U.S. Service Academy Nominations

Naval Academy students in Annapolis

Service Academy Nominations

Each year, I have the privilege of nominating a select group of exceptional students to attend the United States Service Academies. These prestigious institutions include the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (no nomination required). These academies provide students with a world-class education and the opportunity to serve as commissioned officers in the Armed Forces upon graduation.
 
If you are a motivated student interested in serving your country and pursuing a career in military leadership, my office is here to guide you through the nomination process. This webpage outlines eligibility requirements, important dates, and the steps to submit a complete nomination application.
 
The honor of attending a service academy comes with a commitment to serve in the military after graduation, and we are proud to assist young leaders from our district in achieving this goal.
 

DOWNLOAD THE 2025 SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATION PACKET HERE.

Service Academy Nomination Information

General Requirements

  • Must be at least 17 years of age but not yet 23 years of age as of July 1 of the year you seek admission.

  • Must be a citizen of the United States.

  • May not be married, pregnant, or have a legal obligation to support a child.

  •  Must be a resident of the 3rd District of Michigan. To confirm your representative, visit the official House of Representatives website.

Congresswoman Scholten’s Requirements

  • Application Form – Complete the application form in full and print a hard copy. Please note that two essays are required and must be handwritten in your own handwriting.

  • Official Transcript – Provide a transcript of your high school grades (and college grades, if applicable) through the most recent grading period.

  • Class Rank – Submit a statement from your guidance counselor indicating your projected class rank, if applicable.

  • Standardized Test Scores (SAT and/or ACT)– Include your most recent SAT and/or ACT scores. These can be part of the official transcript provided by your high school or submitted as a separate document. Screenshots of test scores through websites like College Board are acceptable.

  • Letters of Recommendation – Provide three letters of recommendation from individuals in your community who can speak to your leadership, character, and overall suitability for a service academy nomination and a military career. It is recommended that these letters come from a diverse group of people, offering insight into various aspects of your life (e.g., teachers, coaches, community leaders).

  • Photograph – Include a clear and recent photo of yourself. 

  • All required documentation must be printed and submitted together as a complete application packet.
    Please gather your transcripts and letters of recommendation to include in your packet. However, if a school or a recommender prefers to send their letter directly to our office, kindly notify us in advance to ensure proper tracking and inclusion with your application.

Service Academy Nomination Timeline

  • Spring 2025 – Application packets become available for students graduating high school in 2026 or current college students interested in a nomination.

  • August 1 – November 1, 2025 – Completed applications for nominations will be accepted at the Grand Rapids office.

  • November 1, 2025 – All application materials must be submitted no later than 5:00 PM.

  • November – December 2025 – Applications will be reviewed, and my office will notify each candidate of their interview time and location.

  • December 12, 2025 – Candidates will participate in interviews with Congresswoman Scholten’s Service Academy Advisory Board.

  • December 12 – December 31, 2025 – My office will notify candidates of their nomination status.

  • January – April 2026 – Nominees will receive updates from the academies regarding admission decisions.

  • June – July 2026 – Cadets and Midshipmen from the Class of 2030 will report to their respective academies to begin their journeys.

All completed application packets must be submitted by November 1, 2025, to the following address:

Congresswoman Hillary Scholten
Attention: Bradley Stek
110 Michigan Street Ave NW
Suite 460
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

For more information, please contact Bradley at 616-451-8383 or by email at Bradley.Stek@mail.house.gov