What are the physical requirements for the Naval Academy?

I'm considering applying to the United States Naval Academy and I want to make sure I'm prepared. Can someone break down what the main physical requirements are for admissions?

Sure, the United States Naval Academy has a Candidacy Fitness Assessment (CFA) that's an important part of the application process. This test is designed to measure your overall fitness level and help determine if you are physically ready to handle the rigorous physical demands of life at the Naval Academy.

Here are the events included in the CFA:

1. Basketball Throw: This tests your upper body strength and coordination. You are given three attempts to throw a basketball as far as possible while kneeling.

2. Pull-ups (or flexed-arm hang for women): This measures upper body strength and endurance. You are tasked to do as many pull-ups without dropping off the bar. Ladies are given the option of hanging with their chin above the bar for as long as possible in lieu of pull-ups.

3. Shuttle Run: This activity assesses your agility and speed. You sprint back and forth between two parallel lines 30 feet apart while being timed.

4. Crunches: You must do as many crunches as you can in two minutes as a measure of your core strength.

5. Push-Ups: You complete as many push-ups as possible in two minutes to test your upper body strength.

6. One Mile Run: This is to determine your aerobic fitness by running a mile as fast as possible.

It's also worth noting that part of maintaining an appointment at the Naval Academy includes swimming qualifications, which involve jump from a 10-foot platform and swim 40 yards, as well as complete a 3rd class swim test which includes a deep water jump, 50-yard swim, and 5 minutes of treading water.

You will have to start training for these exams well in advance. Keep in mind that these scores will not only factor into your admission, but also affect your placement into various physical courses once you are accepted. So do your best to excel!