I've heard that enlisted personnel in the Marine Corps can attend the Naval Academy. How does that process work? What are the steps someone should take if they're currently enlisted and want to apply?
Yes, it is possible for enlisted Marine Corps personnel to get into the United States Naval Academy (USNA). The process to apply is called the Naval Academy Enlisted Admission Program.
There are specific steps that an enlisted Marine should take in order to apply:
1. Ensure eligibility: To begin with, enlisted individuals must meet the USNA eligibility requirements, such as being between 17 and 23 years old and being unmarried without dependents. In many cases, active duty service members may apply until age 24.
2. Seek Endorsement: One important factor unique to active military personnel is that they'll need an endorsement from their commanding officer as part of their application. This can be a thoughtful process, requiring open conversations about career aspirations and goals within the military.
3. Gather application materials: The application components include the aforementioned CO endorsement, official high school and/or college transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, and physical fitness assessment results, among others.
4. Complete the Naval Academy Preliminary Application: This is the first official step in the application process and encompasses providing data concerning one's personal background and educational history.
5. Candidacy: If the preliminary application is approved, the applicant will receive an official candidate package and number, with further instructions on completing their fully detailed candidate application.
6. Take the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA): All candidates, including enlisted Marine Corps personnel, must pass the CFA, a test that includes push-ups, a one-mile run, and other physical fitness measurements.
7. Complete the medical examination: All candidates must also pass a medical examination. This involves scheduling an appointment with the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board.
8. Congressional Nomination: For enlisted personnel, this step could alternatively be an official nomination from the Secretary of Navy.
9. Complete the Application: This includes an essay, teacher recommendations, and an activity record.
10. Admissions Board Review: If you've completed all the above steps, your application goes before the Admissions Board for review.
If accepted, Marines will report to Annapolis, MD, where they'll officially become a Midshipman. Please do note that acceptance to the USNA involves a commitment to serve at least five years of active duty service upon graduation.
This is a broad overview of the process for a currently enlisted Marine who wishes to apply to the USNA, but it's always best to speak to your superior officers or a Naval Academy admissions counselor for more detailed guidance.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.