WASHINGTON, D.C. - Beginning August 1, Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) will accept applications for nomination to one of the nation's service academies. Operated by the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and Navy, these academies provide a college education in exchange for a commitment to serve as a commissioned officer.

For all service academies (except the Coast Guard), applicants must be nominated by one of several federal officials including the U.S. representatives, U.S. senators and the vice president.

"Our service academies offer a top-notch education, and acceptance is a great honor," said Rep. Farr. "I hope as many students as possible will consider this chance for a fine education and the opportunity to serve our country."

Candidates must be at least 17 years old but not older than 23 as of July 1, 2009. They must reside in California's 17th Congressional District, be U.S. citizens and must never have been married.

In order to be considered for a nomination, the following information is necessary:

A completed application form, available from Congressman Farr's office or Web site (www.farr.house.gov) under the "Helping You" section.
A one-page personal statement.
An official high school transcript, sealed and in a school-stamped enveloped.
Official Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores. If you have the scores forwarded by the testing center, Congressman Farr's SAT Score File Number is 4639. If your SAT scores are shown on your high school transcripts, that is acceptable.
Three letters of recommendation, not from relatives.
A wallet-size photograph.
DEADLINE: Applicants for the class entering July 2009 must submit all application material no later than Nov. 1, 2008. All materials should be sent to Congressman Sam Farr, ATTN: Julian Chacon, 701 Ocean Street, Room 318, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

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