Students with military aspirations are likely interested in attending West Point or the Air Force Academy. But how do you get into West Point? And is it hard to get into the Air Force Academy? Unlike other institutions of higher education, West Point and the Air Force Academy have medical and physical fitness requirements, in addition to several other extra steps, such as securing a Congressional nomination. This is why it’s important to complete your research carefully and to give yourself plenty of time to complete all of your application materials.

In this article, we will review eligibility requirements, application steps, and deadlines associated with West Point and the Air Force Academy. So if you’re wondering, “Is it hard to get into West Point?” or “How do you get into the Air Force Academy?” don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place!

How to get into West Point

The first step to knowing how to get into West Point is knowing how to apply to West Point. Unlike other institutions of higher learning, West Point applicants are subject to a few more requirements. This is why it’s important to plan ahead and understand each step of the application process thoroughly. After all, the West Point acceptance rate is only 11%. So you need to complete your application carefully!

With an average admitted GPA of 3.9, you’ll need to focus on the importance of course rigor and your high school GPA. Knowing how to demonstrate leadership skills in high school will also be key in your West Point application.

Eligibility requirements

There are a few eligibility requirements that will determine whether or not you have a chance at being admitted. These requirements are crucial in terms of how to get accepted to West Point. They are as follows:

  • At least 17 but not 23 or older
  • US citizen
  • Not married
  • Not pregnant
  • Not legally responsible for child support

Understanding the West Point application process

In addition to the average GPA to get into West Point, you’ll need to complete an interview, medical examination, and fitness assessment, as well as secure an official nomination. If this sounds a bit overwhelming, don’t worry! We’ll review each step carefully.

01

Complete the candidate questionnaire

The first step to getting into West Point is to complete the Candidate Questionnaire. If eligible, you will receive your West Point Candidate Portal credentials by email within 24-48 hours. It’s important to note that the West Point application becomes available to high school juniors on February 1st.

02

Connect with your field force representative

The next step is to find and connect with your local Field Force representative. Field Force representatives are local volunteers from the U.S. Military Academy. These representatives will be an invaluable resource throughout your application process. You will also need to schedule an interview with them as a part of your application.

03

Schedule an interview

After you’ve connected with your Field Force representative, you’ll need to schedule an interview. If you need tips on how to complete a successful interview, review our articles, How To Answer ‘What Are Your Career Goals?’ in an Interview and Popular College Interview Questions and How to Answer Them. You’ll also want to reflect carefully on the question “Why West Point?” before your interview. Make sure you have several compelling and specific reasons why you’d like to attend!

04

Apply for a nomination

One of the most important steps in regards to how to get into West Point Academy is applying for a Congressional or Service-Connected nomination. Locate your Congressional Representative or Senators in order to apply for a Congressional nomination. If you have questions about securing a nomination, refer to West Point’s article on the topic here. Nominations are required for all applicants and must be received by January 31st.

05

Schedule your medical exam

Another key step in regard to how to get into West Point military academy is to schedule a medical examination. Schedule your exam as soon as possible, as it can take several months to become qualified. Reach out to the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) in order to schedule your exam.

06

Complete the fitness assessment

You will need to take the Candidate Fitness Assessment as a part of your West Point application. According to West Point’s website, the assessment includes the following six events:

07

Complete your standardized tests (SAT/ACT or PSAT)

Finally, you must complete and submit your standardized test results. Review our SAT study plan and schedule templates to help prepare you for your exams. Your scores must be received by February 28th. It is also worth noting that according to US News: “Half the applicants admitted to West Point have an SAT score between 1200 and 1440 or an ACT score of 28 and 33.”

List of required documents

Use the list below as a checklist; this will help you stay organized during the application process. Remember to check in about individual deadlines so that your application is fully complete on January 31st (the overall application deadline).

  • Transcripts
  • School Official Evaluation
  • Candidate statement
  • Candidate Fitness Assessment
  • Medical Exam (DODMERB)
  • Nominations
  • Interview

Key dates to remember

  • The application window opens on February 1st for high school juniors
  • Application Deadline: January 31st
  • SAT/ACT scores must be received by February 28th

 

If you’re interested in applying to West Point, start your application here.

How to get into the Air Force Academy

Similarly to West Point, the first step to knowing how to get into the Air Force Academy is knowing how to apply to the Air Force Academy. Again, there are certain requirements to get into the Air Force Academy that go above what’s expected of applicants applying to different types of colleges and universities.

With an overall acceptance rate of 12% and an average admitted GPA of 3.85, you’ll need to focus on the importance of course rigor and your high school GPA. Knowing how to demonstrate leadership skills in high school will also be key in your Air Force Academy application.

Curious about West Point vs. Air Force Academy application requirements? Continue reading for more insight and information.

Eligibility requirements

There are a few eligibility requirements that will determine whether or not you have a chance at being admitted. These requirements are crucial in terms of getting into the Air Force Academy. They are as follows:

  • At least 17 but not 23 or older
  • US citizen
  • Not married
  • Not pregnant
  • Not legally responsible for child support

Understanding the Air Force Academy application process

In addition to the average GPA to get into the Air Force Academy, you’ll need to complete an interview, medical examination, and fitness assessment, as well as secure an official nomination. Don’t worry; we’ll review each step carefully!

