No earlier than July 1, the full application becomes accessible once the Pre-Candidate Questionnaire is completed and candidate status is granted. This includes a detailed checklist of items you must complete, along with an exact deadline for finishing them. The Academy uses rolling deadlines, meaning each applicant has their own personalized due date posted in their online portal. It’s on you to track those deadlines carefully and make sure every checklist item is submitted on time. Think of it like a mission briefing: you’re given the tasks, the timeline, and the responsibility to execute with precision.

February-April: Applications are reviewed and the majority of appointments are offered during this time.

National Decision Day is the nationwide deadline for high school seniors to officially commit to the college or service academy they plan to attend. For those considering the U.S. Air Force Academy, this marks the moment to choose their path and take the next step toward becoming leaders of character.