What's the best way to prepare for the Naval Academy Summer Seminar in high school?

I'm a junior and considering applying to the Naval Academy Summer Seminar. What classes or extracurriculars should I prioritize to boost my application and prepare for the seminar?

The U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar is a highly competitive program that seeks high-achieving high school students interested in serving their country through the naval services. Your preparation should focus on areas of academic excellence, leadership involvement, and physical fitness.

Academics and relevant coursework: The Naval Academy values mastery in STEM subjects. Consider taking rigorous classes like AP or IB Physics, Calculus, and Chemistry that demonstrate your skills in these areas. These classes will not only boost your application but also prepare you for the academic rigor of the Naval Academy.

Leadership Involvement: Extracurricular activities that highlight your leadership skills are highly valued. Engage in activities where rigorous commitment is required like student government, Boy or Girl Scouts, or leadership roles in community service organizations. And keep in mind the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars concept to help you choose strong, impressive activities.

Physical Fitness: The Naval Academy values physical fitness and a major part of consideration for this program involves a strong Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) score. To prepare for this, consider participating in athletics, especially endurance and aerobic sports. Start practicing for the CFA which includes events such as push-ups, pull-ups, a one-mile run, and more.

Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the military lifestyle can give you a head start in understanding the rigors and expectations of a naval service career. Consider joining programs like the JROTC or Sea Cadets.

Remember, quality is more important than quantity. It's better to deeply engage and excel in a few areas than to spread yourself thin across many. Good luck!