Academy Applications

It is a great pleasure to nominate qualified individuals to the United States Naval, Merchant Marine, Military or Air Force Academy.

Once you have decided which academy you would like to attend, you should either contact my office or the academy directly for a Pre-Candidate Questionnaire. Upon completion and return of this form to the academy, you will be informed of academy requirements, such as medical examinations and physical aptitude tests. It is also recommended that each candidate attempt to visit the academies to meet with admissions representatives, talk to cadets and view the facilities.

Eligibility

Nominees to the service academies must be United States citizens and applicants to Congressman Shays' office must be permanent residents of the fourth district. Candidates must be at least 17 years old, and not yet 22 years old by July 1 of the year of admissions. Candidates must be unmarried and have no legal obligation to support any dependents.

Nomination

Congressman Shays accepts applications for nominations to the following service academies:

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London does not utilize a congressional nominating system.

The law pertaining to congressional nomination stipulates that each Member of Congress is allowed a maximum of five "charges" at each academy in any given year (Merchant Marine is an exception). When a "charge" graduates, a vacancy is created that the member may fill. Each member nominates a slate of ten candidates for each vacancy. Congressman Shays uses a "competitive" form of nomination. Using this method, he submits to the academy an unranked list of nominees for each vacancy. The academy then reviews the list and selects the most fully qualified candidate. This candidate becomes the Congressman's "charge". The remaining nominees are then considered and may also be offered appointments, but they will not be the member's "charge".

Due to the competitiveness of the selection process, it is strongly recommended that in addition to Congressman Shays, each candidate apply to Senator Dodd, Senator Lieberman and Vice President Cheney.

If an applicant has a parent who is an active or retired military person, a disabled or deceased veteran, a POW/MIA, or a Medal of Honor winner, the candidate may be able to apply for a Presidential or other forms of nomination. For further information, please refer to the academy catalog or speak to an admissions representative or liaison officer.

Application Process

I require the following six (6) items for consideration of a candidate:

  • Complete application for nomination online and print.
  • Essay. A 750 - 1000 word essay describing yourself, your goals and the reasons you would like to attend an academy.
  • Official high school transcripts. Must arrive with application package in sealed envelope from guidance counselor.
  • SAT and/or ACT scores. Applicants may notify the SAT/ACT testing centers at (609) 771-7600 to request that scores be sent directly to Congressman Shays's office, SAT code #3536. Due to the cost of requesting original copies, guidance counselors may submit these scores with the candidate's official transcripts.
  • Three recommendations. These letters may be written by teachers, principals, employers, clergy, neighbors, or other non-family members who can accurately comment on the applicant's character, abilities and potential for success in an academy environment. Three letters of recommendation must be submitted with your application and each recommendation must be limited to one page.
  • Photograph. A recent wallet size photograph of the applicant.

    • Materials submitted to my office will not be returned to the applicant unless otherwise requested. After an application has been completed, it must be returned to my office by Friday, November 7, 2008. Any application file not completed by this date will not be considered. SAT/ACT scores for the November testing dates are the only materials accepted after the deadline.

    Please submit all application materials in one complete package to:

    Congressman Christopher Shays
    Attention: Diana Washington
    10 Middle Street
    Bridgeport, CT 06604

    Soon after your completed application has been received, you will be sent a letter of acknowledgment.

    Selection Process

    In the middle of November, you will receive notification as to whether or not you passed the initial screening. If you are included in this select group of qualified individuals, you will be scheduled for an interview with Congressman Shays' Service Academy Selection Committee on a weekend in early December. You will be informed of whether or not you have received a nomination by the end of December.

    The selection committee will consist of distinguished members with varied backgrounds from across Connecticut. The committee will conduct "whole person" evaluations to determine each candidate's overall qualifications. Specifically, they will examine each candidate's personal character, scholarship, leadership, physical aptitude, goals, motivation to pursue an academy education and desire to serve as a military officer. Typically, the committee will only consider you for the academy specified as your "first choice" on the application.

    You may find the application process for a congressional nomination to be very challenging. If you have any questions or experience difficulty at any time, please do not hesitate to phone, write or e-mail Congressman Shays.