Each year, I have the honor of nominating fine young men and women from California for selection to the four service academies that require nominations: the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy.

Because of the large number of qualified candidates, the nomination process is extremely competitive. I encourage all applicants to also apply directly to the academies and ask that a pre-candidate file be opened for them.

To qualify for a Service Academy, applicants must:

• Be a United States citizen and legal resident of California;
• Be at least 17 years old, but not older than 23 on July 1 of the year you enter the academy;
• Have a high school education or the equivalent;
• High academic standing;
• Participate in extracurricular and/or community activities which demonstrate leadership qualities; and
• Have received competitive scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test.

I accept nomination applications each year between April and November. The application period for the Class of 2018 is now open. To apply for a nomination, please fill out the downloadable form and send it to:

Senator Dianne Feinstein
Attn: Military Academy Nomination
1 Post Street, Suite 2450
San Francisco, CA 94104

To be considered for a nomination to one of the United States Service Academies, you are required to submit a complete application packet, postmarked no later than November 1, 2013. If you have further questions, please feel free to call my San Francisco office at (415) 393-0707.

Thank you and good luck!