WASHINGTON – Congressman Paul Ryan today urged high school students in the First Congressional District to apply for nominations to the U.S. Air Force, Military, Naval, or Merchant Marine Academies. Ryan announced that candidate evaluations will begin in the near future and will be based on test scores achieved on the SAT or ACT, class rank, grade point average, school records, extracurricular activities, leadership potential, motivation, recommendations, and interviews.

"Acceptance to the U.S. Service Academies is highly competitive," said Ryan. "Candidates generally represent the top tiers of their class, are active in their community, and show great potential for leadership."

"The U.S. Service Academies are known throughout the world for academic excellence and have graduated many of the greatest military, civic, business, and governmental leaders of our nation. Not only do the academies provide young cadets with an opportunity to obtain a quality education, they also provide them the opportunity of serving their country."

In light of the approaching November 1 deadline for nomination application forms, Congressman Ryan encourages young men and women interested in attending any one of the academies to begin the application process as soon as possible.  Students interested in attending a U.S. Service Academy must have a nomination from an authorized nominating source, such as a Member of Congress. Students seeking a nomination from Ryan should contact his office by calling toll-free 1-888-909-RYAN (7926).  Nomination forms are available through Ryan’s office or on his congressional website at http://www.house.gov/ryan/academy.html.  Completed nomination forms must be received by Congressman Ryan's office by November 1, 2000, for the class entering in June 2001.

Applicants for nominations must be:

• Citizens of the United States and residents of the First Congressional District of Wisconsin.
• At least 17 years of age, and not have passed their 22nd birthday, before July 1, 2001.
• Unmarried and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents.