To be considered for an appointment to a U.S. Service Academy, you must have a nomination from an authorized nominating source. Title 10 of the U.S. Code establishes two nominating authorities. The first, usually referred to as "congressional" nominations, includes the nominations of the Vice President and members of the U.S. Congress. The second, usually referred to as "service-connected" or "military-affiliated" nominations, includes selections by the President and nominations from the appropriate service (i.e., Secretary of the Army for nomination to the U.S. Military Academy).
In order to be considered for a congressional nomination, it is necessary that you meet all of the general requirements of the academy of choice and for you to complete the online application. Those requirements include:
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship, or having obtained it by graduation from high school
- Residency: Only legal residents of Delaware may apply
- Age: At least 17 years old, but not older than 23 years old by July 1 of entering year
- Marital Status: Unmarried with no dependents
- Academic: Must complete the SAT
- Physical: Must meet the Academy physical requirement and the DODMERB medical examination
