Nomination Procedures

I am pleased to receive applications from students in the State of Indiana for nominations to one of the four U.S. Service Academies – USAFA, USMMA, USMA, and USNA. I have established a fair and objective procedure which will allow me to produce the best-qualified candidates for the academies.

To be considered for a nomination, applicants must be legal residents of the State of Indiana. I will accept applications from candidates who will graduate from high school in 2026 or from those who have already graduated. To be considered for the graduating class of 2030, applicants must meet the following basic requirements:

• Be unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents
• Must be a United States citizen and a legal resident of the Third Congressional District
• Must be at least 17 years old but not yet 23 years old (as of July 1st the year of admission)

Admission to a service academy is a two-tiered process. First, the applicant must directly apply to the academy and meet the set minimum standards. These standards include, but are not limited to: medical, physical, and academic qualifications. The second tier in pursuing admissions is the nomination process. It is the responsibility of each applicant to initiate a pre-candidate file at each academy to which they are seeking a nomination.

An individual must meet the admissions requirements for the academy as well as receive a congressional nomination in order to be offered an appointment. Please keep in mind, those who may receive a nomination are not guaranteed to be offered an appointment by the academy.

My office must receive all information no later than Friday, October 3, 2025, at 5:00 pm for those interested in entering one of the service academies for the class of 2030. In addition to the application, the following materials are needed to complete your candidate packet and will be used in the selection process.

Class of 2030 Timetable

The application deadline is October 3, 2025. All applications and required materials MUST be received by this date, or the application will be considered incomplete. Please email academies@banks.senate.gov, or mail all applications to my Academy Coordinator in my Fort Wayne State Office:

1300 S. Harrison St., RM 3105, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

In addition to the application, the following materials are needed to complete your candidate packet and will be used in the selection process:

1. Photo

• • A tasteful and recent photo of yourself.
  • Please email digitally attached to the application.

2. Essay

• • Please include or attach an essay (300 words max) on why you wish to attend a service academy and thereafter, be commissioned as an officer.

3. Official Academic Transcripts

• • The applicant should submit a certified high school transcript and/or most recent college/preparatory school transcript, which includes class rank, GPA, and Fall 2025 course load.
  • The transcript must be: emailed directly from your school, mailed in a sealed school envelope, or include a raised school seal with an authorizing signature.

4. Official Copy of SAT/ACT Scores

• • The applicant should request that the results be sent to my office. You do not need to send the scores separately if they are included on your certified high school transcript.
  • Applicants are required to have taken the SAT or ACT at least once, before the deadline.

5. Three Letters of Recommendation

• • Those persons used as references should not be relatives of the applicant.
  • One letter is required from a high school administrator or teacher.
  • Letters should be emailed to academies@banks.senate.gov from the person writing the letter.

6. Resume

• • A resume of extracurricular activities (high school and/or college & any leadership positions held), athletic activities, community activities, employment history, and notable accomplishments.
  • Please be comprehensive in what you provide. The more details included in your resume, the better.

Fall 2025

Interviews with Senator Banks’ U.S. Service Academy Advisory Board will be held for qualified candidates with completed files. Senator Banks’ office will notify each applicant with specific information regarding interviews once the application deadline has passed. Students who receive an interview will need to provide an official copy of their semester grades up to date.

Mid-December 2025 to Early January 2026

Notifications will be made to nominees by Senator Banks.