Academy Nominations
As your United States Senator, it is a great privilege to have the ability to nominate students from Delaware to our nation's service academies. Our service academies provide thousands of young men and women with a first-rate education and mold them into tomorrow�s leaders. I encourage all interested Delaware students to apply for this honor if they are physically fit, hard working, and if they have high academic standards, leadership potential, and a strong desire to serve our country.
Qualifications
Generally, candidates must be in the top half of their high school class, in a college preparatory curriculum, and score proficiently on their Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Nominees receiving appointments have had composite scores of 1100-1200 and above on these tests. Applicants should have outstanding records of extra-curricular activities in school, in their communities, and/or in part-time jobs. The academies especially stress the importance of leadership both in and out of school. There are very strict standards regarding the physical qualifications as outlined in the academy catalogs. If you have any questions regarding your physical condition, especially your vision, you should consult with your family doctor to determine whether you can meet the academies standards before applying.
Eligibility
All candidates applying for a nomination from Senator Biden must be a citizen of the United States and a legal resident of Delaware. They must be at least 17 years of age and not past their 22 nd birthday on July 1 st of their year of admission. They must not be married nor have a legal obligation to support a child or children. College students are eligible to compete, but must attend an academy for a full four years if appointed. There will be physical aptitude and medical testing requirements to qualify. You must contact the Academy of your choice directly to complete the pre-candidate questionnaire. Congressional nomination does not guarantee acceptance into the service academies, the academies Admissions Board ultimately determines who will receive an appointment.
How and When to Apply for a Nomination from Senator Biden
Applicants may send a request online or send a written request via fax or mail. You must request an official application anytime from April of your junior year, through September of your senior year in high school. The deadline for our office receiving your COMPLETED application for nomination is October 15. For those in college, the same time frame applies.
Where to send request for an OFFICIAL application:
Office of Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
ATTN: Academy Coordinator
24 NW Front Street, Suite 101
Milford, Delaware 19963
(Or fax: 302-424-8094)
Remember this application process is for nomination, and is separate from the application you must complete for the academies.
You should also apply for nomination to your other U.S. Senator, and your congressional district representative, as well.
Application and Nomination Process
Each Senator and Congressman may nominate up to ten candidates to compete for available vacancies at the Air Force, Military, and Naval Academies. Members of Congress may nominate a total of ten young men and women to enter the statewide competition for two vacancies at the Merchant Marine Academy. I chose not to make these nominations myself. Instead, I have an Academy Selection Board which consists of a number of Delaware citizens. The Academy Board will evaluate and select the young people whom they feel should receive the nomination. They will recommend one principal candidate and nine equal and competitive alternates for each academy vacancy. I believe this selection method affords the maximum opportunity for the most qualified people to obtain a nomination.
Application for Senator Biden's nomination includes:
- An application form requesting information about yourself and your academic as well as extracurricular activities.
- An evaluation form which is completed by your guidance counselor or a teacher. Your teacher or counselor should return the form to my office, along with an official high school transcript.
- A record of your Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores is also required. If you mark your test sheet with code #5748, your SAT test scores will be sent to Senator Biden's office directly. An applicant cannot be considered without these scores.
- Three recommendations, concerning your capabilities and character. Two recommendations should be from your counselor and/or teachers and the other from someone who knows you well.
You will be interviewed in November/December by Senator Biden's Selection Board.
Should you decide for to withdraw your request for a nomination for any reason, please notify Senator Biden in writing.
It is your responsibility to ensure your file is complete.
Mail Security
Please note that due to heightened security in the U.S. Capitol, mail service to my Washington, D.C. Senate office is significantly delayed. If you have any correspondence that is time sensitive, please use alternatives such as e-mail, phone, or fax.
Academy Links
U.S. Air Force Academy
Admissions Office
HQ USAFA/RRS
2304 Cadet Dr.
Suite 200
USAF Academy, CO 80840-5025
www.usafa.edu
U.S. Military Academy
Director of Admissions
600 Thayer Rd.
West Point, NY 10996-9902
www.usma.edu
U.S. Naval Academy
Candidate Guidance Office
117 Decatur Rd.
Annapolis, MD 21402-5018
www.usna.edu
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Admissions Office
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Kings Point, NY 11024-9997
www.usmma.edu
U.S. Coast Guard Academy*
Director of Admissions
31 Mohegan Avenue
New London, CT 06320
www.cga.edu
*No congressional nominations to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, contact CGA directly.