Service Academy Nominations - FAQ
ARE THE REQUIREMENTS THE SAME FOR ALL SERVICE ACADEMIES?
No. Many of the qualifications are similar, however, each academy operates under its own admission guidelines. Please visit the academy of your choice via the websites noted for each academy's particular qualifications.
THE NOMINATION PROCESS
1. Nominations for West Point, Navy and Air Force Academies:
An academy application/data sheet can be downloaded from the previous page on this website. The deadline for complete applications is October 30, 2023.
Upon receiving a properly completed nomination application packet the candidate will be scheduled for an oral interview/evaluation by Congresswomen Jacobs' Academy Nominee Selection Board within the first two weeks of October.
The Board consists of former military personnel and community members with a unique knowledge of the requirements of the academies. The Board will examine all aspects of individuals being considered. Those who qualify will be ranked in order of merit, with the most highly qualified individuals receiving nominations as availability at each academy allows. This slate will number up to ten individuals per each opening available. There may be more qualified applicants than available openings. In such case, the first ten will be submitted with the other applicants placed on a stand-by list.
Representative Jacobs will announce the selected nominees at a date to be announced. The slate of ten nominees chosen for each opening, (minus the Academy Nominee Selection Board's rankings), will then be forwarded to the academies indicated, where they will be evaluated by the Academy Selection Board of each institution. Once more the nominees will be ranked in order of merit, with the most highly qualified being offered an appointment to fill the vacancy at the academy. Other qualified nominees on the slate may be considered by the academies for appointments as qualified alternates. Normally the appointments by the Academies are offered prior to the end of April, although at times they may come later. Upon receiving an appointment, the academies will provide guidance on tasks required by their institutions.
2. Merchant Marine and the U. S. Coast Guard Academy:
For the Merchant Marine Academy, the initial nomination selection process is similar to the other academies, however there is no dedicated position available. Each nominee must then compete statewide for the vacancies and selection is then made by the Merchant Marine Academy.
For the Coast Guard Academy, a congressional nomination is not required since the Coast Guard Academy accepts candidates based on its selection process. A candidate interested in applying must contact the Coast Guard Academy directly.
SEEKING A NOMINATION
Who can give a nomination to a Service Academy?
Members of Congress may nominate applicants who meet the eligibility requirements established by law. A candidate may seek a nomination from the following:
- A member of the U.S. House of Representatives who represents the congressional district in which the candidate resides.
- Both U.S. Senators from the candidate's state.
- The Vice-President of the United States.
What are the basic eligibility requirements?
- For West Point, Air Force Academy and the Naval Academy, you must be at least 17 and not past your 23rd birthday on July 1st of the year that you would enter the academy.
- For the Merchant Marine Academy, you must be 17 and not past your 25th birthday on July 1st of the year that you would enter the academy.
- For the Coast Guard Academy, you must be 17 and not past your 22nd birthday on July 1st of the year that you would enter the academy.
- 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 51st Congressional District.
- Skill/Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical and academic requirements of the Academy.
ACADEMY NOMINEE SELECTION BOARD
Once we receive your completed packet, potential nominees will be interviewed and evaluated by Congressman Jacobs' Academy Nominee Selection Board. This board is made up of individuals with unique knowledge of the requirements of the academies. They will look closely at all aspects of those individuals under consideration. This evaluation is based on the above “Selection Criteria” and the in-person interview.
Applicants who qualify for nomination will be ranked in order of merit, with the most highly qualified receiving nominations as availability at each academy allows. This slate of nominees will number ten individuals per opening available. There may be more qualified applicants than available openings, and in such a case the first ten will be submitted.