Earning an appointment to USMMA takes time. Applications for the Class of 2031 open on May 1, 2026, and we strongly encourage you to start your journey early. Applying ahead of time ensures you won't be rushed while completing time-sensitive requirements, such as your medical evaluation and physical fitness assessment, before the February 1st final deadline.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before starting your application, make sure you meet the baseline requirements for admission.

Basic Qualifications

• Age: You must be at least 17 years old and not yet 25 years old by July 1st of your entry year.
• Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen (by birth or naturalization), with exceptions for a limited number of authorized international midshipmen.
• Character & Commissioning: You must be of good moral character and meet the physical, security, and suitability requirements necessary to receive a commission in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

Academic Minimums

• Class Rank: You should ideally rank in the top 20% of your high school class.
• Required Credits: You must have a minimum of 15 units of credit, which must include:
  • 3 units in English
  • 3 units in Mathematics
  • 1 unit in Physics or Chemistry (must include a lab)

Learn more about academic requirements.

Post-Graduation Service Obligation

Because your education is federally funded, graduating comes with a required commitment. You must:

• Maintain your merchant marine license for 6 years.
• Serve as a commissioned officer in a military reserve unit for 8 years.
• Work in the maritime industry or serve on active military duty for 5 years.

Learn more about Service Obligation requirements.

Step 2: Get Started

The first step in your application is to create two accounts, an account in the USMMA Applicant Portal and an account in Login.gov.

• USMMA Applicant Portal: Visit the USMMA Applicant Portal to register your account. Check your inbox for a confirmation email once your registration is complete. If you already have an account in the USMMA Applicant Portal, you will see an error message. Do not create a new account. Instead email UCASHelp@usmma.edu to update your email. 
  
  Create a USMMA Applicant Portal Account
   
• Login.gov Account: If you do not already have one, create an account at Login.gov using the same email address from your USMMA Application Portal. You will use these Login.gov credentials to safely and securely sign in to your USMMA portal without needing an additional password. 
  
  Create a Login.gov Account
   
• Tip: Use a personal email address that you will have permanent access to throughout the admissions process and your time at the Academy. Do not use a shared family email or a high school email address that will deactivate upon graduation.

Step 3: Apply for a Nomination

Securing a nomination is a highly competitive, mandatory process. To learn how to navigate it and meet USMMA representatives in person, we highly encourage you to attend a local Congressional Academy Day.

Congressional Appointments

• You must be nominated by a U.S. Representative or U.S. Senator from your state of residence.
• Unlike other service academies, a Representative can nominate you even if you reside in a different district, as long as you live in the same state.
• Deadline: USMMA must receive your nomination by January 31st. If it is not received by this date, your application will be closed.
• Note: USMMA does not accept Vice Presidential or military service-connected nominations (e.g., ROTC or Presidential). 
  
  Contact your Senator    Contact your House Representative
   

Step 4: College Entrance Exams

All applicants must submit official results from either the SAT or ACT.

• The Academy does not accept non-standard or untimed administrations of these exams.
• You may take the tests multiple times; your highest scores will be accepted.
• Scores must be from within three years of the application deadline, and results are accepted up to the February test date of your entry year.
• Forward your scores using the USMMA College Board SAT Code (2923) or ACT Code (2974). 
  
  Register for the SAT    Register for the ACT
   

Step 5: Transcripts 

You must request official transcripts from your high school (and colleges, if applicable) to be mailed or emailed directly to the USMMA Office of Admissions.

Email: admissions@usmma.edu

Mail:
Office of Admissions
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
300 Steamboat Road
Kings Point, New York 11024-1699

• A transcript through 11th grade AND a mid-year grade report for 12th grade are required by the February 1st deadline.

Step 6: Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA)

The CFA measures your strength, agility, speed, and endurance to ensure you are physically prepared for the rigors of the Academy.

The Events
You will be tested on the following exercises:

1. Basketball Throw
2. Pull-ups (Men/Women) OR Flexed-Arm Hang (Women only)
3. Shuttle Run
4. Modified Sit-Ups
5. 1-Mile Run

Testing Rules & Deadlines

• Approved Examiners: Your test must be administered by a qualified official, such as a physical education teacher, J/ROTC instructor, Academy Field Representative, or a commissioned/non-commissioned military officer.
• Conflict of Interest: A parent or guardian cannot administer your test, even if they meet the qualifications above.
• Retakes: You are allowed to retake the test if you fail, but your final passing results must be received by the application deadline.

Fitness Assessment Instructions    Fitness Assessment Score Sheet
 

Step 7: Medical Exam (DoDMERB)

All applicants must be medically qualified to serve as a Midshipman Strategic Sealift Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. The Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) determines this qualification.

Prerequisites for Scheduling
You cannot take the medical exam right away. To be considered for an exam, you must first submit:

• Your online application
• Your high school transcript (through 11th grade)
• Your unofficial SAT or ACT scores

Timing and Honesty

• Start Early: It is your responsibility to complete the medical process promptly. It can take several weeks just to schedule the exam and several more to get your results.
• Full Disclosure: You must be completely honest. Failing to disclose a pre-existing medical condition that is discovered later can result in medical separation from the Academy and permanent ineligibility for readmission.

Height, Weight, and Body Fat Standards
You must meet USMMA body composition standards before reporting for the Academy's Indoctrination program.

• If your weight exceeds the maximum limit for your height, you will be measured using a tape measure to determine your body fat percentage.
• Maximum allowable body fat: 23% for men and 34% for women.
• Note: If you fail to meet these standards at the time of your exam, you may still receive a conditional appointment, but you must meet the standard before arriving on campus.

Medical Waivers
If DoDMERB determines you have a disqualifying medical condition, a waiver may be requested for competitive candidates. DoDMERB will notify you directly if they need additional evaluations or tests to process your waiver.

Step 8: Complete Online Application 

Required Documents

Please submit the following items with your application:

• 500-Word Essay
• Extracurricular Resume

Required Evaluator Contacts

You must also provide contact information for five specific evaluators:

• One Math Teacher
• One Science Teacher (must be chemistry or physics)
• One English Teacher
• One School Official or Guidance Counselor
• One Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) Evaluator

Complete your Application
 

Haven't Created Your USMMA Applicant Portal Account? Follow the instructions in Step 2: Getting Started.