What is an appointment?
An appointment allows admission to the academy and is only granted after an applicant has received a nomination.
Does a nomination guarantee an appointment?
No. A nomination is a selection made by an authorized source and allows a candidate to compete for an appointment. You must apply to the academies in which you are interested in addition to applying for a nomination.
What is the deadline for submitting my nomination file?
It is highly encouraged that you submit nomination applications to all nominating sources for which you’re eligible. This means, at a minimum, an applicant should apply for nominations from both U.S. Senators as well as the candidate’s U.S. Representative.
For those residing in the Sixth Congressional District, the deadline for submitting a completed application packet to Congressman Rulli’s office is Friday, October 11, 2025. Please note that applicants to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy do not have to reside within the district so long as they are a resident of Ohio. To identify your Congressional Representative, visit House.gov. Senators Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno represent the entire state of Ohio. Visit their websites to learn about the nomination process for their offices.
Can I apply for a nomination if I am active duty in the armed services or reserves?
Yes. Active duty servicemembers meeting the basic eligibility criteria may apply for congressional nominations, in addition to a nomination through their branch of the armed services. For more details, contact your commanding officer.
When should I begin the application process?
Most applicants begin the application process the spring semester of their junior year of high school.
May I be nominated to more than one academy?
Yes. It is possible to be nominated to more than one service academy. On your application, you will be asked to rank in numerical order your academy preferences.
Do I need a nomination to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy?
No. The USCGA is the only service academy that does not require a congressional nomination. Applications may be submitted directly online at www.uscga.edu.
Should I apply for an ROTC scholarship?
Because the academy process is competitive, not all candidates will receive a nomination or an appointment. Consider earning a military commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). Additional information is available at:
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.
Please note: Even when a candidate meets all the requirements and is deemed to be qualified for admission, he or she may not receive an official appointment, due to the limited number of spaces available at each service academy.
How will I know if I am nominated? When will I know if I am appointed?
All candidates will be notified by mail of their nomination status. The academies will begin making appointments in early 2025. All appointment offers are generally made by May 1st of each year.
If I do not receive a nomination or an appointment, may I apply again?
Yes. Candidates may apply up until the age of 23 so long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
What criteria are used in selecting candidates?
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 other applicants.
Why should I participate in extracurricular activities?
Your participation in athletic and non-athletic extracurricular activities will help demonstrate your versatility, responsibility, and ability to meet the physical, time-management, and leadership demands of a service academy. Maintaining the highest level of physical fitness at the high school level will benefit your application as physical exercise is integral to everyday life at an academy.
Whom should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
All recommendations must be from persons outside of your immediate or extended family. Some of the people applicants typically seek recommendations from include:
- Principals & Teachers
- School Counselors
- Employers
- Coaches
- Religious Leaders
- Scout Leaders
Are the requirements the same for all 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 for their specific admissions qualifications.