Students with military aspirations are likely interested in attending West Point or the Air Force Academy. But how do you get into West Point? And is it hard to get into the Air Force Academy? Unlike other institutions of higher education, West Point and the Air Force Academy have medical and physical fitness requirements, in addition to several other extra steps, such as securing a Congressional nomination. This is why it’s important to complete your research carefully and to give yourself plenty of time to complete all of your application materials.
In this article, we will review eligibility requirements, application steps, and deadlines associated with West Point and the Air Force Academy. So if you’re wondering, “Is it hard to get into West Point?” or “How do you get into the Air Force Academy?” don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place!
How to get into West Point
The first step to knowing how to get into West Point is knowing how to apply to West Point. Unlike other institutions of higher learning, West Point applicants are subject to a few more requirements. This is why it’s important to plan ahead and understand each step of the application process thoroughly. After all, the West Point acceptance rate is only 11%. So you need to complete your application carefully!
With an average admitted GPA of 3.9, you’ll need to focus on the importance of course rigor and your high school GPA. Knowing how to demonstrate leadership skills in high school will also be key in your West Point application.
Eligibility requirements
There are a few eligibility requirements that will determine whether or not you have a chance at being admitted. These requirements are crucial in terms of how to get accepted to West Point. They are as follows:
- At least 17 but not 23 or older
- US citizen
- Not married
- Not pregnant
- Not legally responsible for child support
Understanding the West Point application process
In addition to the average GPA to get into West Point, you’ll need to complete an interview, medical examination, and fitness assessment, as well as secure an official nomination. If this sounds a bit overwhelming, don’t worry! We’ll review each step carefully.
Complete the candidate questionnaire
The first step to getting into West Point is to complete the Candidate Questionnaire. If eligible, you will receive your West Point Candidate Portal credentials by email within 24-48 hours. It’s important to note that the West Point application becomes available to high school juniors on February 1st.
Connect with your field force representative
The next step is to find and connect with your local Field Force representative. Field Force representatives are local volunteers from the U.S. Military Academy. These representatives will be an invaluable resource throughout your application process. You will also need to schedule an interview with them as a part of your application.
Schedule an interview
After you’ve connected with your Field Force representative, you’ll need to schedule an interview. If you need tips on how to complete a successful interview, review our articles, How To Answer ‘What Are Your Career Goals?’ in an Interview and Popular College Interview Questions and How to Answer Them. You’ll also want to reflect carefully on the question “Why West Point?” before your interview. Make sure you have several compelling and specific reasons why you’d like to attend!
One of the most important steps in regards to how to get into West Point Academy is applying for a Congressional or Service-Connected nomination. Locate your Congressional Representative or Senators in order to apply for a Congressional nomination. If you have questions about securing a nomination, refer to West Point’s article on the topic here. Nominations are required for all applicants and must be received by January 31st.
Schedule your medical exam
Another key step in regard to how to get into West Point military academy is to schedule a medical examination. Schedule your exam as soon as possible, as it can take several months to become qualified. Reach out to the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) in order to schedule your exam.
Complete the fitness assessment
You will need to take the Candidate Fitness Assessment as a part of your West Point application. According to West Point’s website, the assessment includes the following six events:
- Basketball throw (from a kneeling position)
- Cadence pull-ups or flexed-arm hang (women’s option)
- 40-yard shuttle run (for time)
- Modified Sit-ups (number completed in 2 minutes)
- Push-ups (number completed in 2 minutes)
- 1-mile run (for time)
Complete your standardized tests (SAT/ACT or PSAT)
Finally, you must complete and submit your standardized test results. Review our SAT study plan and schedule templates to help prepare you for your exams. Your scores must be received by February 28th. It is also worth noting that according to US News: “Half the applicants admitted to West Point have an SAT score between 1200 and 1440 or an ACT score of 28 and 33.”
List of required documents
Use the list below as a checklist; this will help you stay organized during the application process. Remember to check in about individual deadlines so that your application is fully complete on January 31st (the overall application deadline).
