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U.S. Service Academy Nominations
Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Service Academies. As your 12th District Representative in the U.S. House, each year I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of people to four of the five service academies (to attend the Coast Guard Academy, students need to apply directly to the Academy). 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 a U.S. Service Academy and serving our country.
DOWNLOAD: Service Academy Nomination Application
Seeking a Nomination: Frequently Asked Questions
When can I be considered for an academy nomination?
The Congressman can begin accepting academy nomination applications no earlier than January of the applicant's junior year of high school.
When is the deadline to be considered for an academy nomination?
You must submit your completed nomination application to our office BEFORE the close of business on September 29, 2017. Interviews will be held in late October (date to be determined).
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 12th Congressional District of Florida.
How do I obtain an application?
Students seeking a nomination should download the nomination application from my website and submit it to my New Port Richey Office at 7132 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL 34654.
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 College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results
- Resume of extracurricular activities
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Three letters of recommendationImportant: Please ensure you are registered as an official candidate with the academy(ies) of which you are seeking a nomination.
How many academies are there?
There are five service academies.
Three reside within the Department of Defense:
One resides within the Department of Transportation:
One resides within the Department of Homeland Security:
Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
Representative Bilirakis does not require a specific recommendation form. A letter of recommendation is sufficient. Some of the people applicants typically seek recommendations from include:
- Teachers
- Counselors
- Employer
- 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 win multiple appointments.