Order your free copy of "Pre-Launch Checklist"
The AOG publishes a free CD which covers a lot of the questions you will have about what to do to get ready to attend.  It’s a must have and it’s free! For more information contact the Association of Graduates.
 

Get The USAFA Candidate Handbook
This handbook is written by William Smallwood and is a wonderful guide for those who are applying to the academy and for those who have received their appointments.  It covers how to prepare, how to get in, how to survive, and most importantly: advise for parents!  It’s available both from the Academy at www.airforcesports.com or other online retailers including Amazon.com.
 

Advance Preparation To Get Through The Rigors of Beast and The First Year
These are suggestions from those that have survived:
- Run, Run, Run. Build your endurance. Follow the physical fitness guidelines for the CFT. FaIling out on a run will bring unwanted attention to you.
- Drink lots of water the week prior to in-processing. It will help you adapt to the altitude more quickly.
- Learn how to iron. It will save you a lot of time.
- Get your combat boots NOW and break them in. Wear them to school.
- Run in them. Blisters during Beast can become a big problem.
- Learn to polish your boots. Being proficient will save time.
- Engrave or use a permanent marker to put your Social Security Number on anything you take (which won't be much!).
 

What To Bring
Follow the checklist given in the USAF A publication "Instructions to Appointees". Bring ONLY what you are told to bring. EVERYTHING else will be locked away. In addition, the following items are either requested by
the Academy or permitted..
* Wear neat, clean clothes. Nothing conspicuous.
* Sunscreen is vital. When you are a mile closer to the sun, you burn faster.
* A rechargeable, electric razor. Get used to using it NOW so your skin has a chance to adapt.
* If you bring a watch, make it a cheep one, as it will be taken away.
* A scientific/graphing calculator is a must for the placement tests.
* Letter writing materials: pre-addressed, stamped envelopes, pens, stamps, envelopes, paper, a small address book (filled in), email addresses.
* A journal. It's a good place to vent feelings that can't be aired openly.
* Inexpensive Scriptures. It is said, " At the Academy, you will find God."
*With the exception of those items you are instructed to bring, everything else is issued, including a toothbrush.
*A few pictures of family and friends to put in your hat.
 

If a Cadet Has A Scholarship
Scholarship money can be applied to the deposit. Alternatively, it can go into the cadet's held pay, so they don't incur the entire $5,000 debt for uniforms, books, etc. It will be applied based on the wishes of the donor (i.e., if they say that the scholarship is for books, it will be applied for that; if they don't specify, it can be applied wherever). If the donor needs some sort of letter, Cadet Pay, (719)-333-4297 or 333-4298 can prepare one.