Service Academy Nomination FAQ
- What is a nomination?
- What are the basic eligibility requirements?
- What must be included in my nomination file?
- Who do I contact about application questions?
- How many academies are there?
- Are the requirements the same for all of the service academies?
- Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
- Will I automatically be selected by the academy after I receive a nomination?
- What if I choose more than one academy? Will I be limited to a single nomination?
- What is a nomination?
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A candidate who meets the eligibility requirements established by law may seek a nomination from the following individuals:
- 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
- The Vice-President of the United States
- What are the basic eligibility requirements?
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Each applicant for a nomination from me must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission to an academy:
- Age: Be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen
- Marital Status: Must be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents
- Residence: Must reside within the boundaries of the 16th Congressional District of Florida
- Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy
- What must be included in my nomination file?
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Do not wait until the day of (October 10, 2025) to submit your file. You need to allow time to compile all necessary items. A complete nomination file consists of the following items:
- Application: https://buchanan.house.gov/service-academy-nominations-application
- Cover letter explaining why you want to attend a service academy and why you believe that you are qualified
- Current headshot (professional photo not required, selfies not accepted)
- Resume that lists any job experience and extracurricular activities you want to note
- Three personal recommendation letters addressed to Congressman Buchanan from someone who knows you best, but not a family member.
- Copy of SAT and/or ACT scores. Congressman Buchanan codes are SAT-5389 and ACT-7336
- Copy of your government issued ID
- Application: https://buchanan.house.gov/service-academy-nominations-application
- Who do I contact about application questions?
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- Applications and supporting documents are due on Friday, October 10, 2025 by 5pm.
- Interviews (15 minutes each) for eligible students will be held and each student, if chosen, will be notified of their appointment time.
- If you have any questions, call our Bradenton office at 941-951-6643.
- How many academies are there?
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There are five service academies.
Three reside within the Department of Defense:
- U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York
- U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland
- U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado
One resides within the Department of Transportation:
One resides within the Department of Homeland Security:
Return to Top - Are the requirements the same for all of the service academies?
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No. Although many of the qualifications are similar, each academy operates under its own admissions guidelines. Visit the academy of your choice via the web sites noted for each academy's particular admissions qualifications.
It is not necessary to seek a nomination to the Coast Guard Academy. U.S.C.G.A. accepts candidates based on their own testing criteria.
Return to Top - Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
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Some of the people applicants typically seek recommendations from include:
- Teachers
- Counselors
- Employers
- Coaches
- Clergy
- Scout Leaders
- 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. Return to Top
- 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. Return to Top
