How do I write a profesional letter to congress asking for a nomination letter to Annapolis?

Question

I'm a 15 year old freshman in high school and I'm planning on applying every year. I live in Florida. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

There can be an "approach" to asking congress for a letter. There are three factors that "influence" your feedback. They are professionalism, format and subject specificity (how much you know about what you are asking them for).

A. The format:

1.INTRODUCTION- Greet them and introduce yourself.Give a brief but descriptive overview of who you are.

2. BODY- There are two basics of the body.

A.PROFESSIONAL -Be sure to speak professionally, politely and eloquently. Graceful but direct words are appealing in the professional community so do your homework and read a dictionary. If you sound intelligent, you are more likely to get a response or favorable feedback than you would if you were to begin a letter with the words, "Hi my name is John, whats up?"

B. PURPOSE-Explain why you are writing and why you feel you are an ideal candidate. Why are you writing them? Why should they nominate you? What qualities do you have that would make you more qualified to attend Annapolis than other applicants? Why do you want to attend Annapolis? Why is attending Annapolis important to you?  

3. CONCLUSION- thank them for their time and let them know you appreciate their assistance. It's a bonus if you put in there that you patient and understanding of THEIR schedules (eg." As, I am eager to serve my country, I greatly appreciate your time and patiently await your response") .

BE KNOWLEDGABLE AND PREPARED BEFORE INQUIRING:

If you are asking them for a "reference" or a "nomination" then you need to check out Annapolis acceptance policies and find out acceptance requirements. Congress is typically busy. I would say keep your eyes and your heart set on Annapolis if that is your dream, but remember that you are most likely to be accepted during the latter high school years (17-18 years of age). It would be rather self defeating for congress to give you a letter of recommendation to Annapolis at 15 years old  if you get arrested and convicted of a crime before you are even eligible to attend. Under any condition, you should give at least four to six months for the process because Congressmen are very busy.

I hope this helps and Good Luck!