WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ENTRANCE IN SUMMER 2009
APPLICATIONS FOR ENTANCE IN SUMMER 2010 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN JANUARY 2009
U.S. Service Academy Nominations
Thank you for your interest in applying to one of the United States Service Academies. Being nominated is a significant honor and the application process is rigorous. I encourge all students who are interested in applying and willing to put forth significant time and effort to do so.
Pennsylvania has a rich military history, one I am proud to continue. As a Commander (select) in the Navy Reserves, I believe it is important to continue to strengthen our proud military history by providing each United States Service Academy with the most qualified candidates.
If you are interested in pursuing this proud tradition, I encourage you to contact my office and request an application packet. These application packets can be requested over the phone or via email. When submitting your application, all materials must be included. Please do not send items separately.
Best wishes to you as you pursue your goal of attending a U.S. Service Academy and serving our country.
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 10th Congressional District of Pennsylvania.
- Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy.
Who do I contact to request an application?
To request a nomination packet, contact Lisa Wiswell in my Washington, D.C. office by email at Lisa.Wiswell@mail.house.gov or by phone at (202) 225 - 3731.
NOTE: Nomination packets are not available for download to enable Congressman Carney to identify and recognize individual interest in Academy application.
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 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
Do I need to have standardized test scores sent with my nomination file?
To enter a Service Academy, you must have taken either the ACT or the SAT, and forwarded an official copy of your results to my office. For the SAT, use code 0264 to have the College Board mail your scores directly to my office. For the ACT, use code 7644 to have the American College Testing Program mail your scores directly to my office. You must have taken one of these tests to apply for a nomination. If you choose to take the ACT, you must also take the optional Writing portion of the exam.
How many academies are there?
There are five service academies.
Three reside within the Department of Defense:
One resides within the Department of Transportation:
One resides within the Department of Homeland Security:
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?
You will need to have three recommendations: two must be from teachers and one must be from an outside source, typically a counselor, employer, coach, clergyman, or scout leader. If you have a question about who should write a letter of recommendation, please contact my office.
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.