Academy Nominations

Academy Appointments

Our nation’s military academies are elite institutions that train students to excel in academics and military affairs. These institutions seek well-rounded individuals with a high level of academic achievement as well as a commitment to athletics, student activities, and civic organizations. Famous graduates of these institutions include Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Jimmy Carter, as well as legendary Generals Robert E. Lee, George Patton, Robert E. Lee, Douglas McArthur, and Norman Schwartzkopf. The academies have also produced numerous astronauts. The second man to ever walk on the moon–Buzz Aldrin–was a graduate of a U.S. military academy.

Each year, Congressman Chandler's office has a review process for potential military academy appointments, which includes a final interview by a panel made up of former academy graduates and current or retired officers. For more details on military academy appointments contact Congressman Chandler’s Kentucky Office at (859) 219-1366.

Military Academy Day

Each year, Congressman Chandler’s office hosts Military Academy Day, which is an opportunity for interested students and their parents to learn more about our nation’s academies. Attendees will have an opportunity to talk with representatives from the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The students will have an opportunity to learn about the general academy requirements and admission process.

High school students preparing for college within the next couple of years and considering the service academies should attend Military Academy Day. Junior high school students interested in the service academies are also encouraged to attend.

For more details contact Congressman Chandler’s Kentucky office at (859) 219-1366. Pre-registration is not required, and the event is free and open to the public.

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 6thDistrict of Kentucky.
Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy.

Who do I contact to request an application?

Contact my office at (859) 219-1366 to request an application packet.

When do I apply for a nomination?

My nomination application period opens May 15th 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?

This year the deadline for submitting a nomination packet to my District Office is October 20.

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

What happens after I have completed my nomination file?

Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be scheduled for an interview in late October or early November.

What criteria is used 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.

How many academies are there?

There are five service academies.

Three reside within the Department of Defense:

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

Two reside within the Department of Transportation:

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York
U.S. 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, as the 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
Employers
Coaches
Clergy
Scout Leaders

I do not require a specific recommendation form. A letter of recommendation is sufficient.

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.