Rising high school seniors and college students in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District are entering the final stretch to apply for a congressional nomination to one of the nation’s prestigious U.S. service academies. The application window for the 2025-26 academic cycle closes at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025, giving interested students just over two weeks to complete their submissions and ensure all supporting materials are received.

The nomination process, administered by the office of Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), is open to students planning to apply to the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, as well as college students seeking to transfer into these institutions. It is important to note that while a congressional nomination is required for these academies, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require such a nomination for admission.

Applicants must submit a complete package, including transcripts, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation, by the deadline. The office encourages students to apply as early as possible to allow sufficient time for processing and to address any potential questions that arise during the review process. Representative Sherrill’s office has designated Willy Tolba, Veteran and Military Liaison, as a point of contact for questions related to the application, who can be reached via email at willy.tolba@mail.house.gov.

The nomination process serves as a critical gateway for New Jersey students aspiring to serve in the armed forces through rigorous military and academic programs. Each nomination represents a competitive opportunity to attend one of the country’s premier service academies, where candidates receive leadership training, academic preparation, and professional development that can shape careers in military service and beyond.

With the New Jersey gubernatorial race heating up as Election Day approaches, students and families are reminded that civic engagement extends beyond the ballot. Programs like the U.S. service academy nominations offer an important path for youth to serve their country while pursuing higher education. Representative Sherrill, recently highlighted in the campaign trail with endorsements from prominent national figures, continues to emphasize public service initiatives, including military academy nominations, as part of her office’s community outreach.

Interested students and families can find complete instructions and application materials at Representative Sherrill’s official website. Those preparing to submit their applications are urged to ensure every component, including supplemental documents, is delivered before the Thursday, October 23 deadline to be considered for a nomination.

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