Military Academy Nominations - FAQ
Frequently asked questions for those seeking a Military Academy nomination. You may also fill out a Military Academy Nominations Form for more information.
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 14th Congressional District of Pennsylvania.
- Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy
When do I apply for a nomination?
The application is open and can be found here. For other questions or requesting to be added to next year's notification list, please fill out the Military Academy Nominations Form.
What is the deadline for completing a nomination file?
Applications are due the first Monday of October.
What must be included in my nomination file?
A complete nomination file consists of the following items:
- Application for Nomination
- Must be typed with a wet signature on the final page
- If you applied previously, you must submit a new application
- Materials from your school
- Current class schedule (may be included on transcript)
- Official academic transcripts from high school and college (if applicable)
- High school disciplinary records (if you do NOT have any disciplinary records on file, please provide a letter from your school stating that)
- High school attendance records-showing each year individually (may be included on transcript)
- Standardized Test Scores (ACT/SAT)
- Must be an OFFICIAL copy of test scores (Waived if included with your OFFICIAL high school transcript)
- ACT institution code: 7648
- SAT institution code: 7738
- Resume
- Include extracurricular activities starting in 9th grade and employment history
- Essay
- Should be no more than 3 pages, double spaced, size 12 font
- How would your time at a service academy advance your career goals?
- What motivates you to attend a service academy? Share your story.
- What does service mean to you?
- Should be no more than 3 pages, double spaced, size 12 font
- Letters of Recommendation
- You must include three (3) letters
- Letters should be from people who know you personally, and should attest to your character, motivation to serve, and integrity
- One of these must be a principal, dean, or teacher at your high school or college
- Letters should be mailed directly to Representative Reschenthaler's office (address below)
- A current photo, no larger than wallet size. Please write your full name on the back of the photo.
- If applicable, one page explanation of any felony charges and/or convictions (if required)
What happens after I have completed my nomination file?
Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be scheduled for an interview in December.
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, Colorado
- 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 USCGA, which accepts candidates based on their own testing criteria.
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. 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.