Frequently asked questions for those seeking a Military Academy nomination. You may also fill out a Military Academy Nominations Form.

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

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 9th Congressional District of Arizona
• Skill/Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy

Who do I contact to request an application?

• Contact my District Office at 602-956-2285 and ask to speak to Kelly Mills. You can also email Kelly at kelly.mills@mail.house.gov. 

When do I apply for a nomination?

• My nomination application period opens May 13, 2016 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 complete applications to reach Congresswoman Sinema’s office is Friday, October 7, 2016.

What is the date of the U.S. Service Academy Nomination Interviews with my Nomination Board?

• Saturday October 29, 2016 is the date of the nomination interviews.
• All candidates who have successfully completed and submitted their application files will interview with my nomination board.
• The interviews will take place during the morning of October 29, 2016 and will take place in my Phoenix District Office.
• Interviews will be scheduled in advance and will last approximately twenty minutes.

What must be included in my nomination file?

A complete nomination file consists of the following items:

• Current photo
• High school transcript
• American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or
  • ACT Score Report Code for Congresswoman Sinema:  7232
• College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results
  • SAT Score Report Code for Congresswoman Sinema:  6809
  • Resume of extra-curricular activities
  • An essay stating why you want to attend a service academy (500 words or less)
  • Minimum of 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 with our Nomination Board (interview date to be determined).

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?

• U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, www.usma.edu
• U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland,  www.usna.edu
• U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, www.usafa.af.mil
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, www.usmma.edu
• U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut, www.cga.edu

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 website 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 criteria.

Whom should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?

• Teachers
• Counselors
• Employers
• Coaches
• Clergy
• Scout Leaders

We 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.

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.