<p>It is my understanding that every candidate must be triple qualified to be eligible to compete for an appointment. That means that they meet predefined minimum admission standards. The academy involved decides what those standards are and waivers can be given depending on the circumstances. For the most part, the nomination system determines who is offered an appointment. However, alternates are also selected off the National Waiting List. I’m not sure if other academies have the same process, but for USMA, the first 150 candidates selected off the NWL must be selected by rank order (Whole Candidate Score/WCS). The rest of the class can then be filled without regard to WCS. It is at this point that diversity quotas can be considered i.e. one candidate that meets a desired diversity profile may be offered admission over another candidate even though he/she has a lower WCS. </p>
<p>This seems consistent with the info in the link that USNA69 posted:
"Air Force: The Academy compiles a list of
candidates who meet minimum admission standards and then determines which eligible candidates will receive an offer."</p>
<p>B&P; I can't disagree with you. It is quite possible to recruit athletes who may not have had as high numbers. My point was that they did meet the minimum requirements.</p>
<p>having said that, both I and my son were glad that he received his appointment early; 1st of November; prior to the end of the football season and prior to the football programs doing any serious talking about being recruited. He can honestly say that he got his appointment based 100% on his application and academics. Now, after receiving the appointment, getting recruited was a plus. Plus, it's better for the academy because they don't have to worry about whether or a not a recruit can get an appointment.</p>
<p>But I do agree that it is possible to recruit athletes that may not be as strong academically. But either way, the recruited athlete is not getting in with a 21 ACT and such. They did have to meet the minimum requirements and standards.</p>
<p>Some people do only come here for football. I've seen plenty of people (mainly 4 digs) that outprocessed either because football wasn't enough to make up for the USAFA experience or they were booted from the team and that was the only reason they were here. There are people here for only athletics, can't deny that. As far as admissions, I'd be hesitant to put only my opinion out there, but its in line with Bullet's.</p>
<p>The USAFA prep school and scholarships granted through the Falcon Foundation are both ways for candidates who don't have quite the scores they need to still get into the Academy. That is one common way to prepare athletes who don't have the academic credentials they need right off the bat. Honestly, I think it's pretty pointless arguing about who gets in and why. The fact of the matter is, every cadet who actually goes through everything they have to go through to STAY at any of the academies deserves to be there. Some candidates are misjudged and end up getting kicked out when they become cadets. Some leave because this place is just not for them. It's impossible to pick a perfect class of cadets.</p>