Military Academy Nominations - FAQ

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 At Large Congressional District of Puerto Rico.
  • Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy

Who do I contact to request an application?

Contact the office to request a nomination packet.

When do I apply for a nomination?

The nomination application period opens May 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?

The deadline to apply for a nomination from my office is  November 20, 2020. Please contact the office for more specifics.

IMPORTANT: THE PACKAGE HAS TO BE DELIVERED ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 20, 2020. ANY PACKAGE RECEIVED AFTER THAT DAY WILL NOT BE PRESENTED TO THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE.

What must be included in my nomination file?

A complete nomination file consists of the following items:

  • One 4 inch by 6-inch photo of yourself (NOT STUDIO PHOTO)
  • Signed and dated Nomination Form available from Congresswoman Gonzalez website 
  • A copy of your SAT1 or ACT scores. These scores are the entrance examinations recognized by the service academies. If you took more than one test, or you took it more than once, send us the highest scores.
  • An official high school transcript
  • An essay explaining the reason why you want to become an officer in the U.S. Armed Forces of the U.S. (1 page/12 font, maximum 500 words)
  • A biographical sketch which must include any work experience, school extracurricular activities, or any community service.
  • Three letters of recommendations
    • One letter of recommendation must be from your school counselor, advisor or principal. The remaining two letters can be from any individuals of your choosing. 
    • The letters of recommendation must establish that the author knows you personally and should describe those personal qualifications for which the author has decided to recommend you. The more the author can say about you, the greater the opportunity will be to learn about you.
  • Evidence of Residency
    • You must be a legal resident of Puerto Rico to seek a nomination from our office.
  • Proof of age and citizenship; Declaration of marital status and lack of dependents
    • Candidates to the Service Academies must be at least 17 years old and not yet 23 years old on July 1st of the year the candidate would enter an academy (25 years old for USMMA), that they be United States citizens, unmarried, and have no dependents.  

Please compile all the above listed items into one packet and mail or FedEx the original application packet to our office.

Your packets most reach our office no later than NOVEMBER 20, 2020.

What happens after I have completed my nomination file?

All qualified candidates will be scheduled for an interview with our office’s Service Academy Review Board. The interview will afford you an opportunity to talk with the panel about your interest in the Academy and your qualifications for a nomination. The interview will also provide you with an opportunity to present dimensions of yourself that are not easily communicated through an application form.

Once all your interviews have been completed, the Service Academy Review Board will submit its recommendations to Congresswoman González-Colón. After reviewing these recommendations and the application packet of each candidate, the Congresswoman will forward her nominations to the Academies. She will submit these nominations no later than December-January 31st and you can expect notification from her office on your status shortly thereafter.

Please note that the application for a nomination is separate from the Service Academy application process, so you must make sure you complete both. The Academy admissions office will send you a packet on the academic, extracurricular and military aspects of its program, and will request information from you for their Candidate Pre-Selection Evaluation.  This information should be sent directly to the Academy. 

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 websites 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

A specific recommendation form is not required. 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.