To receive an offer of appointment to the Naval Academy, an applicant must obtain a nomination from an official source.  There are many nomination sources and applicants are encouraged to apply to all available sources.  This normally includes a U.S. Representative, two U.S. Senators and the Vice President of the United States. 

The nomination application process is similar to applying for a school, and being personally acquainted with the person from whom you are seeking a nomination is not required.

Submitting your letters of application for nominations should be one of your first steps in the application process.  Specific deadlines, other than congressional, can be found through the links to the right.  Many members of Congress evaluate candidates during the summer months and make their decisions in early fall.  This varies from staff to staff so if you have specific questions about timelines notify the appropriate congressional and Senate staff person.

The Naval Academy accepts nominations until the end of January.  Nominating sources will notify the Naval Academy so there is no need to notify the Naval Academy of which nominations you have received.