What are the requirements to get into the United States Naval Academy?

I'm a junior in high school and interested in applying to USNA in Annapolis. Can someone break down the basic requirements for getting accepted? Any tips on academics, physical fitness, or nomination procedures would be super helpful!

The United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland, follows a rigorous admissions process with several requirements that you need to meet to be considered for admission. Here's a basic breakdown:

1. Academic Requirements: The USNA advocates for a strong college preparatory curriculum. Ideally, you should have four years each of English, math, science, and social studies, along with two years of a foreign language. For math, at least pre-calculus is recommended, and for science, physics and chemistry are essential.

2. Standardized Tests: As per the 2024-2025 cycle, the USNA requires either the SAT or ACT. The academy doesn't have a minimum score requirement, but the middle 50% of admitted students recently scored between 590-700 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section and between 600-740 on the Math section of the SAT. For the ACT, the middle 50% scored between 26-31 on English, 27-33 on Math, and 26-32 Composite.

3. Physical Fitness: USNA applicants must pass the Candidate Fitness Assessment, which includes a basketball throw, pull-ups / flexed arm hang, a shuttle run, modified sit-ups, push-ups, and a one-mile run.

4. Medical Eligibility: Admission also requires passing a medical exam administered by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board to ensure you meet the physical demands of the Naval Service.

5. Letters of Recommendation: While the USNA doesn't require teacher or counselor recommendations, you do need a nomination, most often from a Congressional representative, to be considered for admission.

Nominations are one of the more unique parts of the application process. Most candidates secure them from a U.S. representative or U.S. senator in their state, or from the Vice President. Check with your local representatives’ offices to learn about their nomination processes, as they each have individual requirements and deadlines.

Apart from these, the admissions board will also review your extracurricular involvement, leadership experiences, and personal essays. It's crucial to showcase qualities such as leadership, resilience, and a commitment to service in your application. For instance, involvement in sports, student government, clubs, and community service can demonstrate these characteristics.

Remember, meet all the basic requirements doesn't guarantee your admission, but it does ensure your application will be seriously considered. Good luck with your application process!