Military Academy Nominations

INSTRUCTIONS

Thank you for your interest in the U.S. Service Academies. As your 10th District Representative in the U.S. House of Representatives, each year I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of people to four of the five service academies. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. For more information on Military Academy Nominations, please review the frequently asked questions below. Best wishes to you as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. Service Academies and serving our country.

To request a Military Academy Nomination please complete the PDF form below and return it to my office.

The 2024 application is available here.

MILITARY ACADEMY NOMINATIONS - FAQ

Please take the time to read through the frequently asked questions for those seeking a Military Academy nomination.

Q: What is a nomination?

A: 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;
-Vice-President of the United States; or

-President of the United States (must meet eligibility requirements).


Q: What are the basic eligibility requirements?

A: Each applicant for a nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1 of the year of admission to an academy:

Age:  Must 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 10th Congressional District of Pennsylvania.
Skill/Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy.


Q: When do I apply for a nomination?

A: The nomination application period opens May 15th of each year for those candidates who are high school juniors and will be seniors the following school year, or for those who have already graduated.


Q: What is the deadline for completing a nomination file?

A: CLOSE OF BUSINESS on September 30, 2024. 


Q. Where do I submit application?

A: Please send to/drop off (by appointment) at:
Congressman Scott Perry
ATTN: U.S. Service Academy Nominations
800 Corporate Circle, Suite 202
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 603-4980
or email to:
PerryServiceAcademy@mail.house.gov


Q: What must be included in my nomination file?

A: A complete nomination file consists of:

- completed application
- wallet size photo
- high school transcripts
- official SAT/ACT scores
- minimum three letters of recommendation.


Q: What happens after I have completed my nomination file?

A: You’ll be scheduled for an interview (TBD).


Q: What criteria are used in selecting candidates?

A: 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.


Q: How many academies are there?

A: Five: 
(Hyperlinks leading to Academy Websites)
-U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York;
-U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland;
-U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; 
-U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York;
-U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut.


Q: Are the requirements the same for all of the service academies?

A: 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.


Q: Whom should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?

A: Some of the people from whom applicants typically seek recommendations include teachers, counselors, employers, coaches, clergy, scout leaders.   I do not require a specific recommendation form; a letter is sufficient.


Q: Will I automatically be selected by the academy after I receive a nomination?

A:  No; you’ll be placed among a select group of nominees, and the academy of your choice will make the final decision. If selected, you’ll receive an Appointment (an offer of admission) directly from the academy.


Q: What if I choose more than one academy? Will I be limited to a single nomination?

A: No. You may be nominated to multiple academies depending on how well you've competed among this year's pool of candidates; it’s also possible to earn multiple appointments.


Q: When will I know if I have been appointed by an academy?

A: Academies will begin to notify candidates of their admission status by end of January. All offers of appointment generally are sent out by May.


Q. How many nominations may each Representative/Senator make?

A. Each Representative/Senator may nominate up to ten individuals for each slot; the Academies then make their own selection from these nominations.