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Service Academy Nominations

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

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:

  • 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 9th Congressional District of North Carolina.
  • Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy

WHO DO I CONTACT TO DISCUSS QUESTIONS ABOUT MY APPLICATION?

Contact the Southern Pines District Office at 910-910-1924or email HudsonNominations@mail.house.gov if you have questions about your application.

WHEN DO I APPLY FOR A NOMINATION?

The 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.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR COMPLETING A NOMINATION FILE?

The deadline for submitting a nomination packet to the Southern Pines District Office is Wednesday, October 11, 2023 by 5:00 PM ET.

WHAT MUST BE INCLUDED WITH MY NOMINATION FILE?

A complete nomination file consists of the following items:

  • Online application, which includes:
    • An essay stating why you want to attend a service academy (500 words or less)
    • Current photo
    • Resume of extracurricular activities
  • Send official test scores to our office (ACT to Code 7587; SAT to Code 5314)
  • High school transcript
  • Three letters of recommendation

High school transcripts and letters of recommendation should be sent to our office from your school or recommender. We are unable to accept these materials if submitted by an applicant.

  1. Please mail in a sealed envelope to our Southern Pines District Office: Congressman Richard Hudson, 340 Commerce Ave, Suite 16, Southern Pines, NC 28387; or
  2. Email to HudsonNominations@mail.house.gov.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY NOMINATION FILE IS COMPLETE?

Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be sent a confirmation email and will then be scheduled for an interview in late November or early December.

WHAT CRITERIA IS USED IN SELECTING CANDIDATES?

Nominations are based on a comprehensive 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 MANY ACADEMIES ARE THERE?

There are five service academies.

WHO SHOULD I ASK TO WRITE A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION ON MY BEHALF?

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.

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 receive multiple appointments.

WHEN WILL I KNOW IF I HAVE BEEN OFFERED AN APPOINTMENT BY AN ACADEMY?

Academies will typically begin to notify candidates of their admission status in February. All offers of appointment are generally sent out by the end of May.

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