Military Academy Nominations
The honor of attending a United States Service Academy comes with the privilege and responsibility of serving our nation as a commissioned military officer. Graduates of the service academies commit to a minimum of five years of active-duty military service following graduation.
Representative Nicole Malliotakis is honored to nominate qualified students from New York's 11th Congressional District for appointment to the nation's service academies.
Eligible Academies:
- United States Military Academy (USMA)
- United States Naval Academy (USNA)
- United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)
- United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA)
The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) does not require a congressional nomination.
Apply for a Service Academy Nomination
Application Deadline: October 31, 2026 at 6:00 PM
For questions regarding the nomination process: Lily.Zafaranloo@mail.house.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a nomination?
Members of Congress may nominate qualified applicants who meet the eligibility requirements established by law. Candidates are encouraged to seek nominations from all sources for which they are eligible.
What are the basic eligibility requirements?
Eligibility requirements vary slightly by academy; however, applicants generally must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 17 years old and not have passed their 23rd birthday by July 1 of the year of admission
- Be a United States citizen
- Be unmarried and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents
- Meet the academic, medical, and physical qualifications established by the academy to which they are applying
- Satisfy all applicable residency requirements for the nomination source
How do I apply for a nomination?
Applicants should complete the online Service Academy Nomination Application available on this website and submit all required materials by the application deadline.
When do I apply for a nomination?
The online application portal generally opens each summer for students who will be entering their senior year of high school, as well as eligible graduates seeking admission to a service academy.
What must be included in my application?
- Completed online application
- Official SAT and/or ACT scores
- High school transcript
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Responses to the personal questionnaire
- Headshot photograph
Who should I ask to write letters of recommendation?
One recommendation must be from a math or science teacher, one from an English teacher, and one from an individual familiar with the applicant's leadership, character, and work ethic.
Do I need to complete the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA)?
Yes.
What happens after I submit my application?
Completed applications are reviewed by Congresswoman Malliotakis' Service Academy Selection Committee. Qualified applicants may be invited to participate in an interview. Interviews are typically conducted in December. Following the interview process, the Congresswoman submits nominations to the respective service academies.
What criteria are used in selecting candidates?
Nominations are based on a whole-person evaluation. Factors considered may include:
- Academic achievement
- Leadership experience
- Community involvement and service
- Athletics and physical fitness
- Character and integrity
- Motivation for military service
- Communication skills
- Overall potential to succeed as a service academy cadet or midshipman
Will I automatically be admitted if I receive a nomination?
No. A nomination does not guarantee admission.
When will I know whether I have been offered an appointment?
Admission decisions are made by the service academies, not congressional offices. Service academies generally begin notifying candidates during the winter and spring; however, appointments may continue to be offered throughout the admissions cycle.