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Reaching for the stars... |
August 22, 2003 |
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![You can reach for the stars!](/congress110th/20081217055028im_/http://wilson.house.gov/media/photos/quickfacts1.jpg)
West Point, USAFA, Annapolis, and Merchant Marine all require nominations from a Member of Congress or the President. The Coast Guard Academy does not.
Nominations come from the President, the VicePresident, Senators, and U.S. Representatives
Students with nominations compete for admission
Only 1 of 10 to 15 applicants are admitted, even after receiving a nomination
![](/congress110th/20081217055028im_/http://wilson.house.gov/media/photos/WilsonAirplane1.jpg) A Code of Honor: Rep. Wilson is the first Air Force Academy graduate to ever serve in Congress. Heather says the Academy instilled in her the principles she lives her life by today.
Wilson has nominated 205 applicants in five years. Of those, 81 have been accepted into a Service Academy.
Each year, Wilson convenes an “Interview Panel” to interview applicants.
Wilson instructs the panel to look for potential, not just achievement. In other words, Wilson takes into account background, opportunity, and family support. ‘What has this kid done with the hand he or she was dealt in life?’
Only 24% of applicants are Hispanic, while 42% of the First Congressional District’s population is Hispanic.
In five years, Wilson has had only 1 Native American applicant. Eight percent of the district’s population is Native American. |
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