Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

How are students called during the first 6 weeks at the Naval Academy?

I'm curious about life at the Naval Academy. What title or name do students have during their first six weeks there? Is this phase different from the rest of their time at the academy?

a year ago

During the first six weeks at the United States Naval Academy, the newly inducted students are referred to as "plebes". This term is widely used across United States service academies to denote first-year students, but it has a particular significance during the summer before the academic year starts at Naval Academy, which is known as Plebe Summer.

This period is significantly different from the rest of their time at the academy. Plebe Summer is a challenging introduction to military life designed to transition incoming midshipmen from civilian to military life. During these weeks, plebes have no access to television, movies, the internet or music, and are severely restricted in their phone usage. The program is physically and mentally rigorous, encouraging the development of leadership skills, teamwork, and a sense of being able to handle challenging situations.

The term "plebe" continues to be used after the conclusion of Plebe Summer until the end of the academic year, but the rigid restrictions of Plebe Summer tend to ease as students transition to the academic year. It's important to note that the plebes continue to navigate through a demanding environment since the life at a military academy is generally rigorous compared to a traditional college environment.

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

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.