As a U.S. Senator, I have the privilege each year of recommending a select group of 10 candidates for each vacancy at the Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO; the Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD; the Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY; and the Military Academy, West Point, NY.

Air Force		Naval Academy
Military Academy		Merchant Marines

The selection process is very competitive. Although standards vary at each institution, candidates who can demonstrate outstanding performance in academics, leadership ability, physical fitness, extracurricular activities and involvement in their communities stand the best chance of being admitted. Selection criteria include interviews, SAT/ACT scores, class rank, GPA, school records, evaluations by teachers and counselors and participation in extracurricular and athletic activities. All the academies place a great deal of emphasis on candidates who can show they have strong leadership skills - both in and out of school. Applicants must be legal Utah residents and U.S. citizens at least 17 years of age but not past their 23rd birthday as of July 1 of the year they plan to enter an academy. They must also be unmarried with no children or other legal dependents.

Please complete the application and letters of recommendation forms and mail them to Linda Gibbons in my Salt Lake City office. I accept applications postmarked until October 31st from Utahns who wish to attend an academy beginning in June of the following year. You must indicate the academy of your choice on your application. If more than one academy is desired, please prioritize your choices. After I submit my nominees to each academy, the schools then select the candidates of their choice.

I would suggest that you consider applying to each of the academies, thereby increasing your chances of receiving a nomination and subsequent appointment. In addition, the Merchant Marine and Coast Guard academies (note that the Coast Guard academy does not require a congressional nomination) are excellent alternatives to the major academies, and I suggest you consider them as well. I would also encourage you to apply with both of your Senators and your Representative.

Linda Gibbons
c/o Senator Orrin G. Hatch
125 South State Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84138
Phone: 801.524.4380
linda_gibbons@hatch.senate.gov