10/07/2026
Academy Endeavors provides tips on every Service Academy essay question...
USAFA #2 essay question: Describe a leadership experience that has meaning for you. A leadership role can mean more than just a title. It can mean being a mentor to others, acting as the person in charge of a specific task, or taking the lead role in organizing an event or project. Think about what you accomplished and what you learned from the experience. What were your responsibilities? (500 words max)
AE Guidance: Choose a STAR story that is...
1) personal - reveals qualities about yourself that is attractive to admissions,
2) peer-led - you had responsibility over peers for a significant amount of time, and
3) compelling result - we want to end on a high note!
Read USAFA essay 1, and don't duplicate anything. We want to add new value here.
Start with an intro paragraph that lays out the situation or setting, so that the reader has context to the story. Extra points if you use a good hook.
In the body paragraphs, explain what you did to solve the problem or overcome the setback. Provide clear action steps to what YOU did.
Lastly, end with the impressive result and what you learned from the experience.