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Service Academy Nomination FAQs

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
Candidates whose parents are service connected may also apply for a Presidential nomination.

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:
  • 17 years of age, but not yet 23
  • A citizen of the United States
  • Unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support a child or dependent
  • A legal resident of the Third Congressional District of Arkansas
  • Of good moral character and able to meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy
Who do I contact to request an application?

My Service Academy Nomination Packet can be found here, or you can contact my office at (479) 424-1146 to request a nomination packet.

When do I apply for a nomination?

My nomination application period opens May 15th of each year for those candidates who are high school juniors and will be seniors the following school year or who have already graduated. Completed applications should be submitted no later than November 1st.

The most successful candidates apply to all available nominating sources: Congressman, Senators, Vice-President and President. For a Presidential nomination, apply after July 1st of the year prior to admission and before January 31st of the year of admission. For a Vice Presidential nomination, apply by October 31st of the year prior to admission. It is recommended that interested students visit their websites as early as possible to become familiar with their academy nomination process.

What must be included in my nomination file?

A complete nomination file consists of the following items:
  • Application Form
    • Extracurricular Activities Worksheet
    • Nomination Board Questionnaire
  • SAT/ACT Scores
  • Official High School/College Transcript and Current Class Schedule 
  • Photograph
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
What happens after I have completed my nomination file?

Applicants who meet the basic eligibility requirements and complete a nomination file by November 2nd will be reviewed by Congressman Womack's Service Academy Nomination Review Board. It is highly recommended the candidate’s application to the Academy Admission Offices also be completed prior to December 1st. Top candidates will likely be interviewed, depending on the Congressman’s schedule and that of the Service Academy Review Boards.

Why does Congressman Womack use a nominating board?

This board evaluates applicants and recommends candidates for nomination. This well-qualified, non-partisan board will ensure a fair and impartial process. Most members are academy alumni.

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 do I open an admissions file with the academies?

All applicants must directly contact the academies they are interested in attending to open an admissions file. Please refer to the Service Academy Contact Information listed below for further information.

How many academies are there?

There are five service academies.
Are the requirements the same for all of the service academies?

No. Although many of the qualifications are similar, each academy operates under its own admissions guidelines. Visit the websites of each academy for more details on admissions qualifications or refer to the Service Academy Contact Information for the academy of your choice and contact them directly for an academy catalog. It is not necessary to seek a nomination to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?

All recommendations must come from outside your immediate or extended family and must be submitted with the application prior to the deadline. Some of the people applicants typically seek recommendations from include:
  • Principals/Teachers
  • Counselors
  • Employers
  • Coaches
  • Clergy
  • Scout Leaders
  • Others of your choosing
I do not require a specific recommendation form. A letter of recommendation is sufficient.

Do I have to have all of the required paperwork collected before submitting it to Congressman Womack?

It is preferred to receive a complete candidate packet. However, ACT/SAT scores must be sent directly to Congressman Womack's office by the testing service.

How should I submit my ACT/SAT scores?

Test results must be sent directly to Congressman Womack's office by the testing service. The institution code for SAT scores is 5679 and for ACT scores the code is 7235. Applicants must have a cumulative SAT score of at least 1000 in order to meet minimum academic qualifications. It is recommended to take the ACT/SAT test “early and often.”

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.

What if I choose more than one academy? Will I be limited to a single nomination?

No. 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. The most successful candidates apply to at least two or three academies, thereby giving themselves the best opportunity for a service academy appointment.

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.

Need more information?

Please contact my Military and Veterans Advisor, Chris Bader, at:
Fort Smith Office
6101 Phoenix Avenue, Suite 4
Fort Smith, AR 72903
(479) 424-1146
Chris.Bader@mail.house.gov

Service Academy Contact Information

United States Military Academy
Director of Admissions
United States Military Academy
606 Thayer Road
West Point, NY 10996-9902
Director of Admissions: (845) 938-4041
Toll Free Number: (800) 822-2769
http://www.usma.edu

United States Naval Academy
Candidate Guidance Office
United States Naval Academy
117 Decatur Rd.
Annapolis, MD 21402-5018
Candidate Guidance Office: (410) 293-4361
Toll Free Number: (800) 638-9156
http://www.usna.edu

United States Air Force Academy
USAFA/RRS
2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 200
USAF Academy, Colorado 80840-5025
Toll Free Number: (800) 443-9266
http://www.usafa.af.mil

United States Merchant Marine Academy
Director of Admissions
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Kings Point, New York 11024-1699
Toll Free Number: (800) 732-6267
http://www.usmma.edu

United States Coast Guard Academy*
Director of Admissions
15 Mohegan Ave
New London, CT 06320-4195
Toll Free Number: (800) 883-USCG
https://uscga.edu/

*It is not necessary to seek a nomination to attend the USCG Academy. USCGA accepts candidates based on their own testing criteria.

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