What are the entrance requirements for the Naval Academy?

I'm a junior thinking about applying to the Naval Academy and trying to understand all the entrance requirements. Do they focus more on academics, physical fitness, or leadership? Would volunteer work help strengthen my application?

The United States Naval Academy (USNA) has a rather comprehensive admissions process which includes academic, physical and personal elements.

For the academic aspect, the USNA considers your high school curriculum, grades, class rank (if your school ranks), and standardized test scores (either the SAT or the ACT). As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, the USNA does require applicants to submit an SAT or ACT score. You should aim to display a strong performance in maths and science classes, as well as evidence of a challenging curriculum, given the technical nature of the USNA's programs.

Physical fitness is also a significant part of the application process. You are required to take the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), which includes various fitness tasks like push-ups, sit-ups, a one-mile run, and more. Demonstrating physical fitness not only shows that you can meet the demanding physical requirements of service, but also serves as an indicator of your dedication and discipline.

In terms of personal qualities, the USNA is looking for evidence of strong leadership potential. This can be shown through involvements like student government, sports team captainship, club leadership, Boy/Girl Scouts, or other community organizations.

Volunteer work can definitely strengthen your application, as it demonstrates a commitment to serving others—essential for a career in the military. Look for opportunities that align with your interests and where you can take up leadership roles.

In addition to all these, you would also need to secure a nomination, mostly likely from a member of Congress. You will need to apply for these separately, and they are highly competitive.

And don't forget, the USNA also requires medical qualification as determined by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board.

In summary, while academics, physical fitness, and leadership are all important, the USNA looks for well-balanced applicants. So it's not so much as which is more important, but how your abilities span across all these domains.