Academy Nominations

Service academies are without a doubt, some of the finest schools in our nation.  In attending a service academy, the young Americans who attend these fine establishments will be instilled with great discipline and leadership abilities.

Members of Congress have the opportunity to nominate individuals for service academy each year.  This helps ensure a wide range of students from throughout our nation attend the service academies.

Explore the following links for more information about Service Academies.

US Military Academy	Air Force Academy	Naval Academy	Merchant Marine Academy

Students should contact their academies of choice starting in the spring of their junior high school year to begin their academy application process by submitting a "pre-candidate" questionnaire.  Once your file is opened, the academies will begin to make an evaluation.  Academies will take into consideration: Character, Leadership, Physical Aptitude, Medical Fitness and Motivation.  Once you have made contact with an academy, you should always keep your file up to date. 

To apply for a nomination, potential appointees must complete an application.  Congressman Costa's office begins mailing out application forms in April.  The application is due back to our Fresno District Office on or before November 10th of the applicant's senior year.  If qualified, an interview will be scheduled with Costa's academy selection committee. 

Congressman Costa's selection committee is composed of community leaders from the 16th Congressional District.  The committee members will be looking for a well-rounded individual.  They take into consideration academic qualifications, test scores, community involvement and leadership abilities. 

The following basic eligibility requirements must be met by each applicant as of July 1 of the year of admission to the service academy:

• Must be between the ages of 17 and 21 years of age.
• Must be a United States Citizen and a resident of my 16th Congressional District.
• Must be unmarried, not pregnant and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents. 

After a congressional nomination is made, it is then up to the individual academies to make their final decision.  When the decision arrives and you have succeeded in receiving an appointment, the real test begins.  You will report in the summer prior to your freshman year to begin an intensive basic training program before you begin an intense four-year education. Information concerning service academies and applications can be obtained from my Fresno District Office at (559) 495-1620.  Please ask to speak to Kelly Gill, Director of Constituent Services