Service Academy Nominations

One of the greatest honors I have as your Representative is nominating outstanding young women and men as candidates for attendance to the U.S. Military, Naval, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies. I am happy to announce the opening of the academy nomination application process for the Class of 2029.

Application to a service academy is a two-tiered process — applying directly to the academy and pursuing a congressional nomination. An applicant must meet all the admissions requirements of the academy AND receive a nomination to be offered an appointment to the academy.

If you are interested in receiving a nomination from my office, please complete the interest form and click below to download this year’s application form. Applications must be received in my Woodbridge or Fredericksburg District Offices no later than 5:00 PM Monday, September 23, 2024.

2024 MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATION APPLICATION

Students interested in applying for a congressional nomination from my office must reside within the current 7th Congressional District.

The Academies

The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the United States Military as a commissioned officer for a minimum of five years upon graduation.

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies:

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

Eligibility Requirements

Each applicant for a nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements as set forth by the academies as of July 1st of the year of admission:

  • Must be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday (25 years old for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy)
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must be unmarried, not pregnant and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents
  • Must reside within the boundaries of Virginia’s 7th Congressional District
  • Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the academy

Nominations

Members of Congress may nominate applicants who meet the eligibility requirements as 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
  • Either of the U.S. Senators from an applicant’s state
  • The President or Vice-President of the United States
  • The Secretaries of the Army, Navy, or Air Force
  • The Superintendents of the service academies

Applicants are highly encouraged to apply for a nomination from all sources available.

Nomination Process

The VA-07 congressional nomination process is very competitive, with many applicants vying for only 10 nomination slots per academy. I encourage all applicants to submit the most competitive application possible for consideration by the VA-07 Service Academy Advisory Board.

The Service Academy Advisory Board is comprised of academy alumni, current service members, and veterans who have served our country with honor and are uniquely qualified to evaluate candidates for the next generation of military leadership.

Nominations are based on a “whole person” evaluation.  Factors such as academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, leadership skills, character, and motivation are taken into consideration and compared with other applicants.

Application Packet

Students seeking a nomination must submit a completed nomination application packet to my Woodbridge of Fredericksburg District Offices no later than 5:00 PM Monday, September 23, 2024. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered; postmarks are not acceptable.

A complete nomination packet for the Class of 2029 consists of the following items:

  1. Completed Application Form; Download the 2024 nomination application
  2. Current Photo (No larger than 5×7)
  3. High school/College transcript
  4. Standardize Test Scores (SAT/ACT)
  5. Two letters of recommendation: Applicants typically seek letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, employers, coaches, clergy, and scout leaders. A specific recommendation form is not required.

Interviews

Interviews with the Service Academy Advisory Board will occur during the Fall of 2024. All applicants who submit a completed nomination packet are eligible to undergo an interview.

Applicants will be notified about VA-07 nomination decisions by January 31, 2025. Best wishes to you as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. Service Academies and serving our country.

Questions

Please contact the Service Academy Coordinator in my Woodbridge District Office at 703-987-2180, or email VA07Nominations@mail.house.gov.