College Admissions · Service Academies · Class of 2031
Service Academy Admissions for the Class of 2031: Deadlines, Test Scores, Nominations and the CLT
Congressional nomination deadlines start closing this month. Here are every academy’s 2026-27 dates, the scores admitted students bring, how each academy treats the SAT, ACT and CLT, and what changed this cycle.
Jeremy M. Fine
A free ConnectPrep resource. Facts verified against official sources on the date shown.
The short answer
Seniors applying for the Class of 2031 face four kinds of deadlines at once: congressional nomination packets (often due by late October 2026), the Coast Guard’s October 15 Early Action date, preliminary applications (the Naval Academy’s closes December 31), and final applications on January 15 (Coast Guard), January 31 (Naval Academy and West Point) and February 1, 2027 (Merchant Marine). The Naval Academy, West Point and the Air Force Academy now accept the CLT alongside the SAT and ACT, and admissions at the Defense Department academies are merit only.
Jan 31, 2027
Naval Academy and West Point final deadline
8.8%
Naval Academy offer rate, Class of 2029
18%
of USNA’s admissions formula is your math score
5 years
minimum active duty service after graduation
The five academies at a glance
Quick answer
Four academies require a nomination, usually from a member of Congress; the Coast Guard Academy does not. All five require SAT or ACT scores, three also accept the CLT, four use the Candidate Fitness Assessment, and graduates of the four military academies owe at least five years of active duty.
| West Point (Army) | Naval Academy | Air Force Academy | Coast Guard Academy | Merchant Marine Academy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nomination | Required | Required | Required | Not required | Required, Congress only |
| Final deadline | January 31, 2027 | January 31, 2027 | Not posted; PCQ closes Dec 31 | Jan 15, 2027 (EA Oct 15) | February 1, 2027 |
| SAT or ACT | Required | Required (or CLT) | Required (or CLT) | Required | Required |
| CLT accepted | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not listed | Not listed |
| Fitness test | CFA | CFA | CFA | Coast Guard PFE | CFA (pass/fail) |
| Recent entering class | About 1,250 (2030) | 1,197 (2029) | 1,120+ (2030) | About 285 (2030) | 281 (2029) |
| Service obligation | 5 years active, 3 reserve | 5 years active | 5 years active (longer for pilots) | 5 years | 5 years maritime or military, 8 year reserve commission |
Sources: each academy’s admissions pages and application portals, USNA Class Portrait, USAFA Class of 2030 in-processing stats, U.S. Coast Guard and Stars and Stripes reporting on the Class of 2030, USMMA Class of 2029 announcement. Verified October 2, 2026.
Class of 2031 deadlines
Quick answer
Final application deadlines for the Class of 2031 are January 15, 2027 for the Coast Guard Academy (Early Action October 15, 2026), January 31, 2027 for the Naval Academy and West Point, and February 1, 2027 for the Merchant Marine Academy. The Air Force Academy’s pre-candidate questionnaire closes December 31, 2026.
| Academy | Opens | Early step | Final deadline | Decisions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naval Academy | Portal open now | Preliminary application closes December 31, 2026 | January 31, 2027; tests done before February 1 | Most by April 15; reply by May 1 |
| West Point | Portal open now | Candidate questionnaire | January 31, 2027 | Rolling through spring |
| Air Force Academy | Questionnaire opened March 1 of junior year | Pre-candidate questionnaire closes December 31, 2026 | Not posted; several nomination categories close January 31 | Most by April 21 |
| Coast Guard Academy | July 15, 2026 | Early Action October 15, 2026 (decisions by December 23) | Regular January 15, 2027 | Regular by April 1; reply by May 1 |
| Merchant Marine Academy | Open now | Not applicable | February 1, 2027, including the CFA | Medical qualification due April 16 |
Sources: each academy’s official application page. Note that West Point’s Class of 2031 deadline is January 31, not February 28 as some older guides state.
