Senator Edward M. Kennedy

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Contact

Washington Office

317 Russell Senate Building
Washington D.C. 20510
p (202) 224-4543
f (202) 224-2417

Massachusetts Office

2400 JFK Building
Boston, MA 02203
p (617) 565-3170
p (877) 472-9014
f (617) 565-3183

Contact Senator Kennedy


Academy Nominations

The privilege of nominating qualified students to the Air Force, Army, Naval, and Merchant Marine Academies is one of my most important and gratifying responsibilities. This page contains information about the nomination and application process. If your particular question is not answered, contact my Washington DC office at 202-224-4543.

Steps for applying for a nomination:

  1. Fill out your online profile.
  2. Download, fill out, and return the application form to the Boston office address in the left sidebar.
  3. Download the recommendation form and have two recommenders fill out and return to the Boston office address.
  4. Request that your highschool send your official transcript.
  5. Request that the College Board or ACT send your official SAT I or ACT scores.
  6. Also apply for nominations from Senator John Kerry and your congressman for a nomination.
  7. Make sure you've correctly begun your application to the service academies (a separate process).
  8. Expect Senator Kennedy to announce his nominees by January 31, 2008.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who is qualified to apply for academy nomination(s)?
  2. What selection process do you use for nominations?
  3. What qualities are found in a successful academy nominee?
  4. What classes should I take in High School to be more competitive?
  5. How do I receive an application?
  6. What should I include in my application?
  7. How do I submit my test scores (SAT and/or ACT)?
  8. What is the deadline to turn in my application?
  9. Are there any other considerations I need to make before sending my application materials?
  10. From how many officials can I ask for nominations?
  11. How many nominations do you make?
  12. How and when do I know if I've been nominated?
Who is qualified to apply for academy nomination(s)?

To apply for nomination from me you must be a Massachusetts resident. You must also be at least 17 years old and not have passed your 23rd birthday on July 1 of the year of admission.

Once you have acquired a nomination, the academy you apply to must determine you to be scholastically qualified. You must also be medically qualified and must pass the physical examination for each academy.
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What selection process do you use for nominations?

Each Member of Congress has a unique process for selecting nominees. For my purposes, your application is reviewed by my staff for completeness, then evaluated for your merits as a candidate. In December, my staff makes recommendations to me. Finally, I select ten nominees for every vacancy that I have at each academy, and I will announce these nominees by January 31, 2008.
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What qualities are found in a successful academy nominee?

Successful nominees are serious about their interest in a military career and are determined to persevere and succeed at the academy. There are many indicators for these qualities, including academic excellence and participation in various extracurricular activities, including sports.
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What classes should I take in High School to be more competitive?

There are many classes that you should take to make you a more competitive candidate. Here is a quick list of subjects and the classes that you should take.

  • Mathematics: Take a math class every year, including geometry, algebra, and trigonometry. If you can, take a pre-calculus or calculus class.
  • Science: Take a chemistry class with a lab.
  • English: Take an English class every year, and make sure you focus on how to write effectively. If your school offers courses in English and American literature, take them if they do not interfere with other classes.

The following classes are included as an enhancement to the above classes. They will help to make you an even more competitive candidate.

  • Foreign Language: Try to take at least two years of a foreign language. This includes both the spoken language and a study of its syntax and grammar.
  • Physics: One year of physics with a lab component.
  • History: Take a full year of U.S. History, and if possible, a full year of European or World History.

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How do I receive an application?

You may print an application from this page, or call my office at 202-224-4543 to receive one by mail.
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What should I include in my application?

See Above

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How do I submit my test scores (SAT and/or ACT)?

You have several choices. You may have official scores sent to me through the testing services. My CEEB code is 0201. In addition, many school transcripts include the test scores on them. Those test scores are acceptable as well, as long as they are official.
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What is the deadline to turn in my application?

THE DEADLINE FOR YOUR APPLICATION IS NOVEMBER 1, 2007 All information must be postmarked by that date. Send your complete package to:

Senator Edward M Kennedy
Attn: Academy Nominations
2400 JFK Bldg.
Boston, MA 02203

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Are there any other considerations I need to make before sending my application materials?

Yes. Make sure you take the SAT/ACT so that your scores can be sent to our office before the deadline. You should complete the application as early as possible.
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From how many officials can I ask for nominations?

You are well advised to apply to both of your U.S. Senators and the Representative from your Congressional district. You may also ask the Vice President of the United States for a nomination.
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How many nominations do you make?

I make ten nominations for each academy vacancy each year. The academy admissions board then selects from those ten candidates those they determine to be the most qualified academically and physically, and from a standpoint of character and interest. While the nominations credited to me are limited to five, it has been my experience that four or five nominations from the list are offered appointment through one sponsorship or another.
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How and when do I know if I've been nominated?

You will be notified by letter from my office whether or not you have been nominated. I will mail these letters by January 31, 2008
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Academy Links

U.S. Air Force Academy

Admissions Office
HQ USAFA/RRS
2304 Cadet Drive Suite 200
USAF Academy, CO 80840-5025
1-800-443-9266
Admissions Web Site

U.S. Military Academy

Director of Admissions
600 Thayer Road
West Point, NY 10996-9902
Admissions Web Site

U.S. Naval Academy

Candidate Guidance Office
117 Decatur Road
Annapolis, MD 21402-501
Admissions Web Site

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Director of Admissions
300 Steamboat Road
Kings Point, NY 11024
Admissions Web Site