Senator Bond's Service Academy Fact Sheet

Examine the information in this fact sheet. Print off and complete the application form, recommendation form and checklist.

All correspondence, requests, and information for your applicant file should be forwarded to:

Senator Kit Bond
Attn: Teresa Poole/Academy Coordinator
300 South Jefferson, Suite 401
Springfield, MO 65806
417-864-8258 ~ fax 417-864-7519
email: teresa_poole@bond.senate.gov

I. General Information and Basis for Selection

Because of the highly competitive nature of nominations, you are urged to apply to every nominating authority which your eligibility allows (both of your U.S. Senators, your Member of Congress, Presidential, Vice-Presidential, Children of Deceased or Disabled Veterans, etc.). Since the academies are able to award more appointments than are provided by Congressional vacancies and other categories, no candidate who is highly qualified needs more than one nomination to obtain an appointment. By the same token, no candidate who fails to meet academy standards will benefit by having multiple nominations.

Senator Bond will select nominees using the equal and competitive system. In this method, the Senator selects a roster of ten names per vacancy to submit to each academy. Senator Bond compiles his lists on the basis of merit criteria including evidence of character, motivation, scholarship, leadership, physical aptitude, and medical fitness.

The information required is outlined below. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to submit this information and to keep it updated. The deadline is the first Friday in December. Candidates whose files are incomplete when nominations are made cannot be given consideration. To keep track of information, please use the checklist included with the application form.

II. Eligibility

All applicants must be U. S. Citizens and legal residents of Missouri; be at least 17 but not yet 23 years of age by July 1 of the year of admission; and be unmarried with no dependents.

III. Qualifications

Scholastic: Rank in the top fifth of your high school class in a college preparatory curriculum; score acceptably on either the SAT or ACT. Average scores for a recent entering class:
SAT Verbal--600-760, Math--620-700; ACT English--28, Math--29.

Leadership: Applicants should have outstanding records of extracurricular activities in school, in the community, or in part-time jobs. Quality of involvement is stressed over the number of activities.

Character/Motivation:Judged from recommendations, candidate's diligence in completing his or her file, and content of the required essay.

Medical/Physical: The academies schedule medical and physical fitness exams. You will be notified about when and where to report.

IV. Application Procedure

1. Print off and complete the application form or write/email to the address at the top of this fact sheet for an academy packet.

2. Examine the academy catalogs to familiarize yourself with their programs and requirements. Request catalogs by writing the Director of Admissions at each academy in which you have an interest:

U.S. Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs, CO 80840

U.S. Military Academy
West Point, NY 10996

U.S. Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD 21402

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Kings Point, NY 11024

3. Request a precandidate questionnaire from each academy in which you are interested. This important first step ensures that the academies are aware of your interest.

4. Meet with your high school counselor to review the application process. Ask your counselor, principal, or a teacher to complete the recommendation form. Obtain an official copy of your high school transcript for three full years of study (grades 9, 10 and 11).

5. On a separate sheet of paper, write an essay explaining your reasons for choosing to attend a service academy.

6. Attach two wallet size photos to the application form.

7. Arrange to take the SAT or ACT at an early date. You may register through your school counselor. Registration is 4-5 weeks before the test date and results are available 4-5 weeks afterward. Your counselor may forward your test results or the testing services will send your results directly to the Senator's office when you indicate the following codes on your registration form: ACT Code #7149; SAT Code #0224.

8. Deadline for completing your file is the first Friday in December. This is strictly enforced to assure fair and equitable consideration of all applicants. Use the checklist to record items that have been sent. Items may be forwarded as they are obtained, rather than waiting to send everything at one time.

Send all application materials directly to the Senator's Springfield office. You will receive written confirmation when your file is complete. Senator Bond will normally make his selections by the end of December or first of January.

For further information please contact Senator Bond's Service Academy Coordinator, Mrs. Teresa Poole, at the address or number listed below:

Senator Christopher Bond
300 South Jefferson, Suite 401
Springfield, MO 65806
417-864-8258 ~ Fax 417-864-7519
teresa_poole@bond.senate.gov