Tim meets with Academy students and nominees in South Dakota

Young men and women of good character are eligible for nomination without regard of race, creed, national origin, or political affiliation. Eligible applicants must be unmarried citizens of the United States with no dependents. They must be at least 17 years of age but not past their 22nd birthday on July 1st of the year they would be admitted. I can only consider South Dakota citizens for nomination.

To be successful as an applicant, the student must fulfill stringent requirements in academics, physical aptitude, medical fitness and character.

Leadership Potential

Each academy has its own method of determining a candidate's qualifications for admission. However, common to all academies is the use of the following four items that make up the "Whole Person Evaluation."

Character

Applicant is assumed to have good character unless there is evidence to the contrary.

Scholarship

Each element of the nominee's record is carefully evaluated by an admission board at the respective academy. High school records; college records (if applicable); class standing; individual grades in math, science, and English; and ACT and/or SAT scores are considered by academy personnel.

Leadership

Leadership qualities are based on participation and achievement in school.

Physical Aptitude and Medical Fitness

An examination is given to highly qualified individuals to determine their ability to meet the physical demands of the academy.

Applicants also must meet the minimum medical requirements of the respective academies. A qualified candidate takes this examination at a service facility near the candidate's home. Scheduling and evaluation are done by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB).

Information on Eligibility | How to Apply for a Nomination | The Academies: U.S Military Academy at West Point | U.S. Naval Academy | U.S. Air Force Academy | U.S. Coast Guard Academy | U.S. Merchant Marine Academy |