Apply to USMA by 1 April. (Letters to the Editor).

The United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, New York, is one of the world's premier institutes of leader development. Graduates not only receive a Bachelor of Science degree, but also a commission as a second lieutenant in the US Army.

Each year approximately 250 soldiers (Active, Reserve and National Guard) and more than 100 dependents of military members are offered admission to West Point or the US Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.

For a dependent to be eligible, he or she must be the child of a career military member. The term "career military member" refers to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard who are on active duty (other than for training) and who have served continuously on active duty for at least eight years or who are, or who died while they were, retired with pay or granted retired or retainer pay.

Also included are service members currently serving in the Reserve Component who are credited with at least eight continuous years of service computed under section 12733 of Title 10, United States Code (i.e., at least 2,880 points). Finally, Reservists who would be, or who died while they would have been, entitled to retirement pay except for not having attained 60 years of age are also included in this category.

The prep school prepares soldiers for success at West Point through an intensive curriculum focused on English and mathematics. Applicants must be US citizens, unmarried with no legal obligation to support dependents, high school graduates, under 23 years of age prior to July 1 of the year entering USMA (under 22 years of age prior to July 1 of the year entering the Prep School), of high moral character and must have a sincere interest in attending West Point and becoming an Army officer.

Soldiers and dependents who meet the basic eligibility requirements, have achieved SAT scores greater than 1000 or ACT composite scores of 20 or higher and achieved good grades in a college preparatory high school curriculum are especially encouraged to apply.

All application requirements must be met by 1 April 2002 to be considered for an appointment to West Point or USMAPS in July 2002. Those who are interested should call DSN 688-5780 or [phone], email [e-mail] or fill out the request form at http:/f forms.admissions.usma.edu/cb.

MAJ Kirk W. Gohlke Admissions/Marketing USMA, West Point, NY