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Academy Nominations

Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Service Academies. As your Third District Representative in the US House of Representatives each year I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of individual 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 US Service Academies and serving our country.

On September 16, 2014, my office will  be hosting an informational U.S. Service Academy Night to learn more about the nomination process. Click here for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can offer 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 US House of Representatives who represents the congressional district in which the candidate resides
  • Both US 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:

  • Must be at least 17 years of age but not have passed their 23rd birthday
  • Must be a US citizen
  • Must be unmarried, not pregnant and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents
  • Must reside within the boundaries of the Third Congressional District of Minnesota
  • Must meet the medical, physical and academic requirements of the individual academy.

Who do I contact to request an application?

Contact my office at (952) 405-8510 to request a nomination packet.

When do I apply for a nomination?

My nomination application period opens in the spring of each year for those candidates who are high school juniors and will be seniors the following school year or those 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 31st, 2013.

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
  • Other nomination source(s)

What happens after I have completed my nomination file?

Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be scheduled for an interview in late November or early 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.

Three reside within the Department of Defense:

  • One resides within the Department of Transportation:
  • US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York
  • One resides within the Department of Homeland Security
  • US Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut
    NO NOMINATION REQUIRED FOR THE COAST GUARD

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, counselors, employers, coaches, clergy and scout leaders

I do not require a specific recommendation form. A letter of recommendation is sufficient. See the application packet for detailed instructions.

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.