Instructions

The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. For more information, please review the page of Frequently Asked Questions for those seeking a Military Academy Nomination.

Students should confirm they reside in the 24th Congressional District of California before applying. To find out whether you live in the district, please visit find your Representative and enter your zip code. If your zip code overlaps with multiple congressional districts, please search using your home address. 

You can download the application here: Link to Fall 2026 (Class of 2031 NEW Application). Please be sure to fill out your contact information below.

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY Wednesday OCTOBER 7, 2026. (must be postmarked by this date)

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies:

  • U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY
  • U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD
  • U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO
  • U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY
  • U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT (does not require a congressional nomination for appointment)

Congressman Carbajal may nominate up to 10 individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to our district. In order to receive a nomination, interested participants must complete an application with their respective academy of choice, and complete the U.S. Service Academy Congressional Nomination Application from our office.

A completed application requires the following items:

  • Completion of the electronic form below to send us an email of your intent to apply to the Service Academy
  •  Completion of the (Downloadable PDF Application Packet with all necessary materials– insert link to the new application here)

These Materials include:

  1. Completed personal information pages.
  2. Recent photo of yourself printed on an 8.5’’X 11’’ sheet of paper.
  3. Professional Resume: This will be a short document, not exceeding one full page, that shows your skills, experiences, and achievements. A good resume should include your academic background (education and grades), work experience, extracurricular activities (like clubs, sports, or leadership roles), and volunteer experience.
    1. For an example of what a good resume looks like you may visit the following link: https://careerservices.fas.harvard.edu/resources/bullet-point-resume-template/
  4. Personal Commentary. This includes both of the following:
    1. 500-word essay about yourself, your goals, and the reasons you would like to attend a Service Academy.
    2. 250-word essay entitled “The Responsibility of Leadership” this essay should expand upon its title to whatever it means for the individual applicant.
  5. Two letters of recommendation: Anyone other than a family member may submit a letter of reference for you. Please be sure to include their name, address, email, and phone number with the letter.
  6. Official Transcripts: Transcripts must arrive with your application packet in a SEALED envelope.

For any questions, please contact Amber Sky Tetz, District Representative, at Amber.Tetz@mail.house.gov or call my office at (805) 546-8348.

Your Contact Information
Parent/Guardian Information
Additional Information