How does the preparatory school for the Annapolis Naval Academy work?

I've heard there's a prep school for the Annapolis Naval Academy. Does anyone know how this preparatory program works? I'm wondering about what it includes and if it improves your chances of getting into the academy itself.

The United States Naval Academy Preparatory School, often referred to as NAPS, serves as a bridge program for selected candidates who have received a Naval Academy appointment (an offer of admission), but who may not meet all the academic prerequisites or need a bit more maturity, discipline, or physical conditioning before entering the Academy directly.

The curriculum at NAPS includes academic classes, physical training, and leadership development courses that are designed to prepare students for the rigors of the Naval Academy. The academic subjects include math, chemistry, English, and physics to make sure you're equipped with foundational knowledge needed at the Academy. There's also a strong focus on character development, as this becomes crucial in your Naval career.

It's important to note that attending NAPS does not guarantee admission to the Naval Academy. Upon satisfactory completion of the ten-month-long NAPS program, which means meeting both the academic and physical standards set, you will then be admitted to the Naval Academy. You're essentially competing for your spot at the Naval Academy while at NAPS, but the focus really is on preparation and development, not competition.

So to answer your question on whether it improves admission chances, if you are selected to attend NAPS, your appointment to the Academy is contingent on your successful completion of the NAPS course.

Remember, admission to NAPS itself is not a separate application process. The Naval Academy Admissions Board decides who will be invited to the prep school based on the candidate's application to the Academy. It's often the case that these are individuals who the board believes would succeed at the Academy, but could benefit from a bit more preparation.