Service Academy Nominations

SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATIONS

Overview

Thank you for your interest in applying for a nomination from Congressman Sarbanes to attend a Military Service Academy.

Congressman Sarbanes is honored to nominate candidates who are residents of his district for admission to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy.

The number of nominations that a Senator or Representative can make in a particular year depends on how many vacancies exist at the particular academy, and also depends on the yearly quota allocated to each Senator’s or Representative’s office. The process of receiving a Congressional nomination is very competitive, and the objective is to identify young citizens who are most qualified for an Academy education and subsequent military career. Please note that each Academy makes final admissions decisions from the pool of nominees.

Nominees must meet the following basic requirements:

1. Be at least 17 years of age and less than 23 years of age at time of Academy entry;
2. Be a citizen of the United States;
3. Be a legal resident of Maryland’s Third Congressional District;
4. Not be married or pregnant and under no legal obligation to support a child or dependent;
5. Have competitive standardized test scores;
6. Have high academic standing in secondary school class (at least in the upper 40%);
7. Be in first-rate medical condition and have the proper physical aptitude;
8. Participate and succeed in organized athletics, student government, clubs or other extracurricular activities;

Many other factors – including academic ability, moral character, leadership potential and physical fitness – factor into the nomination process.

The Application Process

My office must have a completed application, three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a signed and notarized affidavit of residence by midnight on Friday, August 30, 2024.

NO LATE OR INCOMPLETE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED

Please follow the following steps to complete your application:

1. Complete the online portion of the application.

2. The following documents must be submitted to md03.nominations@mail.house.gov (please adhere to noted subject lines):
   1. (3) Letters of Recommendation
      1. SUBJECT LINE: Applicant Name | Recommendation
      2. Must be emailed by recommender
   2. Transcript and/or Proof of Enrollment
      1. SUBJECT LINE: Applicant Name | Transcript
      2. Must be emailed by counselor or equivalent
      3. Must provide high school transcript; if enrolled in college also provide transcript/proof of enrollment
   3. Affidavit of Residence
      1. SUBJECT LINE: Applicant Name | Affidavit (See here for form)
      2. Must be emailed by applicant
      3. Send notarized original to:
         1. 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr. Ste 250 Columbia, MD 21046

Information regarding personal interviews will be provided to applicants who submit a completed package by the due date.

If you have any questions about Congressman Sarbanes' new online academy nomination process, please contact Fred Hassell at (202)538-9550 or by email at md03.nominations@mail.house.gov (with your last name in the subject line).

Additional Information

If you are interested in the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, you can apply directly via the Academy's website. Congressional nominations are not required.

For more information about each U.S. Military Academy, see below.

• U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York  
• U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland 
• U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs 
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York 
• U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut