Service Academy Nominations - FAQ
Frequently asked questions for those seeking a Service Academy nomination.
How many academies are there?
There are five service academies:
- U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York
- U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland
- U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut
Are the requirements the same for all the Service Academies?
No. 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 to explore each academy's particular admissions qualifications as well as post-graduation military service requirements.
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 is a nomination?
Members of Congress may nominate applicants who meet the eligibility requirements established by law. A candidate may seek a nomination from several nominating sources, including 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
- Apply directly to the Vice-President of the United States
Congressman Kean encourages applicants to apply for a nomination from as many nominating sources for which you qualify. The Merchant Marine Academy only accepts congressional nominations.
What are the basic eligibility requirements?
Each applicant for a nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission to an academy:
- Be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday on July 1 of the year the applicant would enter an academy (25 years old for USMMA)
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national
- Must be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents
- Must reside within the boundaries of the 7th Congressional District of New Jersey
- Must meet the medical, physical, academic and leadership requirements of the Academy
NOTE: For USMA/USNA/USAFA, you must be a bona fide resident of the 7th district to receive a nomination from Congressman Kean. To check whether your home address is within our district, visit this website: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
For USMMA, you must be a bona fide resident of New Jersey to receive a nomination from Congressman Kean.
NOTE: As part of your application for admission to an Academy, you will be required to take a medical exam through DoDMERB (the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board).
Does a Nomination guarantee admission?
No, each student must receive a nomination AND an offer of admission from an Academy. Students must complete both the Nominations and Admissions processes.
How do I apply?
The Nomination Application, instructions and deadlines are available on Congressman Kean’s website.
When do I apply for a nomination?
The nomination application period opens June for those candidates who are high school juniors and will be seniors the following school year, or who have already graduated.
What is the deadline for completing a nomination file?
All application materials MUST be submitted by 5:00 pm, Friday, October 17, 2025.
What happens after I have completed my nomination file?
Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be scheduled for an interview in Mid-November 2025. All interviews are conducted by Congressman Kean’s Service Academy Review Board.
The Review Board will recommend qualified individuals for each vacancy to Congressman Kean for nomination. The final ranking and subsequent appointments will be made at the discretion of the Academies.
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.
Will I automatically be selected by the academy after I receive a nomination?
No. You will be placed among a select group of nominees, and the academy of your choice will make the final decision. If selected, you will receive an offer of admission (an appointment) directly from the academy.
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 generally sent out by May.
- Students who did not receive a nomination, did not gain admission or both, may reapply until they are 22 years old.
