Hey everyone, I’m currently active duty Air Force and looking into applying to USAFA through the LEAD program. I’ve done a decent amount of research already, but I’m still pretty confused about what USAFA is specifically looking for from prior-enlisted applicants and what actually makes someone competitive.

For some background, I’m 20 and turning 21 this September. I had a 4.0 GPA in high school, was in National Honor Society, did dual enrollment, and I’ve continued taking college classes while on active duty. I have NOT completed the SAT, but I am scheduled for 3 November. Im studying now since Im rusty as hell.

Military-wise, I’m still fairly early in my career, but I’ve tried to do as much as possible since joining. I’m currently working toward BTZ for March (really good chance that I will sew on) and have taken on extra responsibilities and opportunities whenever I could. I wouldn’t say I have some crazy background with tons of high school sports, major leadership positions, or anything like that, which is part of why I’m unsure how competitive I actually am.

For anyone who has gone through LEAD, applied from active duty, or knows the process well:

What does USAFA actually prioritize when evaluating LEAD applicants?

How important are SAT/ACT scores compared with military performance and high school/college academics?

What should I specifically be trying to accomplish while active duty to strengthen my application?

What separates someone who gets a direct USAFA appointment from someone who gets offered the Prep School?

Are there things you wish you had known before applying through LEAD?

I know there’s information on the USAFA website, but I’m mainly looking for advice from people who have actually been through the process or worked with LEAD applicants.

Any guidance would be appreciated

I'm currently a highschool sophomore interested in improving my chances of getting into USAFA, my last semesters GPA was 3.87, my freshman year I had perfect attendance and gained almost 12 highschool credits (11.75) as a sophomore in taking all honors classes and I'm in multiple extracurriculars (including band, a few clubs, C.A.P., and my school's JROTC) any recommendations on improving my chances?? (I'm taking the PSAT and the ASVAB later this year)

I posted on here recently asking if it would be possible for me to go to the prep school but seeing that I have a competitive gpa (3.8) but not the act (25) for it. I’m retaking it in September so hopefully I score higher and have a better chance at the prep. But I was wondering, god forbid I don’t get the score I’m looking for, would going enlisted and then applying be a smart option. For anyone who went enlisted to usafa I would like to know how hard it was for you to apply for the Lead program as well.

My parents are Brazilian leading to my first language being Portuguese I later learned English with 7 years of age and have been mostly speaking English since then.

I have been taking Spanish since 6th grade and now that I’m a rising junior I have been presented the option of dropping my SUNY level Spanish to take a AP class, if I were to drop this class I can take a total of 2 extra AP classes until my graduation. Obviously SUNY level Spanish is good and I can get extra credits but does this really matter if I’ve been proficient in Spanish also I’m fluent in Portuguese.

I don’t know what I should really do, Spanish is a pain in the ass since I already know it well and speak Portuguese, I could be better off doing a AP class.

What’s your guys thoughts on this?

Hey yall, I’m a senior applying for usafa, and have adhd and take medication, but have never had any iep or 504 plans. I currently take it but I have a 35 act and 4.6 gpa and don’t really take it much unless my parents ask me to. Will this disqualify me, and should I still bother applying?

Hey everyone,
This is my first post in Reddit! I was wondering if I could still have a chance of getting into usafa this year as a HS senior. I honestly have done nothing of note so far in my academic career. I know I could still get in as a freshman in college but I’m honestly super lost on how I could even get ready for that. Any tips help and are appreciated because I would be the second person in my family to even consider a higher education. Thank you again to anyone who replies!

Currently an A1C with almost 2 years of service
High school GPA: 3.84, class rank 37/192
College GPA: 3.64
ACT: 20 English / 20 Math / 29 Reading / 25 Science (old score; currently retaking)
Varsity wrestling 3 years of high school with academic all state for 2 years.
Vice President for my schools National Honor Society
Founded and got our school’s first ever audio/video program. President of the publication as well
Worked all 4 years of high school and moved to a shift manager position my senior year.
Graduated 2nd of 833 in bmt, was also an element leader and earned a bmt honor graduate ribbon
Tech school leadership-squadron white rope and yellow rope. Around 300 hours of volunteer and earned my HOPE Specialist SEI
Currently part of my squadrons rising 4, airman dorm council, booster club
Led numerous events/fundraisers on base
Haven’t taken the cfa yet but I’ve gotten 95 and above on all my fitness tests.
Never gotten in trouble. Didn’t even get a 341 pulled 😂

I know my biggest weakness is my act right now but I’m taking that again in a few weeks. My commander has told me repeatedly he will sponsor or nominate me for USAFA. I’m just curious on whether or not I sound competitive or not. I have a lot more I could say too but I’m trying to keep it short.

I’m more curious if I’d be competitive for direct admission or if prep school is the more likely option.

