Academy Nominations

There are four service academies in the United States that require a nomination from an authorized nominating source.

Each academy offers young men and women a free college education at a highly-ranked, nationally-recognized academic program while preparing them for an officer's commission in the armed forces. The academies are: theAir Force Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy, the Military Academy at West Point, and the Naval Academy.  The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, does not require a Congressional nomination.

Congressman Schiff congratulates the Service Academy appointees from the 28th Congressional District for the Class of 2016.  L-R:  Victoria Denise Pearson (West Point), Jason William Hoist (Air Force Academy), Nathan William Hamming (West Point), Congressman Schiff, Peter Thomas Goodwin (Naval Academy) and Jennifer Irene Jimenez (Merchant Marine Academy).

Service Academy Nominations: Basic Facts

Acceptance at an Academy involves at least a nine year obligation to the Service--four years at the Academy and five years with the Service. Appointments in the 28th District are very competitive. Therefore, you are encouraged to apply through all available sources. These include United States Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein.  If you are the child of an active duty service member or deceased or disabled veteran, please contact Congressman Schiff's office for information about additional nominating authorities.

Guidelines

• You must be at least 17 years of age, but not yet 23 years of age.
• You must be a citizen of the United States at the time you enter the Academy.
• You must be unmarried and have no legal obligation to support a child or dependent.
• You must be a legal resident of the 28th Congressional District.

You will need to submit a complete application to Congressman Schiff's office that includes:

• Two letters of recommendation
• An official transcript, including your Junior year course work, your grade point average and your class rank
• College Boards--SAT or ACT scores. Indicate 4479 on the registration form to have scores forwarded directly
• A completed application form
• An essay explaining why you wish to attend a service academy

Basis for Nomination 

• Candidate's school record--grade point average and class rank.
• Extra-curricular activities--athletics, community service, and school organizations.
• SAT scores--A competitive candidate must have above 560 on verbal and above 600 on math.
• Motivation.
• Interview with Congressman Schiff's Service Academy Advisory Board.
• You must also complete the appropriate application process with each Academy of interest to you.

Applications for the class of 2017 must be submitted as a complete packet, including the Service Academy Nomination Application to the Pasadena District Office of Congressman Adam Schiff by October 26, 2012.

Applications will be reviewed by Congressman Schiff's Academy Advisory Board.  Interviews are usually held the first or second weekend in January.

For More Information

For more information please contact Congressman Schiff's Pasadena office at (626) 304-2727.

For more detailed information regarding the programs offered by each of the academies, you are encouraged to follow the links below. Each service academy has its own web site.

U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York

U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland

U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy  in Kings Point, New York

U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut