Military Academy Nomination FAQ

Frequently asked questions for those seeking a Military Academy nomination. You may also fill out a Military 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
Both U.S. 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:

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
Residence: Must reside within the boundaries of the 1stth Congressional District of StateName.
Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy.

Who do I contact to request an application?

Contact my office at 202-225-4911 to request a nomination packet.

When do I apply for a nomination?

My nomination application period opens May 15th of each year for those candidates who are high school juniors and will be seniors the following school year, or who have already graduated.

What is the deadline for completing a nomination file?

The deadline for submitting a nomination packet to my District Office is normally mid-October. Please contact my office at 202-225-4911 for more specifics.

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

What happens after I have completed my nomination file?

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

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.

U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York
U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland
U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York
U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut

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.

Office Locations Push

Office Name	Location	Image	Map URL
Birmingham Office	Birmingham Two 20th Street North, Suite 1130 Birmingham, AL 35203 Phone: (205) 254-1960 Fax: (205) 254-1974		http://goo.gl/xBfyyE
Demopolis Office	Demopolis 186 Field of Dreams Drive Demopolis, AL 36732 Phone: (334) 287-0860 Fax: (334) 877-4489		http://goo.gl/lwsVqr
Livingston Office	Livingston 205 N. Washington Street, UWA Station 40 Webb Hall 236-237 Livingston, AL 35470-2099 Phone: (205) 652-5834		https://goo.gl/maps/99tib
Marion Office	Marion 300 Washington Street Marion , AL 36756 Phone: (334)683-2157 Fax: (334) 683-2201		http://goo.gl/BqqB1C
Montgomery Office	Montgomery 101 South Lawrence Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104 Phone: (334) 262-1919		http://goo.gl/uyLZ19
Selma Office	Selma 908 Alabama Avenue, Federal Building, Suite 112 Selma, AL 36701 Phone: (334) 877-4414 Fax: (334) 877-4489		https://goo.gl/maps/a36B6
Tuscaloosa Office	Tuscaloosa 2501 7th Street, Suite 300 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Phone: (205) 752-5380		http://goo.gl/YjmyaN

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Label (no spaces or special characters)	Value	Comments (optional)
repName	Terri Sewell
helpWithFedAgencyAddress	Office of Congresswoman Terri Sewell Attn: Constituent Services Two 20th Street North, Suite 1130 Birmingham, AL 35203 Phone: (205) 254-1960 Fax: (205) 254-1974
district	7th District of Alabama
academyUSCitizenDate	July 1, 2014
academyAgeDate	July 1, 2014
academyApplicationDueDate	October 20, 2014
repStateABBR	AL
repDistrict	7
repState	Alabama
repDistrictText	7th
repPhoto
SponsoredBills	Sponsored Bills
CoSponsoredBills	Co-Sponsored Bills