I'm considering taking some CLEP exams to earn college credits before applying to the Naval Academy. Does anyone know if they accept CLEP credits, and if so, for which subjects? Would love any insight on this.
The United States Naval Academy (USNA) does not accept CLEP or any college credits earned prior to matriculation for their degree programs. This is because the Academy has a specific and unique curriculum designed for midshipmen, which includes a core of courses essential to the education of future naval officers. Therefore, all midshipmen, regardless of previous coursework, are expected to complete the full course curriculum.
While CLEP exams and other college-level coursework won't directly transfer as credit, they can be beneficial in other ways. For example, this type of coursework can demonstrate academic initiative and preparedness, which could potentially strengthen your application. You may also find that the knowledge gained through these courses provides a solid foundation for some of the challenging coursework at the Academy.
That said, your primary focus should be on maintaining a strong GPA, performing well on standardized tests if you choose to submit them, and participating in leadership roles in extracurricular activities. These aspects of your profile will play a significant role in your application to the Naval Academy.
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.