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Representative Cathy McMorris
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Academy Nominations Process

Each Member of Congress is allowed to make a limited number of nominations for each military service academy.  My nominees for appointment to one of the academies are selected on a competitive basis, using criteria determined by the academies to be indicative of one's potential for success in the military.  All nominees must reside in the Fifth Congressional District of Washington.  Each candidate for a nomination must meet the following basic eligibility requirements as of July 1 of the year of entry to a service academy:

  • Age:  Be at least 17 years old, but not have passed your 23rd birthday.
  • Citizenship:  Be a United States citizen.
  • Marital Status:  Be unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation for support of a child or other dependents
  • .

At the beginning of the Academy selection process, you should open a pre-candidate file with each of the military service academies.  You can obtain additional information about the academy admissions process through your high school counselor or academy liaison officer.  I require the following material for participation in my academy program:

  1. A completed Application Form.
  2. A transcript of your high school academic record.  Please include your class rank, number in graduating class, and your grade point average.
  3. ACT or SAT scores at the earliest possible date.
  4. Two letters of recommendation.  These may be from teachers, employers, or other persons who are well acquainted with you.
  5. Your own letter explaining why your regard yourself as a good candidate for an academy appointment.

Please submit all of the above required information by December 1st.  All of the items must be in my Spokane office by the December 1st deadline, whether delivered by the postal service or by hand.  Candidates whose files are incomplete on the deadline date will not be given consideration.

During the nominations process, you will be evaluated on your academic qualifications, leadership ability, and physical aptitude as well as an interview with members of my Academy Nomination Board.  The interview will be conducted in my Spokane office during the first week of January.  You will be notified at a later date of the exact date and time of the interview.

Your academic qualification for nomination to an Academy is determined by your grade point average, class rank, and your SAT or ACT scores.  As a general rule, the Academies require a minimum composite SAT score of 1200 and a class rank in the top quarter.  The higher one's score and class rank, the greater his or her chance for nomination.

Leadership ability is also an essential factor in evaluating a candidate's potential success at an Academy.  Be sure to include with your application any material which might indicate leadership ability, such as offices held, activities, sports, employment, scouting, etc.

An official medical examination is required for all candidates who are found to be academically qualified.  There is no cost for the examination.  You will be notified later of the specific details of the examination by the academy to which you apply.

The competition for nominations is usually quite arduous.  I therefore encourage you to apply to every nominating authority possible (Maria Cantwell, Senator Patty Murray and Vice President Dick Cheney).  This will provide the academies with a greater selection of candidates, as well as give you a better chance of obtaining an appointment.  I do ask, however, that you notify my office if you receive a nomination through another nominating authority or official.

Please direct all correspondence or questions regarding the Academies to my Spokane Office.

I am thrilled to hear of your interest in attending one of the United States military service academies and I look forward to considering you for a nomination.  Again, please submit all required information no later than December 1st.