Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is there an age maximum or minimum to attend a US Service Academy?

    Each of the service academies sets an age minimum and maximum for eligible attendance.  If you wish to attend the US Naval, Air Force, or Military academy, you must be at least 17 years of age, and you must not have had your 23rd birthday before July 1 of your year of entry.  If you wish to attend the US Merchant Marine Academy, you must be at least 17 years of age, and must not have had your 25th birthday before July 1 of your year of entry.    

If I am an international student who is currently studying here in California, will I be eligible for Senator Boxer’s nomination?

    No.  Senator Boxer, as well as any other member of Congress, is only permitted to nominate individuals who are U.S. citizens.  Each of the academies has procedures for accepting applicants from foreign countries.  You should contact the academy directly to inquire further.

Will I be prohibited from attending a service academy if I have children or if I am married?

    Yes.  According to qualification guidelines at each academy, you must not be married, pregnant, or have any legal obligation to support children or other dependents.

When should I submit an application to receive Senator Boxer’s nomination?
    
    Senator Boxer begins accepting completed applications in April of the year prior to entry.  If you would like to begin at an academy for the 2010 entering class, for example, you may begin by submitting a completed application in April of 2009.  Keep in mind that you will not be able to submit applications beyond the deadline of November 1, which is Senator Boxer’s deadline for receipt of all completed application materials and standardized exam scores.

What if there are extenuating circumstances; can the November 1 deadline be extended?

    Senator Boxer and her staff take great strides to ensure that eligible students are given every opportunity possible.  Various situations can, oftentimes limit one’s ability to meet Senator Boxer’s deadline.  It is highly recommended that you complete your application and submit it well in advance of the deadline, to avoid any complications.  Should there arise an extenuating circumstance, such as a natural disaster, Senator Boxer’s staff will review the matter on a case by case basis.  

What is the time line for application submission, nomination, and appointment?

    Following the November 1 deadline for receipt of completed applications, Senator Boxer’s staff begin processing application materials.  This processing period is brought to culmination when, in mid-December, qualifying applicants are selected to move on to the next stage in the process.  Applicants who advance to this stage, interview by telephone with a nominations selection committee composed of individuals who are themselves academy graduates and either reservists, or retired military.  This committee makes its recommendations to Senator Boxer, who makes all final nominating decisions.

 How many applicants will I be competing with for this nomination?

    Senator Boxer’s nomination process is a highly competitive one.  Because Senator Boxer nominates applicants from all throughout the State of California, she receives a great number of applications compared to other nominating sources.  

Should I only apply to Senator Boxer, or should I apply to other nominating sources?

    It is recommended that students apply broadly.  You may receive a nomination from a number of different sources.  California residents may apply for a nomination to both Senator Boxer and Senator Feinstein, as well as their member of the U.S. House of Representatives from their district.  Students who do not know whom their representative is, may locate him or her by visiting www.house.gov.   There are other non-congressional means by which an applicant may receive a nomination, such as the Vice-President or President of the United States, or the Reserve Officer Training Corps (R.O.T.C.).  It is recommended that you contact the academy directly regarding these nomination sources.

Can I apply to Senator Boxer for a nomination to more than one academy?

    No.  Senator Boxer permits students to apply to only one academy.

Are there any medical factors that may disqualify me from receiving a nomination?

    Senator Boxer’s office does not evaluate applicants on the basis of their physical condition.  However, every candidate, prior to receiving an appointment to any of the four academies, must be cleared physically by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (D.O.D.M.E.R.B.).  It is recommended that you visit the academy’s website or contact them directly if you have any concerns regarding disqualifying medical conditions.

What type of coursework should I be taking while in High School to be competitive for an appointment?

    It is recommended that you contact the academy directly regarding coursework and preparation.  There are a number of different academic programs at each of the academies that might warrant an array of qualified preparation, therefore, it is best that you contact the academy directly regarding your planned coursework.

Am I required to take both the SAT and ACT exams?

    Senator Boxer will make evaluations based on either of these standardized exam scores.

Am I required to take the SAT II exam?

    Senator Boxer does not make evaluations based on the SAT II exam.         

Since the application is due by November 1, when is the last SAT or ACT exam I may take?

    It is completely up to the applicant when and how frequently he or she takes standardized exams.  You should factor in scoring, processing, and delivery time for receipt of official scores from each of the testing services, being careful to ensure that all of your application materials are received prior to November 1.  This means that students who take standardized exams in late October or November will not be able to submit a completed application by the deadline.

I am a California resident, but I am currently living abroad.  Am I still eligible for Senator Boxer’s nomination?

    Yes.  Students who are currently studying or living abroad, or who are dependents of active-duty military personnel who have a home of record in California, are fully eligible for Senator Boxer’s nomination.  Senator Boxer and her staff make every effort possible to assist applicants living abroad.
                        
Can active-duty soldiers apply for Senator Boxer’s nomination?

    Yes.  Active-duty military who fully comply with their personnel directives regarding academy attendance are fully eligible for Senator Boxer’s nomination.  

Should I open a pre-candidate file at the academy to which I am applying?

    Yes.  It is important that all applicants contact their respective academy of interest and open a pre-candidate file as early as possible.  The academies generally recommend that students fill out these questionnaires during their junior year of high school.