Military Academy Nominations

Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Service Academies. As your 5th 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. Best wishes to you as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. Service Academies and serving our country.

Instructions:

Print and complete the following Academy Nominations Form and send it and the other requested items outlined below via mail to my Bellefonte district office at 3555 Benner Pike, Suite 101, Bellefonte, PA 16823. For additional details, contact my Academy Coordinator at (814) 353-0215. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Seeking a Nomination

What is a nomination?

Members of Congress may nominate (recommend) 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 President (sons and daughters of career millitary personnel only)
  • Apply directly to the Vice-President
  • Refer to academy website for other nomination categories

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 5th Congressional District of Pennsylvania.
  • Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy.

When do I apply for a nomination?

My nomination application period opens June 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?

This year the deadline for submitting a nomination packet to my District Office is October 1st.

What must be included in my nomination file?

A complete nomination file consists of the following items:

  • Two (2) current photos
  • Completed and signed application form
  • High school transcript (Including Class Rank)
  • American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results (NOTE: report any SAT/ACT updates, especially new scores received after the October 1st deadline)
  • Resume of extracurricular activities
  • An essay stating why you want to attend a service academy
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Immediately file a pre-candidate application with the academy/academies of your choice

What happens after I have completed my nomination file?

In November, a volunteer Academy Board will review the Applicants who submitted a completed nomination file. Nominations will be announced in 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.

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?

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. (letters of recommendation should summarize academic progress, athletic ability, character description, and leadership potential)

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.

Additional Questions?

Contact my Academy Coordinator at (814) 353-0215.