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, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. (Note: The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination). These academies provide students with a world-class education and the opportunity to serve as commissioned officers in the Armed Forces upon graduation. 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 Michigan's 3rd District in achieving this goal.

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.

DOWNLOAD THE 2026 SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATION PACKET HERE.

Eligibility & General Requirements

To be considered for a nomination, you must meet the following baseline criteria:

  • Age: Must be at least 17 years old but not yet 23 years old as of July 1 of the year of admission.
  • Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Status: May not be married, pregnant, or have a legal obligation to support a child.
  • Residency: Must be a legal resident of Michigan's 3rd Congressional District. (Verify your representative at house.gov)

Application Checklist

All required documentation must be gathered and submitted together as a single, complete application packet.

  • Application Form: Complete the form in full. Please read the instructions carefully.
  • Official Transcript: Submit grades from your high school (and college, if applicable) through the most recent grading period.
  • Standardized Test Scores: Provide your most recent SAT and/or ACT or CLT scores. These can be included on your transcript, as a separate official document, or as clear screenshots from the College Board/ACT websites.
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation: Source letters from community members who can speak to your leadership and character (e.g., teachers, coaches, employers, community leaders).
    • Note: If a school or recommender prefers to send their letter directly to our office, please notify us in advance to ensure it is matched with your packet.
  • Photograph: Include a clear, recent photo of yourself.

2026–2027 Nomination Timeline

For students graduating high school in 2027 (Academy Class of 2031)

  • Spring 2026: Application packets become available.
  • August 1 – October 30, 2026: Completed applications accepted at the Grand Rapids office.
  • October 30, 2026: DEADLINE. All application materials must be received no later than 5:00 PM.
  • November – December 2026: Application review. My office will notify candidates of their interview time and location.
  • Mid-December 2026: Candidates interview with Congresswoman Scholten's Service Academy Advisory Board.
  • Late December 2026: Candidates notified of their nomination status.
  • January – April 2027: Nominees receive admission decisions directly from the academies.
  • June – July 2027: Cadets and Midshipmen from the Class of 2031 report to their respective academies.

Submission & Contact Information

Completed applications, along with all requested documentation, can be submitted in-person, by mail, or by email. Please submit all materials by October 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Disclaimer: All submitted documents must be clear, clean, and readable. (If submitting via email, please ensure scanned copies or photos of documents are high quality and legible).

By Mail or In-Person: 
Congresswoman Hillary Scholten 
Attention: Bradley Stek 
110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460 
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

By Email: Bradley.Stek@mail.house.gov

Questions? If you need assistance navigating the application process, please contact Bradley Stek at (616) 451-8383 or email Bradley.Stek@mail.house.gov.

Issues:Veterans