The Academies

There are five service academies in the United States which offer young men and women a free college education at a highly-ranked, nationally-recognized academic program while preparing them for an officer's commission in the armed forces. The Air Force Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy, the Military Academy, and the Naval Academy all require a nomination from an authorized nominating source.  The Coast Guard Academy is the only one of the armed forces service academies that offers appointments on the basis of an annual nationwide competition; there are no Congressional nominations.

Service Academy Nominations: Basic Facts

• Acceptance at an Academy involves at least a nine year obligation to the Service--Four years at the Academy and five years with the Service.
• Competition for appointments in the 15th District is very intense.  Therefore, you are encouraged to apply through all available sources.  These include United States Senators Levin and Stabenow, the Vice President and through the Branch of Service, if you are the child or a deceased or disabled veteran.

Guidelines

• Must be at least 17 years of age, but not yet 23 years of age.
• A citizen of the United States.
• Unmarried, no legal obligation to support a child or dependent.
• A Legal resident of the 15th Congressional District.

You will need to submit to Congressman Dingell's Office:

• A complete application. (Get one here!)
• Four letters of recommendation.
• An official transcript, including your Junior year course work, your grade point average and your class rank.
• College Boards--SAT or ACT scores will be sent directly to Congressman Dingell's office if you indicate 5680 on the registration form.
• A qualified medical examination will be scheduled with the Department of Defense Medical Review Board through the Academy after they receive your pre-candidate questionnaire.

Basis for the nomination:

• Candidate's school record--grade point average and class rank.  The average  competitive candidate is in the upper fifth of his/her class.
• Extra-curricular activities--athletics, community service, and school organizations.
• SAT scores--A competitive candidate must have above 560 on verbal and above 600 on math.  You are encouraged to retake the SAT's if your scores are not at this level.
• Motivation.
• You must also complete the appropriate application process with each Academy of interest to you.

All materials must be submitted as a complete packet postmarked by November 14.

Your file will be reviewed and you will be advised sometime December 14 and January 1 of the outcome.

For More Information

For more information please contact Congressman Dingell's office.

For more detailed information regarding the programs offered by each of the academies, you are encouraged to follow the links below. Each service academy has its own web site.

United States Military Academy

United States Naval Academy

United States Air Force Academy

United States Coast Guard Academy

United States Merchant Marine Academy