Academy Nominations

Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Service Academies. As your 11th District Representative in the U.S. House of Representatives, each year I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of people to four of the five service academies. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Best wishes to you as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S.Service Academies and serving our country.

Download the Academy Nominations Form

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 11th Congressional District of Ohio.
Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy.

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 November 30th and generally by the end of December, I have submitted my list of nominees to the respective academies.

What must be included in my nomination file?

A complete nomination file consists of the following items:

High school transcript
Letter of intent, indicating your motivation for attending an academy
American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results
Resume of extracurricular activities
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 early to mid-December.

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.

Within 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

Within the Department of Transportation:
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York

Within the Department of Homeland Security:
U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut (does not require nominations)

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.

Whom 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. It is important to note that you must also complete an application process with the academy of your choice as well as completing the nomination process through my office. Please visit your site of interest below for the necessary application.  

* United States Military Academy (West Point)
* United States Naval Academy (Annapolis)
* United States Air Force Academy
* United States Merchant Marine Academy
* U.S. Coast Guard 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.

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Click here to download the Academy Nominations Form. 

After completing the form, please sign, date and print the form.  At this time we are not able to accept digital signatures. Return the form to Clifton Williams in my Washington office by either email, faxing it or through regular mail.  Please remember to include a copy of your high school transcript, resume, letter of intent, three letters of recommendation and test scores.

email: Clifton.Williams@mail.house.gov 
1019 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-7032
Fax: (202) 225-1339

District Office
4834 Richmond Rd. Suite 150
Warrensville Heights, OH 44128
Fax: (216) 522-4908

If you have any questions, please call my district office: (216) 522-4900 or Washington D.C. office: 202-225-7032