U.S. Service Academy Nominations
Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Service Academies. As your 32nd District Representative in the U.S. House of Representatives, each year I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of people to four of the five service academies (the Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination). The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of six years upon graduation. Best wishes to you as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. Service Academies 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 (25 for Merchant Marine Academy)
- 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 32nd Congressional District of California.
- 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 (626) 448-1271 to request a nomination packet, or download the Service Academy Nomination Form here.
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 November 15.
What must be included in my nomination file?
A complete nomination file consists of the following items:
- A recent photo
- High school transcript including applicant's grades, class rank, and cumulative grade point average through the junior year of high school. If applicants are attending post-secondary school, they should include a grade report of their studies
- American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results. Average SAT scores at the academies are 540-620 verbal and 630-710 math. Average ACT scores are 23-27 English; 24-29 Social Studies; 27-32 Mathematics; 28-32 Natural Science
- Resume of extracurricular activities
- OPTIONAL: An essay (100 words) stating why you want to attend a service academy
- Minimum of three letters of recommendation from adults; additional letters may be submitted as necessary
- In addition, it is your responsibility to directly contact your academy or academies of choice to request a pre-candidate questionnaire and complete a candidate file. The questionnaire may also be completed online by visiting each academy’s webpage.
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?
Candidates will be evaluated using a competitive system recommended by the academies. The selection process includes a personal interview, and a review of your application, essays, academic records, letters of recommendation, community involvement, character and leadership experience.
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.
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.
How and Where do I Submit my Application?
All application materials should be sent to Rep. Chu's District Office at:
Congresswoman Judy Chu
Attn: Service Academy Nomination
4401 Santa Anita Ave., Suite 201
El Monte, CA 91731
Make sure to complete the application form (click here or the link below to download), print it, sign it and mail or deliver it to the District Office before the Nov. 15 deadline. If you have any questions about the application or selection process, please contact Becky Cheng at (626) 448-1271.