All appointments to the service academies are made by the President. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, an applicant must have a nomination from an authorized nominating source. Title 10, U.S. Code, establishes two nomination categories. Applicants who meet eligibility requirements may apply for and receive nominations in both categories. In fact, applicants should apply for as many nominations as they may be eligible for.
Congressional nominations account for three-fourths of all appointments.
Therefore, Members of Congress should not exclude from their nomination process those applicants who may also hold service-connected nominations. Congressional Nominations Members of Congress may nominate applicants who meet the eligibility requirements established by law. Senators nominate from applicants in their entire state. Applicants may apply for and receive nominations from both their United States Senators and from their Representative. Applicants may also apply to the Vice President of the United States, who can nominate applicants from the country at large.