There are five service academies in the United States which offer young men and women a free college education at highly-ranked, nationally-recognized academies, while preparing them for an officer’s commission in the armed forces. The Air Force Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy, the Military Academy at West Point, and the Naval Academy all require a nomination from an authorized nominating source. The Coast Guard Academy is the only one of the armed forces service academies that offers appointments on the basis of an annual nationwide competition; there are no Congressional nominations.
Acceptance at an academy involves a five year active duty commitment. If you do not graduate, different consequences will apply, depending upon the conditions of your resignation or removal, and when either occurs.
Competition for appointments in the Fifth District is very keen. Therefore, you are encouraged to start the application process during the late spring of your junior year by contacting Congressman Hoyer’s Office and by applying through all available sources. These include United States Senators Mikulski and Cardin, the Vice President and through the Branch of Service, if you are the child of a deceased or disabled veteran.
Guidelines
- Must be at least 17 years of age, but not yet 23 years of age.
- A citizen of the United States.
- Unmarried, no legal obligation to support a child or dependent.
- A Legal resident of the Fifth Congressional District.
Basis for the nomination
- Candidate’s school record–grade point average and class rank. The average competitive candidate is in the upper fifth of his/her class.
- Extra-curricular activities–athletics, community service, and school organizations.
- SAT scores–A competitive candidate must score above 560 on verbal, 600 on math, and 560 on the essay section. You are encouraged to retake the SAT if your scores, your mathematics score in particular, are not at this level.
- Motivation.
- Interview with Congressman Hoyer’s Service Academy Selection Board, which are held during the month of November and eligible candidates will be notified of the date in October.
- You must also complete the appropriate application process with each academy of interest to you.
Congressman Steny Hoyer’s office is currently accepting applications for anyone interested in entering a U.S. Service Academy in the summer of 2016.
Online application is available here
Applications may be submitted to Congressman Hoyer’s Waldorf District Office at the conclusion of your junior year until the designated date in October of your senior year:
Attn: Stefanie Carey Barone
401 Post Office Road
Suite 202
Waldorf, MD 20602All applications must be postmarked by October 14, 2015. Your file will be reviewed and you will be advised in late October/early November of the scheduled time of your interview. Interviews, required of all applicants, will be conducted towards the end of November. Any questions should be addressed to Ms. Stefanie Carey Barone at (301) 843-1577.
You may also request a paper copy of the application by writing to the Waldorf District Office address listed above.
