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U.S. Service 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 for consideration for admission to a U.S. Service Academy.  Individuals must meet the eligibility requirements as 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.

  • By applying 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:

  • Applicants must be at least 17 years old, but not have passed their 23rd birthday (17 and 24 for the Merchant Marine Academy) as of July 1 of the year the applicant would enter the academy.

  • Applicants must be a U.S. citizen.

  • Applicants must be unmarried.

  • Applicants may not be pregnant or have a legal obligation to support children or other dependents.

  • Applicants must reside within the boundaries of the Fourth Congressional District of Minnesota.

  • Applicants must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the academy.

 
How many academies are there?

There are five service academies:

 
Who do I contact to request a nomination application? 

The nomination application form for Congresswoman McCollum’s office may be found on her website at:  https://mccollum.house.gov/services/service-academy-nominations

 
When do I apply for a nomination?

The nomination application period opens in August of each year for those candidates entering their senior year in high school or who have already graduated from high school.

 
What is the deadline for completing a nomination file?

The deadline for submitting a complete nomination packet to Congresswoman McCollum’s District Office is in early November and the date varies by year. 

 
What must be included in my nomination file?

A complete nomination file consists of the following items:

  • Current photo

  • Completed nomination application

  • American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results

  • High school or post-secondary transcript

  • Resume of extracurricular activities

  • An essay stating why you want to attend a service academy (500 words or less)

  • A minimum of three letters of recommendation – letters must be signed, dated, and include an address for the individual providing the recommendation.

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

Applicants typically seek but are not limited to recommendations from the following:

  • Teachers

  • Counselors

  • Employers

  • Coaches

  • Clergy

  • Scout Leaders

 
What happens after I have completed my nomination file?

Applicants who submit a completed nomination file by the deadline date, and who have an activeadmissions application fileopen at the academies of their interest will be scheduled for an interview in early December.  Interviews are conducted by a panel of individuals who are service academy graduates, academy liaison officers or have served as officers in the armed forces. 

 
What criteria are used in selecting candidates for nomination?

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.

 
When will I know if I have received a nomination?

Dates vary, but Congresswoman McCollum will begin to notify candidates of their nominations in December or early January.

 
Will I be automatically selected by the academy after I receive a nomination?

No. You will be placed among the competitive group of nominees, and the academy of your choice will make the final decision based on your admissions application, attributes, and other factors.

If selected, you will receive an appointment (offer of admission) directly from the academy.

 
What if I apply to 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 receive multiple appointments.

 
Are the requirements for admission the same for all 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. CGA accepts candidates based on their own testing criteria.

The academy selection process is extremely competitive. Academies consider scholastic achievements, involvement in school and community activities, leadership potential, athletic accomplishments, and other achievements during their admission process.

The role of Members of Congress is to find worthy candidates for nomination. Each academy determines their admissions processes and makes final decisions on admission.

If selected, you will receive an appointment (offer of admission) directly from the academy.

 
When will I know if I have been offered an appointment by an academy?

Dates vary, but academies will begin to notify candidates of their admission status in January. All offers of appointment are generally made by May.