How nominations work
Quick answer
West Point, the Naval Academy and the Air Force Academy accept nominations from your U.S. Representative, both U.S. Senators, the Vice President and several service connected categories. The Merchant Marine Academy accepts nominations only from members of Congress. The Coast Guard Academy requires none. Congressional deadlines usually fall between September 1 and late October of senior year.
Each congressional office runs its own process, typically an online packet with transcripts, test scores, essays, recommendations and a fitness record, followed by an interview with a nominating board. The Air Force Academy notes that some offices close as early as September 1, and most close in October. Apply to every office you are eligible for: the Naval Academy explicitly encourages candidates to apply to all available sources.
A tri-state example: Rep. Pat Ryan of New York’s 18th District requires Class of 2031 packets by October 30, 2026 at 5:00 p.m., interviews candidates in November and December, and announces nominations by December 22, 2026. If you have not contacted your representative’s and senators’ offices yet, do it this week.
| Nomination source | West Point / Naval Academy / Air Force Academy | Merchant Marine | Coast Guard |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Representative | Yes | Yes | n/a |
| Both U.S. Senators | Yes | Yes | n/a |
| Vice President | Yes | No | n/a |
| Presidential (children of career military) | Yes | No | n/a |
| Children of deceased or disabled veterans | Yes | No | n/a |
| Active duty, reserve, ROTC and JROTC units | Yes | No | n/a |
Sources: USNA candidate instructions, USAFA nominations page, USMMA catalog and application guide, USCGA admission requirements. USMMA notes that one nomination is enough and more do not improve your odds.
What test scores you need
Quick answer
Admitted students at the most selective academies typically score in the 600s to low 700s on each SAT section. The Naval Academy’s Class of 2029 middle 50% was 600 to 710 verbal and 610 to 720 math, and the Air Force Academy’s Class of 2030 averaged a 1370 SAT and a 29.6 ACT.
| Academy | SAT | ACT | How multiple scores are combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naval Academy (Class of 2029) | Middle 50%: verbal 600 to 710, math 610 to 720 | Middle 50%: English plus Reading 49 to 66, math 26 to 32 | Uses your highest verbal and highest math section scores across sittings, from full official reports |
| Air Force Academy (Class of 2030) | Average 1370 | Average 29.6 | “Only the highest scores will be counted”; test by early December |
| West Point (fall 2024, IPEDS) | Middle 50%: EBRW 600 to 710, math 600 to 720 | Middle 50%: 27 to 33 | Not published by West Point |
| Merchant Marine (Class of 2029) | Average 632 math, 632 verbal | IPEDS middle 50%: 22 to 29 | Superscores; SAT below 550 or ACT below 23 is generally not competitive |
| Coast Guard (typical class profile) | Median 660 math, 650 reading | Median 28 math, 31 English | Not published; profile is undated |
Sources: USNA Class Portrait, USAFA Class of 2030 in-processing stats, NCES College Navigator (IPEDS), USMMA Class of 2029 announcement and application guide, USCGA typical class profile.
How the Naval Academy weighs an application
USNA Whole Person Multiple weights, as published by the Naval Academy
Source: USNA Whole Person Multiple page. The Candidate Fitness Assessment can move the result up or down by as much as 5%. Race, ethnicity and sex are not factors.
The Naval Academy’s published formula is the clearest window into how much testing matters. Academics make up half of the score, and within that, the math score alone is worth 18%, nearly as much as four years of class rank. A 50 point gain on SAT math moves a candidate further than the same gain in verbal. That is why ConnectPrep builds academy test plans around math first, and why a third sitting or a CLT attempt can be worth it for a candidate on the bubble.
See our SAT tutoring program →
The CLT at the academies
Quick answer
Yes for three academies. The Naval Academy, West Point and the Air Force Academy accept the Classic Learning Test starting with the Class of 2031. The Naval Academy will use the CLT verbal and math sections the same way it uses SAT and ACT sections. The Coast Guard and Merchant Marine academies do not list the CLT.
