Military Academy Nominations

Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Service Academies. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of individuals each year to four of the five service academies. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation 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.

Click here to download the Academy Nominations Form.

Frequently Asked Questions

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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
• The U.S. Senators from his or her state
• 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 11th Congressional District of Ohio
• 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 in May for those candidates who are high school juniors and will be seniors the following school year, or those 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 November 25, 2016.  By the end of December, I have typically submitted my list of nominees to the respective academies.

What must be included in my nomination file?

A complete nomination file consists of the following items:

• High school transcript
• Letter of intent, indicating your motivation for attending an academy
• American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results
• Resume of extracurricular activities
• Three letters of recommendation

What happens after I have completed my nomination file?

Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be scheduled for an interview early to mid-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.

• United States Military Academy (West Point)
• United States Naval Academy (Annapolis)
• United States Air Force Academy
• United States Merchant Marine Academy
• United States Coast Guard Academy (does not require nominations)

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 it accepts candidates based on their own testing criteria.

Whom 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. It is important to note that you must also complete an application process with the academy of your choice as well as completing the nomination process through my office. Please visit the academy links above for the necessary application.

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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After completing the form, please sign, date and print the form.  At this time we are not able to accept digital signatures.  Please remember to include a copy of your high school transcript, resume, letter of intent, three letters of recommendation and test scores.  You may mail, email, or fax your application to:

William Anderson
Honorable Marcia L. Fudge
4834 Richmond Road, Suite 150
Warrensville Heights, OH 44128

or

William.Anderson@mail.house.gov

or

(216) 522-4908 (fax)

If you have any questions, please call my Cuyahoga County district office at (216) 522-4900 or my Washington D.C. office at (202) 225-7032.