Blunt Urges High School Seniors to Consider the U.S. Service Academies

Academy Application

Missouri Seventh District Congressman Roy Blunt is urging high school seniors who graduate in the spring to consider applying for admission to the U.S. Service Academies.

Applications for enrollment are being accepted  to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

Applications for enrollment are now being accepted.

"The United States Service Academies offer a top notch education to the men and women who also want to serve their country. Students chosen for the military academies are tomorrow’s leaders, dedicated to the peace and security of the United States. It takes a great deal of commitment and leadership to make it at the academies, but the individuals and our nation benefit." Blunt said.

Nominees are chosen based on personal merit. Criteria considered include evidence of character, leadership, academic excellence, physical aptitude, and extracurricular activities. Students must be a U.S. citizen and a legal resident of the Seventh Congressional District, 17 but not yet 23 years of age by July 1 in the year of admission and unmarried with no dependents. Nominees are interviewed by a citizen board in November, and their recommendations are submitted to Congressman Blunt for nomination.

Questions about the application process can be directed to Sharon Nahon (417-889-1800).

GENERAL INFORMATION AND BASIS FOR SELECTION

Because of extremely keen competition for nominations, you are urged to apply to every nominating authority which your eligibility allows, including Congressman Blunt and Missouri's two United States Senators. Since the academies are able to award more 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.

In November we will invite you to appear before our selection committee for an interview. It is important that all your information is submitted by November 1.

The information required is outlined below. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to submit this information and to keep it updated. The deadline is November 1. 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 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 -- 560, Math -- 650; 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, candidates diligence in completing his or her file, and content of the essay requirement.

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

IV. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Write to Congressman Blunt for and application packet no later than September 15th of the year prior to entrance.

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. Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD 21402

U.S. Military Academy
West Point, NY 10996

Merchant Marine Academy
Kings Point, NY 11024

3. Request a precandidate questionnaire from each academy in which your 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" part of the application. Obtain an official copy of your high school transcript for three full years of study (grades 9, 10, 11).

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

6. Attach four 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 to Congressman Blunt's office.

8. Deadline for completing your file is November 1 This is strictly enforced to assure fair and equitable consideration of all applicants. Use the checklist included with your application packet to record items that have been sent.

Send application materials directly to the Congressman's Springfield Office.