Application to a service academy is a two tiered process. Applicants will need to apply directly to the academy (or academies) of interest, and also independently pursue a nomination from a Member of Congress. Applicants must meet all of the admission requirements of the academy they are applying to in order to receive a nomination.
If you are interested in receiving a nomination from my office, please click below to download this year’s application form. Applications must be received in my Woodbridge or Fredericksburg District Offices no later than 5:00 PM Monday, October 13, 2025.
For more information, please review the page of Frequently Asked Questions for those seeking a Military Academy Nomination.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE 2025 MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATION APPLICATION
Students interested in applying for a congressional nomination from my office must reside within the current 7th Congressional District.
The Academies
The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the United States Military as a commissioned officer for a minimum of five years upon graduation.
Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies:
- U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY
- U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD
- U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.
Eligibility Requirements
Each applicant for a nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements as set forth by the academies as of July 1st of the year of admission:
- Must be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday (25 years old for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy)
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be unmarried, not pregnant and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents
- Must reside within the boundaries of Virginia’s 7th Congressional District
- Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the academy
Nominations
Members of Congress may nominate applicants who meet the eligibility requirements as 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
- Either of the U.S. Senators from an applicant’s state
- The President or Vice-President of the United States
- The Secretaries of the Army, Navy, or Air Force
- The Superintendents of the service academies
Applicants are highly encouraged to apply for a nomination from all sources available.
Application Packet
Students seeking a nomination must submit a completed nomination application packet to my Woodbridge of Fredericksburg District Offices no later than 5:00 PM Monday, October 13, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered; postmarks are not acceptable.
A complete nomination packet for the Class of 2030 consists of the following items:
- Completed Application Form
- Current Photo (No larger than 5×7)
- High school/College transcript
- Standardize Test Scores (SAT/ACT)
- Two letters of recommendation: Applicants typically seek letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, employers, coaches, clergy, and scout leaders. A specific recommendation form is not required.
Interviews
Interviews with the Service Academy Advisory Board will occur during the Fall of 2025 after submission deadline. All applicants who submit a completed nomination packet are eligible to undergo an interview.
Applicants will be notified about VA-07 nomination decisions by January 31, 2026. Best wishes to you as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. Service Academies and serving our country.
Questions
Please contact the Service Academy Coordinator in my Woodbridge District Office at 703-987-2180, or email Marc.Rabourdin@mail.house.gov.