US Service Academy Nominations: Timelines

Summary

U.S. Service Academy Nominations and Appointments

General Timelines for Congress, Academies, and Applicants

Members of Congress are authorized by law to nominate candidates for appointment to four U.S. service academies: the U.S. Military Academy (USMA); U.S. Naval Academy (USNA); U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA); and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). In the 18 months prior to the enrollment of new academy classes, congressional Member offices, the service academies, and applicants are involved in a series of events and actions to carry out their respective roles and responsibilities. This Infographic presents approximate timelines of when typical events and activities occur.

These timelines present generalized information, representing when these events and activities most frequently occur. Many applicants are high school students and apply during grade levels corresponding with "Junior Year" and "Senior Year." Other applicants are not high school students, including some active duty and reserve military members seeking appointment, though the timelines remain relevant.

CLASS ENTERS ACADEMY

PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS/CANDIDATES

House and Senate Member Offices

Outreach for prospective nominees

Host service academy events

Publicize nomination deadlines

Common deadlines for office nomination deadlines

Selection panel consideration, applicant interviews

Notify nominees

Submit nominations to service academies

Publicize appointees attending academies

Service Academies

Pre-Candidate Questionnaire opens*

Rolling Application review

Fill any remaining appointments

Applicants

Submit pre-applicant questionnaire. Take SAT, ACT, or CLT**

Complete application requirements, submit application

Accept or decline appointment

Appointees begin academy

YEAR 1 YEAR 2

DEC 31 Outgoing

Members JAN 31

Returning Members

Senior Year

Junior Year

MAY 1

JUL 1

Typical Deadlines

Outgoing Member offices submit nominations to academies

DEC 31

Returning Member offices submit nominations to academies

JAN 31

Deadline for submission of applications to academies

FEB 28

Most congressionally nominated appointments are completed

APR 15

Applicants accept or decline appointment

MAY 1

Appointees begin academy

JUL 1

*Timing varies by academy.

** All four academies accept SAT and ACT results. USMA, USNA, and USAFA accept CLT results.

Information as of April 29, 2026. Prepared by R. Eric Petersen, Specialist in American National Government;

Sarah J. Eckman, Analyst in American National Government; and Brion Long, Visual Information Specialist.

—CRS