The CLT is a 2 hour, 120 question exam with no calculator, taken online at home or in school, and CLT offers service academy candidates 50% off the test in 2026-27. Its remaining fall dates are October 17, November 14 and December 8, 2026, which line up with the Air Force Academy’s early December testing guidance and the Naval Academy’s February 1 cutoff. For a candidate whose SAT math is stuck, a CLT attempt adds another chance at a strong math section, though it should not replace the SAT or ACT for students also applying to colleges that do not accept the CLT.
Read our full guide to the Classic Learning Test →
How selective are the academies?
Quick answer
Very. The Naval Academy made 1,416 offers to 16,077 applicants for the Class of 2029, about 8.8%. Federal IPEDS data for fall 2024 shows 9% admitted at the Naval Academy, 12% at West Point and 34% at the Merchant Marine Academy. The Air Force Academy reported an 11% increase in applications for the Class of 2030 but does not publish an admit rate.
Share of applicants admitted, fall 2024
Federal IPEDS data (NCES College Navigator)
Source: NCES College Navigator. The Air Force Academy and Coast Guard Academy did not publish comparable recent figures.
| Naval Academy Class of 2029 | Value |
|---|---|
| Applications | 16,077 |
| Offers of appointment | 1,416 |
| Sworn in | 1,197 |
| Top 10% of high school class | 60% |
| Varsity athletes | 92% |
| Team captains | 58% |
| National Honor Society | 54% |
| Came from college or a prep program | 30% |
Source: USNA Class Portrait. West Point’s Class of 2029 drew more than 13,700 applicants for about 1,244 seats.
Notice the athletics numbers: 92% of the Naval Academy’s class and 97% of the Air Force Academy’s Class of 2030 were varsity athletes. Athletics and leadership are not extras at the academies. They are scored.
Student athletes: see our athletic advising program →
Fitness tests: the CFA and the Coast Guard PFE
Quick answer
West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy use the six event Candidate Fitness Assessment. The Coast Guard Academy uses its own Physical Fitness Exam of push-ups, a forearm plank and a 1.5 mile run, and does not accept the CFA in its place.
| CFA event (in order) | Time allowed | Rest after |
|---|---|---|
| Kneeling basketball throw | 2 minutes | 3 minutes |
| Pull-ups (flexed arm hang where permitted) | 2 minutes | 3 minutes |
| Shuttle run | 2 minutes | 3 minutes |
| Crunches | 2 minutes | 3 minutes |
| Push-ups | 2 minutes | 3 minutes |
| One mile run | 10 minutes | n/a |
Source: USNA Candidate Fitness Assessment page. Scores must come from a single administration given by a PE teacher, coach, JROTC instructor, active duty officer or Blue and Gold Officer. USMMA scores the CFA pass/fail and accepts CFAs taken for the other academies.
The Coast Guard’s exam scores cadence push-ups, a forearm plank and a 1.5 mile run at up to 100 points each. The typical admitted class averages 221 of 300, and incoming cadets must reach at least 150 in the first week of Swab Summer and 180 by its end.
DoDMERB medical qualification
Quick answer
All four Defense Department academies and the Merchant Marine Academy use the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB). Exams are scheduled after you become an official candidate, and results come back as qualified, incomplete or disqualified, with waivers considered for candidates under consideration for appointment.
Start early, because an incomplete result means more records or exams before you can be qualified. The Coast Guard Academy’s DoDMERB process begins in July, with exams due by February 15 for Early Action candidates and April 1 for regular candidates; the Merchant Marine Academy requires medical qualification by April 16.
Summer seminars for juniors
| Program | Application window | 2027 dates and fee |
|---|---|---|
| Air Force Academy Summer Seminar | December 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 | June 1 to 5, 7 to 11, or 14 to 18; $400 |
| Naval Academy Summer Seminar | Opens early in the year; 2027 dates to be announced | June 5 to 10, 12 to 17, or 19 to 24; $575 |
| West Point Summer Leaders Experience | Typically mid February to mid April of junior year | Check westpoint.edu for 2027 details |
| Coast Guard AIM | Free online application for rising seniors aged 16 to 18 | 2027 dates to be announced |
Sources: USAFA and USNA summer program pages, USCGA AIM page. West Point details could not be confirmed on westpoint.edu at publication.
