- What is a nomination?
- What are the basic eligibility requirements?
- Who do I contact to request an application?
- When do I apply for a nomination?
- What is the deadline for completing a nomination file?
- What must be included in my nomination file?
- What happens after I have completed my nomination file?
- What criteria is used in selecting candidates?
- How many academies are there?
- Are the requirements the same for all of the service academies?
- Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
- Will I automatically be selected by the academy after I receive a nomination?
- What if I choose more than one academy? Will I be limited to a single nomination?
- When will I know if I have been offered an appointment by an academy?
- What is a nomination?
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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?
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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 9th Congressional District of Arizona.
- Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy
- Who do I contact to request an application?
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Contact the office to request a nomination packet.
Return to Top - When do I apply for a nomination?
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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.
Return to Top - What is the deadline for completing a nomination file?
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The deadline for submitting a nomination packet to the District Office is normally mid-October. Please contact the office for more specifics.
Return to Top - What must be included in my nomination file?
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A complete nomination file consists of the following items:
- Current photo
- Unnoficial high school transcript
- American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results
- Resume of extracurricular activities
- An essay stating why you want to attend a service academy (500 words or less)
- Minimum of three letters of recommendation
- What happens after I have completed my nomination file?
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Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be scheduled for an interview in late October or early November.
Return to Top - What criteria is used in selecting candidates?
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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.
Return to Top - How many academies are there?
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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 all of the service academies?
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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.
Return to Top - Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
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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.
Return to Top - Will I automatically be selected by the academy after I receive a nomination?
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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.
Return to Top - What if I choose more than one academy? Will I be limited to a single nomination?
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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.
Return to Top - 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. Return to Top