What Are the U.S. Naval Academy Entrance Requirements?

I'm considering applying to the U.S. Naval Academy and am curious about their entrance requirements. What does the application process typically involve, and what are some important qualifications or criteria to be aware of?

Applying to the U.S. Naval Academy involves several steps and requirements that are different from typical college applications. Here's a general outline of what the process looks like:

1. Eligibility: To be eligible, you should be between 17 and 23 years of age on July 1 of the year you would enter the Academy, a U.S. citizen, and not married, pregnant, or legally obligated to support a child.

2. Preliminary Application: You'll first submit a preliminary application, which the Academy uses to determine whether you meet the necessary academic standards.

3. Nominations: One unique aspect of Service Academy applications is the need for a nomination, most often from a U.S. Senator, a U.S. Representative, or the Vice President. You should contact their offices to inquire about their nomination process and deadlines.

4. Academic Qualifications: The Academy does not specify a minimum GPA but does stress the importance of a rigorous course background, particularly in math and science. For reference, those offered admission typically stand in the top 20% of their high school class. Additionally, standardized testing is important; while no minimums are stated for SAT/ACT scores, admitted candidates generally have above average scores.

5. Fitness Assessment: Candidates are required to take the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) which consists of six physical fitness tests including basketball throw, pull-ups / flexed-arm hang, shuttle run, crunches, push-ups, and a 1-mile run. The data helps the Academy assess your physical readiness for the rigorous physical program at the Academy.

6. Medical Examination: You also will be required to undergo a thorough medical examination, as certain medical conditions can disqualify you from military service.

7. Interviews: Your application will also include interviews, generally conducted by Blue and Gold Officers, local representatives of the Naval Academy who complete your character assessment.

8. Personal Essay: As part of the application, you'll write a personal essay explaining why you want to attend the Academy and serve in the Navy.

Finally, the U.S. Naval Academy values leadership, so significant participation in extracurricular activities, particularly in leadership roles, is an important part of evaluating your application. Examples include school clubs, sports, community service, and more.

Remember, getting into the U.S. Naval Academy is quite competitive, so it's important to start the process early and do your best in each of these areas.