It means "have you started the application process" for the academy of your choice. You do that online by, for example, applying for SS/SLE/AIM. If you miss that application deadline you can still start the application once the academy opens up the normal application sometime later in the spring or early summer.
Normally nomination applications don't have to be requested before summer. In our state, the deadline for nomination applications is Sept or Oct. So you can start your application before applying for a nomination.
Good Luck!