Frequently asked questions for those seeking a military academy nomination. Please ensure to review the Nomination Application Instructions above thoroughly.
Who can nominate me to a service academy?
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 the candidate’s state
· 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 1 of the year of admission to an academy:
· Must be at least 17 years old, but not have passed your 23rd birthday.
· Must be a U.S. citizen.
· Must be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents.
· Must reside within the boundaries of Utah’s 4th Congressional District.
· Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the desired academy.
When do I apply for a nomination?
The nomination application period opens May 15 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 must be included in my nomination file?
A complete nomination file consists of the following items:
· A completed U.S. Service Academy Nomination Application Packet from the Office of Congressman Burgess Owens. You will be emailed this packet to complete after your Nomination Request submission has been received and reviewed.
· The official results of your Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and/or your American College Test (ACT). ACT scores must be submitted through their website using code 7719.
· Your High School Transcript
· Two Letters of Recommendation
· A professional-style headshot photo
What happens after I have completed my nomination file?
Applicants who submit a complete nomination application will be scheduled for an interview in late October or early November. Applicants will be notified of the date once they have applied for a congressional nomination.
What criteria is used in selecting candidates?
Nominations are based on a “whole person” evaluation. Factors such as academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership skills, physical aptitude, character and motivation are taken into consideration and compared with other applicants.
Are the requirements 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 website for the academy of your choice 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.
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
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, call 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 nomination candidates. It is also possible to win multiple appointments, of which you will need to select which academy to attend
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.