Military Academy Nominations

United States Service Academy Nominations

If you are interested in becoming a leader, serving your country, and receiving a high-quality education, you may want to consider applying to one of our nation's military service academies. The academies offer academic and intellectual growth, personal development, and leadership training for men and women in many career fields. Graduates are commissioned as officers in one of our armed services.

Requests for nominations to the four national service academies should be made beginning in the spring of an applicant's junior year in high school. It is recommended that you contact both your Member of Congress and your Senator for nominations to better your chances. You can also contact the Office of the Vice President.

A separate application must be submitted directly to the Service Academy of your choice in addition to your request for a nomination. Nominations can only be given to candidates from whom the academies have received a completed application.

Academy Applicants must be:

  • U.S. Citizen
  • Permanent resident of the 33rd District of California (Are you a resident of the 33rd District?)
  • At least 17 years of age but not yet 23 as of July 1 of the year of admittance.
  • Unmarried with no dependents (marriage and age requirements vary for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy)

2014 Application Requirements:

Applications must be received by October 31, 2014

You will be contacted after your application is received to schedule an interview in the Congressman’s Los Angeles District Office during the month of November.

Please contact Brian Sutter directly with any questions at brian.sutter1@mail.house.gov or (323) 651-1040

Applications may be sent via email or mail to the following address:

Office of Rep. Henry Waxman 
Attn: Brian Sutter
5055 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 310
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: (310) 652-3095, (323) 655-0502
Brian.Sutter1@mail.house.gov
 

The application consists of the following documents:

  • 3 letters of recommendation (at least 2 academic)
  • High school transcript
  • SAT or ACT scores (they do not need to be official)
  • One-page essay on why you are applying
  • Resume of extracurricular activities
  • Current photo

In addition to a nomination from a U.S. Congressman or Senator, candidates must apply to the service academy of their choice. Information on the academies' admission requirements and standards can be obtained by telephoning, writing, or visiting the website of the admissions offices of the academies.

U.S.Coast Guard Academy - Entrance to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy is no longer by application to a Congressman or Senator. You must make your application directly to the Academy.  If you are interested in applying to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy you may write to: Director of Admissions, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT 06320. You may also call them at (860) 444-8503 or send an email to admissions@uscga.edu.  You can find more information at www.uscga.edu/opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What criteria are 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.

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
  • 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.

Forms

Congressman Waxman's Service Academy Questionnaire