1. Service Academy Nominations Process
US Senator Joe Donnelly

2. Basics of the Nominations Process
One of Senator Donnelly’s duties as an elected official is to nominate outstanding and honorable Hoosier students for consideration to one of four military nominations
The US Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination
To be accepted into one of the academies, please remember that you must be applying to the academy’s admissions office concurrently with your application for a nomination from Senator Donnelly
Each process is to be completed separately but concurrently

3. Basics of the Nominations Process: Requirements
To receive a nomination from Senator Donnelly, you must be:
A United States citizen
A resident of Indiana
Between the ages of 17 & 23, depending on each academy’s specific requirements
Single, never been married, no children, without dependents
Able to meet the moral, academic, and medical standards set forth by the academy
Basics of the Nominations Process: Requirements

4. Basics of the Nominations Process: 2014-2015 Nominations
Senator Donnelly’s Nominations
West Point: 10
US Air Force Academy: 10
US Naval Academy: 20
US Merchant Marine Academy: 2
Basics of the Nominations Process: Nominations
In the school year, our office nominated 42 students out of 126 applicants
West Point Military Academy: 10 nominations, appointments
US Air Force Academy: 10 nominations, appointments
US Naval Academy: 20 nominations, appointments
US Merchant Marine Academy: 2, 1 appointment

5. Basics of the Nominations Process: Important Information
It is important to note that a nomination from Senator Donnelly is not a guarantee of admission to an academy
i.e., you must also be accepted into the academy by their admissions board
Senator Donnelly’s office uses the competitive model for nominations
This means that all nominations are issued on a level playing field
Neither a ranking nor a preference is attached to any nomination
A successful nomination consists of two important parts: the application and the interview with Senator Donnelly’s Service Academy Nominations Committee
Basics of the Nominations Process: Important Information

6. The Application

7. Senator Donnelly’s application for nomination consists of six important sections:
The written application
Official high school transcript
Include SAT/ACT Scores
Personal motivational essay
3 letters of recommendation
A current class photo
Contents & Due Date
It is due, with all necessary attachments, no later than 6:00 PM on Friday, September 16th, 2016, to our Indianapolis office
No exceptions will be made for late or incomplete applications

8. The Written Application Form
The written application requires you to provide information on your extracurricular activities, achievements, and interests
Additionally, you must send us your official SAT or ACT scores
This is to be sent separately from the written application form
Official SAT or ACT scores:
You can choose to have these scores sent to our office when you take the test or request that your scores be sent through College Board and ACT when you take the exams
SAT code: 0208
ACT code: 7128
Please write in blue or black ink; anything received in another color of ink or in pencil will not be accepted for review
The Written Application Form

9. Official High School Transcript
Contact your school’s guidance counselor to request a copy of your official transcript .
Even if your school does not use a GPA scale, you must submit every course and grade received throughout your high school career along with your current class schedule
You must submit the official transcript from your high school, this will be signed and sealed
Official High School Transcript

10. Personal Essay No more than 300 words
This is an opportunity for you to use your voice and show your ability to effectively communicate your desire to be an officer in the US Armed Forces
When explaining why you want to pursue a career in the military, you should include any attributes that make you especially suited for the job and any specific career goals
You should also include any past experiences that would influence your success in a military academy or that are related to a potential military career
Personal Essay

11. Three Letters of Recommendation
You are required to submit 3 Letters of Recommendation
Just as in any other university application, whomever you choose to include in your letters of recommendation should be someone who is not a family member that can speak to your personal qualities and that has experience with measuring your performance in any way, shape, or form
i.e., a teacher, coach, guidance counselor, employer, volunteer coordinator, ROTC sergeant, etc.
Choose people who can cite specific instances where you displayed the character and personality of someone fit for military service
Three Letters of Recommendation

12. Please submit your official Senior class photo with your name on the back
A word of advice:
Do not submit any profile pictures or pictures with you in them from any type of social media. If you have to ask yourself if it’s inappropriate, it is inappropriate
Not only is this unprofessional, but it shows that you are unable to follow express directions, which is a key part of any future military service career
A Current Photograph

13. This is a perfect example of how your picture should look:
A Current Photograph

14. The Interview

15. As part of your nomination, you are required to attend an interview with a member of our office’s committee
The interview will last approximately 15 minutes
We will work to schedule all applicants as best as we can
We will not work around social activities or family vacations.
Please dress appropriately for your interview
Refrain from wearing jeans, ripped, or tight-fitted clothing
Business Casual/ Professional should be your general guide for this interview
Interview Basics

16. Essentially, the interview is a way to make yourself stand out
We receive your application form and review your qualifications, but this does not give us a true feel for who you are
Be prepared with examples of your leadership experiences
Interview Basics

17. In determining the nomination, the quality of your whole application will be taken into consideration
This includes your community involvement, moral character, and leadership qualities
If a nomination is not given, you are more than welcome to re- apply the following year, as academies allow for university transfers
30% of students in military service academies have at least one year of college under their belts when they enter
Remember:

18. Deadline 6:00 PM on FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 16TH, 2016
The deadline for submission to the Indianapolis office is
6:00 PM on FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 16TH, 2016
Deadline

19. Senator Donnelly’s Office Contacts
The main point of contact that you will need to use during the nominations process will be Senator Donnelly’s office in Indianapolis and the Senator’s website
Teresa Petree, Service Academy Nominations Coordinator
To contact our Indianapolis office, please give us a call at (317) to ask questions related to your application
You may always send us an at
Additionally, you may send a request to our office in Indianapolis at the following address:
Senator Joe Donnelly
115 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Senator Donnelly’s Office Contacts