The deadline to submit a complete application is:
Friday, October 30, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. (Arizona Time)
Instructions
Attending a U.S. Service Academy requires a minimum five-year military service commitment after graduation.
Members of Congress may nominate candidates from their congressional district to four 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
Note: The U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination and applicant may apply directly - no congressional nomination is required.
Minimum Qualifications for a Nomination
· At least 17 but not yet 23 years old by July 1st of the year to be admitted to the Academy.
· No older than 25 years old to enter the Merchant Marine Academy.
· Must be a U.S. citizen and legal Arizona resident of the congressional district they apply with when entering the Academy.
· Unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation for the support of a dependent.
· Minimum Sat or ACT scores that are determined by the perspective Military Academy to which you have applied.
Congressman Hamadeh may nominate up to ten individuals from his district per vacant slot. To apply, complete this form and submit the following nomination checklist:
1. Certification of Residency in Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District
2. Statement of Purpose
3. Transcript
4. SAT/ACT Scores
5. Three Letters of Recommendation
6. Resume
7. Photo
8. Written Essay
9. Leadership Essay
Process & Selection
· Interviews: Are in person and scheduled in early December.
· Selection: Based on a "whole person" evaluation of academics, leadership, fitness, character, motivation.
· Appointments: Final decision made by the academy. Academies will begin to notify candidates of their admission status in February. All offers of appointment are generally sent out by May.
Deadlines:
Applications open on October 1, 2026, and a complete nomination packet is due by Friday, October 30, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. (Arizona Time). Early and late submissions will not be accepted.
The deadline to submit a complete application is:
Friday, October 30, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. (Arizona Time)
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Do I need to apply to the academy before seeking a nomination?
Yes. You should begin and complete your academy application directly with the academy in parallel with your congressional nomination application. A nomination alone does not result in an appointment.
- Can I apply for nominations to more than one service academy?
Yes. You may apply for nomination to multiple academies. You must submit all required materials for each academy you are seeking.
- Can I apply for nominations from multiple sources?
Yes. You may apply to your U.S. Representative, both U.S. Senators from Arizona, and the Vice President. Each office has its own process and deadlines.
- What if one of my recommenders misses the deadline?
Incomplete applications cannot be considered. You should select recommenders early and establish internal deadlines well in advance of the official submission deadline.
- What GPA is considered competitive?
There is no official minimum GPA set by the congressional office. However, successful candidates typically perform at a high academic level, particularly in math, science, and English.
- Are SAT or ACT scores required even if my school is test optional?
Yes. Service academies determine their own testing requirements. You must meet the testing standards set by the academy to which you are applying.
- Can I update my SAT or ACT scores after submitting my packet?
Updated scores may be accepted prior to the deadline. After the deadline, no additional materials will be added to your file.
- What should be included in my Statement of Purpose?
Your statement should clearly explain why you seek to attend a service academy, why you want to become a commissioned officer, and how your experiences have prepared you for that responsibility.
- What kind of leadership experience matters most?
Quality is more important than title. Leadership roles in student government, JROTC, Civil Air Patrol, athletics, scouting, employment, church, or community service are all valuable if they show responsibility and initiative.
- What happens during the interview?
Candidates participate in an in-person interview with a nomination panel. Questions typically assess motivation, character, leadership, knowledge of military service, and communication skills.
- What should I wear to the interview?
Professional business attire is expected. Candidates should present themselves in a manner consistent with a future officer in the United States Armed Forces.
- What if I miss the October 30, 2026 deadline?
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. You would need to wait until the next application cycle if still eligible.
- Can I reapply if I am not selected?
Yes. Many successful candidates apply more than once. You may reapply the following year if you remain eligible and can demonstrate improvement in academics, leadership, or fitness.
- Does receiving a nomination guarantee an appointment?
No. A nomination allows the academy to consider you for an appointment. The final decision rests solely with the academy.
- What is the service commitment after graduation?
Graduates incur a minimum five-year active-duty service obligation, though some career fields such as aviation may require longer commitments.
- When will I know if I received a nomination?
Nomination decisions are typically made after December interviews. Appointments are issued directly by the academy beginning in February, with most final decisions communicated by May.
- Do I need to complete the Candidate Fitness Assessment before applying for a nomination?
The Candidate Fitness Assessment is required by the academies, not the congressional office. However, you should begin preparing early. Physical readiness is a significant component of the overall evaluation.
- Can homeschooled students apply for a nomination?
Yes. Homeschooled applicants must provide official documentation of coursework, transcripts, standardized test scores, and any available third party academic validation.
- How are letters of recommendation evaluated?
Letters should come from individuals who can directly assess your academic ability, leadership, character, and work ethic. Strong letters provide specific examples of performance and impact rather than general praise.
- Should I contact the congressional office before submitting my application?
You may contact the office with procedural questions. However, all required materials must be submitted in accordance with published instructions and deadlines. Personal visits or calls do not substitute for a complete application packet.
