Service Academy Nominations - FAQ

Frequently asked questions for those interested in information about a Service Academy nomination from Congressman Dusty Johnson.

Complete the Academy Nomination application here.

 

WHAT IS A NOMINATION?

After completing the pre-candidate file at the respective academy, seeking a nomination is the next step and the opportunity to be considered for an appointment offer of admission from the academy.

Members of Congress may nominate applicants who meet the eligibility requirements established by law. A candidate may seek a nomination from the following:

  • The U.S. House of Representative who represents the congressional district in which the candidate claims domicile.
  • The two U.S. Senators from his or her state.
  • The Vice President of the United States.

Additional nominating sources may include the President of the United States, the Secretary of the Air Force, Army, or Navy, a ROTC/JRTOC unit, a Reserve Officers Training Corps unit, or if you are a child of a Medal of Honor recipient, deceased or disabled veteran, or POW/MIA. For more information about the qualification requirements for these other nominating sources, please inquire directly with them or the Admissions office for the Academy you are interested in.

 

WHAT ARE THE BASIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS?

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

  • Be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday
  • A U.S. citizen
  • Unmarried, not pregnant, and without dependents
  • Claim domicile within the boundaries of the Congressional District
  • Of good moral character

 

HOW MANY ACADEMIES ARE THERE?

There are five service academies.

It is not necessary to seek a nomination to the Coast Guard Academy.

 

ARE THE REQUIREMENTS THE SAME FOR ALL OF THE SERVICE ACADEMIES?

No. Although many of the qualifications are similar, each academy operates under its own admissions guidelines. Visit the website of the academy of your choice for admissions qualifications.

 

WHO DO I CONTACT TO REQUEST A NOMINATION APPLICATION?

Complete the online application here and call my Sioux Falls office (605-275-2868) if you have additional questions.

 

WHEN DO I APPLY FOR A NOMINATION?

Johnson’s nomination application period opens in May for candidates who are high school juniors and will be seniors in the upcoming school year, or for those who have already graduated and meet the other age requirements. Each academy application period opens between February and May. It is encouraged to begin completing your pre-candidate file as soon as possible.

 

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR COMPLETING A NOMINATION application?

The deadline for submitting a nomination application and packet to Johnson’s office is the last Friday of October preceding the year of entrance to the academies. Please visit https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/services/service-academy-nominations or contact my Sioux Falls District Office for more specifics.

 

WHAT MUST BE INCLUDED IN MY NOMINATION PACKET?

A complete nomination packet includes the online application, plus the following supporting documents either uploaded with the online application or mailed separately to the Sioux Falls District Office:

  • A 1-2 page cover letter outlining your interest in receiving a nomination
  • A 1-2 page resume of your extracurricular activities and leadership responsibilities
  • High school transcript
  • American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Copies of correspondence received from the Academy

 

WHO SHOULD I ASK TO WRITE A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION ON MY BEHALF?

Letters of recommendation should come from someone who personally knows you well and can speak to your academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, leadership skills, physical aptitude, character, and/or motivation. This may include a teacher, counselor, employer, coach, clergy, scout leader, civic leader, and so on. A letter should not come from a family member.

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

 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I HAVE COMPLETED MY NOMINATION application?

Applicants can expect an email confirmation when their complete packet has been received. They will be notified in November if they are scheduled for an interview. Those interviews typically occur in early December.

 

WHAT CRITERIA IS USED IN SELECTING CANDIDATES?

Just as the academies consider the “whole person,” nominations are based on a similar evaluation. Factors such as academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, leadership skills, physical aptitude, character, and motivation are taken into consideration.

 

WILL I AUTOMATICALLY BE SELECTED BY THE ACADEMY AFTER I RECEIVE A NOMINATION?

No. You will be placed among a select group of nominees for consideration by the academy. If deemed fully qualified by the academy, they will then decide whether to make you an appointment offer for admission.

 

CAN I CHOOSE MORE THAN ONE ACADEMY? Am I LIMITED TO A SINGLE NOMINATION?

You can be nominated to multiple academies by multiple nominating sources.

 

WHEN WILL I KNOW IF I HAVE BEEN OFFERED AN APPOINTMENT BY AN ACADEMY?

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