Each year Congressman Rush nominates a select group of candidates for appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West
Point, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and the
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at King's Point. To apply, you must live in Illinois 1st Congressional District
and be between 17 and 23 years old. If you are interested, see below for more information and
an application for a nomination .
Deadline: Applications must be received in Congressman Bobby L. Rush's office on or before November 30, 2005 for those wishing to attend an Academy in the 2006 school year.
Criteria: Applicants must be at least 17 years old, but not have passed their 24nd birthday by July 1 of the year of entry to an academy. Applicants must be unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents. Evaluations are based on the "whole person" concept and take into consideration your academic, leadership and physical abilities.
Your academy file: In order to be complete, your application must contain the following:
- Transcripts
Applicants must provide a current transcript from the last high school attended and all college work completed.
- SAT/ACT scores
It is your responsibility to make sure that test scores are sent to Congressman Bobby L. Rush district office. The exams may be taken as many times as desired. Only the best scores will be considered. For more information on the exams and the dates they will be offered, consult your high school counselor.
- Three letters of reference
Three supporting letters of reference must be forwarded directly from the individual writing the reference. All must be from adults outside your immediate family, and at least one must be from a representative of the last educational institution attended.
- Two essays
On separate pages, attach two essays. The first should describe how attendance at a U.S. Service Academy will meet your career and personal goals. The second should describe your extracurricular activities including honors, awards, affiliations, employment, special accomplishments, athletics, etc.
- A recent small photograph of yourself
If you wish, you may include a photograph with your application. This is optional and entirely at your discretion.
Interviews: Applicant interviews with Congressman Bobby L. Rush's Academy Advisory Board will be scheduled in December. Upon completion of your file, you will be notified of an interview date.
Nominations and appointments: Nominations will be given using the competitive method, with all nominees submitted unranked to the Academy. The Academy will contact the candidates, evaluate each applicant and extend the final offer of appointment. This will allow equal opportunity for all nominees. If nominated, you will be notified no later than February 1. If offered an appointment, you will receive notification by May 1. If not selected, you may apply the following year. In fact, many applicants succeed after an additional year of preparation. |