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Academy Nominations

Young men and women from the 11th Congressional District who are interested in obtaining nominations to the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy, or the United States Merchant Marine Academy should contact our Hazleton District Office at (570) 751-0050 during the spring or summer of their junior year in high school.

You may fill out and mail or fax our Academy nomination application here.

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.

How many academies are there?
There are five service academies.

What are the basic eligibility requirements?
Each applicant for a nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1 of the year of admission to an academy:

  • Age: Be at least 17 years old, but not have passed his or her 23rd birthday;
  • Citizenship: Must be a United States 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 11th Congressional District of Pennsylvania;
  • Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the academy.

Who do I contact to request an application?
Contact Rep. Barletta’s Hazleton District Office at (570) 751-0050 to request a nomination packet.

When do I apply for a nomination?
The nomination application period opens May 15 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 packet?
The deadline for submitting a nomination packet to the Hazleton District Office is October 12, 2012. Please call (570) 751-0050 for specific information.

What happens after I have completed my nomination packet?
Applicants who submit a completed nomination packet 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, extracurricular activities, leadership skills, physical aptitude, character, and motivation are taken into consideration and compared with other applicants.

Do all service academies have the same criteria?
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 USCGA 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, members of the clergy, and scout leaders.
A specific recommendation form  is not required. 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 by Rep. Barletta’s office 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 from the academies themselves.

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.

Application for Nomination to a United States Service Academy 2012 ( 05/22/12 06:12 AM PST )