Academy Nominations
The United States service academies provide an outstanding opportunity for motivated Californians to receive a quality education while gaining the skills necessary to serve their country as professional officers. Senator Schiff considers nominations to the:
- US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO
- US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD
- US Military Academy in West Point, NY
- US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY
Application instructions
Eligibility and Criteria
Applicants should begin applying in the spring of their junior year of high school. The eligibility requirements used by Senator Schiff are those established by law and that all Members of Congress require when nominating applicants.
When reviewing academy candidates’ qualifications, Senator Schiff considers each candidate’s application strictly on merit; there are no partisan or political considerations. The individual qualities that Senator Schiff looks for in an application are:
- Candidate’s school record–grade point average and class rank.
- 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.
- Motivation.
- Interview with Senator Schiff’s Service Academy Advisory Board.
- You must also complete the appropriate application process with each Academy of interest to you.
The admissions process is highly competitive to ensure the top-ranked, best-qualified nominee is offered admission.
How to Apply
The nomination application period for 2025-will open late spring. Do not submit application materials prior to this date. Applicants must complete the following three steps:
Step 1 – Contact Academy(s)
During the spring of your junior year of high school, contact the academy(s) you are interested in so they can create an applicant file for you. Click the links below to begin that process.
Step 2 – Apply through all your Congressional Representatives
It is best to apply for nomination to all nomination sources including Senator Alex Padilla, and your Congressional District Representative. Below are helpful links to start that process with all three Congressional offices.
- Senator Schiff’s Service Academy Application (more information included in Step 3).
- Senator Alex Padilla’s Service Academy Application
- Click here to identify your Congressional District Representative and find their Service Academy Application.
Step 3 – Submit Senator Schiff Application
The following documents are required to submit an application. All documents must be submitted through Senator Schiff’s online application.
- A certified copy of your high school transcript.
- A certified copy of your college transcript (if applicable). There will be an additional item option and location in the application checklist for this to be uploaded.
- Three letters of recommendation. At least one must be from a teacher, high school counselor, or principal.
- SAT or ACT scores. Please submit your results report with your application.
- A list of any awards and accomplishments, both extracurricular and academic, that you have received. If there are inconsistencies in your record or extenuating circumstances which merit special attention, you are encouraged to address them here.
- A 500-word essay that answers the question, “Why do you aspire to serve, and how have your experiences shaped your desire to lead and contribute to something greater than yourself?”
ENTIRE APPLICATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY OUR CALIFORNIA OFFICE BY TBD
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Senator Schiff’s Military Service Academy coordinator by phone at (415) 393-0713 or by email at academy_nominations@schiff.senate.gov.