How do I apply for a presidential nomination to the Naval Academy?

I'm hoping to get a presidential nomination to attend the Naval Academy. Can anyone walk me through the application process for this nomination type? Are there specific criteria or deadlines I need to be aware of?

Firstly, a presidential nomination is one of seven types of nominations to service academies. For you to apply for a presidential nomination to the Naval Academy, you must be a direct dependent (i.e., child, stepchild, adopted child) of a currently serving or retired career military personnel.

Here's a rundown of the steps to follow:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. Besides being a direct dependent of a career military member, you must be a U.S. citizen, be of good moral character, be unmarried with no dependents, and be between the ages of 17 and 23 by July 1st of the year you would enter the academy.

2. Complete the Pre-Candidate Questionnaire: The application process generally begins in the spring of your junior year of high school when you complete a Pre-Candidate Questionnaire on the Naval Academy Admissions website.

3. Apply for a Presidential Nomination: Next, submit your application for a Nomination through the Naval Academy's website. The nomination application period opens in May each year and closes on January 31st the following year.

4. Submit Required Documents: Your application must include evidence of your eligibility for a presidential nomination. This will usually include your birth certificate and your military sponsor's military service record.

5. Academy Application: If you receive a positive review of your Pre-Candidate Questionnaire, you will be allowed to open an official Naval Academy Application, which will require several additional components, including your school transcripts, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and a medical examination.

6. Follow the Deadlines: Be aware of the deadlines. The deadline for completing all parts of your Naval Academy application, including securing a nomination, is typically in January of the year you hope to enroll.

Remember, applying for a presidential nomination and going through the Naval Academy application process doesn't guarantee admission. The academy uses a process called "whole person evaluation," considering academic achievement, physical fitness, moral character, and leadership ability when reviewing applications. Good luck!