The application process for 2017 Academy Nominations closed on October 28, 2016. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Congressman Tonko's office in Albany at (518) 465-0700.

Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Service Academies. As your Congressional Representative, each year I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of people to four of the five service academies. Each member of Congress, either in the House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate, is allowed a total of five appointees in each service academy. For each vacancy, I am able to nominate ten individuals. 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. Learn more about the Service Academy Nomination process below.

Best wishes to you as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. Service Academies and serving our country.
 

Seeking a Nomination: Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a nomination?
• What are the basic eligibilty requirements?
• What is the deadline for completing a nomination file?
• What must be included in my nomination file?
• What happens after I have completed my nomination file?
• What criteria is used in selecting candidates?
• How many academies are there?
• Are the requirements the same for all of the service academies?
• Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
• Will I automatically be selected by the academy after I receive a nomination?
• When will I know if I have been offered an appointment by an academy?
• Is there an advantage to applying early?
• How do I sumbit my SAT/ACT scores?

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

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 20th Congressional District of New York.
• Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy.

The deadline for submitting a nomination packet each year is in late October. Please submit completed packets only. If a candidate wants to replace a document with an updated one, please send my office the new version and ask us to dispose of the previous version.

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. Please include Congressional Office Codes with your results (ACT Congressional Office Code: 7563, SAT Congressional Office Code: 0253)
• 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

Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be contacted by my office and scheduled for an interview.

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.

There are five service academies.

Three reside within the Department of Defense:

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

Two reside within the Department of Transportation:

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

No. Although many of the qualifications are similar, each academy operates under its own admissions guidelines. Visit the academy of your choice via the web sites 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.

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.

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.

Academies will begin to notify candidates of their admission status in February. All offers of appointment are generally sent out by May.

Is there an advantage to applying early?

There is no advantage for applying early. Timing does not impact your chances of being accepted into your chosen academy.

How do I sumbit my SAT/ACT scores?

You may have your SAT and/or ACT test results sent directly to my office by the testing agency. The direct reporting code for SAT is 0253 and ACT is 7563.