Number of Naval Academy Applicants and Chances

Does anyone know what the recent number of applicants to the Naval Academy looks like and how competitive it is right now? Trying to gauge my chances and figure out where I stand compared to other applicants.

The U.S. Naval Academy is highly competitive due to its high academic rigor, specialized military training, and the career benefits offered after graduation. While the exact number of applicants can fluctuate from year to year, it generally receives around 17,000 applications annually.

For the class of 2025, the Naval Academy admitted about 1,175 midshipmen from nearly 16,000 applications, giving it an overall acceptance rate of about 7.3%.

Remember that as it's not just about academics, but also leadership, physical fitness, and character. Many applicants are high-achieving students who also excel in these other areas. The Academy considers the whole person – so while GPA, class rank, and standardized test scores are important, so are physical fitness, demonstrated leadership potential, and moral character.

You also need to consider the nomination process. You need to secure a nomination from a source approved by the academy, most commonly a U.S. Representative, a U.S. Senator, or the Vice President.

To gauge your chances, compare your own credentials (GPA, standardized test scores, leadership experiences, physical fitness) against these standards. If you've shown strong leadership skills in school or community activities, achieved great grades and test scores, and are in excellent physical condition, you may have a reasonable chance.

On average, admitted students rank in the top 20% of their high school class, achieve SAT scores above 1260 (ERW+M) and ACT composite scores above 26. Keep in mind that these are averages; around half of admitted students score higher and half score lower.

Note that military academies are unique in that they offer a highly specialized education and way of life that's not for everyone. Regardless of your chances, make sure this path aligns with your personal and career goals before committing to the application process.