Summer programs are not required, but they are the best way for a junior to test fit, and some feed directly into the application process.
What changed in 2025 and 2026
January 29, 2025
Defense Secretary memo bars race, ethnicity and sex based admissions goals at West Point, the Naval Academy and the Air Force Academy.
July 2025
A federal appeals court vacates the earlier ruling that had upheld the Naval Academy’s race conscious admissions, after the case was dismissed.
August 12, 2025
The Justice Department settles the lawsuits against West Point and the Air Force Academy; admission is to be based exclusively on merit.
September 2025
The academies announce they will accept the CLT for the 2027 admissions cycle.
February 2026
CLT score submission to the Naval Academy, West Point and the Air Force Academy begins.
2026-27 cycle
The Naval Academy publishes its exact Whole Person Multiple weights and formally adds the CLT for the Class of 2031.
Month by month timeline
Junior year
December 1 to January 15
Apply to the Air Force Academy Summer Seminar.
January to February
Naval Academy Summer Seminar application opens.
February to April
West Point Summer Leaders Experience application. Take your first SAT, ACT or CLT.
March 1
Air Force Academy pre-candidate questionnaire opens.
Spring
Practice the CFA. Identify your congressional offices and their nomination packets.
June
Summer seminars at the Air Force and Naval academies.
Senior year (Class of 2031 dates)
July 2026
Air Force Academy application opens July 1; Coast Guard opens July 15.
September to October 2026
Congressional nomination packets due, many by late October.
October 15, 2026
Coast Guard Academy Early Action deadline.
November to December 2026
Nomination interviews. Final SAT, ACT or CLT for the Air Force Academy by early December.
December 22 to 31, 2026
Nomination announcements. Air Force questionnaire and Naval Academy preliminary application close December 31.
January 15, 2027
Coast Guard Academy regular deadline.
January 31, 2027
Naval Academy and West Point final deadlines. Naval Academy tests must be done before February 1.
February 1, 2027
Merchant Marine Academy deadline, including the CFA.
April 1 to 21, 2027
Most decisions arrive.
May 1, 2027
Reply deadline.
Late June to July 2027
Report for basic training and induction.
Service academy admissions help from ConnectPrep
ConnectPrep helps academy candidates on the two parts of the file that are most within their control: test scores and the written application. Our test prep starts with math, since that is where the academy formulas put the most weight, and covers the SAT, ACT and CLT so a candidate can use whichever test gives the strongest scores.
Our admissions counselors help candidates plan nominations across every eligible source, prepare essays and nomination interviews, and keep deadlines for several academies and congressional offices on one calendar.
- SAT, ACT and CLT prep with a math first plan
- Nomination packet and essay coaching for each congressional office
- Mock nomination board interviews
- A single deadline calendar across academies and offices
- College list strategy for strong backup options, including ROTC schools
- Online and in person in select markets
Service academy admissions FAQ
When is the West Point application deadline for the Class of 2031?
January 31, 2027. West Point’s application portal says the Class of 2031 application is open until January 31, 2027, and the class enters in July 2027. The Naval Academy’s deadline is also January 31, 2027.
Do the service academies accept the CLT?
The Naval Academy, West Point and the Air Force Academy accept the Classic Learning Test starting with the Class of 2031, the class applying in 2026-27. The Coast Guard Academy and Merchant Marine Academy do not list the CLT, so plan on the SAT or ACT for those two.
Do service academies superscore the SAT or ACT?
Most combine your best scores in some form. The Naval Academy uses your highest math and highest verbal section scores across sittings but wants full score reports, not the College Board or ACT superscore report. The Air Force Academy counts only your highest scores, and the Merchant Marine Academy says it superscores.
