USAFA Preparatory School Recommendation

If you want to attend the Air Force Academy, don't miss this special opportunity available only to CAP cadets!

Each year HQ CAP submits recommendations to the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) for one cadet to attend the US Air Force Academy Preparatory School. It's common for the Academy to admit several CAP cadets annually through this program, not just the promised one. The Prep School is a one-year program that greatly increases a student's potential for admission to the Academy. It is a fantastic opportunity for cadets who might not otherwise qualify for appointment to the Academy.

Application Procedures

Step 1: USAFA Application

Applicants must first apply directly to the Air Force Academy via www.academyadmissions.com by 31 December of their senior year. USAFA Admissions will forward further timeline instructions once the applicant's initial questionnaire is reviewed.

Step 2: Civil Air Patrol Application

Apply for the CAP Scholarship Application event and USAFA Preparatory School Recommendation subevent in Registration Zone in accordance with the directions on the scholarship application procedures page. For the 2027 season, the scholarship application window will be Dec 15, 2026 through Jan 15, 2027 at 12pm Central. No late applications will be accepted.

Eligibility Requirements for CAP's Endorsement

1. Be a current CAP cadet and have earned the Billy Mitchell Award at the time of application

2. Meet the following requirements for a CAP cadet academic scholarship

Must be a high school senior, high school graduate, or hold a GED
Must submit at least one but not more than three letters of recommendation written by someone who is familiar with the cadets' accomplishments in CAP. If you have multiple documents of the same type, combine them all into one document before upload.
Must submit a resume, not longer than 2 pages, detailing any academic, community or CAP activities

Applications receiving a CAP recommendation will be forwarded to USAFA. Academy officials make the final selection(s) and announce them in the Spring, usually in April. Only one (1) cadet receiving the recommendation will be awarded placement at the USAFA Prep School provided there is space available, and they meet Prep School academic standards.