01

Complete the pre-candidate questionnaire

Complete your Pre-candidate Questionnaire as soon as March 1st of your junior year of high school. This questionnaire will determine whether or not you are eligible to apply to the Air Force Academy. If eligible, you will receive your portal login information.

02

Apply for a nomination

Similarly to West Point applications, you will need to secure a Congressional nomination as a part of your application. Locate your Congressional Representative or Senators to get started on this integral part of your Air Force Academy application.

03

Schedule your medical exam

Reach out to the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) to schedule your medical exam. Schedule your exam as soon as possible, as it may take several months to become qualified.

04

Complete the fitness assessment

The Air Force Academy Fitness Assessment features the same six events as the fitness exam used by West Point. The events are as follows:

According to the Air Force Academy website, your fitness exam may be “administered by any physical education teacher, Service Academy Liaison Officer or JROTC instructor…It is your responsibility to arrange for a qualified person to conduct your examination.”

05

Complete your standardized tests (SAT/ACT)

Finally, you must complete and submit your standardized test results. Review our SAT study plan and schedule templates to help prepare you for your exams.

According to the Air Force Academy’s website: “​​Students who score below 620 Evidence-based reading and writing or below 580 math on the SAT reasoning test and below 24 English/reading and 25 math/science on the ACT normally will not be competitive for an appointment directly into the Academy. However, they will be considered for the prep school or a Falcon Foundation Scholarship.”

List of required documents

Use the list below as a checklist; this will help you stay organized during the application process. Remember to check in about individual deadlines so that your application is fully complete on January 31st (the overall application deadline).

  • Transcripts
  • School Official Evaluation
  • 2 Personal Essays
  • Candidate Fitness Assessment
  • Medical Exam (DODMERB)
  • Nominations
  • Interview
  • 3 Teacher Evaluations

Key dates to remember

  • The application window opens on March 1st for high school juniors
  • Application Deadline: December 31st

 

If you’re interested in applying to the Air Force Academy, start your application here.

Key takeaways and moving forward

The best way to prepare for your West Point and Air Force Academy applications is to familiarize yourself with the application process and know precisely what is expected of you. Start each step as early as possible and keep track of any pertinent deadlines. One of the most significant factors in regard to how to get into West Point and how to get into the Air Force Academy is securing an official nomination. Connect with your local West Point and Air Force Academy representative for advice on how to best navigate this process. In the meantime, if you have any questions about your high school or college career, reach out to learn more about our services.

The key to knowing how to ask for a raise successfully is to know when to ask for a raise. There are lots of reasons why you might decide to ask for a raise, including taking on more workplace responsibilities, receiving another employment offer, being considered for a promotion, and realizing you are being underpaid by industry standards. Many workers also ask for raises on account of inflation and increased costs of living.

It takes confidence to ask for a raise. This is why it’s important to do your research and know ahead of time what a good raise percentage is for your industry. In this article, we will discuss how to negotiate for the salary you deserve by reviewing how often to ask for a raise, how much to ask for a raise, and how to convince your boss that you are an asset to the company.

When is it okay to ask for a raise? 5 examples of when to ask for a raise

There are many reasons why you might decide that it’s time to ask for a raise. In this section, we will review 5 common examples of when it’s time to ask for a raise. If any of the following 5 examples pertain to you, it’s probably time to schedule a meeting with your boss to negotiate your salary.

01

The market rate is higher than what you’re being paid.

Are you underpaid for your work? How much are workers being paid at other companies?  It’s possible that you are being underpaid by your industry’s standards. If this is the case, do your research. Have a firm understanding of what the pay differential is and how much you’d like to be paid for your work. Make sure you have plenty of valid points when you sit down with your boss. Citing actual data will be a great strategy during this conversation, especially if the compensation rates really are skewed.

You’ll also want to keep in mind that while some companies may have higher salaries, this isn’t the only factor you should consider. Other factors include growth opportunities, job security, paid time off, and workplace culture. In other words, another company may offer higher pay, but what are the potential trade-offs?

02

You’ve taken on additional job responsibilities.

03

You’ve received an offer from a competing company.

Getting a job offer from a different company can be a bit risky while working at a reliable company. However, it could also be your ticket to getting the pay increase that you desire if you are looking to remain at the company you are currently working for. Training a new employee takes a lot of time and resources. Therefore, a company may decide that offering you a raise will save them more money in the long run, especially if you have a competing job offer.

If you receive a competing job offer, it’s important to really weigh out your options between both companies and choose the best one for you. Just because one company has a higher salary doesn’t mean that it is the right pick for you. Consider other factors such as employee retention, growth opportunities, workplace culture, and your benefits package. You should also have a plan for what you’d like to do if you aren’t given a raise. Are you prepared to walk away? Or will you stay at your current company?

04

You’re an asset to the company.

Whether the boss has asked you to take on more tasks or run a trade show, you’ve completed it. All of the additional tasks you’ve been asked to do should be recorded. Some career coaches suggest that you keep a work journal with details such as these that you can then present to your boss. This is a great strategy to help you achieve the salary increase you’ve been waiting for!

