As some of the most selective institutions of higher learning in the world, the United States service academies offer young people a unique opportunity to obtain a first class education and subsequently serve our country upon graduation as commissioned officers in the United States military.

The President of the United States officially makes all appointments to the United States service academies. However, each member of Congress is allotted a limited number of nominations, which they may submit for consideration of an appointment (by the academy) to fill vacancies at each academy. Because securing a nomination does not guarantee an appointment or an offer of admission, the entire process is highly competitive. Currently, each United States Representative is permitted a total of five spaces "charged" to his or her office at each academy, with just one vacancy available per year in most instances.

Eligibility

Each applicant for a nomination from my office must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission to an academy: Please note that the acceptance of an appointment to a United States service academy commits an applicant to five years of active duty service after graduation.

Prior to applying for a nomination from my office, please contact your academy or academies of choice to request a pre-candidate questionnaire. Once completed and returned, the academy will inform you of any special physical, medical, or academic requirements. Congressional nominations are used by the following academies: The U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, does not use Congressional nominations. However, like her sister academies, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy provides an excellent education in exchange for an active service commitment upon graduation.

Because it is possible to receive a nomination from more than one source and nominations are limited, I request as a matter of courtesy that you inform my office immediately of any other nominations you may receive to a service academy.

Application

To be eligible for a U.S. House of Representatives nomination from my office, applicants must submit a detailed written application including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores. Based on a competitive evaluation of this application, test scores, and written records, a limited number of applicants will be selected for personal interviews before independent review panels comprised of community leaders and academy representatives. The review panels will rate applicants based on their academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, motivation, character, and leadership abilities. A select number of nominations from my office (as determined by law) will be awarded based on these independent ratings and evaluations. Those nominated must also be offered an appointment for admission directly from the academy. Please submit the following documents to my District Office with your application:
  • Brief essay explaining why you want to attend a service academy
  • Complete high school transcripts
  • SAT or ACT results
  • Recommendation letters from your English, Math, and Science instructors
  • Recommendation letter from your Principal or Counselor
  • Recommendation letter from another person who knows you well and is not your relative.
  • A recent photo that is suitable for publication (e.g., head and shoulders shot of the candidate in professional dress; cap and gown photo;)
This application must be signed and submitted, although you may have initiated the process online. All of the above items are due by November 1. My office will notify you by mail when all materials have been received and your application is complete.
Complete the application form online or download an application.

Timelines and Deadlines

Class entering in the summer of 2010:
March 1, 2009: Begin accepting applications for class entering summer of 2010

November 1, 2009: Completed application due for class entering summer of 2010

December 2009: Students meet with Academy panels

January 2010: Students notified of House of Representatives nominations

Note: Due to the volume of applications that must be processed, extensions beyond these deadlines are not possible. If an individual’s application and required materials are not received by the deadline, the applicant cannot be considered for a nomination. I encourage you to follow up with staff in my district office at (313) 965-9004 to confirm our receipt of your completed application.

Admission to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy is no longer predicated upon receiving a nomination from a United States Representative. Applications must be made directly to the Academy. Therefore, in addition to returning the enclosed application to my office, you must also remember to complete and submit the requisite admissions application to your academy or academies of choice. It is your responsibility to ensure that the institutions to which you are applying open an admissions file for you. Additionally, it is also your responsibility to make sure that you meet any special criteria required for admission by your academy or academies of choice. For more information, you should consult the academy guidebook or contact your high school guidance counselor. You may also find out more information about each of the academies at the telephone numbers and websites listed below.

U.S. Service Academies

Academy


Information


U.S. Air Force Academy
www.usafa.af.mil 		Admissions: academyadmissions.com/admissions
Toll Free: 1-800-443-9266
Fax: (719) 333-3647
Email: rr_webmail@usafa.af.mil

U.S. Coast Guard Academy
www.cga.edu 		Admissions: www.usmma.edu/admissions
Toll Free: 800-883-USCG (8724)
Local: (860) 444-8500
Fax: (860) 701-6700
Ask a Question: admissions.uscga.edu/i2e/ask_us/default.asp

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
www.usmma.edu 		Admissions: www.usmma.edu/admissions
Toll Free: 1-800-732-6267, 1-866-546-4778 (1-866-KINGSPT)
Local: (516) 773-5391
Request Information: info.usmma.edu/requestinfo.htm

U.S. Military Academy at West Point
www.usma.edu 		Admissions: admissions.usma.edu
Toll Free: 1-800-822-ARMY
Local: (845) 938-4041
Email: admissions@usma.edu

U.S. Naval Academy
www.usna.edu 		Admissions: www.usna.edu/Admissions
Toll Free: 1-888-249-7707
Email: webmail@usna.edu



Service Academy Nomination Application

Click here to download the Service Academy Nomination Application PDF

Selection of Academy


Applicant Information
Full Name
Date of Birth
Address
City
State
ZIP Code
Current Telephone Number
Cell Phone Number
Email Address
Mother's Name
Work Phone
Father's Name
Work Phone
Are you a U.S. citizen?
Have you applied for a nomination through another source? (Please check all that apply.)


Education
High School
Address
City
State
ZIP Code
Counselor’s Name
Phone
Grade Point Average
Class Rank
Anticipated Graduation Date
SAT Scores

Verbal
Math
Date Taken
ACT Scores

Verbal
Math
Date Taken
Extracurricular Activities
Community Activities
Medical Information
Have you taken or been scheduled to take your Academy medical exam (scheduled by DODMERB)?


If so, when?
Have you taken or been scheduled to take your Physical Aptitude exam?


If so, when?
Criminal Information
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor?
(This does not include speeding tickets, parking tickets, or traffic violations for which you did not receive points. It does include, but is not limited to, driving while intoxicated or impaired or disorderly conduct charges.)


If so, explain?


Applications must be received by November 1, 2009.
Please attach the following items to your application in the following order:
  • Typed, double-spaced, one page essay explaining why you want to attend a service academy
  • Complete high school transcripts
  • SAT and/or ACT results
  • Recommendation letters from your English, Math, and Science instructors
  • Recommendation letter from your Principal or Counselor
  • Recommendation letter from another person who knows you well and is not your relative
  • Recent photo that is suitable for publication (e.g., head and shoulders shot of the candidate in professional dress; cap and gown photo)
Please make sure that your application is completed in its entirety. Please be sure to sign your completed application before mailing it.

NOTE: If you are applying to more than one academy, you need to submit a separate application for each one.

Return your application to the following address:

Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick
Attn: Rodney Johnson
1274 Library Street, Suite 1B
Detroit, MI 48226

If you have any questions, please call Rodney Johnson at (313) 965-9004 or send an e-mail message to Rodney.Johnson@mail.house.gov with Service Academy Nomination Request in the subject line.

First Name
Last Name
Email


Phone