What to Expect on a Naval Academy College Tour?

I'm planning a visit to the Naval Academy and would like to know what to expect from their college tour. Are there any special opportunities to explore specific facilities or meet with faculty during the tour?

A visit to the United States Naval Academy is a unique experience. As a federal service academy, the setting and tour content differs from a traditional college visit.

On such tours, you should anticipate a regulated, well-organized tour experience. The tour usually starts with an hour-long information session about the Academy's programs and how admissions work, which can give you insight into the unique demands and opportunities of a Naval Academy education. This is often followed by a guided walking tour of approximately 1.5 hours led by a midshipman, which will include seeing Bancroft Hall (the living quarters), Memorial Hall, and the crypt of John Paul Jones.

One notable feature of a Naval Academy visit is the chance to get an up-close view of military tradition and discipline. You might see midshipmen in formation, and their daily activities provide a different glimpse from what you usually observe in civilian colleges.

While there, you can eat in King Hall, where all of the midshipmen eat together. An important note is that you must request ahead of time if you wish to eat lunch there, as it's not automatically included in the tour.

You should also have the opportunity to explore some specific facilities. Depending on your interests, you could visit academic buildings like Rickover Hall if you're interested in engineering, the Halsey Field House for athletics, or Michelson Hall for science.

Keep in mind that opportunities to meet with faculty might be limited during the general tour. However, the admissions office may be able to arrange meetings or classroom sit-ins upon specific request, but this is not guaranteed and highly dependent on the schedule and availability of faculty.

In conclusion, make sure to take full advantage of this visit to ask questions about the Academy's rigorous academic curriculum, the commitment after graduation, and any other questions you might have about life at the Academy. Remember to check their official website or contact them for the most updated information before your visit.