Remember, employers are in business to make money. If you’re the cash catalyst, you’re in the perfect position to ask for a raise. This is a great leverage point, especially if you are the one that is consistently helping the company bring in a vast amount of revenue. Your hard work is a great contributor to the raise that you deserve within your company.

05

You’re being considered for a promotion.

Whether you’ve been offered a promotion or have your eye on one, you should be given a raise with your new job title. Typically, companies will promote from within and refill the more entry-level positions. So, the chances of you moving up to a new job and gaining a new annual salary are right around the corner! If you’ve recently gained a promotion, congratulations! Step into your new position with newfound confidence by reviewing our article on confidence-boosting tips after earning a promotion.

How often should you get a raise?

How long should you wait to ask for a raise?

 If you are new to a company or are in an entry-level position, you need to prove your worth to the company over the course of 6 months before asking for a raise. More generally speaking, how often you should get a raise depends on your industry and the company you are working for. Many companies offer the potential for a raise every year during an annual performance review.

Knowing how to ask for a raise in a small company without annual performance reviews, however, may take a bit more personal initiative. If there are no performance reviews within the company you are associated with, then the time to ask for a raise is at your 6-month and 1-year mark of employment.

If possible, ask for a raise when you know the company is doing well financially. Ideally, you should ask for a raise after you’ve successfully completed a project. You’ll also want to make sure that your boss is in a good mood!

How to ask for a raise during a performance review

If your company offers annual performance reviews, prepare a few talking points to touch on during your performance review. Bring a list of your accomplishments throughout the year. Take special note of anything you’ve accomplished that falls outside of your typical job description.

If your boss has already been raving about the work you’ve been doing, you should remind them! Prove that you are an asset to the company. Don’t forget to provide a list of your accomplishments.

It’s likely that your boss will offer you a raise at your annual performance review. It’s also possible, however, that you may need to learn how to ask for a higher raise. This is why you should enter your performance review with a clear goal in your mind. How much you should get for a raise depends a lot on your industry, so make sure you do your research ahead of time and know what’s standard for your position.

Your performance review is also a great time to discuss your career goals with your employer. Show your enthusiasm for your role within the company. A good attitude and company loyalty go a long way!

How much is a good raise?

Should you get a raise every year? Depending on the length of time that you have been with the company determines how often you should receive a raise. Typically companies operate on an annual raise and review. If you’ve been with a company for 1 year, the typical rate for a raise is about 10%-20% above what you are currently making. Again, it is all based on your performance and what you have brought to the company.

Keep in mind that you can negotiate benefits when asking for a raise as well. There is more than one way to negotiate a raise, and it doesn’t only have to be for higher pay. You could ask for more vacation time, more sick days, the ability to work remotely, or even revisit the specifics of your health insurance plan.

5 practical steps to take when asking for a raise

Regardless of whether you want to know how to ask for a raise based on an increased workload or how to ask for a raise due to inflation, there are lots of tips on how to ask for a raise! Consider these 5 tips to get you ready to ask for the raise that you deserve.

01

List your accomplishments

One of the best things you can do is prove how you’ve positively impacted the company. You should write down everything you’ve brought to the table. Whether that’s generating an influx of leads or making systems and processes run smoother.

02

Discuss your competitive salary

There are free sites you can use to research your salary and what you should be paid according to your industry’s standards. That said, keep in mind the size of the company you are working for, as well as your existing benefits package.

wide GIF googling marketing salary of startups in florida no pointer
03

Demonstrate confidence

Remember to be confident when you walk into the boss’s office. It may seem intimidating, but you have everything you need to support your case. Plus, you deserve this!

04

Prove to your boss you deserve a raise

After explaining what you have done for the company’s success, consider telling your boss about your future career goals and how you plan to grow with the company. Show them that you are a creative and passionate member of the team.

05

Deliver your request in writing

Not only should you have a talk with your boss about receiving more money, but you should submit your request in writing too. Review our article on How to Write a Professional Work Email in order to learn how to ask for a raise in an email. Chances are your boss will have to discuss your request for a raise with higher-up bosses, so it’s helpful to have your formal request in writing.

Key takeaways and moving forward

It can be difficult to know when it is acceptable to ask for a raise. Many workers wonder: When can I ask for a raise? And can I ask for a raise after 6 months? Hopefully, this article helped clarify the answers to these questions!

Whether you find the salary you’re looking for in your current company or at a new company, you have to know when the best time to ask for a raise is. If your company offers annual performance reviews, advocate for your ideal raise then. If your company doesn’t offer a formal review process, don’t be afraid to reach out about a raise on an annual basis. In the meantime, keep a work journal detailing all of your achievements and any new task you are given outside of your job description.

If you are struggling to find a career you love, consider reaching out to learn more about our services. Here at Prepory, our career coaches analyze, improve, and optimize everything from your resumes, cover letters, online presence, interview skills, and more. We help you build, thrive and grow while earning the salary you deserve and propelling your career to greater heights.

FAQs

The questions you may have and the best answers for them!