Skip to Page Content

U.S. Service Academy Nominations

Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Service Academies. As your Sixth District Representative in the U.S. House, each year I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of people to four of the five service academies. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Best wishes to you as you pursue your goal of attending a U.S. Service Academy and serving our country.

SEEKING A NOMINATION

Frequently Asked Questions

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 U.S. House of Representatives who represents the congressional district in which the candidate resides
  • Both U.S. Senators from his or her state
  • 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 U.S. 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 the 1st Congressional District of New York
  • Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy

Who do I contact to request an application?
Contact the Academy Coordinator in my District Office at (718) 725-6000 to request a nomination packet.

When do I apply for a nomination?
My nomination application period opens in the spring (April/May) of each year for those candidates who are high school juniors and will be seniors the following school year, or who have already graduated.

What is the deadline for completing a nomination file?
The deadline for submitting a nomination packet to my District Office is October 15th.

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) – your essay should be the essence of your application packet, demonstrating your ability to write and explaining your motivation to serve in the military.
  • Minimum of three letters of recommendation

What happens after I have completed my nomination file?
Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be scheduled to meet with my Academy Advisory Committee. The interviews will be conducted in late October or early November (interview date to be announced).

Why does Congressman Meeks use an Academy Advisory Committee?
The committee evaluates applicants and recommends candidates for nomination. This well-qualified, non-partisan board will ensure a fair and impartial process.

What criteria does the board use in selecting candidates?
Nominations are based on a "whole person" evaluation. Factors such as academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, leadership skills, physical aptitude, character, and motivation are taken into consideration and compared with other applicants.

What is Congressman Meeks' "method of nomination"?
I use the Competitive Nomination method which is the method preferred by the academies and used by most Members of Congress. This process allows me to nominate up to ten qualified candidates for each available opening. The academy itself will make the final selection.

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

Three reside within the Department of Defense:

One resides within the Department of Transportation:

  • U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York: www.usmma.edu

One resides within the Department of Homeland Security:

  • U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut: www.cga.edu

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. U.S.C.G.A. 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

Congressman Meeks does not require a specific recommendation form. A letter of recommendation is sufficient.

How should I submit my SAT/ACT scores?
Test results should be sent directly to Congressman Meeks' office by the testing service. The 1st District of New York institution code for SAT scores is 6029 and for ACT scores the code is 7513.

When will I be notified of the results from the interview with the Academy Advisory Committee?
You will be notified approximately three weeks from date of the interview.

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.

When will I know if I have been offered an appointment by an academy?
Academies will begin to notify candidates of their admission status in February. All offers of appointment are generally sent out by May.

IMPORTANT DATES

Request Nomination Application — Spring of Junior Year in High School
Nomination Application Deadline — October 15th of Senior Year
Congressman Meeks’s Nominations Announced — December of Senior Year
Offers of Appointment from Academies — Beginning February of Senior Year
Candidates Must Accept/Decline Offers of Appointment — By May 1st of Senior Year
New Classes Enter Academies — July after High School Graduation


E-News Sign Up





Take My On-Line Poll

What do you think will be the most important issue of 2009?







Upcoming Event's

Congressman Gregory W.Meeks and The City University of New York Invite you to attend Citizen Free Now...more information