SERVICE ACADEMY

IMPORTANT DATES AND TIMELINES 

 NOTEStudents are highly encouraged to begin the service academy application process during the second semester of their junior year.  The application process is very competitive and involves many steps.  The earlier students start, the better chance they have of completing all of the steps by each deadline with the quality necessary. 

Step 1: Determine if basic requirements are met. Step 2: Start a file at the service academy. Step 3: Apply for nomination. Step 4: Complete service academy forms. Step 5: Obtain nomination. Step 6: Complete testing and exams. Step 7: Await evaluation and status. Step 8: Visit the service academy. Step 9: Report as a cadet/midshipman.

ACADEMY APPLICATION DEADLINES 

Navy - January 31 (February 28 extension)
Air Force - January 31
Army–West Point - January 31
Coast Guard - January 29
Merchant Marines - February

IMPORTANT!

Please confirm deadlines by visiting the academy’s website directly. Links to each academy are below.  

HOW CAN I PREPARE TO APPLY TO A SERVICE ACADEMY?

Study Hard: Get the best grades you can in all subjects—especially English, math and science.

Become a Leader: Join a scouting program like Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts or Civil Air Patrol. Or join another local or school club and take on leadership positions like club president or secretary.

Stay Active: Join a sports team. If your school does not have an after-school sports program, you can usually find one at your local community park or recreation center.

Demonstrate Character: Consider activities that help others. Get involved with church groups or other organizations that help members of your community.

US military Academy

www.usma.edu

Demaris Johanek, West Point Liaison 253-548-7500 djohanek@gmail.com

NOMINATION INFO: https://www.westpoint.edu/admissions/prospective-cadets/nomination-information

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 1/31 https://www.westpoint.edu/admissions
Your applicant file (“candidate” file) must be complete by January 31st of the year you plan to enter.  

THE SUMMER LEADERS EXPERIENCE (SLE) INFO: https://www.westpoint.edu/admissions/summer-program

US naval Academy

http://www.usna.edu/

Greg Gaskey, Naval Academy Liaison 360-340-6540 greg.gaskey@gmail.com

NOMINATION INFO: https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Apply/Nomination-Sources.php

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 2/28/2021 https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/
The deadline for students to complete their applications has been extended from January 31, 2021 to February 28, 2021.  

SUMMER SEMINAR INFO: https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/NASS.php#fndtn-panel1-Steps-For 

US Air Force Academy

http://www.usafa.af.mil/

Brian Hawkins, Air Force Academy Liaison 360-362-3026 akflyer130@gmail.com

NOMINATION INFO: https://www.academyadmissions.com/apply/nomination/

APPLICATION DEADLINE: https://www.academyadmissions.com/apply/cycle/  (varies)

When you first apply to the Academy, you are an “applicant” or “pre-candidate.” Pre-candidates who qualify are then granted the status of “candidate.” In the pre-candidate phase, you will self-report your grade point average and class rank. The Pre-candidate Questionnaire opens March 1 and  closes December 31. Those applicants who achieve candidate status will be able to access the online application, which contains valuable information and instructions on how to complete the official application for admission to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Candidate portals open July 1. 

ADMISSIONS TOURS (VIRTUAL): https://usafasrm.force.com/AdmissionsEvents/s/ 

SUMMER SESSION INFO: https://www.academyadmissions.com/prepare/high-school/summer-seminar/ 

US coast guard Academy

www.cga.edu

CDR Vic Primeaux, USCG(ret), Coast Guard Academy Liaison 360-698-3748 cmfvic@wavecable.com

NOMINATION INFO: The Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: LATE JANUARY https://www.uscga.edu/apply/
The application opens in mid-July and closes in late January on the Regular Admission deadline; all required application material must be received by January 29. The application consists of: Online Application, Standardized Test Scores, Medical Examination, Physical Fitness Examination, Interview - when requested by Admissions.

ACADEMY INTRODUCTION MISSION (AIM) SUMMER PROGRAM INFO: https://www.uscga.edu/aim/

US merchant marine Academy

http://www.usmma.edu/

Peter Lindsey, Merchant Marine Academy Liaison 206-383-4053 usmmaaa.pugetsound@gmail.com

John Kimmerlein, Merchant Marine Academy Liaison 206-909-7650 johnk@aasgardsummit.net

NOMINATION INFO: https://www.usmma.edu/admissions/apply-nomination

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 2/1 of your senior year https://www.usmma.edu/admissions

Completing an application to the United States Merchant Marine Academy is a lengthy process. Applicants may start the application on May 1st of their junior year of high school, and are encouraged to complete the application as early as possible to receive an early determination. Applications must be completed by February 1st for appointment consideration. 

Military Academy Nominations

Nomination Information  

You should begin seeking nominations as soon as you have confirmed your basic eligibility to attend a service academy. You must have a nomination to complete your application for admission to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy

Most Common Nominating Categories:

CONGRESSIONAL

Each member of Congress is allowed to have a maximum of five cadets attending the Academy at one time. For each cadet vacancy that occurs, the member may nominate up to 10 candidates to be considered for appointment. 

You should request a nomination from both of your U.S. senators and your U.S. representative. Because members of Congress want to nominate outstanding individuals from their state or district, they consider academic achievement, leadership performance and athletic participation. 

Senator
Maria Cantwell

Nomination Application due 11/15

Senator
Patty Murray

Nomination Application
open 5/15 to 11/13

Representative
Derek Kilmer

Nomination Application materials due by 5:00PM 11/1

VICE-PRESIDENTIAL

The vice president of the United States may nominate candidates from the nation at large and is allowed to have a maximum of five cadets attending the Academy at one time. For each cadet vacancy that occurs, the vice president may nominate up to 10 candidates to be considered for appointment.

Vice President
Mike Pence

Nomination Application
open 3/1 to 1/31

Other Nominating Categories: 

MILITARY AFFILIATED

If you are eligible to apply in one of the military-affiliated categories, follow the specific instructions for that category as detailed by the service academy. 

Presidential
Children of Military or Civilian Personnel in Missing Status
Children of Deceased or Disabled Veterans
Children of Medal of Honor Recipients
Military (Active, Reserve, and National Guard)
U.S. Territory
International