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
- Apply directly to the Vice President of the United States (excluding Merchant Marine Academy applicants)
What are the basic eligibility requirements?
Each applicant for a nomination must meet the following elinigibility requirements as of July 1 of the year of admission to an academy:
- Age: Be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen
- Marital Status: Must be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents
- Residence: Must reside within the boundaries of the 1st Congressional District of Washington
- Skill and Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy.
How and when do I apply?
The nomination application period opens September 15, 2025 for those candidates who are high school seniors or who have already graduated. Please do not apply before September 15.
The deadline for submission of materials to the Congresswoman’s office is November 7, 2025 at 4:30pm. The link to the application form can be found here. Materials must be received by our office at that time.
What must be included in my nomination file?
A complete nomination file consists of the following items. These items should be included as one PDF file:
- A one-to-two page essay explaining why you want to attend an Academy
- Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from your high school
- A list of community activities, achievements, and any employment
- Your high school transcript
- SAT and/or ACT scores (Use a copy from College Board of your highest scores)
- A current photo
What happens after I have completed my nomination file?
Interviews by an Academy Selection Board will be held in early to mid-December. The Board is comprised of former military personnel and other leading citizens from around our district. This committee is charged with evaluating each application, interviewing candidates and forwarding its final recommendations to Congresswoman DelBene.
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
Specific recommendation forms are not required. A letter of recommendation is sufficient. Please do not send more than the requisite number of recommendations.
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 of the service academies?
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.
What if I choose more than one academy? Will I be limited to a single nomination?
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 from different offices.
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 sent out by May.
