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;
- or by applying 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 State of Kansas.
Skill/Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical and academic requirements of the Academy.
How do I request a nominations form?
Click here for our online Academy Nominations Form.
When do I apply for a nomination?
The nomination application period opens March 1 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 completed nomination packet to Senator Roberts’ Topeka Office by OCTOBER 1.
What must be included in my nomination file?
A complete nomination file consists of the following items:
- Academy Application sheet
- Official School transcript sent from school counselor
- A detailed list of school, church, civic and extracurricular activities and any special honors received
- ACT and/or SAT score verification
- Three letters of recommendation one of which must be from your high school counselor
- A recent photo (4 x 6)
- Affidavit of legal permanent residence
- A 250-500 word essay detailing why you desire to attend the academy of your choice
What happens after I have completed my nomination file?
Applicants who submit a completed nomination file by OCTOBER 1st will be scheduled for an interview.
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, Colorado
- 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 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.
Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
Typically applicants request letters of recommendation from
- Teachers
- Counselors
- Employers
- Coaches
- Clergy
- Scout Leaders
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 receive 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.
