Application Deadline

To formally establish candidacy, a completed application package must be submitted by Friday, October 23, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for admission to a U.S. service academy, candidates must meet the following basic criteria:

• U.S. Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Age: Must be at least 17 but younger than 23 years old by July 1 of the year of entry (up to 25 for the United States Merchant Marine Academy).
• Marital Status: Must be unmarried and have no dependents.

Additionally, candidates must demonstrate:

• Academic Excellence: A stong academic record, including advanced coursework in subjects like math and science, along with high SAT or ACT scores.
• Leadership Skills: Leadership roles in extracurricular activities, particularly athletics.
  
• Medical Fitness: Pass a comprehensive medical examination administered by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB).
• Physical Fitness: Successful completion of the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA).

Academy Nominations

Admission to the U.S. Service Academies follows a two-step process:

1. Application to the Academy: Candidates must apply directly to the Service Academy of their choice.
2. Congressional Nomination: Members of Congress are responsible for nominating candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. Service Academies:

• The U.S. Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, NY
• The U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, MD
• The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, CO
• The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, NY

The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

In addition to Congressional nominations, there are several other types of nominations available:

• Presidential Nominations: Available to children of career military personnel, including active duty, retired, and deceased members.
• Vice Presidential Nominations: A limited number of nominations available directly from the Vice President of the United States for applicants to the U.S. Military, Naval, and Air Force Academies.
• Service-Connected Nominations: Offered to enlisted service members, ROTC members, and children of Medal of Honor recipients.
• Other Nominations: A limited number of nominations may also be offered by Service Secretaries and Academy Superintendents.

The Significance of an Academy Appointment

Earning an appointment to one of the U.S. Service Academies is a prestigious honor. Graduates receive:

• A first-rate undergraduate education in leadership, military tactics, and more;
• Health benefits and a stipend throughout their academic years; and
• An opportunity to embark on a challenging and rewarding career in the U.S. military or merchant marine.

Upon graduation, appointees are committed to serving as officers in the active or reserve components of the U.S. military or merchant marine for a minimum of five years.

Service Academy Appointment Process

The service academy appointment process involves several key steps, beginning with opening a candidate file and culminating in an offer of appointment and acceptance into the academy.

1. Open a Candidate File
   • Contact or apply to your desired service academy to open a candidate file.
   • Complete any preliminary applications and eligibility requirements required by the academy.
2. Apply for a Congressional Nomination
   • Complete and submit your nomination application to the Congressman’s office by the published fall deadline.
   • Ensure all required documents, recommendations, and transcripts are included.
3. Participate in an Academy Review Board Interview
   • After the nomination application deadline, qualified applicants will be invited to interview with the Academy Review Board.
   • Prepare to discuss your academic achievements, leadership experience, extracurricular activities, and motivation for attending a service academy.
4. Receive a Congressional Nomination
   • Following the interview process, selected candidates will receive a nomination from the Congressman.
   • A nomination is required for applicants to be considered for appointment to a service academy.
5. Complete Remaining Academy Requirements
   • Continue working with your service academy to complete any remaining admissions requirements, including medical qualification, fitness assessments, and application updates.
6. Await an Appointment Decision
   • The service academy will review your entire application package, including your nomination.
   • If selected, you will receive an offer of appointment (admission) from the academy.
7. Accept Your Appointment
   • Follow the instructions provided by the academy to accept your appointment and prepare for entry into the academy.

Key Points to Remember

• Start Early: Begin the admissions process as soon as possible. Keep in mind that applying to Service Academies is a separate process from seeking a congressional nomination. A nomination is required for an appointment, and it is your responsibility to initiate your pre-candidate file at all academies you are considering.
• Preparation for Alternatives: If you are not selected for direct admission, you may be invited to attend an academy prep school. While there is not a guarantee of future acceptance, these prep schools have a proven track record of successfully preparing students for entry into the academies after one year.

For more details, please visit our FAQs page.

Information Sessions & Recorded Webinars

On February 19, 2026, students, parents, and school counselors were invited to attend a live informational session covering the U.S. Service Academy nomination and appointment process. Click HERE to learn about our Blue Ridge Service Academy Day.

For those who were unable to attend, or who would like additional information, our team previously hosted a one-hour virtual webinar that provides an overview of the U.S. Service Academies and the congressional nomination process. Watch the recorded webinar HERE.