How Do I Get Into the Naval Academy?
The United States Naval Academy is one of the most prestigious and competitive service academies in the world. With a rich history of producing exceptional leaders in the naval and military industries, it’s no surprise that admission to the Academy is highly sought after. In this article, we’ll provide you with the necessary information and guidance to increase your chances of getting accepted into the Naval Academy.
Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before applying to the Naval Academy, you need to meet the basic eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 17 years old but no older than 22 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time student
- Not have been court-martialed, expelled, or dropped from a previous military academy or military service
- Be eligible to receive a commission as a naval officer in the United States Navy
Academic Preparation
The Naval Academy requires strong academic performance, so it’s essential to take challenging courses in high school. The Academy looks for applicants with a strong GPA (at least 3.0) and course difficulty:
- Honors and Advanced Placement courses: Take as many AP courses as possible, including those in English, history, science, and math
- Math and Science courses: Focus on developing strong skills in calculus, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, biology, chemistry, and physics
- English courses: Develop strong writing, reading, and communication skills
- Foreign languages: Show proficiency in languages like Spanish, French, German, or Chinese
- Computer programming and coding: Familiarity with programming languages like Python, Java, or C++
Standardized Testing
The Naval Academy accepts standardized test scores from either the SAT or ACT:
- SAT: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) + Math score of 1310 or higher, and an optional Essay score of 8 or higher
- ACT: Composite score of 28 or higher
Service Academy Nominations
The Naval Academy is a service academy, and as such, applicants need to be nominated by a member of Congress, a U.S. Senator, or the U.S. Vice President. There are two types of nominations:
- **Class of 2023 Application Form: Submit the Naval Academy application form, along with required documents, such as letters of recommendation and personal statements
- Congressional Nomination Form: Apply for a Congressional nomination by submitting the House or Senate Nomination Application Form, along with supporting documents
Intensified Physical Fitness Standards
The Naval Academy is a demanding institution, both academically and physically. Aspiring midshipmen need to meet the physical fitness standards:
- Swimming: Be able to swim 50 meters (165 feet) within 60 seconds
- Push-ups: Complete 35-40 push-ups within 2 minutes
- Sit-ups: Complete 35-40 sit-ups within 2 minutes
- One-and-a-half-mile (2.4-kilometer) run: Finish within 12 minutes, 30 seconds
Summer Plebe Summer: Preparation and Orientation
Admitted midshipmen undergo an intense summer training program called Plebe Summer. During this 6-week program, they’ll be taught essential skills, including:
- Physical Fitness Training: Develop physical endurance, strength, and flexibility
- Leadership Development: Learn leadership and teamwork skills
- Academic Preparation: Study fundamental naval science and navigation topics
Admissions Timeline
Here’s the key admissions timeline:
Application Timeline | Deadline | Notifications | Start Date |
---|---|---|---|
Initial Application | October-November | December | Early May |
Conclusion
Getting accepted into the Naval Academy is an impressive achievement, requiring academic rigor, physical fitness, and a strong sense of discipline. By meeting the basic eligibility requirements, acing the standardized tests, and preparing for the grueling physical fitness standards, you’ll be well-prepared for the challenge of attending the United States Naval Academy. Remember to follow the admissions timeline and to highlight your unique strengths, passions, and achievements throughout your application.