Getting a Nomination for Military Academies

Hey there! I'm a junior from Nebraska and I'm seriously considering applying to one of the military academies. I've read that I need a nomination from a congressman or senator. Does anyone have any advice or experience with this in Nebraska? What's the process like and how should I prepare for it?

Hi! Applying to military academies indeed requires a nomination, and you're right that one of your nomination sources can be a U.S. senator or representative.

In Nebraska, each senator and the representative for your district can have a limited number of constituents attending a service academy at any given time. When a spot opens up, they can nominate a limited number of candidates to compete for that spot. So, your application will be competing against other applicants from your district or state.

Here's a general guide for the process:

1. Start Early: Start the application process in your junior year of high school if possible. Deadlines can be as early as the summer before your senior year.

2. Contact Elected Officials: Reach out to the offices of your two U.S. Senators and your U.S. Representative to request a "Service Academy Nomination Application". Each office may have a different application. Make sure to follow their particular instructions.

3. Fill Out Applications: Complete the applications from each office, which typically includes your academic record, extracurricular activities, community service, leadership roles, and sometimes a personal statement or essay.

4. Request Letters of Recommendation: You may need to provide letters of recommendation. Choose recommenders who can speak to your leadership, character, and dedication—the qualities the academies value.

5. Prepare for Interviews: After you submit your application, you'll likely have an interview with a member or members of the nominating committee. Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in a military academy and a military career.

6. Await Decisions: The official nomination decisions are typically made by the end of the year.

Bear in mind that requirements vary by state and district, and it's a competitive process. Also, a nomination does not guarantee admission to an academy—that's a separate application process. However, you cannot be accepted without a nomination, and getting a nomination is a major first step. In addition, as well as congressional nominations, there are other types such as Vice Presidential nominations, that you might also want to consider.

Good luck on your journey to applying to a military academy!