Military Academy Nominations - FAQ

What is a nomination?

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 3rd Congressional District of Indiana.
  • Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy

Who do I contact to request an application?

Fill out the Military Academy Nominations Form online. For specific questions, please email repstutzmanacademies@mail.house.gov.

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 District Office is normally mid-October. The 2026 application deadline is Friday October 16, 2026

What must be included in my nomination file?

A complete nomination file consists of the following items:

  • Application completed online.
  • Current photo
  • Official High School transcript mailed or emailed directly from the school
  • Standardized Test Scores from at least 1 of 3 testing services:
    • American College Testing Program (ACT), College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), or Classical Learning Test (CLT). Scores can be sent directly from the testing service OR noted on an official high school transcript.
  • Resume of extracurricular activities, employment, hobbies, personal interests
  • An essay stating why you want to attend a service academy (500 words or less)
  • Minimum of three letters of recommendation sent directly from the author

Where do I send my application? Where should my guidance counselor send my official transcript? Where should my letter writers send my letters of recommendation?

All documents can be emailed in pdf (or jpg for the photo) to repstutzmanacademies@mail.house.gov. Documents can be sent individually. There is no need to send them as one packet. Email is preferred, but documents can also be mailed to Office of Congressman Stutzman, 6714 Pointe Inverness Way, Suite 220, Fort Wayne, IN 46804.

How do I send my official test scores?

Test scores noted on your official high school transcripts (sent directly from your school) will suffice. You can also have your test scores sent directly to our office from the testing service. Our office code for the College Board (SAT) is Score Send Code: 98965. For the CLT, please have them emailed to repstutzmanacademies@mail.house.gov.

What happens after I have completed my nomination file?

Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be contacted in late October/early November regarding interviewing with the Congressman's Service Academy Advisory Board

What criteria is used in selecting candidates?

Nominations are based on a "whole person" 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.

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. It is not necessary to seek a nomination to the Coast Guard Academy, as the U.S.C.G.A. accepts candidates based on their own testing criteria.

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

A specific recommendation form is not required. 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 win 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.

I have a different question. Who can I contact?

Please email repstutzmanacademies@mail.house.gov.