j.hackleman

So I have decent grades (33 ACT + 4.1 GPA plus 100's of hours community service) and want to apply to the Air Force Academy.. however, there is one problem.

I have asthma.

But it's acute and not exercise induced, in fact, I don't even show symptoms of it anymore, just.. it's on my medical history...

Does this automatically without a doubt disqualify me from any hope of getting into the AF academy?

Thanks,
Jason

missmuff

if you had it before you were 13, it can be waived, otherwise it probably won't be. that's what we were told.

HNeedle

she's right, it can be waived if it was far enough back.. you can still fight for a waiver even if they say no, but it may be pretty hard. sometimes there's nothin you can do, but there's definitely a chance of a waiver if it's far enough back

missmuff

Do the paperwork, you'll get pummelled with questions about it-answer honestly and hope for the best. You won't get it if you don't try at all. Good luck!

JustAMomOf4

Seriously - it depends. If you have a history of asthma before the age of 13 - and no other recurrance since then - you may not be dq'd.

You chance of getting a waiver is dependent on many factors - including when you had asthma, what triggered it, what medications you took and for how often as well as the academy to which you are applying.
All of these are impossible to ascertain on this forum.

Send an email to this guy:
Larry.Mullen@dodmerb.tma.osd.mil

He is the deputy director of dodmerb. He can give you a good idea if you have a chance at a waiver or will need one.

Be careful of blanket statements - there are so many variations and misdiagnoses of asthma you just can't make them.

If you want to give it a chance then go for it! Get your application in and your exam completed - this will give you time for dealing with a waiver....

BTW - two years ago plenty of people advised my daughter and me that she would be DQ'd for asthma and it was not waiverable. They were WRONG! She is a plebe at USMA.

txtwinmom

missmuff is right. I can guarantee you 100% that you won't make it if you don't try. If you apply you at least have some chance of getting in the the Academy of your choice.

JustAMomOf4

^^^^^
Yep - this is exactly what I told my daughter.