Military academy applications being accepted

WASHINGTON, DC: Dr. Dan Benishek (MI-01) is currently accepting applications from residents of Michigan’s First Congressional District interested in a nomination to the U.S. Military, Naval, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies. The deadline for applications is Friday, October 26, 2012.
“Our region is home to many high caliber men and women who will make excellent candidates for our nation’s Service academies. I am pleased that these young people will have the opportunity to serve our country while gaining a first-class tuition-free education. Making nominations to the academies is a privilege that I take very seriously and I am honored to be part of this exciting process,” said Dr. Benishek, a general surgeon, member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and lifelong resident of Northern Michigan.

To qualify for nomination, applicants must:
1. Be a citizen of the United States
2. Be a legal resident of Michigan’s First Congressional District
3. Have earned a strong academic record
4. Be 17-years-old, but not yet past one’s 23rd birthday (on July 1st of the year one enters a military academy)
5. Be medically qualified
6. Score near or above the published averages on a candidate fitness assessment

Applicants will be required to fill out an application, submit academic transcripts, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), three letters of recommendation, a resume and a short essay explaining why they want to attend a Service Academy. Additional application information and a downloadable application packet can be found at Dr. Benishek’s official website, www.benishek.house.gov/servicenominations.

Applicants who are selected for entry to one of the Service academies will be notified no later than April 2013.

Nominations to the US Coast Guard Academy (USGA) are not made through Congressional offices as the USCGA accepts candidates based on their own testing criteria. Those interested in applying to the USCGA can learn more at their website: www.cga.edu.