarter of their classes.

Do you have to have a fitness assessment to join a high school athletic team?

You're strongly encouraged to join an athletic team. According to the academy, about 95% of applicants have played on high school sports teams, and 80% have earned a varsity letter. A fitness assessment is required as part of the application process and includes the following: Basketball throw. Shuttle run.

What is the average ACT score for the Air Force Academy?

United States Air Force Academy’s average ACT score is 73. To be a competitive applicant for United States Air Force Academy your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 81, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider United States Air Force Academy a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of 65.

Do you have to take the SAT for the Air Force Academy?

United States Air Force Academy requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how United States Air Force Academy’s accepted students have performed on both tests. You may be wondering how many test scores should you submit. Generally, don’t freak out about taking the test too often.

Do you need to see past grades for the Air Force Academy?

United States Air Force Academy needs to see past your test scores and grades - they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community. You are more than grades and test scores - your experiences should demonstrate that.

Is the Air Force Academy competitive?

As you can see, United States Air Force Academy is getting more and more difficult to get into. If this trend continue it’s likely that United States Air Force Academy will be even more competitive by the time you apply.

What are the most common activities that cadets participate in during high school?

The most common activities cadets participated in during high school include sports and the National Honor Society. Over 80% of a recent Academy class received at least one Varsity letter in sports during high school.

What is leadership at USAFA?

Leadership is a large part of everyday cadet life at USAFA. The Academy relies on those who know you best to provide character references. The admissions team requires three teacher evaluations to learn more about your academic performance and character.

What is a letter of assurance?

A Letter of Assurance is a reservation of an appointment to a Service Academy contingent upon medical qualification, physical qualification, Height/Weight and continued excellent work in school, and file Completion. Letters of Assurance are conditional and subject to review throughout the entire application process.

What high school classes do you need to be in the Air Force Academy?

Here are the high school classes the Air Force Academy recommends taking: Four years of English (with a college preparatory class in writing) Four years of math. Strong background in geometry, algebra, trigonometry and pre-calculus. Four years of science. Lab-based and should include biology, chemistry and physics.

What is the mission of the Air Force Academy?

The Mission of the United States Air Force Academy is to educate, train and inspire men and women to become officers of character motivated to lead the U.S. Air Force and Space Force in service to our nation.

Do you need a nomination to be in the Air Force Academy?

You are required to receive a nomination from a nominating authority in order to attend the Air Force Academy.

Is the fitness assessment the same across all service academies?

Recommended goals for the fitness assessment from admissions team. The good news is that this test is the same across all service academies, so you if you are undecided about which service academy to apply for you can still prepare for all and only test once.