It’s one of my distinct privileges as Alaska’s Representative in Congress to nominate bright and hardworking students to attend our nation's military service academies.
Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies:
- U.S. Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, NY;
- U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, MD;
- U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, CO;
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, NY.
The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. Each Member may nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to our district.
The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.
Please refer to this page for more information on how you may be able to apply for a nomination from my office and read all the directions carefully.
Timeline:
As deadlines get closer here is a general timeline of when events will occur and when packets are due:
1. November 1, 2024: Nomination files must be SUBMITTED. This means all application materials have been filled out and sent to my district office–whether by hand, email, or mail.
2. Early December, 2024: Applicant interviews.
3. Early January 2025: Our office will inform you of our decision regarding nominations
Application Materials:
Applications will only be considered complete if all the following materials are included:
1. Application Form
2. Current photo with applicant's name on back
3. High school transcript
4. American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results (originals not required)
5. Resume
6. A 500 word essay describing why the applicant wants to attend a Service Academy
7. Minimum of two letters of recommendation
Application Submission:
Application materials may be submitted in one of two forms:
1. As a single PDF file in an email to Brooke.Hansen@mail.house.gov with the subject line "Service Academy 2024_ (YOUR LAST. FIRST NAME)"
2. As a hard copy packet in a single large envelope, mailed or hand delivered to my district office, at 121 Fireweed Avenue, Suite 260 Anchorage, AK 99503
Applications must be received or postmarked no later than Friday, November 1, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions:
These frequently asked questions may be helpful for people who are interested in applying for a nomination to a military service academy. These outline general standard procedures on how to apply for a nomination, which are commonly followed by many congressional offices.
- What are the basic eligibility requirements? Each applicant for a nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1st, 2024:
- 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, or attend school, within the State of Alaska
- Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy.
- Can anyone else nominate me? Yes. Alaskans can also receive a nomination from either of their U.S. Senators, Senator Lisa Murkowski or Senator Dan Sullivan. We recommend that applicants send in applications to all three members of Alaska’s Congressional Delegation. Applicants can also apply directly to the Vice-President of the United States, Kamala Harris.
- When do I apply for a nomination? The nomination application period opens September 1st of each year for those candidates who are high school seniors or have already graduated.
- What is the deadline for completing a nomination file? The deadline for submitting a nomination packet is Friday, November 1, 2024. Applicant interviews will be in Early December 2024 and nomination announcements will be made in January 2024. Please contact my office at (907) 921-6575 for more information.
- What criteria is used in selecting candidates? Nominations are based on factors such as academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, leadership skills, physical aptitude, character, and motivation are taken into consideration and compared with other applicants.
- Are the requirements the same for all of the service academies? No. Although many of the qualifications are similar, each academy operates under its own admissions guidelines. Visit the academy of your choice via the websites noted for each academy's particular admissions qualifications.
- 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
Our office does not require a specific recommendation form; a letter of recommendation is sufficient.
- 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 have multiple appointments.
- When will I know if I have been offered an appointment by an academy? Academies will begin to notify candidates of their admission status in February. All offers of appointment are generally sent out by May.
Best wishes to you as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. Service Academies and serving our country. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to call our district office at (907) 921-6575 and ask to speak with Inti Harbison, who administers this program in my local office.
U.S. Representative
Mary Sattler Peltola
Representative for all Alaska