Military Academy Nominations
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Members of Congress are authorized by law to nominate candidates who meet the eligibility requirements to four United States Service Academies. These schools are the U.S. Military Academy – West Point (USMA), the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAF), and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). The U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. To be appointed for admission to these United States Military Service Academies, each applicant must obtain a nomination from an authorized nominating source. In addition to applying for a nomination from Congressman Casten, applicants must concurrently apply directly to the academies of interest and open an admissions file.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
As of July 1st, of the year of admission to an academy:
- Be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or dependents
- Legal resident of Illinois 6th congressional district.
2025 NOMINATION PROGRAM SCHEDULE
| July 1, 2025 |
Online Application Period Begins
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| August |
U.S. Military Service Academy Information Fair (Check back this summer for more details)
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| November 16th, 2025 |
Application Submission Deadline 11:00 PM CST (Please note that no materials will be accepted after the deadline. It’s the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required documents are submitted and received on time.)
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| December 6th, 2025 |
Interview Day for Qualified Applicants
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| December 31, 2025 |
Nominations Submitted to Academies
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| January 31, 2025 |
Nomination results mailed to applicants
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Candidates who meet all eligibility requirements and submit all required documents by the deadline will be invited to participate in an interview with a nomination board composed of U.S. Military Academy alumni, community leaders, and other distinguished volunteers. This board will evaluate each candidate’s qualifications and make a formal recommendation on whether to nominate the student to their respective service academy of choice. The nomination process is strictly nonpartisan and merit-based, ensuring that each applicant is given fair and equal consideration. Participation in the interview is a critical component of the nomination process, and failure to complete any part of the application on time will disqualify students from moving forward.