Service Academy Nominations
Instructions
Attending a U.S. Service Academy is a prestigious honor that comes with a commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years after graduation.
Students from Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District seeking admission to a U.S. Service Academy must obtain a congressional nomination. As your Congressman, it is one of my highest honors to nominate qualified candidates.
Please note: The United States Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination as part of its application process.
Frequently Asked Questions for those seeking a Service Academy Nomination.
The nomination application for the Class of 2031 in Pennsylvania’s 8th District officially opens on May 1, 2026. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be residents of Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District or the children of district residents.
Applying for Nominations
Applying for a nomination is a separate process from applying to a Service Academy, you must complete both. Each academy has its own application requirements and deadlines, which are independent of my office’s nomination process and must be followed carefully. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the individual academy websites.
In addition to applying through my office, you are encouraged to seek nominations from other sources:
- President of the United States Donald J. Trump
- Vice President JD Vance, who nominates five candidates nationwide each year
- The Secretary of the Army, Navy, or Air Force, who nominates members of the active-duty military, reserve components, and ROTC participants
- U.S. Senator Dave McCormick
- U.S. Senator John Fetterman
- Service Academy Commandants
Each source has its own process, please refer to individual academy websites for details.
Applying to multiple sources may increase your chances, but it is not required and does not guarantee an appointment. If you receive a nomination from another source, please notify our office.
Submission Instructions
Once your nomination application is fully prepared, submit one complete digital packet including all required materials. Please do not send documents individually, as incomplete submissions may delay the review process. We understand that transcripts and letters of recommendation may need to be sent directly by schools or recommenders; in those cases, please ensure the student’s name is clearly included in the subject line. Your application should include:
- PA-08 Service Academy Application Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure your application is complete before submission. - Completed and signed PA-08 Service Academy Nomination Application
Please download, print, and sign the application forms listed below, and include them with your full nomination packet. - Recent photograph
Attach a recent photo of yourself with a plain white background to your application. - Official high school transcript
Your transcript must include your GPA, class size, and class rank. This is a mandatory requirement.
*We recognize that some high schools do not rank students. If your school does not provide class rank, please indicate this on your application.*
- Official SAT or ACT score report
If you've taken either test multiple times, the highest score from each section will be considered. - Three (3) letters of recommendation from a combination of the following individuals are required for a complete application:
- Math teacher
- Science teacher
- English teacher
- Guidance Counselor
- Coach, Employer/Supervisor, or other non-family individual who can speak to your leadership and interpersonal skills
- Most current resumé
Provide a resumé detailing your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, work experience, and any honors or awards. - Personal essay (maximum 1,500 words, APA format) addressing:
- Why do you want to attend a service academy and serve as a military officer?
- What does “service” mean to you?
- Find a quote on leadership (include a proper citation) and explain how it relates to your leadership style.
- Describe a personal experience that helped shape you as a leader.
Additional requirement (West Point applicants only): Employer evaluation
Submitting Your Application
When your application is complete, please forward the full packet to our District Office at PA08ServiceAcademy@mail.house.gov at your earliest convenience. All nomination application materials must be submitted by October 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Final interviews will be conducted by the Service Academy Advisory Board, and applicants will be notified of their interview times via email. If you have any questions regarding the nomination process, please contact our office at PA08ServiceAcademy@mail.house.gov or (570) 763-6120.
Thank you for your interest in serving our nation. We wish you the very best in your pursuit of a Service Academy appointment.
Documents:
PA-08 Service Academy Checklist Class of 2031