What is a service academy?
Service academies are the “universities” of the armed services organizations. They provide four-year education and training leading graduates to commissions as officers in their respective service organizations.
- U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York
Department of Defense
- U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland
Department of Defense
- U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs
Department of Defense
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York
Department of Transportation
- *U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut
Department of Homeland Security
What are the basic eligibility requirements?
Applicants must meet the following general 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 Congressional District–in this case, the 6th District of Arizona
- Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy
- Academics: Must meet minimum academic requirements of the Academy
- Meet deadlines for application and completing testing
Admission requirements may vary by academy. Click on the link for the academy of interest and go to Admissions for more information about each Academy’s specific criteria.
What is the application process?
Residents who meet the eligibility requirements must complete the application for their service academy of interest. The application must be submitted directly to the academy. Applicants who seek attendance at a military academy or the Merchant Marine Academy must also be nominated. Most academies have a number of ways a candidate can be nominated.
*The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination.
Who can nominate an individual
Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements established by law may seek a nomination from the following officials:
-
A member of the U.S. House of Representatives who represents the congressional district in which the candidate resides
-
Either U.S. Senators from his or her state
-
The Vice-President of the United States
Some academies may offer some additional avenues for nomination. More information can be found by visiting the academy website.
How do I apply for a nomination?
You may begin the application process by submitting a nomination file to my District Office at 10603 N. Hayden Rd. Suite 108, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260.
What must be included in my nomination file?
A complete nomination file consists of the following items:
- Preliminary Application
- Current Photo
- High school transcript with GPA and Class rank if available
- American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results. The ACT code for my office is 7229 and the SAT Code is 0173.
(It is recommended that you take and submit both tests) - Typed resume with extracurricular activities
- A typed, single-spaced essay stating why you want to attend a service academy. Please write this in 500 words or less on one side of 8 1/2 x 11 paper
- Minimum of three letters of recommendation from persons other than family members
When do I apply for a nomination?
My nomination application period opens May 1st of each year for those candidates who will be seniors the following school year, or those who have already graduated from high school.
Please note that the application process for the U.S. Service Academies is separate from the application for a nomination from my office.
What is the deadline for completing a nomination file?
The deadline for submitting a nomination file to my District Office is Friday, October 9, 2015.
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 include academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, leadership skills, physical aptitude, character and motivation. An in-person interview by a panel of current or former military officers may also be conducted to assist me with evaluation.
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.
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
I do not require a specific recommendation form. 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.
Further Questions
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact my District Office at 480-946-2411.