Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Service Academies. As Southwest Washington's 3rd District 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.
If you wish to receive an application, please fill out the form below or call my office at (360) 695-6292. Best wishes to you as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. Service Academies and serving our country.
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Here are some frequently asked questions for those seeking a Military Academy nomination.
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 3rd Congressional District of Washington.
- Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy.
Who do I contact to request an application?
Just fill out the online form above, or contact my office at (360) 695-6292 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 October 31st. If October 31st falls on a weekend, applications are due the Monday following that weekend. Please contact my office at (360) 695-6292 for more specifics.
What must be included in my nomination file?
A complete nomination file consists of the following items:
- American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results
- Current resume listed in the following order: extra-curricular activities (including, but not limited to, sports participation, leadership activities and roles); after-school or summer jobs; community service; club memberships; music participation/ performances, etc.
- An essay stating why you want to attend a service academy (1,000 words or less). The essay should be no more than 1 typed page, double-spaced.
- Minimum of three letters of recommendation
Please note that applications with missing elements will not be considered for nomination. Completed nomination files should be mailed to:
Office of Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler
ATTN: Academy Nominations
O.O. Howard House on Officers’ Row
750 Anderson Street, Suite B, Vancouver, WA 98661
What happens after I have completed my nomination file?
Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be scheduled for an interview in late interview in late November or early 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.
Three reside within the Department of Defense:
One resides within the Department of Transportation
And one resides within the Department of Homeland Security:
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.
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