Military Academy Nominations - FAQs
Please read the FAQs carefully for a full understanding of the academy nomination process
Frequently asked questions for those seeking a Military Academy nomination. You may also fill out a Military Academy Nominations Form.
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 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 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 NY03 Congressional District of New York.
- Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy
Who do I contact to request an application?
You may download the application on this website. If you have questions, please contact Cindy Rogers at 516-408-0226 or email TomSuozzi.AcademyNominations@mail.house.gov.
When do I apply for a nomination?
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.
What is the deadline for completing a nomination file?
The deadline for submitting a completed nomination packet to the District Office is October 31. Please include in your application an email address that you check regularly. This will be the primary way my office communicates with you about missing or unclear items, interview times, etc. Staff will also notify you via email once your file is complete.
What must be included in my nomination file?
A complete nomination file consists of the following items:
- Current photo
- High school transcript – An official high school transcript must be sent from your high school. If you submit it as part of your packet, it must be in a sealed, official school envelope. The transcript itself must be marked “official”.
- American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results. Scores must be submitted by the testing organization: ACT requests that scores are sent to 7546; SAT requests that scores are sent to 2208.
- Resume of extracurricular activities
- An essay stating why you want to attend a service academy (500 words or less)
- Three to five letters of recommendation from people who know you well and can speak to your ability to succeed at one of the service academies.
What happens after I have completed my nomination file?
Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be scheduled for an interview in mid-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.
- 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?
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 USCGA accepts candidates based on their own testing criteria.
Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
It is important to submit letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your ability to succeed at a service academy and/or your passion for serving in our nation’s military forces.
Letters should be submitted directly from the person who is writing the letter. If you submit a letter as part of your file, it must be in a sealed envelope with the recommender’s signature across the sealed flap. Letters submitted via email must come from an official site (i.e.: your teacher’s recommendation should be sent from her school email, not her personal email).
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.