Congressman Delahunt
Representing the 10th Congressional District of Massachusetts
Military Academy Nominations
The Service Academy Selection Process
Introduction
Each year Members of Congress are privileged to evaluate, and nominate for appointment, candidates from their districts for our nation's Service Academies. Up to ten names will be sent to the Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval Academies for consideration along with the nominees of the other Members of Congress from Massachusetts, for the ten to fifteen vacancies available to residents of the Commonwealth.
The Service Academy Nominee Selection Committee
In order to carry out this responsibility in an objective and nonpartisan manner, Congressman Delahunt enlists the aid of eight distinguished residents of the Tenth District. The volunteers who serve on the Tenth Congressional Service Academy Nominee Selection Committee are appointed on the basis of their interest and experience.
The Selection Process
During the late spring through fall, prospective candidates are invited to submit letters of inquiry to Congressman Delahunt. In response, each applicant receives a packet outlining the selection process and an application form to be completed and returned, along with a personal statement outlining his or her reasons for seeking nomination to a Service Academy. In addition, candidates are required to furnish a transcript of high school grades, rank in class, and Scholastic Aptitude Test scores. The objective aspects of these records are quantified and recorded on an interview form used by Committee members when they meet with candidates early in mid-November.
The Qualified Candidate
In order to nominate candidates who will meet the high admission standards of the Service Academies, the Selection Committee considers evidence of sound character, excellent scholarship, leadership potential, worthy goals and strong motivation. These are qualities required to succeed as a student at the Academies and, following graduation, in service to the nation as professional officers. Physical aptitude and medical fitness are determined by the academies prior to the offer of appointment.
The Interview
Each candidate meets privately with two committee members; attributes such as motivation, leadership potential and ability to communicate are evaluated on the basis of candidates' personal statements, recommendations received on their behalf, and their responses to interviewers' questions.
Nomination and Appointment
When interviews have been completed, Committee members meet to choose the most qualified candidates for each available nomination. The objective scores, supplemented by the subjective judgments of the interviewing teams, are evaluated and a slate of ten candidates for each appointment is chosen. (Applicants may be nominated to more than one Academy if the Committee finds them qualified.) The Committee makes its recommendations to Congressman Delahunt, who forwards these names on to the academies unranked. The Academies conduct their own evaluations and select from among our nominees those deemed most qualified to fill the vacancies allotted to the Tenth Congressional District. Additional appointments may be offered by the Academies themselves in order to bring the entering classes up to desired number.
The Service Academies offer a superb tuition free education. If you have further questions regarding the Service Academy nomination process, please contact Congressman Delahunt’s office toll free at 1 (800) 794-9911.
Important Dates
May 1 - Applications are made available. Students interested in a Service Academy nomination in the academic year 2008/2009 can obtain application materials by writing me at 1250 Hancock Street, Suite 802N, Quincy, MA 02169 or by filling out the web form.
November 1 - Application materials must be completed and in my office.
November 7 - Candidates will receive notice of an appointment for an interview with my Academy Nominee Selection Committee.
November 17 - Interviews will be conducted and nominees selected. Applicants will be notified of their status shortly thereafter.
December - Names of nominees are forwarded to the academies where appointments are offered on a competitive basis through the month of May.
In order to be considered for a nomination, you must meet the following requirements established by the Academies:
You must be a citizen of the United States.
You must be a legal resident of the 10th Congressional District in Massachusetts.
You must never have been married if you are applying to the Air Force, Military or Naval Academies. The Merchant Marine Academy will consider married applicants for admission.
You must be at least 17 but not have reached your 22nd birthday by July 1st of the year of entrance into an Academy.
You must be in good physical condition.
Note: The Massachusetts Maritime Academy and the Coast Guard Academy do not require nominations and candidates should apply directly to these institutions.
Note: Applications should be made to the Academies simultaneously. Please visit the US Service Academies by clicking on the following links:
United States Air Force Academy
United States Military Academy at West Point
United States Merchant Marine Academy
In addition to the Air Force, Merchant Marines, Military, and Naval Academies the Coast Guard Academy also offers an outstanding opportunity for both a tremendous education and distinguished service to our country. The Coast Guard Academy however, is the only US Service Academy that does not require a congressional nomination. Candidates interested in the Coast Guard may find out more at by clicking here.
You may also apply to both Senator Kerry and Senator Brown.
Fill-in and submit the following form or call my office toll-free at (800) 794-9911 for information on how to apply.