CRAPO OPENS SERVICE ACADEMY APPLICATION PROCESS FOR CLASS ENTERING IN 2008

Washington, D.C. â?? Students who are interested in attending one of the nationâ??s four service academies are encouraged to get started on the application process now, according to Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. Every year, Crapo nominates selected Idaho students to the following: the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado; the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York; the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York; and the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. Interested students need to submit an application and references and meet certain scholastic requirements for consideration.â??It is an honor to encourage Idaho students to attend our nationâ??s service academies,â?? Crapo said. â??The academies offer one of the finest educational experiences available in our country, and I urge students who are thinking about their higher education to seriously consider these schools. The learning environment and opportunities to serve our country are unparalleled. Since the application process is quite rigorous, it is always good to get started as soon as possible.â??Students may apply to both U.S. Senators and the U.S. Representative from their congressional district as well as the Vice President of the United States. The applications of students nominated by Crapo will be forwarded to each service academy, where final appointments are made by the individual institution. A nomination is not an acceptance but simply means that the student may now compete for an appointment.Those wishing to apply for a nomination to the next class, entering in 2008, should contact Crapoâ??s military representative, Linda Norris, at (202) 224-0851 or visit http://crapo.senate.gov. Applications must be submitted no later than October 31, 2007.