Military Academy Nominations

Our nation's service academies offer young men and women of ambition and patriotism the opportunity to earn a fully-paid college degree while serving honorably in the armed forces. These four-year institutions train the next generation of American leaders, equipping youth with the skills, discipline, and knowledge that will set them on a path of accomplishment and accolade.

Our office can nominate interested and qualified prospective students from our district to these four academies:

Nominations from the 15th district are competitive and stress scholastic, athletic, and leadership excellence – but we strongly encourage that anyone with the drive and passion apply. To do so, you must be:

• Between the ages of 17 and 21, as of July 1 of the admission year
• Unmarried, without dependent children
• A citizen of the United States

Applications must be sent to our Washington, D.C. office no later than December 31 to be considered. A completed application will include:

• The Congressional Nomination application form
• Letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor or your principal
• SAT or ACT scores, sent directly from the Educational Testing Services
• Official school transcript, sent directly from your school
• Complete list of your extracurricular activities
• Three letters of recommendation from people who know you well, excluding family members and the aforementioned recommendation from your counselor or principal
• A 300-word essay discussing your interest in attending the academy
• A recent photograph

A fifth service academy – the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, in New London, Connecticut – offers a separate, independent, nationally competitive application program. Visit that academy's site for more information.

Academy Nominations Form

Please call our Washington office at 202.225.4365 if you have any questions. 

Instructions

Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Service Academies. As your 15thDistrict 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.

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 15th Congressional District of New York.
• 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 (202) 225-4365to 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?

This year the deadline for submitting a nomination packet to my District Office is October 20.

What must be included in my nomination file?

A complete nomination file consists of the following items:

• Current photo
• High school transcript
• American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results
• Resume of extracurricular activities
• An essay stating why you want to attend a service academy (500 words or less)
• 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 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 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.

Three reside within the 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

Two reside within the Department of Transportation:

• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York
• U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut

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.

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
• 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.

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.

Academy Nominations Form