Service Academy Nominations - FAQ
Frequently asked questions for those seeking a Military Academy nomination. You may also fill out a Military Academy Nominations Application.
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:
- 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
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 8th Congressional District of Pennsylvania.
- Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy
Who do I contact to request an application?
You can find the application process here. If you have further questions please contact our office at PA08ServiceAcademy@mail.house.gov or (570) 763-6120.
When do I apply for a nomination?
The nomination application period opens May 1st 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?
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.
What must be included in my nomination file?
A complete nomination file consists of the following items:
- PA-08 Service Academy Application Checklist
- Completed and signed PA-08 Service Academy Nomination Application
- Recent photograph
- Official high school transcript
- Official SAT or ACT score report
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- Most current resumé
- Personal essay (maximum 1,500 words, APA format)
- Additional requirement (West Point applicants only): Employer evaluation
What happens after I have completed my nomination file?
Final interviews will be conducted by the Service Academy Advisory Board, and applicants will be notified of their interview times via email.
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 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
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 earn 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.