What are the admission requirements for Naval Academy Prep School?

I'm interested in applying to the Naval Academy Prep School, but I'm not entirely sure about the admission requirements. Can someone explain what they look for in applicants and what specific criteria need to be met?

The Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) requires applicants to be nominated by the Naval Academy. The majority of NAPS students are recruited athletes, prior enlisted sailors or marines, or students who received a Naval Academy nomination but were not directly admitted.

To be eligible for a nomination, applicants must meet these basic eligibility criteria:

1. Must be a U.S. citizen

2. At least 17 and not past their 23rd birthday on July 1 of the year they would enter the academy

3. Must be unmarried and not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support a child or dependent

4. Must clinch a nomination from a nomination source

5. Must meet physical and medical examination standards. A thorough medical examination, for instance, will assess vision, hearing, and general fitness.

In terms of academics, NAPS students need to excel in courses such as math, chemistry, physics, English composition and literature, and study skills during their 10-month curriculum at NAPS.

However, admission to NAPS is not just about meeting basic requirements or academic attributes alone. Like the Naval Academy itself, they are looking for students with strong leadership potential, a sound moral character, and a high degree of physical fitness. An applicant's extracurricular activities, particularly those demonstrating leadership (like student government roles or team captain roles), can be a big plus.

Lastly, even though it's not directly applicable to the NAPS admissions process, remember that the ultimate goal of attending NAPS is to gain admittance to the U.S. Naval Academy following completion of the preparatory school's curriculum. As such, it is also beneficial to align your NAPS application with the Naval Academy's admission requirements and values.

Please note that the application process to NAPS is through the Naval Academy. A separate application for NAPS is not necessary. The Admissions Board of the Naval Academy identifies and invites candidates they believe would benefit from a year at NAPS.

Remember, all these details can change so ensure to check the latest updates from the official websites. Always contact admissions officers if you need more specific information.