Should I apply to the Naval Academy Summer Seminar?

I've heard that attending the Naval Academy Summer Seminar can be a beneficial experience. For those who have gone, was it helpful? Did it impact your application or change your view on joining the academy?

Attending the Naval Academy Summer Seminar (NASS) can be an excellent way to understand the demands, daily life, and overall experience of being at an academy, and more specifically, the Naval Academy.

While the application process for the NASS isn't linked directly with the application to the Academy, students can gain insights that can help craft more personalized and informed responses in their actual Naval Academy application. It's an opportunity to showcase your interest and connect with Academy students, known as Midshipmen, as well as the Academy staff.

Moreover, considering it’s a competitive program to get into, acceptance and successful completion of the NASS can show initiative and commitment, traits that admissions committees value. This isn't to say joining NASS will guarantee admission to the Naval Academy - it's a competitive process requiring a congressional nomination, strong academics, and physical readiness, amongst other factors. But it can add an extra layer of depth to your application.

Just remember that your experiences at the Seminar do not bind you to the Naval Academy. If you find that the academy lifestyle isn't right for you, that's okay. That's a valuable outcome in itself—learning where you see yourself in the future—and can help you to make a more informed decision about your post-high school path.

So, in summation, NASS can give you an excellent insider experience, provide you with a chance to showcase your interest in the Naval Academy in your application and assist you in deciding if this pathway aligns with your long-term goals.