<p>I know that it's a requirement for all applicants, but if I'm just a regular citizen with almost no military history in my family (my grandpa was a surgeon in WW2, not sure if that does anything), will I be able to get a nomination? Thanks.</p>
<p>Many applicants to the US service academies don’t have direct military lineage per se. It’s not a barrier. What you need to do is to contact your congressperson’s office (both Senator and House member) and inquire ASAP. There are also forums for the individual academies. You can post there seeking advice as well. </p>
<p>Besides solid academics and demonstrated leadership, the most vital element of a successful bid is your clear desire to lead servicemen and women as an officer and your ability to convey that desire. People who vaguely want just a govt-funded education – will get washed out (and rightly so).</p>
<p>Good luck</p>
<p>Contact your senators’ and congressman’s offices and ask (a lot of them have info on their websites as well). Most will set up some sort of panel to interview people who submit applications, then decide from there.</p>
<p>It’s easier in some states than others. Your senators and congressmen only have so many nominations they can offer so that all the states are equally represented in the academies, so in large states you have much more competition. It’s obviously also harder to get them for Army, Navy and Air Force than Merchant Marines. I don’t think you need a nomination for Coast Guard.</p>
<p>I got very close (thought I had done all my research) but then received the list of medical restrictions and that was it, I was out with no possibility for a waiver, even though in the regular world I’m an athlete in good health. The medical requirements are very strict, as are the character tests. You have to attest to the fact that you do not drink at all (I’m presuming no one who gets close to drugs is dumb enough to think they are service academy material). Don’t try to mess around with them and lie.</p>
<p>Bottom line it is a LOT LOT harder than I thought to get through the whole process. But if you are interested, do your research. You can get more information online by looking up service academy forums. good luck from me, too</p>
<p>Yes, underage drinking and drug use are very much frowned upon. They are not, necessarily, immediate and total disqualifications, although they are a huge red flag.</p>
<p>The process to get set up for a nomination is quite simple actually. If you just google something along the lines of “constituent services <em>senator or congressman name</em>” it should bring up that individuals web site with a link to their application process. The three that I did had either an online or paper application with basic things about you and what you are involved in. Then expect a few essays and letters of recommendation. I have not yet received a nomination, but was contacted after their deadlines late october for three interviews with panels from that officials office. I am applying for the USMA class of 2018.</p>