Service Academy Nominations

Instructions

Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Service Academies. As your 3rd 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. 

You can complete the Service Academy Nomination form online here. Additionally, you can request a Service Academy Nomination form from my office. The number to request the form is 702-387-4941.

For more information, please review the Frequently Asked Questions section below. Best wishes to you as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. Service Academies and serving our country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a nomination?

A nomination is a requirement to attend any of four service academies.  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 3rdth 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 (702) 387-4941 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?

The deadline for submitting a nomination packet to my District Office is October 29, 2012. Please contact my office at (702) 387-4941 for more specifics.

What must be included in my nomination file?

A complete nomination file consists of the following items:

  • High school transcript
    • Complete high school transcript to include final junior grades, cumulative GPA and class ranking
  • American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results
    • These must be official scores. A copy of your test report should accompany the package.
  • Resume of extracurricular activities
  • A one page statement discussing the following:
    • Primary academy choice
    • Academic goals while at the academy
    • Plan if primary academy choice isn’t available
  • Three letters of recommendation. (suggest the following)
    • Math teacher
    • English teacher
    • Extracurricular activity mentor

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 potential, 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:

Two reside within the Department of Transportation:

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 websites 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 (math and English recommended)
  • OPTIONAL SOURCES:
  • Varsity sport coach
  • JROTC Detachment Commander
  • Extracurricular activity mentor (club sport coach, martial arts teacher, service club mentor, scoutmaster, etc.)
  • Physical education teacher
  • Clergy, counselor, or employer

I do not require a specific recommendation form, but it must NOT be MORE than one page in length. Below are format suggestions:

  • Recommending person’s qualification for recommendation
  • Period of contact with the applicant
  • Why they believe the applicant will succeed at the service academy

Will I automatically be selected by the academy after I receive a nomination?

No. A Congressional nomination is required to be considered for appointment to a service academy and is the first step in a two part process. The second step is to receive an appointment to an academy. The appointment process is separate from the Congressional nomination and is conducted by each academy’s admissions board. To be as competitive as possible, you should strive to complete your application to the service academy before the nomination board meets. Remember, these are two separate applications and processes!

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 a nomination by Congressman Heck?

You should be notified within three weeks of your interview with the Congressman Heck’s nomination committee.

When will I know if I have been offered an appointment by an academy?

Each academy admissions process operates on different timelines.  If you complete your application before the nomination process and score high by the admissions board you may be offered a conditional appointment.  A conditional appointment indicates the academy’s selection board is likely to extend an appointment if a nomination is received and the applicant maintains consistent superior performance.  For later application completion 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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