Service Academy Nominations

Applications are open for the Class of 2031.  

The deadline for applying is Friday, October 2, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PDT

Message from Senator Ruben Gallego:  

As a United States Senator representing Arizona, I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to nominate some of our state’s most talented, dedicated, and promising young men and women to the United States service academies. It is a privilege to support the next generation of leaders who are committed to serving our nation with integrity, courage, and a profound sense of duty. 

As a combat veteran, I had the honor of serving in the United States Marine Corps from 2002 to 2006. During that time, I deployed to Iraq as a Lance Corporal with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines. Today, I am privileged to continue serving our nation as a United States Senator for the State of Arizona, where I have the distinct honor of participating in the service academy nomination and selection process. 

Students who are selected for admission receive a tuition-free undergraduate education at one of the nation’s most prestigious institutions. Service academies provide full coverage of tuition, room, and board. Upon graduation, cadets are commissioned as officers in the United States Armed Forces. Attendance at a service academy is a distinguished honor that carries with it a commitment to serve on active duty for a minimum of five years following graduation.

If you have any questions about the nomination process, please contact our team at service_academies@gallego.senate.gov.

Best wishes to you as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. Service Academies and serving our country!

Mandatory

Before you proceed with a nomination application, you MUST first contact the admissions office of each academy to which you are applying. Please see the information below for academy websites and local contact numbers. 

U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY  (602) 763-4385 

U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) Annapolis, MD  (262) 385-6328 

U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) Colorado Springs, CO  (719) 493-8581 

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Kings Point, NY (516) 726-6184 

U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) New London, CT  (404) 697-7405 

Eligibility

To be eligible to enter an Academy, you must be: 

• A citizen of the United States 
• Of good moral character 
• Unmarried with no dependents 
• At least 17, but less than 23 years of age by July 1 of the year you would enter the academy.

Nomination Application Process

• Submission of application and supporting materials
• Selection for interview 
• Interview 
• Selection for Nomination

Nomination Application Requirements

** Application materials will NOT be accepted by US Mail, email, or in person. All documents must be uploaded/submitted via the portal.  

Before you submit the Questionnaire, you will be asked to certify that you are a U.S. Citizen, that you have already contacted the appropriate academies, and that you have not used A.I. to create, edit, or revise any of your application materials.

1. Service Academy Application (“Questionnaire”)
2. Official or unofficial transcript from all high schools, junior colleges, or universities attended.  
3. SAT or ACT test scores sent DIRECTLY from the testing institution (SAT Code 4817; ACT Code 7105).
4.  An essay (500-650 words) that addresses the following: 

• • Why do you want to serve your country in the armed forces? 
  • Why do you think public service is important? 
  • What specific goals do you have after graduation from a service academy? 

5. Resume of extracurricular activities, school clubs, sports, ROTC, jobs, etc.
6. Minimum 3 (three) letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your character and achievements [Maximum 4 letters]