I’m a senior applying for co/31 and my stats aren’t so great so I’m only aiming for the prep school but I’m worried I won’t even get that.
Stats:
3.8 uw
25 act
Varsity track and field
Job at the px for a year
Volunteered at my bases commissary
Can get all the averages for cfa and some a little higher

Obviously not even enough for direct admit but I was wondering if this is competitive for prep. However, if my goal is to just commission is the 10 month of extra training better than only 4 years in afrotc. Also I know that commissioning through afrotc is a challenge itself because of EA. If neither plan works I’ll enlist in the Air Force so I’m not incredibly worried about anything but I just want to know whether I’m competitive for prep and if given the option I should even do that over afrotc?

So might be a dumb question, but is the Space Operations degree still a thing? I was looking at the department of Astronautics page and it listed it but I wasn’t sure since it wasn't on the majors page. If it is not, can anyone tell me what Astronautical Engineering is like?

Link: https://www.usafa.edu/academic/space-operations/

Currently at USAFA, just wondering if it’s possible to cross commission into NOAA or if I have to go straight into Air Force and inter service transfer after?

I'm currently in tech school, currently active duty. Initially i wasn't sure if I wanted to go down the USAFA path but I gave it some thought and had some discussions and after that I figured this was the path I want to go down.

I already started on the PCQ but I realised as well my tech school isn't really that long. It asked for a mailing address which would be used to schedule my appointments and I believe my DODMERB too.

My tech school is quite short (44 academic days) and I'm expected to graduate and move on to my next base at the start of November, I really want to go for it and apply but given my circumstances, timelines, meeting my commander and getting the 1786 done, all of that before December 31, will this be realistically achievable? And is it a good idea to submit the application while I'm here in tech school or should I wait until I'm at my first base?

I had my DODMERB physical today and I weigh 150, I thought I was 5’5 (that’s what I’ve been told at all my other physicals I’ve had in my life), but the nurse put down 5’2.5 at the DODMERB place, maybe I wasn’t standing up straight idk.

I’m way out of line for the weight for someone my height and the medical place is 2 hours from my house (round-trip), am I going to have to lose the weight and drive back to get it redone or can I get my waist taped at my own personal dr next to my house?

Anyone else experienced this problem? 😬

Hi! I’m a senior in highschool and I was looking around at all the recommendations and such for classes and was wondering, should I take a collage class programming/computer science and/or a Spanish class? Previously back in sophomore year I took one spanish class but I had never taken any computer or programming class because my highschool never offered it. So what I was wondering was would it be worth it to try and take a quick community collage class for these subjects or just leave it as is? I’m in the programming and robotics club now at my school but that’s about it for that subject. Thanks for any help!

Hey yall, I have recently became really interested in the usafa, but it is already August. Is it too late to apply and actually have a chance. I have around a 35 act 4.6 gpa and volunteer a lot as well as president of a few clubs. The only problem is I quit football my junior year and I only play tennis and golf outside of school, so I’m feeling like my chances are kinda bleak, especially since I’m starting the application so late.

(I have a mild red-green color deficiency) I've read multiple things talking about a color vision test called the CCT and only needing a score of 55 or higher on each color. So I decided to find someone who did this color vision test and preformed it, my scores were 70 Red, 90 Green, and 100 Blue. This might be a dumb question but I really want a confirmation on either if I am or am not qualified to be a pilot in the Air Force.

Hey guys!

I recently been working with the CFA and will be taking the actual CFA next summer, I need advice on pretty much everything for the CFA; I’m going to continue practicing every month and weekly when it comes close to the test but until then I would like to know any tips and tricks for the CFA.

I’m a male, I’m pretty athletic, I’m having some trouble with my mile time and basketball throw (both are really bad with my bbal being 32 feet and mile being 8:00, I don’t know if I’m marking the data correct/conducting the test wrong or if I’m just that behind)

I would love any tips to get above average on all.

My last question is if there really is a need to get max on all or is it not necessary and only above average times would be needed?

Thanks to all who respond!

Hello,

I have my candidate interview in a few days, and I am super nervous. Is there anyone who has gone through the process who would like to give me some insight as to the type of questions asked, what they look for, and things of that nature. I'm not really the best with public speaking, and you can tell when I'm nervous, so I'm trying to prepare as best I can.

Also, is this like a pass/fail type of thing that gets recorded? Or are they just taking notes on you?

Thanks

I’m applying for the class of 2031 USAFA. A boy at my school also is applying and he has 8 of the checklists done (minus his personal essays), he said he just received a letter of interest. I’m kind of nervous now bc he’s in my JROTC and his extracurricular’s are way better than mine and so is his ACT (by like 3 points) 😭

Does a Letter of Interest mean his application is better than mine or he will be accepted over me potentially if he finished his whole application?

As an enlisted Airmen, what are some tips or advice heading into the DODMERB Exam, senator interviews, and the CFA?

Hello everyone, I am in the process of submitting my scores. There is one concern I have though, after I submit before my initial deadline will I still be able to update them on improvements in scores? For example my deadline is mid November but I wanted to take my final test in December to completely maximize my chances.

My boyfriend is a freshman cadet at USAFA, and I’ll be attending Parents’ Weekend for the first time with his parents in just 2 weeks now. I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on etiquette for the weekend!

I know I need to be mindful of PDA, especially while he’s in uniform or we’re on Academy grounds. I’d really love to give him a big hug when I first see him, but I also know there are certain expectations when cadets are in uniform. Is there anything else I should know about what girlfriends/significant others should or shouldn’t do, especially during official events? I really don’t want to accidentally do something that’s considered disrespectful or inappropriate.

Also, what should I expect as a girlfriend? I’m really hoping I’m not the only significant other of a freshman there. I’m assuming there will be plenty of other girlfriends/boyfriends, but I’m a little nervous since this is my first time. I’d love to meet some other significant others of freshman cadets and hopefully make some connections! I just don’t want his parents to feel like they have to drag me around everywhere or miss out on their own parents’ club meetings because they feel responsible for entertaining me. I absolutely love his parents, but I definitely don’t want to be a burden to them.

And what about dress code? It says business casual but how casual are we talking? Would a nice, modest long-sleeve dress be appropriate for the first day? For the football game, would jeans with a white USAFA shirt/sweatshirt be ok, or are they expecting something a little nicer? (I saw that the Parents' Weekend game vs. Duquesne is a “Whiteout” game). I've also been told that there'll be a LOT of walking, so I’m definitely planning on wearing comfortable shoes.

I’ve heard Colorado Springs can be pretty dry and windy, with the altitude making all the walking more tiring, and that the mornings/evenings can get pretty cold. I’m going to check the 10-day forecast, but for those who have actually been at USAFA in early September, what was the weather like? Should I plan more for warmer weather or cooler weather? Definitely planning on bringing layers either way.

I’d also really appreciate any advice about the weekend in general, anything you wish you’d known beforehand, or anything I should expect! I already have the expectation that my boyfriend will probably just want to relax at the Airbnb and spend time with us after everything he’s been doing, so I’m not expecting us to go out and do things except maybe out to dinner.

Thanks for any advice! I just want to make sure I’m being respectful of the Academy, his squadron, and his parents while still having a fun weekend. We’re all soooo excited to finally see him after so long! :)

(The reason why I can't really ask my bf any of this is because I'm actually surprising him! He has no idea I'm coming! Once again, thank you!)

G'morning.
My 17 year old son, entering senior year, has wanted to go the USAFA for the last 4 years. He's been working hard, has some strengths and some weaknesses. I'm looking for honest opinions on his chances, don't hold back. Strengths is leadership experience and weakness is grades, in my opinion.

Varsity Baseball player
Senior Class President
Eagle Scout, with Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader experience. Completed National Youth Leadership Training and was invited back to be a youth instructor, which he did. Worked at a Scout Camp for 8 weeks teaching Pioneering merit badge. Went on 6 high adventure programs and was elected Treking Crew Chief for his 90 mile backpacking trip. Is teaching his Troop the new Eagle required badge of Military History which was just added.
Worked FT all summer pumping septic tanks and washing out porta potties

Varsity Jazz band. 7 years of trombone
4 years of Spanish

3.66 gpa with 1330 sat. He's retaking his SAT at least twice. He'll have 6 AP classes under his belt by the end of his senior year

6:10 mile
85 foot basketball throw
12 pull ups, currently.
55 push ups, currently.
54 sit ups, currently
has not yet done shuttle run

Practice interview with Air Force officers

Also applied to USNA and was invited to a candidate visit, which he's doing in 3 weeks

Applied for nominations from USCongressman, both senators and JD Vance.

We are blessed to live in a rural area with typically lower application numbers.

Any feedback, odds or blind spots would be appreciated. Be direct.

Hello! Im a senior, and I'm wondering if if submitting my application earlier or later will affect my chances

I know rolling admissions are a thing but I can't find anywhere if submitting later can actually hurt your chances, and the main reason I ask is because I am taking the September SAT hoping for a 1450+, and my current sat score is 1420,

I already have almost everything else completed except that and am unsure if I should use my current score and submit right now or wait until September scores come out.

I was curious about my chances entering/ getting accepted into USAFA/ the Prep School. After some research, I've noticed how competitive the people who are entering straight out of HS are. As I graduated from HS a while ago, I am nearing the age deadline for the Prep School. I have a pretty long tech school, and by the time I graduate from my tech school, I would be nearing 2 years of time in service. There has been a student who has gone through the process here of applying to the Academy, but opted out due to all the work it requires. Once I graduate from my Tech School, I would be, I think, 12-18 credits shy of an Associate of Arts. Also, my Tech School is pretty intensive and is often referred to as another college-type of school lol. I was wondering how this looks compared to other prior service or people applying to the Academy when they look at my prior enlisted performance. There's a lot more information that goes into my history here, but that would all be too much to type lol; I just want a ballpark, and if more info is needed, I would gladly provide it too lol.