The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military 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; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

For those interested in attending a military service academy in the Class of 2031, the Academy Nomination Application is now open. Completed applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on October 9, 2026.

Congressman Donalds Nomination Checklist
Congressman Donalds Service Academy Nomination Application
Congressman Donalds Service Academy Letter of Recommendation Form

A completed application includes the following: 

- Completed application with a passport-style photo 
- Three completed Letters of Recommendation submitted electronically from: 
         - One school administrator is required 
         - Two additional community members/leaders or teachers 
- Essay as to why you want to serve/ attend the academy
- Official school transcript submitted by your school electronically 
- Official SAT and/or ACT scores: 
         - SAT Test Code: 5424 
         - ACT Test Code: 7339 
- A resume and/or Notable Achievements Documents 
- Accident Waiver and Release of Liability Form 


If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Neurock.
Email: DonaldsAcademyNominations@mail.house.gov
Phone: (239)-599-6033