Military Academy Nominations

Press Release (August 8, 2006): Berry Accepting Academy Applications for Class of 2011

• Note to the Applicant
• Eligibility
• Method of Nomination
• Application Process
• Online Application

Note to the Applicant:

The following information is meant to assist you in completing your application for a nomination to a United States Service Academy from Congressman Marion Berry. Please review this information carefully to assure that your file is completed properly and on time.

Eligibility

Nominees to the service academies must be United States citizens and applicants to Congressman Berry's office must be permanent residents of the First Congressional District in Arkansas. Candidates must be at least 17 years old and not 23 years old by July 1 of the year of admission. Candidates must be unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support any dependents. These stipulations have been established by the service academies.

Prior to applying for a nomination, each candidate must contact the academies directly to request a Pre-Candidate Questionnaire. Upon the completion and return of this form to the academy, you will be informed of academy requirements, such as medical examinations and physical aptitude tests. It is also recommended that each candidate attempt to visit the academies to meet with admissions representatives, talk to cadets and view the facilities.

Method of Nomination

Congressman Berry accepts applications for nominations to the following service academies:

	U.S. Air Force Academy Colorado Springs, Colorado
	U.S. Military Academy West Point, New York
	U.S. Naval Academy Annapolis, Maryland
	U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Kings Point, New York

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut does not utilize a congressional nominating system. The law pertaining to congressional nominations stipulates that each Member of Congress is allowed a maximum of five "charges" at each academy in any given year (Merchant Marine is an exception). When a "charge" graduates, a vacancy is created that the member may fill. Each member nominates a slate of ten (10) candidates for each vacancy.

Due to the competitiveness of the selection process, it is strongly recommended that each candidate apply to both U.S. Senators, their U.S. Representative and the Vice President.

If an applicant has a parent who is an active or retired military person, a disabled or deceased veteran, a POW/MIA, or a Medal of Honor winner, the candidate may be able to apply for a Presidential or other form of nomination. For further information, please refer to the academy catalog or speak to an admissions representative or liaison officer.

Application Process

An application file is considered complete in Congressman Berry's office when it contains the following six (6) items:

1. Completed application for nomination. Please type.
2. Essay. Instructions on the topic may be found on the application. Essay must be typed and limited to one page.
3. Official high school transcripts. Must arrive with application package in sealed envelope from guidance counselor.
4. SAT and/or ACT scores. Applicants may notify the SAT/ACT testing centers at (609) 771-7600 to request that scores be sent directly to Congressman Berry's office. Due to the cost of requesting original copies, guidance counselors may submit these scores with the candidate's official transcripts.

5. Three recommendations. These letters may be written by teachers, principals, coaches, employers, clergy, neighbors, or other non-family members who can accurately comment on the applicant's character, abilities and potential for success in an academy environment.

   One letter of recommendation must come from your high school counselor, unless extenuating circumstances apply.

   A maximum of three letters of recommendation may be submitted with your application and each recommendation must be limited to one page.

6. Photograph. A recent wallet size photograph of the applicant.

Unless specifically requested by the candidate, all materials submitted to Congressman Berry's office will not be returned to the applicant. After an application has been completed, it must be returned to Congressman Berry's Cabot Office by November 15 of the year prior to the applicant's class entrance date. Any application file not completed by this date will not be considered. SAT/ACT scores for the November testing dates are the only materials accepted after the deadline.

Please submit all application materials in one complete package to Congressman Berry's Cabot Office:

The Honorable Marion Berry
United States House of Representatives
116 N. First Street
Suite C-1
Cabot, AR 72023

Or apply online here

Soon after your completed application has been received by Congressman Berry, you will be sent a letter of acknowledgment that your file is complete and that your application is being reviewed.

You may find the application process for a congressional nomination to be very challenging. If you have questions or experience difficulty at any time, please do not hesitate to contact Congressman Berry's Cabot Office at (501) 843-3043.