I'm interested in the Naval Academy and want to aim high academically if I get in. How do they recognize academic excellence? Is there a Dean's List or similar honors system?
At the United States Naval Academy (USNA), academic honors are indeed a part of their system for recognizing high-achieving students.
At the end of each semester, the USNA announces an Academic Dean's List, which comprises students who have achieved an academic QPR (Quality Point Rating) of 3.4 or higher. The QPR is akin to GPA but may vary slightly in terms of calculations since it takes into account the difficulty level and credit hours of the courses a midshipman is taking.
Additionally, you have the potential for even more distinction through the Superintendent's List. Students who make the Superintendent's List excel not only acadically, but also in their military and physical performance. It’s considered quite prestigious as it reflects a balanced achievement across all three foundational pillars of the academy - Academic, Military, and Physical.
On the long-term, graduation honors are granted to the top 10% and 20% of each graduating class based on cumulative academic QPR, with the designation of "Distinction" and "Honors", respectively.
Stay focused, work hard, and manage your time effectively—those tend to be the keys to academic success at any institution, and the Naval Academy is no exception. The Naval Academy offers rigorous academic programs in a uniquely structured environment, which can be challenging, but also extremely rewarding.
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