U.S. Service Academy Nominations

Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Service Academies. As your 7th 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 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 one of the U.S. Service Academies and serving our country.

Interested candidates should download and print the 7th District Nomination Newsletter (PDF), which explains my nomination process and requirements, and the sample nomination request letter (PDF).

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 7th Congressional District of Maryland.
• You must have taken either the ACT of SAT no later than January of the year of admission to the Academy
• You must demonstrate leadership potential, moral character, physical fitness, and active participation in extracurricular and community activities

Who do I contact to request an application? You may contact Mrs. Katie Malone in my Catonsville Office at (410) 719-8777, or via email at: Academy.Cummings@mail.house.gov to request a nomination application packet

When do I apply for a nomination? My nomination application period opens February 1st 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 12, 2010, and November 19, 2010 for those submitting applications from overseas.

What must be included in my nomination file? A complete nomination file consists of the following items:

• Completed Nomination Application (
  Academy Nomination.pdf)
• Nomination letter (nomination request letter (PDF).)
• 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. The essay must be two pages, typed, double spaced
• Minimum of three letters of recommendation, including one from a math or science teacher
• Please forward your application information to my Catonsville Office located at 754 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228

What happens after I have completed my nomination file? Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be scheduled for an interview with my Service Academy Review Board. Notice of Interviews are sent in mid December and interviews are normally held the first or second week of January. 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. 

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

Do You Provide a Letter of Recommendation for an applicant to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy? Yes. However, to be considered for a letter of recommendation, you must submit all required materials as if you were applying to an Academy for a nomination, and you must interview with the Service Academy Nomination Review Board.

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.