Each year I recommend a select group of 9th district high school graduates for admission to the U.S. Military Academy , the U.S. Naval Academy , the U.S. Air Force Academy , and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, all service academies. Applicants are reviewed by a committee of community leaders from around the district. Applicants must be residents of the 9th district and between the ages of 17 and 21. The committee evaluates applicants on academic, extracurricular and physical fitness criteria.
Academic performance constitutes the major portion of the evaluation.
This includes high school rank and any college course an applicant may have taken. An applicant also receives extra credit for honors and advanced placement courses. SAT and ACT scores are also evaluated. In addition, extracurricular activities make up a portion of the evaluation. An applicant must also pass a physical fitness examination.