Academy Nominations

The application period for the class of 2014 is now active. Please read below for information about applying. The application deadline is October 31, 2009.
I am pleased to have nominated the following Cadets and Midshipmen for the Class of 2013. Each of these Plebes will soon attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Co., or one of our nation’s esteemed military preparatory academies.

Rafael Alicea - Eatontown - Air Force Academy

Harrison Blackburn - Princeton - Air Force Academy

Mark Bradley - Eatontown - Naval Academy

Candita Curcio - Pittstown - Air Force Academy

Nicholas Dona - Freehold - Air Force Academy

Kenneth Ebner - Fair Haven - US Military Academy Prep School

Kyle Elam - Oceanport - Naval Academy

Matthew Feiring - Rumson - West Point

Michael Jakub - Eatontown - West Point

Chantel Lavender - Trenton - Naval Academy

Taylor Neuman - East Brunswick - West Point

John Shinnick - Shrewsbury - Naval Academy

Ryan Smith - South Brunswick - Merchant Marine Academy

Click here to read a Star Ledger story about a reception I hosted for Academy nominees.

My nominees for appointment to the Military Service Academies are selected on a competitive basis, using criteria determined by the Academies to be indicative of one's potential for success as a Cadet, Midshipman, or Airman. (NOTE: There are no congressional nominations to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.) Each Member of Congress is given a limited number of vacancies to fill for each Academy and 10 nominations are allowable for each vacancy. The nominees must reside in the 12th Congressional District of New Jersey.

Each Congressional Office uses a selection process that is designed to meet its own needs and standards. The different procedures are often confusing to applicants who apply to more than one office. Last minute misunderstandings can be avoided by carefully studying and following the instructions of each office.

Requirements

1. Residency: Applicant must be a legal resident of the Twelfth Congressional District.
2. Application Form and Photograph: An application form must be completed in full and sent back along with a photograph of the candidate.
3. Recommendation Form: A recommendation form (provided by my office) must be completed by your school guidance counselor or principal and returned by them to my office.
4. Transcript: An official transcript of your high school record, through the end of your junior year, must be submitted along with your class rank (if available).
5. College Boards: The Service Academies require the SAT or ACT for all potential candidates. All available scores should be sent to my office. (My SAT testing code number is 0209.)
6. Qualifying Medical Examinations: The individual academies will recommend the scheduling of medical examinations by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board after receipt of the pre-candidate questionnaire, which is used to open a pre-admission file at the academy of your choice. There is no cost to the candidate for this examination.
7. Additional Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from non-family members must be submitted, addressed to Representative Holt. These letters should emphasize the candidate's proven abilities in the areas of physical training, leadership potential, and extra-curricular activities.
8. Essay: Candidates are required to write an essay (approx. 200-300 words) on their reasons for wanting to attend an academy.

Applications

In order to receive the current application, please contact me by writing a letter under the template of the Service Academy Requirements. You may find a sample of the template in the respective admission guides located at each of the four major service academies websites.

• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
• U.S. Military Academy at West Point
• U.S. Naval Academy
• U.S. Air Force Academy

Should you have any further questions about the nominations process, please contact the Congressman's Academy assistant, Steven Hildner by calling (609) 750 9365 or by email at Steven.Hildner@mail.house.gov.