What happens during the Naval Academy Junior Summer Program?

Currently a junior who's intrigued by the Naval Academy's summer program. What kind of activities and experiences do participants engage in? Is it a good way to gauge what life at the academy will be like?

The Naval Academy Junior Summer Seminar (NASS) is a fast-paced experience designed to introduce high school students to life at the Naval Academy. It offers a mix of academic classes, physical activities, and exposure to the military structure of the Academy.

Typically, participants spend their time engaging in a variety of activities. Demonstration classes are held in subjects such as Cyber Security, Naval Engineering, and Oceanography to give you a taste of the academics. There's a strong physical component to the program as well. You'll take part in Sea Trials, modeled after the plebe experience which is a grueling 14-hour event of physical and mental challenges.

Given that the program is highly reflective of the actual experience at the Naval Academy, it can offer decent insight into what life at the Academy will be like. You'll get exposure to the regimented schedule, the physical expectations, and the academic rigors.

However, like any summer program, understand that it's still a condensed experience and may not fully capture the day-to-day expectations and demands of attending the Academy full time. It's an excellent starting point, though, especially if you're seriously considering the Naval Academy for your undergraduate studies.