The 2014 application deadline has been set as November 1, 2014 at 5:00pm HST.

Each year, I have the privilege of nominating a few of Hawaii's most talented and skilled young people for selection to one of our four service academies: United States Air Force Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, West Point, and the Naval Academy. (The Coast Guard Academy does not use Congressional nominations in its appointment process.).

This page contains detailed information about the nomination and application process.

To be considered for a nomination, candidates should have a strong academic background, participation in school and community activities (particularly in leadership positions), a high standard of physical fitness, and a desire to be challenged to the fullest.

Each Senator is allowed just five individuals enrolled in a particular Academy at any given time. The Senator nominates ten individuals per open slot at each Academy. Each Academy then appoints the nominees who fulfill their admission requirements.

To begin the nomination process, you should first apply directly to the service academy you wish to attend (i.e. the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy). You should then apply for all of the nominations for which you may be eligible including, but not limited to, your elected representatives in Congress and the Vice President of the United States.

Minimum Qualifications for a Nomination:

• A citizen of the United States. Your citizenship must be finalized prior to entering the Academy. You must submit proof of citizenship if you were foreign born or naturalized
• Unmarried with no dependents
• Of good moral character
• At least 17, but less than 23 years of age by July 1 of the year you would enter the Academy. The age requirement is public law and cannot be waived
• Of high leadership, academic, physical and medical standards
• A resident of Hawaii

How to Apply for a Nomination:

In order to be considered for a congressional nomination, you must complete the following:

1. Complete the application by clicking here.
2. Complete and attach an essay to your application.
3. Attach an official transcript for all high schools, junior colleges, and colleges you have attended. (All high school transcripts must include final junior year grades.)
4. Attach official SAT I or ACT scores. If these scores are not on your official academic transcript, you may make arrangements to have them submitted directly to my Hawaii Office (SAT code: 4469, ACT Code: 7121).
5. Attach three letters of recommendations from individuals who know you well. One of these letters must be from a teacher; none can be from a family member.

All application materials must be attached to your online application. Please do not mail your application materials to the office. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

You will be able to check the status of your application by emailing Nominations@Hirono.Senate.Gov and putting status update in the subject line.

Interviews will be scheduled sometime during the second and third weeks of November, at my Hawaii office. If you are selected for an interview, you will be notified by e-mail of the exact time and location. If you do not receive written notice of an interview, please contact my Hawaii Office at 808-522-8970.

The congressional nomination process is very competitive and one that our Service Academy Selection Panel and I take very seriously. Please understand that if you do not receive a nomination from my office it does not necessarily mean you do not meet academy standards. Rather, it likely reflects the high caliber of candidates who applied for a very limited number of nominations.

I commend you on your desire to serve our nation as an officer in the United States Armed Forces and wish you every success in your pursuit of an appointment to a service academy. If, for some reason, the information above doesn't answer all of your questions please contact my Hawaii office at 808-522-8970 or see the frequently asked questions portion below.

Military Academy Nomination FAQ's

Do I need to have my ACT and SAT scores sent directly to your office from the testing companies?

No. Because of the volume of applications we receive, we ask that applicants submit all materials at once as a completed application package. Your test scores should be included in your completed application package so a copy of your official score sheet is sufficient.

Should my school mail my transcript directly to your office?

No. Again, applications must be submitted a completed package so please include your official transcript in the completed application package.

I am currently in my first year of college or attending an academy preparatory school. Do you still need my ACT/SAT scores and high school transcript?

Yes. We still need all of the application requirements, and we also need your transcript from your college or preparatory school. Again, all of this should be sent in a completed packet.

How do I reach the nomination manager?

You can reach the nominations coordinator at Nominations@Hirono.Senate.Gov or by phone at 808-522-8970.