Candidates must meet the following criteria to be selected:

• Must meet these State/Territory Requirements: born there, went to school there (min 4 yr) or parents are from there.

• 21 - 26 at the time of the program. Candidates older than 26 may request a waiver from their State or Territory Society.  The minimum age requirement of 21 years old will not be waived – no exceptions.

• Must be single, never been married and have no children.

• Must be a high school graduate. 

• Must never have performed any act or engaged in any activity or employment that is or could reasonably be characterized as immoral or indecent.

• Must not use or consume any illegal controlled dangerous substances or abuse the use of alcohol or other dangerous substances. 

• Must never have been convicted of any crime and does not have any criminal charges pending.

• Must be in good health and fitness to be able to participate fully in any program activities. 

• Must be able to attend the entire week of programming. Missing more than 2 days of the program disqualifies the individual from the spinning of the wheel for the US Cherry Blossom Queen.