Military Academy Nominations - FAQ

Frequently asked questions for those seeking a Military Academy nomination. You may also fill out a Military Academy Nominations Form.

What is a nomination?

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 his or her state
  • The Vice President of the United States

What are the basic eligibility requirements?

Each applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission to an academy:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Resident of New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District
  • Be unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents
  • Must be at least 17 years of age and not yet 23 as of July 1 of the year of admission to an academy

When should I apply for a nomination?

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 who have already graduated.

What is the deadline for completing a nomination file?

The application deadline is October 4th, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. MT. All application materials must be submitted by this time. Please send transcripts and test scores as early as possible to ensure your application is completed on time.

What must be included in my nomination file?

A complete nomination file consists of the following items:

  • Resume
  • Official high School transcript (in a signed and sealed envelope)
    • Please have your transcript mailed to our Albuquerque office at 6301 Indian School Rd. NE, Suite 420, Albuquerque, NM 87110
  • Official ACT/SAT Score Report(s)
  • Two letters of recommendation from non-relatives
  • A personal essay stating why you want to attend a Service Academy (500 words or less)
  • Current photo

How do I submit my ACT/SAT scores?

Our district office has a center code through both the ACT and SAT official websites that you will use to send us your scores.

ACT: 7539

SAT: 4416

What happens after I have completed my nomination file?

All eligible candidates who submit a completed nomination file by the deadline will be scheduled for an interview on November 9th, 2024.

What criteria is 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.

How many academies are there?

There are five service academies.

Are the requirements the same for all the service academies?

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.

Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?

Some of the people applicants typically seek recommendations from include:

  • Teachers
  • Counselors
  • Employers
  • Coaches
  • Clergy
  • Scout Leaders

A specific recommendation form is not required. A letter of recommendation is sufficient.

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.

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

No. You can be nominated to multiple academies depending on how well you have competed among this year's pool of candidates. It is also possible to win multiple appointments.

When will I know if I have been offered an appointment by an academy?

Academies will begin to notify candidates of their admission status in February. All offers of appointment are generally sent out by May.