Service Academy Nominations

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

To apply for my nomination, please fill out a Service Academy Nominations Form.

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
  • 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
  • Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy.

Who do I contact to request an application?

Contact your congressional district office to request a nomination packet, or fill out a Service Academy Nominations Form.

When do I apply for a nomination?

My nomination application period opens August 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?

The deadline for submitting a nomination packet for school year 2015-2016 is December 12, 2014. Please contact your congressional district office for more specifics.

What must be included in my nomination file?

A complete nomination file consists of the following items:

  • High school transcript
  • American College Testing Program (ACT) 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 two letters of recommendation

What happens after I have completed my nomination file?

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

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 USCGA accepts candidates based on their own testing criteria.

Where may Congressman Sablan make nominations for the upcoming admissions cycle?

For school year 2015-2016, there are slots available for students from the Northern Mariana Islands at the following Service Academies:

  • U.S. Air Force Academy  - 2 vacancies
  • U.S. Merchant Marine Academy - 1 vacancy
  • U.S. Naval Academy - 2 vacancies

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 gain 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 starting in February. All offers of appointment are generally sent out by May.

To apply for my nomination, please fill out a Service Academy Nominations Form.