1. Improve SAT/ACT Scores.

a. Take the SAT or ACT as a sophomore and junior if at all possible.

b. Consider using a good prep book, computer program, etc. to prepare for the SAT and ACTs.

c. Sign up to take the SAT and ACT tests on every test date, until you are comfortable with your scores.

2. Enroll in solid college prep classes throughout junior and senior high school (and if necessary, college), especially English composition and literature, all math to include calculus, science, trigonometry, engineering, and a modern foreign language. Work hard to get the best possible grades (ideally, at least a 3.65 and be in the top three to five percent of your high school class).

3. Become involved in leadership positions in extracurricular activities, including varsity sports.

4. Get into and maintain good physical condition.

5. Keep your Admissions Liaison officer (ALO) informed of significant milestones. Show an interest.

6. Do not delay in completing all actions. Take a personal interest in the status of your selection folder and insure all required documents are on file.

7. Improving pull-ups (a suggested method). In the Candidate Fitness Test (CFT), pull-ups is the main cause for failure!

a. Many young women have been disqualified or flunked the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and/or CFT because they were unable to perform the minimum required pull-ups. For a woman who has never successfully performed a pull-up in her life, it is possible to pass the CFT with only 2-4 weeks notice. "When the change was enacted during my junior year at USAFA, I had never performed a pull-up in my life. However, one month after the cadets were notified of the change, I was able to perform 10 pull-ups, the maximum number required on the PFT for women. Because my method was so successful, I was asked to work with other female cadets to aid them in successfully completing at least the minimum number of pull-ups required to pass the PFT."

b. To the prospective candidate and/or cadet: For at least 2-4 weeks, a daily workout first thing in the morning and last thing at night is recommended (once again in the middle of the day can be very helpful as well). Use a pull-up bar that is high enough so that when you hang with your arms fully extended, your feet do not touch the ground. First, do as many pull-ups as you can, if any. Then, pull yourself up on the bar so your chin is just above the bar and your arms are bent, gripping the bar at a comfortable distance apart (you can jump up, use a chair, or have someone lift you up to the bar). Then, lower yourself VERY SLOWLY, as slowly as possible. You will probably start shaking as you descend, but it must hurt to work. The slower you lower yourself the better it will work. Do this slow descent procedure twice in each session. After 3-6 days, you should be able to do at least 1 pull-up using this procedure. Remember, PRIOR to the slow descent pull-ups, attempt to perform as many pull-ups as you can. When you build up to 1-3 pull-ups, do those pull-ups first, and then follow up with the slow descent pull-ups. With the adrenaline pumping through your body the day of the CFT, you will probably do 1-3 more pull-ups than you normally perform. Remember, this entire procedure should be done at least twice daily.