What is NAPS at the Naval Academy?

I've heard about the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) as a path to getting into the Naval Academy. Can anyone share insights on what NAPS is all about and how it helps with Naval Academy admissions?

The Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) is essentially a one-year program intended to prepare selected students for admission to the United States Naval Academy (USNA). It's located in Newport, Rhode Island, separate from the main Naval Academy campus in Annapolis, Maryland.

The program serves to enhance the academic and physical readiness of students who have received a nomination to the USNA but may need a little extra preparation before starting at the academy proper. This could be due to any number of reasons such as needing to improve their SAT/ACT scores, GPA, or physical fitness norms, or to transition from civilian to military life.

The curriculum primarily emphasizes improvements in mathematics, English, and sciences but also includes physical education and military instructions too. The ultimate goal is to help these aspiring midshipmen to not just get admitted, but to also succeed once they arrive at the Naval Academy.

Upon successful completion of the year-long program at NAPS, students are offered appointments to the USNA. Essentially, attending NAPS is like a stepping stone towards USNA for some candidates, helping to bridge any academic or physical preparation gaps they might have. It's important to note that admission to NAPS is still quite competitive, and an invitation comes only after a student applies to the Naval Academy.