An Overview of the Nomination Process

For each U. S. Service Academy, the process begins in the spring of a student’s junior year in high school.

Academies review files weekly beginning in September, so it is in your best interest to open a file with the admissions offices early.

An application for nomination from my office must be completed and submitted before no later than November 1^st of your senior year in high school.

Applicants who meet the basic eligibility requirements and complete a nomination file by November 1st will be reviewed by my Academy Nomination Board. This well-qualified, non-partisan board evaluates applicants and recommends candidates for nomination in a fair and impartial manner. Most members are academy alumni. 

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.

Candidates will be notified sometime following the interviews or close to the January 31st deadline for nominations to be delivered to the academies.

Although securing a nomination is a necessary step in the process, the academies determine who will be offered an appointment.  

If selected, you will receive a letter of appointment directly from the academy no later than May 1st.