Summer Seminar
See Yourself at the Academy
Summer Seminar at the United States Air Force Academy gives students the opportunity to experience life on campus firsthand. Specially designed for high school juniors heading into their senior year, Summer Seminar allows participants to live like a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet for four days.
Applications are closed. Applications for Summer Seminar 2025 will open December 1, 2024.
The Summer Seminar dates for 2024:
Session A: June 4-7 (In Person)
Session B: June 11-14 (In Person)
Session C: June 17-19 (Virtual)
Summer Seminar 2024 is subject to change in dates and status whether in-person or virtual. Please monitor this page regularly for updates.
What to Expect
During Summer Seminar, you will be assigned to an “element” or group, with an upper-class cadet as your Element Leader. Your Element Leader will be with you almost 24 hours a day as your mentor and guide.
Be sure to check out our Summer Seminar FAQ to learn more.
Along with your element, you will:
- Live in cadet dormitories and eat at the cadet dining facility.
- Explore academic facilities and research labs.
- Participate in a variety of workshops, including some to assist with your application.
Selection Process
Students are selected to participate in Summer Seminar based on a “whole-person concept” that includes demonstrated leadership experience or potential in extracurricular and community activities, athletics and academics. Historically, more than 3,200 people apply and roughly 640 are selected.
Please keep in mind the selection process to attend.
Summer Seminar is NOT in any way a prerequisite for admission to the Academy. It is also NOT a prescreening or preselection program. All students applying for Summer Seminar are encouraged to apply for appointment to the Academy, regardless of selection for Summer Seminar. If you are not selected, it should not be interpreted as a reflection of your qualifications or ability to successfully pursue an appointment.
How to Apply
Our online Summer Seminar application opens December 1 and closes January 15. The last day to open an application for Summer Seminar is January 10. You will go through the same application portal as regular cadets when applying to Summer Seminar. The application link will be posted here when the application period opens.
Selections for Summer Seminar are based on the qualifications of each applicant and not on a first-come, first-served basis. Under no circumstances will late applications be accepted.
If you have questions about the program, please email Summer.Seminar@afacademy.af.edu.
You will need the following information available to complete the application:
- Full legal name
- Mailing address/home phone/email address
- High school and junior class size
- Social Security number
- Current high school GPA of 3.0 or above
- Grades for English and math
English (ninth grade–first semester of 11th grade) and math (algebra I and II, geometry, trigonometry, physics, chemistry) - One or more test scores (Optional): PSAT, PreACT, ACT or SAT
Additional Requirement
Personal Profile
A personal profile is required as part of the application process. Instructions are included on the application website. The profile is your opportunity to showcase your leadership background and other accomplishments. You will receive an email (at the email address indicated in your application), and your status will show on your application.
Cadet Life“I knew there’d be challenges, but that’s part of the reason why I wanted to come here. The best thing about the Academy is the opportunities that come with it.”
Costs
Historically, the registration fee for Summer Seminar is approximately $300. Fees are determined when registration opens, or earlier if possible. Lodging, meals, workshop supplies, as well as seminar “uniforms” and accessories will be provided to attendees.
If selected, you are responsible for funding and arranging your own transportation to and from Colorado Springs and the Academy. Limited transportation to and from the Colorado Springs Airport may be available on arrival and departure days. If you are selected and accept our offer, more detailed travel instructions will be provided. There may be an opportunity for a limited number of scholarships to attend this program after selections are made.
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Experience the Birthplace of Leaders
How does it feel to trace the footsteps of some of our nation’s most revered leaders? Come see the United States Air Force Academy for yourself and find out.
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If You Have Questions, Get Answers
Our outreach programs can help you determine whether the U.S. Air Force Academy is right for you as well as help you make your application as complete and competitive as possible.
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How Can You Learn More?
The majority of our events are held in the fall and spring, with fewer events in the summer months. To learn more about the U.S. Air Force Academy, check for an event that may be convenient for you.