Academy Nominations

Each year, Congressman Rahall has the distinct honor of nominating well-qualified young men and women to our Nation’s service academies.

If interested in attending a service academy, it is to the student’s benefit to begin the application process in your junior year. This begins by writing a letter informing Congressman Rahall that you would like to be nominated to a service academy.  Please specify which academy and if you are interested in more than one.  There is no need to send a separate letter for each academy.

Listed below are the addresses, telephone numbers, and web pages of the service academies where students may request a catalog with more information.

	U.S. Military Academy: Director of Admissions Building 606 Thayer Road West Point, NY 10996 (914) 938-4041 Web Site
	U.S. Naval Academy: US Naval Academy 117 Decatur Road Annapolis, MD 21402 (410) 293-4361 Web Site
	U.S. Air Force Academy: HQ USAFA/RRS 2304 Cadet Dr Ste 200 USAF Academy, Colorado, 80840 (719) 333-3070 Web Site
	U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: Admissions Office Steamboat Road Kings Point, NY 11024 800-732-6267 Web Site
	U.S. Coast Guard Academy: The U.S. Coast Guard does not require Congressional nominations. I have included this link for your information

U.S. Service Academy Nominations

Frequently Asked Questions about Seeking a Nomination

What is a nomination?
Members of Congress may nominate applicants who meet the eligibility requirements established by law. A candidate may seek a nomination from the following:

• A member of the House of Representatives who represents the congressional district in which the candidate resides
• Both Senators from his or her state Senators
• Apply directly to the Vice-President of the United States

What are the basic eligibility requirements?
Each applicant for a nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission to an academy:

• Age: Be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday
• Citizenship: Must be a citizen citizen
• Marital Status: Must be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents
• Residence: Must reside within the boundaries of our Congressional District
• Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy.

Who do I contact to request an application?
Contact my office to request a nomination packet.

What must be included in my nomination file?
A complete nomination file consists of the following items:

• Current photo
• High school transcript
• American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results
• Resume of extracurricular activities
• An essay stating why you want to attend a service academy (500 words or less)
• Minimum of three letters of recommendation

How many academies are there?
There are five service academies.

Three reside within the Department of Defense:

• Military Academy at West Point, New York 
• Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland
• Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs 

One resides within the Department of Transportation:

• Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York

One resides within the Department of Homeland Security :

• Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut

Are the requirements the same for all of the service academies?
No. Although many of the qualifications are similar, each academy operates under its own admissions guidelines. Visit the academy of your choice via the web sites noted for each academy's particular admissions qualifications.

It is not necessary to seek a nomination to the Coast Guard Academy, which accepts candidates based on their own testing criteria.

Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
Some of the people applicants typically seek recommendations from include:

• Teachers
• Counselors
• Employer
• Coaches
• Clergy
• Scout Leaders

Will I automatically be selected by the academy after I receive a nomination?
No. You will be placed among a select group of nominees, and the academy of your choice will make the final decision. If selected, you will receive an offer of admission (an appointment) directly from the academy.

What if I choose more than one academy? Will I be limited to a single nomination?
No. You can be nominated to multiple academies depending on how well you have competed among this year's pool of candidates. It is also possible to win multiple appointments.

 The service academies search for candidates with extraordinary academic, physical, and leadership skills. Regrettably, even a Congressional Nomination does not guarantee admission.

Candidates must be United States citizens, reside in West Virginia's 3rd Congressional District, and be at least 17 years of age by July 1st of the year in which they will begin their academy.