What SAT score do you need for the Naval Academy?
The middle 50% of the Naval Academy Class of 2029 scored 600 to 710 on SAT verbal and 610 to 720 on SAT math. Because math carries 18% of USNA’s admissions formula and verbal 10%, math points are worth nearly twice as much.
How do you get a congressional nomination?
Apply to your U.S. Representative and both U.S. Senators through each office’s own application, which usually asks for transcripts, test scores, essays, recommendations and an interview. Deadlines run from September 1 into late October of senior year, so start the summer before. Apply to every source you are eligible for.
Which service academy does not require a nomination?
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Admission is a national competition with no congressional nomination, and it offers Early Action with an October 15 deadline.
What is the acceptance rate at the Naval Academy?
For the Class of 2029, the Naval Academy received 16,077 applications and made 1,416 offers of appointment, an offer rate of about 8.8% by our calculation. Federal IPEDS data for fall 2024 lists 9% admitted.
How many years do you have to serve after a service academy?
Graduates of West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy and the Coast Guard Academy serve at least five years of active duty, with longer commitments for some paths such as pilot training. Merchant Marine Academy graduates serve at least five years in the maritime industry or armed forces and hold a reserve commission for at least eight years.
What is on the Candidate Fitness Assessment?
Six events in order: kneeling basketball throw, pull-ups (or flexed arm hang where allowed), shuttle run, crunches, push-ups and a one mile run. All scores must come from a single administration given by an approved official such as a PE teacher or coach. The Coast Guard Academy uses its own fitness exam instead.
Do service academies consider race in admissions now?
No. A January 2025 Defense Department memo ended race, ethnicity and sex based goals at West Point, the Naval Academy and the Air Force Academy, and the Justice Department settled the lawsuits against West Point and the Air Force Academy in August 2025 on a merit only basis. The Naval Academy states that race, ethnicity and sex are not factors in its admissions formula.
Is it too late to apply to a service academy as a senior?
Not in October, but it is urgent. Many congressional nomination deadlines fall in late October, the Coast Guard’s Early Action deadline is October 15, the Air Force Academy’s pre-candidate questionnaire closes December 31, and final deadlines run January 15 to February 1, 2027.
Can you apply to more than one service academy?
Yes. Candidates often apply to several academies and request nominations for each from the same congressional offices. Each academy has its own application, and fitness scores from the CFA can transfer between the Department of Defense academies and the Merchant Marine Academy.
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Related ConnectPrep resources
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Applying to a service academy this year?
Nomination deadlines are closing now. Let’s make sure every piece of the file is on time and as strong as it can be.
Sources
- U.S. Naval Academy: Apply
- U.S. Naval Academy: Candidate instructions
- U.S. Naval Academy: Admissions (CLT for the Class of 2031)
- U.S. Naval Academy: Class Portrait
- U.S. Naval Academy: Whole Person Multiple
- U.S. Naval Academy: Candidate Fitness Assessment
- U.S. Air Force Academy: Requirements
- U.S. Air Force Academy: Nominations
- U.S. Air Force Academy: Class of 2030 in-processing stats
- West Point: Candidate application portal
- West Point: Class of 2029 enters
- U.S. Army: Military academy overview
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy: Apply
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy: Admission requirements
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy: Typical class profile
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: Steps to admission
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: AY 2026-27 catalog
- NCES College Navigator: U.S. Naval Academy
- NCES College Navigator: U.S. Military Academy
- NCES College Navigator: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
- Rep. Pat Ryan: Class of 2031 service academy application
- U.S. Department of Justice: Settlement of West Point and Air Force Academy lawsuits
- Higher Ed Dive: Hegseth bars race-based admissions at military academies
- CLT: Service academies
This is a ConnectPrep resource page. ConnectPrep is an independent tutoring and admissions firm and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Transportation, any service academy or any congressional office. Academy and congressional deadlines change; confirm each one with the academy and the nominating office. Last verified October 2, 2026.