Military Service Academy Nominations

NOTE: Applications for Military Service Academy nominations for the 2025-2026 academic year ARE NOW CLOSED.

About Military Service Academy Nominations 

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: the U.S. Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, CO; and the 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. Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove may nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to California’s 37th Congressional 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. For more information, please review the page of Frequently Asked Questions for those seeking a Military Academy Nomination. Best wishes to you as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. Service Academies and serving our country. 

Eligibility 

Those applying for a service academy nomination must be a resident of or attend school in California’s 37th District. Applicants must be current high school seniors or high school graduates age 22 or under.  

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 37th Congressional District of California.
• Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy 

Application Timeline and Instructions 

Applications for Military Service Academy nominations for the 2026-2027 academic year will open in September and close on November 11th. Information about the application process is included below for future applicants.

Applicants are encouraged to apply to multiple service academies. 

To apply for a nomination from Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove, please submit the documents below and send the following materials to CA37.Nominations@mail.house.gov. 

1. An essay stating why you want to attend a service academy (500 words or less)
2. American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results
3. A copy of your high school transcript
4. A current photo
5. At least two letters of recommendation (one academic required) 
6. A list of service academies you want to attend in preference order

In addition, please be sure to include any Letters of Assurance (LOAs) you received when submitting application materials.  

Some applicants typically seek recommendations from: 

• Teachers
• Counselors
• Employers/Supervisors
• Coaches
• Faith Leaders
• Scout Leaders 

Questions regarding the application process may be sent to CA37.Nominations@mail.house.gov. 

Interviews will take place in early December and final decisions will be made by mid-December.