I prefer a candidate take both the ACT and SAT for my evaluation.  When you submit your requests to take these tests, ask that the results be sent to the academy (or academies) of your choice and to me; however, I will accept scores posted on a certified school transcript as well.  It is encouraged that all candidates take the tests as early as possible (preferably summer or fall), as this will enable you to take the exams over if you do not score well.

PHYSICAL EXAM

Medical examinations for all service academies are scheduled by the U.S. Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB).  A medical examination will be authorized only if an individual receives an official nomination or if an evaluation of the Pre-Candidate Questionnaire indicates potential qualification for admission.  You will be notified by letter as to the date, time, and place of your examination.  If possible, it will be scheduled at a medical facility near your home.  You must take a Physical Aptitude Examination (PAE) consisting of four exercises designed to measure coordination, strength, endurance, speed, and agility.  You will be scheduled to take the PAE at an examination center as close as possible to your home.

VACANCIES

Each U.S. Senator and Representative may have a maximum of five (5) cadets or midshipmen at each service academy at any one time.  A maximum of ten (10) candidates may be nominated for each vacancy.  I make every effort to have a vacancy at each academy each year; however, this is not always possible.

NOMINATING METHODS

There are three (3) methods of nomination which may be used.  They are

1. competitive,
2. principal with competing alternates, and
3. principal with numbered alternates.

In order to give every applicant who applies an equal opportunity, I use the competitive method, which is used by the majority of congressional offices.  I submit to the academy an unranked slate of a maximum of ten (10) nominees for each vacancy.  Each of these nominees should have previously contacted the academy in order to open an admission file and submit required documentation.  The academy then conducts physical aptitude and medical examinations as indicated.  When all required information has been compiled by the academies, the candidates are evaluated by an admission board which considers aspects of the candidates’ files.  The candidates are ranked in order of merit and the most highly qualified is selected for an offer of appointment to fill the vacancy.

Nominations are submitted to the various academies in January.  Therefore, it is important for any interested applicant to contact me in early spring of their junior year and have all necessary information in his or her file well before the December 1 deadline.

OFFERS OF APPOINTMENT

Offers of appointment are usually made in April, prior to admission to the academy in June or July.  The selection boards of the various academies contact me in early spring and notify me of those nominees have been selected for an offer of appointment.

SPECIAL PROCEDURES

MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY:  A slightly different procedure will be followed for those interested in the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, inasmuch as the ten (10) nominations I am allowed to submit to the academy will then compete statewide for an appointment.  However, the preliminary procedure as outlined previously will be the same for those who are interested in attending the Merchant Marine Academy.  You may be considered for the Merchant Marine Academy along with the other academies if you wish. 

The Merchant Marine Academy is a fine institution, and I would like to see more applicants interested in it.  Midshipmen at this academy serve a tour of sea duty aboard an American-flag vessel and become familiar with a variety of the world’s trade routes.  Upon graduation, they are not required to serve in any of the military branches on active duty but are members of the Naval Reserve for five (5) years.

COAST GUARD ACADEMY:  The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is somewhat different from the previously mentioned schools in that a nomination from a Member of Congress is not required.  Those applicants interested in the Coast Guard Academy can obtain a catalog and application through my office; however, these applications are submitted directly to the Coast Guard Academy.  Appointments are based on a nation-wide competition.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL APPLICANTS

The following documentation must be sent to my Mobile office before December 1 of your senior year to be considered for a nomination:

1.      Completed application;

2.      Recent photograph.  A school yearbook-style photograph is preferred;

3.      Transcript of your grades forwarded by your school registrar.  Be sure your class rank and grade point average are include;

4.      Résumé-style listing of school, church, and civic activities.  Be sure to include any offices you currently hold or have held;

5.      Two letters of recommendation.  These letters should be mailed directly to me;

6.      SAT and/or ACT test scores.  The scores must come directly from the testing agency or from your school registrar.  If you are taking only one of these examinations, please indicate this on your application; and

7.      100-word statement expressing, in your own words, your desire to attend one of the service academies.

It is necessary that all of the above information be furnished to me prior to the December 1 deadline.  If any of this required documentation is missing from you file, you will not be given final consideration for a nomination.

You may discontinue the program at any time should your plans changes; however, please notify me if you make this decision.

I highly encourage you to also pursue alternate college plans in the event that you are not offered an appointment.  In fact, if you feel your background is weak in the subjects provided, you may want to take a semester or two of college work before applying to one of the academies.

If you need any additional information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Brooks Chew in my Mobile office at (251) 690-2811 or (800) 288-8721.

GOOD LUCK

I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU TOWARD ACHIEVING YOUR GOAL