What are the acceptance requirements for the US Naval Academy?

I'm considering applying to the US Naval Academy and would like to know more about the acceptance requirements. Besides academics, what else do they consider for admittance?

When considering applicants to the U.S. Naval Academy, the institution looks for well-rounded individuals who demonstrate strong academic potential, leadership qualities, physical aptitude, and personal character. Here are some requirements and factors they consider during the admission process:

1. U.S. Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. national from a territory to apply.

2. Age Requirements: Candidates must be 17 and not older than 23 on July 1st of the year they would begin at the Academy.

3. Unmarried and No Dependents: You must be unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents.

4. Congressional, Vice Presidential, or Service-Related Nomination: You'll need a nomination, usually obtained from a member of Congress. The Vice President can also nominate up to 5 people from anywhere in the U.S. Alternatively, candidates connected to military members or reservists can seek service-related nominations.

5. Academic Performance: While the U.S. Naval Academy doesn’t publish a minimum GPA, strong academic performance in rigorous courses is vital. Typically, successful applicants are in the top 20% of their high school class. In addition, while standardized testing isn't the sole deciding factor, competitive SAT/ACT scores are certainly advantageous.

6. Leadership Experience: The Academy looks for students with leadership experiences. This can be demonstrated through positions in student government, sports team captaincies, club leadership, or community service roles.

7. Physically Qualified: Candidates must meet high physical standards - including passing the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) - as military life at the Academy is physically demanding.

8. Medical Qualifications: The Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) conducts medical evaluations to ensure candidates are medically qualified to handle the rigors of military service.

9. Interview: Lastly, you’ll undergo an interview with a Blue and Gold Officer as part of your application process. They will assess your determination, resilience, and adaptability to military life.

Remember, each application is evaluated on its own merits and the Academy uses a whole-person approach in their selection process. It's more than just academics; they're looking for evidence of moral, mental, and physical aptitude as potential future Naval officers. Good luck with your application!