Skip to main content
Image
Washington DC

Military Academy Nominations - FAQ

 

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 yet 22 years of age. For the Merchant Marine Academy, the upper age limit is 25. 
  • 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 8th Congressional District of North Carolina.
  • 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, or download it here

What is the deadline for completing a nomination packet?

Applications for an academy nomination must be received in our Monroe office no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, September 29th, 2023. Do not send or bring applications to the Washington, D.C., or other district offices. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline passes. 

What must be included in my nomination file?

1. Completed Application Form (available HERE)
2. A one-page essay that summarizes your reasons for wanting to attend a Service Academy.
3. A summary of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, honors, and awards (your college resume).
4. A sealed copy of your high school transcript provided by your school.
5. SAT /ACT scores sent from agency OR a photo of SAT/ACT scores w/ Account Name visible.
6. Three (3) letters of recommendation from non-relatives, at least one of which must be from a teacher or school official. Actual letters should be in sealed envelopes in your packet, but emails from the authors can be sent directly to our email at Melissa.Merrell@mail.house.gov.
7. A recent photograph with your name clearly printed on the back. This will not be returned.
8. A copy of the enclosed Certification form signed by the student and parent/guardian.
9. A copy of the Privacy Authorization Release Form completed and signed by the student.
10. A copy of your Candidate Fitness Assessment scores.

What happens after I have completed my nomination file?

Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be scheduled for an interview in late October or early November.

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.