As a member of Congress, I have the privilege of nominating some of Rhode Island’s finest young men and women for consideration to the United States Service Academies.
Eligibility
The United States Service Academies have a long history of preparing cadets for leadership in our military branches through rigorous academic and physical curricula. The ideal applicant has demonstrated leadership qualities, strong academic performance, proven athletic ability, and is between the ages of 17 and 23 (25 for the Merchant Marine Academy).
Rhode Islanders who match these criteria can apply with my office by completing my online application for nomination.
Application
To be considered for nomination to a service academy for the academic year beginning in Fall 2025, you must complete the online application form and submit the following materials to my office by October 15:
- A copy of your official high school (and college, if applicable) transcript.
- A letter of recommendation from an English and mathematics teacher.
- Your SAT/ACT Scores. SAT office code: 3153 ACT office code: 7177
- A 500-words-or-less essay describing why you are a good choice for a nomination to a United States Service Academy. Please be sure to include any information you feel has prepared you for this challenge and makes you stand out from the rest of the applicants. (The essay may be submitted in the space provided in the online application or as a separate document.)
Please send any additional materials to WhitehouseNominations@whitehouse.senate.gov.
My team can help answer your questions and make sure you’re ready to apply. Please contact my Service Academy Coordinator, Hollie Mellen, at (401) 453-5294 or Hollie_Mellen@whitehouse.senate.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a nomination from more than one congressional office to maximize the chance of being selected?
Yes. Students are encouraged to submit applications to both Senator Reed’s and Senator Whitehouse’s offices, as well as to the office of either Congressman Amo (Congressional District 1) or Congressman Magaziner (Congressional District 2), depending on which House district you live in. Applicants may also apply for the Vice President’s nomination.
Should I apply to more than one Service Academy?
While you may apply to more than one Service Academy, we encourage you to submit applications only to the schools you are seriously interested in attending. Each Service Academy has a unique culture and all of them require a sincere commitment.
What does the ideal candidate look like?
While there is no such thing as an ideal candidate, many students who earn nominations have well-rounded extracurricular activities, higher-level academics, and competitive standardized test scores (SAT: Reading >634 Math >653, ACT: English >27 Math >27). Community service activities and a strong athletic background are also beneficial.
Am I eligible if I have experienced disciplinary action in the past?
Disciplinary action is not an outright disqualifier, as the academies will review disciplinary history on a case-by-case basis.
Are there additional requirements if I am applying for the second time?
Please be sure to send updated letters of recommendation, transcripts, and test scores as part of your application.
When should I start training for the Physical Fitness Test?
Immediately. The physical fitness component of your application is given considerable weight, along with your grade point average and recommendations.
