Hi everyone, I've been thinking a lot about joining the Military after high school. I'm particularly interested in the Air Force Academy. Do you know what the usual academic requirements, GPA, test scores or coursework, would be for this path?
Admission to the United States Air Force Academy is highly competitive, and the academy takes a holistic approach to admissions, in which they review the overall individual, not just their academic achievements. That said, academically, there are a few ballpark figures and course expectations you can strive for.
The typical candidate for the Air Force Academy is in the top 20% of their high school class. While the academy does not specify a GPA cut-off, a strong academic record is a crucial part of your application.
In terms of standardized test scores, both the SAT or ACT are accepted. The middle 50% of admitted students typically score between 630-770 on the SAT Math section, and 610-710 on the SAT Reading and Writing section. For the ACT, the middle 50% scores range from 30-34 for English, 29-34 for Math, 31-35 for Reading, and 28-33 for Science. However, remember SAT and ACT scores are just one piece of the entire application puzzle.
Coursework-wise, minimum high school course requirements are:
- 4 years of English
- 4 years of academic math (including algebra, geometry, pre-calculus)
- 4 years of lab science (including physics, chemistry)
- 3 years of social studies (including American History)
- 2 years of foreign language is desirable
Keep in mind that these are the minimum requirements. The Air Force Academy often admits students who exceed these benchmarks, with many having completed AP and honors classes.
Additionally, the Air Force Academy values leadership experience, like participation in extracurricular activities, clubs, or sports, and looks favorably on candidates that have proven leadership skills or potential.
Candidates are also required to pass fitness and medical evaluations, and secure a nomination from a U.S. member of congress or the Vice President of the United States, among others.
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