Service Academy Nominations

One of my favorite duties as a Member of Congress is nominating Sacramento County’s best and brightest young men and women to our nation’s service academies.

If you or your child are a highly motivated, well-rounded, and successful student, I invite you to attend my office’s Service Academy Information Session on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 10am - 12pm at the Aerospace Museum of California to consider the unique opportunity to develop physically, ethically, and intellectually while building a foundation for an exciting, challenging, and rewarding career as a military officer in service to our nation.

Sacramento-area students traditionally are very successful at the academies, and I’m pleased to do my part to ensure that our community continues to provide some of the next generation’s outstanding military leaders.

A congressional nomination is required for students wishing to enter the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY.

This event is open to all high school students interested in applying to a service academy, as well as their parents, teachers, and guidance counselors.

Please note that backpacks and large bags will not be permitted for this event. 

Register for the event here.

Timeline

As deadlines get closer here is a general timeline of when events will occur and when packets are due:

1. September 19, 2026: Service Academy Information Day. While geared towards underclassmen that need an introduction to the Service Academies, if any candidates are interested we will have representatives from each academy to answer questions. Please register for the event here.
2. October 30, 2026: Nomination files must be COMPLETE. This means an application has been filled out online and my District Office has received hard and soft copies of needed materials. All materials listed above must be turned in by this date as well.
3. December 2026: Applicant interviews.
4. January 2027: Our office will inform you of our decision regarding nominations

Getting Help: Service Academy Information Session

My office will hold a Service Academy Information Session on September 19, 2026 from to help anyone who is interested in applying for our nation's service academies. Representatives from the Academies will be available to help answer questions. If you're unable to attend our event, please feel free to contact my office at (916) 635-0505.

How to Begin an Application:

Candidates applying for an academy nomination must submit all of the below materials to my District Office (8950 Cal Center Drive, Building 3, Suite 100, Sacramento CA 95826) to complete their application. Hard copies of the following materials must be received by mail or in person no later than 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 30, 2026. You may also email your application packet in a single PDF file to  Kelly.Jacobsen@mail.house.gov with the subject line "Service Academy 2026_ (YOUR LAST. FIRST NAME)"

1. Fill out and email the Application Form to Kelly.Jacobsen@mail.house.gov
2. Current photo with applicant's name on back
3. High school transcript
4. American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results (originals not required)
5. Resume
6. A 500 word essay describing why the applicant wants to attend a Service Academy
7. Minimum of three letters of recommendation

Please submit your complete nomination packet, without folds or staples, in a large envelope. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

These frequently asked questions may be helpful for people who are interested in applying for a nomination to a military service academy. These outline general standard procedures on how to apply for a nomination, which are commonly followed by many congressional offices.

• These frequently asked questions may be helpful for people who are interested in applying for a nomination to a military service academy. These outline general standard procedures on how to apply for a nomination, which are commonly followed by many congressional offices.

• What are the basic eligibility requirements? Each applicant for a nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission to an academy:
  • Age: Be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday.
  • Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Marital Status: Must be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents.
  • Residence: Must reside, or attend school, within the boundaries of the 6th Congressional District of California, which resides entirely within Sacramento County. If you're unsure if live in my district, please click here to find out
  • Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy.
     
• Can anyone else nominate me? A member of the U.S. House of Representatives who represents the area where you live may nominate you to a service academy. I represent the 6th congressional district of California, which resides entirely within Sacramento County. If you're unsure if live in my district, please click here to find out However, you may also be able to receive a nomination from:
  • Both of your California U.S. Senators, Senator Adam Schiff or Senator Alex Padilla.
  • Apply directly to the Vice-President of the United States, JD Vance.
     
• When do I apply for a nomination? The nomination application period opens May 15th of each year for those candidates who are high school juniors and will be seniors the following school year, or who have already graduated.
   
• What is the deadline for completing a nomination file? The deadline for submitting a nomination packet to my local office in Sacramento County is Friday, October 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Virtual applicant interviews will be in December 2026 and nomination announcements will be made in January 2027. Please contact my office at (916) 635-0505 for more information.
   
• What criteria is used in selecting candidates? Nominations are based on a "whole person" evaluation. Factors such as academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, leadership skills, physical aptitude, character, and motivation are taken into consideration and compared with other applicants.
   
• How many academies are there? There are five service academies.
  • U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York
  • U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland
  • U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs
  • U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York
  • U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut
     
• Are the requirements the same for all of the service academies? No. Although many of the qualifications are similar, each academy operates under its own admissions guidelines. Visit the academy of your choice via the websites noted for each academy's particular admissions qualifications. It is not necessary to seek a nomination to the Coast Guard Academy, as the U.S.C.G.A. accepts candidates based on their own testing criteria.
   
• Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf? Some of the people applicants typically seek recommendations from include:
  • Teachers
  • Counselors
  • Employers
  • Coaches
  • Clergy
  • Scout Leaders
     
• Our office does not require a specific recommendation form; a letter of recommendation is sufficient.
   
• Will I automatically be selected by the academy after I receive a nomination? No. You will be placed among a select group of nominees, and the academy of your choice will make the final decision. If selected, you will receive an offer of admission (an appointment) directly from the academy.
   
• What if I choose more than one academy? Will I be limited to a single nomination? No. You can be nominated to multiple academies depending on how well you have competed among this year's pool of candidates. It is also possible to have multiple appointments.
   
• When will I know if I have been offered an appointment by an academy? Academies will begin to notify candidates of their admission status in February. All offers of appointment are generally sent out by May.