How to Prepare for Plebe Year at the Naval Academy

I'm considering the Naval Academy and heard plebe year is super intense. Does anyone have tips on how to prepare mentally and physically for it? Any advice or insights from current or former plebes would be amazing. Thanks in advance!

Plebe Summer at the United States Naval Academy is designed to be rigorous and challenging, but these qualities also make it a transformative experience. Here are a few tips to help you prepare:

1. Physical Fitness: You should focus on getting into the best physical shape you can before Plebe Summer. This includes building up your endurance for running, as well as strength training for push-ups, crunches and pull-ups. Many midshipmen recommend you familiarize yourself with the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), and try to be proficient in all the physical activities it involves.

2. Mental Readiness: Plebe year will require mental toughness and the ability to handle stress. One strategy to prepare can be to put yourself in situations that push you out of your comfort zone and require resilience. Whether it's taking on a leadership role in a group project or pushing yourself physically, such experiences could help prepare you mentally for Plebe Summer.

3. Knowledge: Spend time understanding the mission and values of the Naval Academy, and consider how they align with your personal values and aspirations. Knowing why you're enduring Plebe Summer and what you're working towards can help motivate you during those tough times.

4. Support Network: Establish a strong support network you can lean on for encouragement and advice. This could be family, friends, mentor, or even connecting with former plebes who can provide specific insights and advice.

5. Time Management and Discipline: Particularly during Plebe Summer, you'll have long and demanding days that require rigorous discipline. Practice good habits of time management and self-discipline. This might mean waking up early, maintaining a daily schedule or balancing school, work, and physical fitness.

Remember, the purpose of Plebe Summer is to transform civilians into Naval Academy Midshipmen, prepared to take on the challenges of a military lifestyle while succeeding acadically. It's a challenging period, but past Plebes often speak to how rewarding it is and how it shapes them as leaders and individuals. Best of luck with your consideration and possible journey with the Naval Academy!