Naval Academy Recruitment Process

How does the recruitment process work at the Naval Academy? I'd love some insight into how to get noticed and the steps I should follow to increase my chances of being recruited.

The process for recruitment to the U.S. Naval Academy is a bit more complicated than many other colleges. It involves not only academic and athletic qualifications but also a congressional nomination and medical clearance. Here's a general overview of how the process works.

1. Understand the Basic Requirements: The Naval Academy, like any university, has academic standards. You should try to achieve high grades and SAT or ACT scores. However, scores below the middle 50% for admitted students don't necessarily disqualify you, since the Academy does consider all aspects of a student's application.

2. Show Leadership & Fitness: As an institution that trains future military officers, the Naval Academy values leadership and physical fitness. You could join JROTC, Civil Air Patrol, or similar organizations, hold a leadership position in a club or sport, or earn a high Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) score to demonstrate these factors.

3. Get a Congressional Nomination: One unique aspect of service academy applications is the need for a congressional nomination, which typically involves an application and interview with your local congressman or senator's office.

4. Complete the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA): The CFA is a fitness test required to enter the Naval Academy and includes various elements like running, push-ups, pull-ups, and more. The Academy will assess your physical fitness through this test.

5. Complete Medical Evaluation: The Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) will conduct your medical examination to gauge your medical fitness for service.

6. Submitting the Application: The application itself is quite long, with several essays and short answer questions. Unlike most colleges, the Naval Academy begins accepting applications during the Junior year of high school.

Now, for athletic recruitment, specifically:

1. Increase Visibility: Attend sport-specific camps or showcases where Naval Academy coaches and recruiters might see you and take note.

2. Reach Out: Use resources like online profiles and recruiting networks to share your athletic stats and get coaches' contact details. You can send them highlights of your performance and express your interest in the Naval Academy.

Remember, being recruited as an athlete doesn’t guarantee admission! The academic, medical, and congressional nomination processes are equally important, so don't undervalue those aspects in your recruitment journey.