One of the great privileges of being a member of Congress is the opportunity to nominate gifted students to attend one of our country’s prestigious service academies. The honor, commitment, sacrifice, determination, and hard work of these students is on full display during their high school years. It’s further developed during their time at these Academies and continues as they serve this great nation.
I am so proud of the many students from south central and southeast Missouri who have chosen to pursue a nomination and the many who have received appointments to West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy or the U.S. Merchant Marines.
If you are interested in an Academy nomination, please click here to contact my Academy Coordinator.
Here are some basic facts about the Nomination Process:
When to apply
Each applicant for a nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission to an academy:
• Must be at least 17 years old but not have passed his/her 23rd birthday.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
Basic eligibility requirements for an Academy nomination
• Marital Status: Must be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents.
• Must reside within the boundaries of the 8th District of Missouri.
• Must have taken the SAT and /or ACT exam.
• Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy.
Requesting Congressman Smith’s Nomination Application
The nomination application period opens in April of each year for those candidates who are high school juniors and will be seniors the following school year, or seniors who have already graduated. Enlisted persons and college students may also apply. To contact the Academy Coordinator, click here.
Application season
Applicants should apply in the spring of their junior year of high school. The application is usually available in April and the deadline for submitting a nomination application to the 8th Congressional District Coordinator is usually in October.
Interview for Congressman Smith’s nomination
Applicants who submit a completed nomination application will be scheduled to meet with Congressman Smith’s Academy Review Board. Interviews are conducted on the first Saturday in December. The board evaluates applicants and recommends candidates for nomination by Congressman Smith. This well-qualified, non-partisan board ensures a fair and impartial process. The Board gives nominations based on a “whole person” evaluation. Factors such as academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, leadership skills, physical aptitude, character, and motivation are taken into consideration and compared with other applicants.
Apply to Academies before submitting your nomination application
Although many of the qualifications are similar, each academy operates under its own admission guidelines. It is important for candidates to visit each academy’s website for their admission requirements. Applying to more than one academy increases your chances of receiving an appointment. You should open an application with each academy you hope to attend before you submit your application for nomination.
A nomination does not guarantee an appointment. You will be placed among a select group of nominees, and the academy of your choice will make the final decision. If selected, you will receive an offer of admission (an appointment) directly from the academy.
Receiving an appointment
Any candidate who wishes to attend a military service academy must be nominated by his or her member of Congress, (House or Senate) or by the Vice-President of the United States. Once nominated, each candidate is reviewed by the academies to which he or she has been nominated. Then, the academy decides who will receive an appointment to attend. The nominator or the academy notifies candidates who receive appointments to attend.
For additional questions, please contact my Service Academy Coordinator, Donna Hickman, using the QR code below.