Military Academy Nominations
Instructions
Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Service Academies. Each year it is my honor to nominate young men and women in my District to the following United States Service Academies—Air Force, Naval, West Point, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. To learn more about each of these academies, take the time to explore these websites.
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 75th Congressional District of StateName.
- 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 (202) 225-7084 to request a nomination packet.
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 October 20.
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
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?
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.
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.
To be considered for admission to a military academy, an applicant must have a nomination through a congressional office. Nominees will be selected through a competitive nomination process. To assist in selecting the most qualified candidates, I have formed an academy selection committee to interview each applicant and review his or her application package. Interviews will be conducted in December. Final selections will be made and the candidates will be announced in the weeks immediately following.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must meet the following requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission to a military academy:
- Must be at least 17 years of age, but not have passed one's 23rd birthday.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must be a resident of the 33rd Congressional District.
- Must be unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents.
General Admission Standards
For consideration, each applicant must submit the following materials no later than December 15th in the year that you are applying.
- Please print and complete the Congressional Application Form.
- A minimum of three letters of recommendation from adults. Additional letters may be submitted as necessary.
- SAT or ACT scores. The combined SAT scores should be at least 1050, with minimum scores of 500 Verbal and 550 Math. Minimum ACT scores are 21 English and 24 Math. Additional scores can be submitted until the selection committee meets to select final nominees.
- A copy of the applicant's high school grade transcripts. If applicants are attending post-secondary school, they should include a grade report of their studies. The transcripts must include the applicant's grades, class rank, and cumulative grade point average through the junior year.
- A recent photo.
- OPTIONAL: A 100-word essay describing why the applicant wants to attend a military academy and to later serve as a commissioned officer.
All application materials should be sent to Representative Watson's office at:
4322 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 302
Los Angeles, CA 90010
phone: 323-965-1422
fax: 323-965-1113
Connect with Diane