- Transcripts
- School Official Evaluation
- Candidate statement
- Candidate Fitness Assessment
- Medical Exam (DODMERB)
- Nominations
- Interview
Key dates to remember
- The application window opens on February 1st for high school juniors
- Application Deadline: January 31st
- SAT/ACT scores must be received by February 28th
If you’re interested in applying to West Point, start your application here.
How to get into the Air Force Academy
Similarly to West Point, the first step to knowing how to get into the Air Force Academy is knowing how to apply to the Air Force Academy. Again, there are certain requirements to get into the Air Force Academy that go above what’s expected of applicants applying to different types of colleges and universities.
With an overall acceptance rate of 12% and an average admitted GPA of 3.85, you’ll need to focus on the importance of course rigor and your high school GPA. Knowing how to demonstrate leadership skills in high school will also be key in your Air Force Academy application.
Curious about West Point vs. Air Force Academy application requirements? Continue reading for more insight and information.
Eligibility requirements
There are a few eligibility requirements that will determine whether or not you have a chance at being admitted. These requirements are crucial in terms of getting into the Air Force Academy. They are as follows:
- At least 17 but not 23 or older
- US citizen
- Not married
- Not pregnant
- Not legally responsible for child support
Understanding the Air Force Academy application process
In addition to the average GPA to get into the Air Force Academy, you’ll need to complete an interview, medical examination, and fitness assessment, as well as secure an official nomination. Don’t worry; we’ll review each step carefully!
Complete the pre-candidate questionnaire
Complete your Pre-candidate Questionnaire as soon as March 1st of your junior year of high school. This questionnaire will determine whether or not you are eligible to apply to the Air Force Academy. If eligible, you will receive your portal login information.
Apply for a nomination
Similarly to West Point applications, you will need to secure a Congressional nomination as a part of your application. Locate your Congressional Representative or Senators to get started on this integral part of your Air Force Academy application.
Schedule your medical exam
Reach out to the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) to schedule your medical exam. Schedule your exam as soon as possible, as it may take several months to become qualified.
Complete the fitness assessment
The Air Force Academy Fitness Assessment features the same six events as the fitness exam used by West Point. The events are as follows:
- Basketball throw (from a kneeling position)
- Cadence pull-ups or flexed-arm hang (women’s option)
- 40-yard shuttle run (for time)
- Modified Sit-ups (number completed in 2 minutes)
- Push-ups (number completed in 2 minutes)
- 1-mile run (for time)
According to the Air Force Academy website, your fitness exam may be “administered by any physical education teacher, Service Academy Liaison Officer or JROTC instructor…It is your responsibility to arrange for a qualified person to conduct your examination.”
Complete your standardized tests (SAT/ACT)
Finally, you must complete and submit your standardized test results. Review our SAT study plan and schedule templates to help prepare you for your exams.
According to the Air Force Academy’s website: “Students who score below 620 Evidence-based reading and writing or below 580 math on the SAT reasoning test and below 24 English/reading and 25 math/science on the ACT normally will not be competitive for an appointment directly into the Academy. However, they will be considered for the prep school or a Falcon Foundation Scholarship.”
List of required documents
Use the list below as a checklist; this will help you stay organized during the application process. Remember to check in about individual deadlines so that your application is fully complete on January 31st (the overall application deadline).
- Transcripts
- School Official Evaluation
- 2 Personal Essays
- Candidate Fitness Assessment
- Medical Exam (DODMERB)
- Nominations
- Interview
- 3 Teacher Evaluations
Key dates to remember
- The application window opens on March 1st for high school juniors
- Application Deadline: December 31st
If you’re interested in applying to the Air Force Academy, start your application here.
Key takeaways and moving forward
The best way to prepare for your West Point and Air Force Academy applications is to familiarize yourself with the application process and know precisely what is expected of you. Start each step as early as possible and keep track of any pertinent deadlines. One of the most significant factors in regard to how to get into West Point and how to get into the Air Force Academy is securing an official nomination. Connect with your local West Point and Air Force Academy representative for advice on how to best navigate this process. In the meantime, if you have any questions about your high school or college career, reach out to learn more about our services.