Reaching Out for a Nomination Letter to the Naval Academy

I’m planning to apply to the U.S. Naval Academy and wondering how to get a nomination letter. Does reaching out to officials like Tim Ryan or Sherrod Brown make a difference? Any tips on crafting the perfect email to request one?

To apply to the U.S. Naval Academy, a nomination from a Congressional representative is indeed a necessary component. Your local representatives, such as Tim Ryan or Sherrod Brown, can certainly provide this nomination, and reaching out to them is your first step.

When sending an email requesting a nomination, follow these guidelines:

- Clear and concise subject line: State exactly why you're reaching out in the subject line. For example, "Request for Naval Academy Nomination."

- Self-introduction: Begin the body of the email with a brief introduction of yourself. Include your high school, your grade in school, where you're from, and why you're interested in attending the Naval Academy.

- State your purpose: Make the purpose of your email clear – you're seeking a nomination to the Naval Academy. You might even briefly mention some of the reasons you're interested in joining the military.

- Showcase your qualifications: Once you've stated your intent, it's important to showcase why you are a good candidate. Highlight extracurricular activities, leadership roles, academic achievements, and any experiences that illustrate your character and commitment.

- Formal and respectful tone: Keep the tone of your email respectful and professional. Remember to use formal titles when addressing officials too.

- Thank you and follow-up: End your letter by thanking your official for their time, and mention that you're looking forward to hearing from them soon.

Remember, it's important to begin this process early as the nominations are typically due by the end of October or early November. Also, aside from reaching out for a Congressional nomination, you might want to consider other types of nominations, such as vice presidential or military service connected, as these may increase your chances of getting one.

One final tip: make sure to proofread carefully for any errors before sending your email, perhaps even have a teacher or counselor review it. Good luck with your application!