United States Air Force Academy is one of the renowned universities in the USA. It is very competitive to get admission to. The acceptance rate of United States Air Force Academy is 16.23%. This means that only 16 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
How Competitive are United States Air Force Academy Admissions?
- Highly Competitive: Applicants need strong academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
With one of the lowest acceptance rates in the US, you need to be excellent in every area to get selected. However, since the acceptance rate is not below 10%, you still have a chance if your GPA isn't perfect. You can make up for a GPA deficiency by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses. Meeting United States Air Force Academy's GPA and standardized test (SAT/ACT) requirements is crucial, as failing to do so may prevent your application from moving forward. These requirements act as automatic filters, so meeting them is vital; failing to do so makes your chance of getting in nearly zero.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
United States Air Force Academy Admission Requirements
United States Air Force Academy GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at United States Air Force Academy is 3.81. It means that United States Air Force Academy is extremely selective in terms of the GPA. (Please note that most schools report a weighted GPA, which is out of 4.0. However, some schools may use unweighted GPAs. For exact information, contact the school admission staff).
With an average GPA of 3.81, United States Air Force Academy requires you to be at the top of your class. You need to score straight A's in all classes to have good chances of admission. Additionally, you must take AP or IB courses to demonstrate your academic ability. More specifically, your AP and IB courses must be related to the area of your selected course of study. For example, if you are planning a career in engineering or IT, courses related to mathematics, calculus, and physics will help you.
If your GPA is less than 3.81 and higher than 3.51 then you need higher SAT or ACT scores to compensate. You need a minimum of 3.41 GPA, to secure admission at United States Air Force Academy. Below this, the chances of admission will be very slim.
Can I Get Into United States Air Force Academy Without SAT Or ACT?: United States Air Force Academy requires test (SAT/ACT) scores to determine the merit for admission. It means that students will not be allowed to apply without test scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
United States Air Force Academy SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
United States Air Force Academy Average SAT Score: 1401
The average SAT score of the admitted students at United States Air Force Academy is 1401 on the 1600 SAT scale.
United States Air Force Academy SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1401 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1480 SAT or 33 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. United States Air Force Academy allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1310, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to United States Air Force Academy. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
United States Air Force Academy SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 705 | 660 | 750 |
| SAT Reading | 690 | 650 | 730 |
| SAT Composite | 1401 | 1310 | 1480 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1310 then you are below most of the admitted students at United States Air Force Academy and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1480 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1400
Can I get into United States Air Force Academy with a 1500 SAT?
With a 1500 SAT Score, your chances of admission at United States Air Force Academy are good but the admission staff at United States Air Force Academy tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
United States Air Force Academy ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at United States Air Force Academy is 31.
United States Air Force Academy ACT Competitiveness
This score makes United States Air Force Academy very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 31 on the ACT.
United States Air Force Academy ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 30 | 27 | 32 |
| ACT English | 31 | 27 | 34 |
| ACT Composite | 31 | 28 | 33 |
Can I get into United States Air Force Academy with a 33 ACT?
With a 33 ACT Score, your chances of admission at United States Air Force Academy are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send
You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at United States Air Force Academy. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.
But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.
Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 31.United States Air Force Academy Profile
Name: United States Air Force Academy
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into United States Air Force Academy
Boost Your Test Scores: Retake the SAT/ACT if needed. Use resources to improve your score.
Focus on Academics: Maintain a high GPA and take challenging courses.
Extracurricular Activities: United States Air Force Academy values well-rounded students who make meaningful contributions to their communities. Here’s how to showcase your strengths:
- Highlight long-term commitments, and unique accomplishments.
- Leaderships: Demonstrate clear leadership experience. This is not only true for United States Air Force Academy but also other schools. If you cannot demonstrate strong leadership qualities, your chances of acceptance will be low. Work on your weak areas, and improve your communication and interpersonal skills. Also, include your work experiences where you were given leadership responsibilities, and write down your achievements and how you were able to contribute as a team leader and team member.
- Community Service: Show how you have influenced change in the community and have a strong desire to do so in the future. Also, if you are planning to apply for United States Air Force Academy, participate in relevant activities. Work for social welfare and look for opportunities where you can make an impact. Start with your school or student council. Those having positions like president, secretary generals etc… in students councils have better chances. Network with notable people and develop your social media profile accordingly.
- Passion Projects: Whether it’s starting a club, publishing research, or excelling in the arts, show what sets you apart. Example: If you’ve founded a nonprofit or won a national competition, make sure it’s prominently featured in your application.
- Align your goals with United States Air Force Academy’s mission. Carefully read the objectives and mission of United States Air Force Academy on their official website and plan accordingly for each specific point. See how well your profile matches their objectives and goals, and work on the areas where you are lacking.
- Secure Strong Recommendations: Get letters from professors or employers who know your abilities well. Share your achievements and goals with them for a stronger, more personalized recommendation. If personal statement and recommendations align, your chances of success will be higher.
- Build a Strong Network: Engage with United States Air Force Academy Alumni and current students. Ask them how they planned their scholarship journey, what challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. Learn about the key factors behind their success and how they secured their selection.
- Craft Strong Essays: Tell your story authentically and highlight what makes you unique. College Essay is a very important document. Unlike your transcripts, which just show your numbers or grades, the essay reflects your true personality as a human being. Take considerable time to refine and craft your statement of purpose. Here are the detailed guidelines for writing a winning College Essay form our experts.
Does a degree from United States Air Force Academy Worth It?
Getting into United States Air Force Academy can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. United States Air Force Academy offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at United States Air Force Academy is USD: and unemployment rate is %.
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than United States Air Force Academy. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of United States Air Force Academy, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola Marymount University | Loyola Marymount University, CA | 1378 | 31 |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1379 | 31 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1380 | 32 |
| Trinity College | Trinity College, CT | 1387 | 31 |
| American University | American University, DC | 1386 | 31 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton College, IL | 1367 | 31 |
| Centre College | Centre College, KY | 1366 | 30 |
| St. John's College | St. John's College, MD | 1378 | 32 |
| Clark University | Clark University, MA | 1373 | 31 |
| Emerson College | Emerson College, MA | 1373 | 31 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as United States Air Force Academy. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for United States Air Force Academy, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University | Pepperdine University, CA | 1399 | 30 |
| Colorado College | Colorado College, CO | 1402 | 31 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Colorado School of Mines, CO | 1403 | 32 |
| University of Florida | University of Florida, FL | 1397 | 31 |
| University of Miami | University of Miami, FL | 1409 | 32 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than United States Air Force Academy. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occidental College | Occidental College, CA | 1434 | 33 |
| Scripps College | Scripps College, CA | 1467 | 33 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, GA | 1480 | 33 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL | 1440 | 32 |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell College, IA | 1480 | 33 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Behavioral Sciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
Full list of All degree programs offered by United States Air Force Academy.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.