Service Academy Nominations
It is a tremendous honor to receive a Congressional nomination and appointment to a military academy. Only the brightest of America’s youth are offered a chance to attend one of these historic institutions. An appointment comes with great responsibility as it will position you among our nation’s military leaders, defending our freedoms around the world.
Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. All applicants interested in the Coast Guard Academy must contact this academy directly by mail or online. Those interested in serving in the Marine Corps should apply to the Naval Academy. While you must have a nomination for an appointment, a nomination does not guarantee an appointment. Your Member of Congress may nominate you, but only the President may appoint you.
You are encouraged to apply to as many nominating authorities as possible. Candidates may begin applying to the academies on April 1 of their junior year of high school. It is suggested that you start the process early to make sure you complete the requirements before established deadlines. Nominations are based on a composite of academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular activities, physical fitness, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Additional information is included in the service academy packet, and any questions concerning academy nominations made through Congresswoman Sykes' office should be directed to Emily Scott or Dominick Crosier in our District Office. You can reach them at 330-400-5350 or Emily.Scott@mail.house.gov and Dominick.Crosier@mail.house.gov.
You can also check out our recent webinar, with special guest from each of the U.S. Military Service Academies.
Application Timeline:
October 18, 2024: Application packet deadline
Early November: Notification of intent to interview
Mid-November: Interview with Nomination Committee
January 1 – May 1, 2025: Academies begin making their appointments
January 2025: Congresswoman Sykes' nominations will be announced
May 2025: Target date for academies to notify nominees of their application status
Please complete the application included in the packet and return it and all related materials to:
Office of Congresswoman Emilia Sykes
ATTN: Service Academy Nomination
121 South Main Street, Suite 107
Akron, Ohio 44308
Be sure your entire packet of information arrives on or before 5 p.m. on October 18, 2024.
Eligibility Requirements:
Each applicant must meet the eligibility requirements highlighted in the Academy Requirements section of this packet as well as complete a nomination file with Congresswoman Sykes' office by October 18, 2024 by 5 p.m.
A nomination file consists of the following items:
A completed application to Congresswoman Sykes' Office
ACT/SAT Official Scores and Official Transcripts
Resume
8x10 Photograph, printed
2 Letters of recommendation
A personal statement.