As a member of Congress, Rep. Dean Phillips has the privilege of nominating a limited number of Third District residents to the U.S. Service Academies each year. The academies allow talented and dedicated young people to receive a full four-year scholarship to highly competitive institutions. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.
Applications for nomination to the U.S. Service Academies — Class of 2028 — may be submitted starting August 1, 2023. The deadline for submission of an application is the close of business on November 1, 2023. All candidates are invited to review the information below and download an application here.
What are the U.S. Service Academies?
There are five service academies:
What is a nomination?
Although many of the qualifications are similar, each academy operates under its own admissions guidelines. Candidates should visit the website of the academies for which they are seeking admission and complete the application process accordingly. Members of Congress may nominate a limited number of applicants who meet the eligibility requirements established by law for the U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. It is not necessary to seek a nomination to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, as the U.S.C.G.A. accepts candidates based on their own testing criteria.
Rep. Dean Phillips encourages you to apply to all nominating sources that are available to you, including the offices of Rep. Dean Phillips, Senator Klobuchar, Senator Smith and the Vice President. This will afford you the greatest chance of receiving a nomination, as our Minnesota Delegation works together to ensure that as many bright Minnesotans have the opportunity to be appointed as possible.
Who is eligible to apply for a nomination from Rep. Dean Phillips?
Each applicant for nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission to an academy:
- Must be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday
Exception: Merchant Marine Academy applicants must be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 25th birthday
- Must be a U.S. citizen
You must submit proof of citizenship if you were foreign born or naturalized
- Must reside within the boundaries of the Third Congressional District of Minnesota
- Must be of good character, academic, leadership, physical and medical fitness
- Must be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents
How do I apply for a nomination from Rep. Dean Phillips?
Applications for nomination to the U.S. Service Academies — Class of 2028 — may be submitted starting August 1, 2023. The deadline for submission of an application and all corresponding materials is the close of business on November 1, 2023.
- Completed checklist and application (click here to download)
- Current photo
- High school and college (if applicable) transcripts
- American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results
- A current professional resume
- One page essay stating why you want to attend a service academy
- Minimum of three letters of recommendation
Submit all materials in person or by mail to:
The Office of Rep. Dean Phillips
Attn: Rollie Olson, Service Academy Coordinator
13911 Ridgedale Drive, Suite 200
Minnetonka, MN 55305
The final step of the nomination process is an interview with the Minnetonka office of Rep. Dean Phillips. All candidates who complete their applications by the deadline will be invited for an interview in early December. Service academy alumni and official House staff will interview the candidates. Nominations are based on a "whole person" evaluation, and applicants will be expected to share more about their character, motivation, academics, extra-curricular activities, achievements in physical fitness and leadership qualities.
What happens after my interview?
Rep. Phillips and his selection committee will make final selections and notify nominees in late-January to mid-February. Nominees from the Office of Rep. Phillips will be placed among a select group of nominees from across the nation, 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. All offers of appointment are sent out by May.
Thank you for your your interest in serving our country. Any questions related to a U.S. Service Academy nomination may be directed to Luis Gonzalez, U.S. Service Academy Coordinator, at luis.gonzalez@mail.house.gov.
