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As your Representative in the United States House of Representatives, 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.
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 any or all of the following:
- The 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 our Congressional District
- Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy
Where do I obtain an 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 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
There are 5 Service Academies:
Three reside within the Department of Defense:
- United States Military Academy
- United States Naval Academy
- United States Air Force Academy
One resides within the Department of Transportation:
- United States Merchant Marine Academy
One resides within the Department of Homeland Security :
- United States Coast Guard Academy
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 each of the academies’ websites (listed above) for their particular admissions qualifications.
Although the Coast Guard Academy currently does not require an applicant to receive an Official Nomination to be considered for admission, the House of Representatives recently voted to reverse that exception. At this time, the Senate version of the Defense Authorization Bill does not include that provision, and the final bill may or may not change the Coast Guard Academy's admissions proces.
As soon as updated information is available, it will be posted on this website.
If you are considering the Coast Guard Acamdey, I urge you to continue to check this website and http://www.uscga.edu/ for updates.
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
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 compare with other candidates from this year’s pool. It is also possible to win multiple appointments.
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