Service Academy Nominations - FAQ | Congresswoman Ann Wagner

What is a nomination?

In simplest terms, a nomination is a recommendation. Members of Congress may nominate a limited number of applicants annually for each service academy (except the Coast Guard Academy). A candidate should seek a nomination from all available sources:

The Member of Congress who represents the district in which the candidate resides
Both U.S. Senators from his or her state
The Vice-President of the United States
The President of the United States (restricted to children of career military personnel)
ROTC/JROTC

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:

Be at least 17 years old, but not yet 23 years old (25 years old for the USMMA)
Be a U.S. citizen
Be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents
Reside within the boundaries of the 2nd Congressional District of Missouri.

Who do I contact to request an application?

Click HERE OR contact my Academy Coordinator at 636-779-5449 or AcademyNominations.Wagner@mail.house.gov

When do I apply for a nomination?

My nomination application period opens in March of each year for those candidates who are high school juniors or above. However, if you are not yet a junior, please still reach out to AcademyNominations.Wagner@mail.house.gov with your name, high school, year you expect to graduate high school, phone number, and your email address. You will be emailed the application in March of your Junior year of high school. The deadline for submitting a completed nomination packet is mid/late October. The specific date will be posted on the application.

What must be included in my nomination file?

A complete nomination file consists of the following items:

The general information application which includes the personal questionnaire on the last page. NOTE – This will be emailed to you.
SAT or ACT scores. Please update as appropriate. They should either come from your official transcript or an official copy(hard or electronic) that includes your full name. SCORES FROM THE TESTING SITE(S) WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Transcript that includes both your GPA and class rank. If your school does not compute class rank, please have your guidance counselor note this on your transcript and include your ranked decile. FAILURE TO INCLUDE CLASS RANK WILL RESULT IN AN INCOMPLETE FILE.
TWO (2) ESSAYS. EACH essay should be single-spaced, between 400-500 words, and typed using 12-point Times New Roman font. You must also list your word count at the end of the essay. Essays change each year.
Three (3) letters of recommendation. The letters must be uploaded by you or the recommender. Of the three, one must be from a math/science teacher, one from an English teacher, and one from a coach.
A current headshot photograph taken from the shoulders up in appropriate attire. Photo should have a plain background and forward facing with a neutral expression.

What happens after I have submitted my nomination file?

Complete candidate files submitted by the deadline will be carefully reviewed by the 2nd District Nomination Panel who will then interview those candidates in early December. The Panel will provide me with their recommended nominees for each academy.

What criteria are used in selecting nominees?

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 the other district applicants and the academy guidelines.

How many service 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. We recommend candidates visit the academy websites and contact the admissions offices to learn more about each academy. It is not necessary to seek a nomination to the Coast Guard Academy, as the USCGA appoints candidates solely based on their own criteria.

Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?

Carefully consider who you will ask to write your letters of recommendation. You should choose people who know you well and can provide insight about you as an individual. Of the three, one must be from a math/science teacher, one from an English teacher, and one from a coach.

Will I automatically be selected by the academy after I receive a nomination?

No. However, a nomination is a requirement to be considered for an appointment. Candidates who are selected will receive an offer of appointment directly from the academy(ies). If you are not offered an appointment, you may be offered the opportunity to attend an academy prep school for one year.

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 January. All offers of appointment are generally sent out by May.