How competitive is the entrance to the Naval Academy?

I'm interested in attending the Naval Academy after high school and want to know how competitive the application process is. What are the main criteria they look for in applicants? Any tips on improving my chances would be appreciated!

The United States Naval Academy is highly competitive with an acceptance rate of around 8-9%. It's important to note that the academy considers a host of factors in its application process, not just academic achievement.

First and foremost, academics are critical. Successful candidates typically have strong GPAs and SAT or ACT scores. Being in the top 20% of your class and having SAT scores above 1200 or ACT scores above 26 would make you a competitive applicant from an academic standpoint.

However, the Naval Academy also looks for demonstrated leadership and physical fitness. Leadership can be shown through participation and leadership roles in extracurricular activities, community service, or sports teams. For physical fitness, a medical examination and a physical fitness assessment are part of the application process.

Also, it's necessary to obtain a nomination, which generally comes from a U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, or the Vice President. Start this process early, as it requires separate applications and possibly interviews.

To improve your chances, strive for academic excellence, take the most challenging course load you can handle, and engage in leadership roles in your community and school. Keep yourself in good physical condition and start preparing for the fitness assessment. Starting the nomination process early is also beneficial.

Remember, each application is reviewed holistically, and the admissions office is looking to build a well-rounded class. So, while reaching or surpassing these baselines can make you a competitive applicant, there are no guarantees in the admissions process.