Military Academy Nominations
Military Academy Nominations FAQ
Frequently asked questions for those seeking a U.S. Service Academy nomination.
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 requirements?
Each applicant for a nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission to an academy:
- 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 Washington's Sixth Congressional District.
- Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy
Who do I contact to request an application?
The 2025 nomination application information is available here.
When do I apply for a nomination?
We are accepting applications for the 2025 nomination process from June 1 until November 7, 2025.
What is the deadline?
November 7, 2025
What must be included in my applicaiton file?
A complete nomination file consists of the following items in one PDF. Please ensure the documents are in the following order:
- Cover Page with contact information
- Photo - must be a head-shot
- Resume detailing work and volunteer history, and personal accomplishments
- Personal essay (500 words)
- Why do you want to attend a military academy?
- Why are you military academy material?
- What is your personal philosophy of leadership?
- Three Letters of Recommendation* from people who know you well. For high school students, one of these letters must be from a STEM teacher. Recommendations from family members are not permitted.
- High school/college transcripts
- Most recent SAT/ACT scores [NO SuperScore or Score Choice] (We accept test scores up until interview in December. Include scores in packet)
- First quarter/semester senior grades or progress report
- Include copies of any LOA or LOE you may have received
*Letters of recommendations may be submitted separately from your packet as long as they are received before your deadline. Recommendations may be sent separately to kaila.witt@mail.house.gov
What happens after I complete my file?
Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be scheduled for an interview. Please hold December 7, 2025, as a tentative date.
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. · U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York · U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland · U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs · U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York · U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut
Are the requirements the same for 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 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 be automatically selected 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 the academy?
Academies will begin to notify candidates of their admission status in February. All offers of appointment are generally sent out by May.