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Academy Nominations

I am thrilled to hear of your interest in attending one of the United States military service academies and I look forward to considering you for a nomination. 

Each Member of Congress is allowed to make a limited number of nominations for each military service academy.  My nominees for appointment to one of the academies are selected on a competitive basis, using criteria determined by the academies to be indicative of one's potential for success in the military.  

Each candidate for a nomination must meet the following basic eligibility requirements as of July 1st of the year of entry to a service academy:

  • Nominees must reside in the 5th Congressional District of Washington.  Click here to find out if you do.
  • Be at least 17 years old, but not have passed your 23rd birthday.
  • Be a United States citizen.
  • Be unmarried, not pregnant and have no legal obligation to support a child or other dependant.

At the beginning of the academy selection process, you should open a pre-candidate file with each of the military service academies.  You can obtain additional information about the academy admissions process through your high school counselor or academy liaison officer. 

I require the following material for participation in my academy program:

  • A transcript of your high school academic record including your class rank, number in graduating class, and your grade point average.
  • ACT or SAT scores at the earliest possible date.
  • Two letters of recommendation from teachers, employers or other people who are well acquainted with you.
  • Your own letter explaining why your regard yourself as a good candidate for an academy appointment.

Please complete and submit the online form and either hand deliver or mail the rest of the items.  All of the items must be in my Spokane office by November 15th, either delivered by hand or mailed.  Candidates whose files are incomplete on the deadline date will not be given consideration.

Evaluation process:

You will be evaluated on your academic qualifications, leadership ability, and physical aptitude as well as an interview with members of my academy nomination board. Interviews will be conducted in Spokane during the first week of December. You will be notified of the exact date and time of your interview by November 20th.

Your academic qualification for nomination to an academy is determined by your grade point average, class rank, and your SAT or ACT scores.  As a general rule, the academies require a minimum composite SAT score of 1200 and a class rank in the top quarter.  The higher one's score and class rank, the greater his or her chance for nomination.

Leadership ability is also an essential factor in evaluating a candidate's potential success at an academy.  Be sure to include with your application any material which might indicate leadership ability, such as offices held, activities, sports, employment, scouting and other activities.

An official medical examination is required for all candidates who are found to be academically qualified.  There is no cost for the examination.  You will be notified later of the specific details of the examination by the academy to which you apply.

The competition for nominations is usually quite arduous.  I therefore encourage you to apply to every nominating authority possible (Senator Maria Cantwell, Senator Patty Murray and Vice President Joe Biden).  This will provide the academies with a greater selection of candidates, as well as give you a better chance of obtaining an appointment.  I do ask, however, that you notify my office if you receive a nomination through another nominating authority or official.

Please direct all correspondence or questions regarding the academies to my Spokane office.