What are the admissions requirements for the United States Naval Academy?

I'm interested in applying to the United States Naval Academy, but I'm unsure about their admissions criteria. What kind of academic and physical requirements do they have? Also, do they look at extracurriculars and leadership experience?

Getting admitted into the United States Naval Academy (USNA) entails a comprehensive and rigorous process that goes beyond typical college admissions requirements. The holistic review process emphasizes various areas, such as academic abilities, physical fitness, and leadership potential.

1. Academic Requirements: Applicants are expected to have taken a challenging college-preparatory curriculum in high school. This includes mathematics (preferably calculus), English, lab sciences (chemistry and physics), and foreign languages. The USNA values high grades and class rank, so strive for a strong GPA. Standardized test scores are an important element as well. Although the USNA doesn't set a minimum SAT or ACT score, competitive applicants often achieve high scores.

2. Physical Aptitude Examination: Candidates must pass the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), which includes events like a basketball throw, pull-ups/flexed-arm hang, shuttle run, crunches, push-ups, and a one-mile run. You should start preparing early to excel in this test.

3. Medical Exam: Applicants must also pass a physical examination administered by the DoD Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB).

4. Extracurricular Activities and Leadership Experience: The USNA considers your extracurricular activities, particularly those demonstrating leadership and physical activity, vital in your application. For instance, participation in sports, clubs, community service, part-time jobs, or other activities where you have shown leadership can be beneficial.

5. Candidate Statement: Applicants write a statement expressing why they seek to attend the USNA and how they have prepared for it.

6. Recommendation and Nomination: A distinctive part of the USNA admissions requirements is the need for a nomination, typically by a member of Congress or the Vice President.

Remember to submit your application (which includes the Candidate Personal Data Record and the Candidate Activities Record) as early as possible, preferably in your junior year's spring. The final deadline is generally January 31 of the year you wish to enroll.

Remember also, the USNA seeks students with a well-developed specialty or "spike." So, while being involved in quite a number of activities can be good, excelling and showing significant achievement or leadership in one or two areas will work to your advantage. Also, since leadership is highly valued at military academies, any experience where you've held leadership roles—be it in school clubs, sports teams or community organizations—can go a long way to make your application stand out.

The USNA embraces a deeply holistic admissions process, so keep in mind that fulfilling these requirements is merely the first step. Every aspect of an application is carefully evaluated to ensure that candidates can meet the academy's rigorous academic, physical, and moral standards.