Timeline for U.S. Naval Academy admissions?

I'm planning to apply to the U.S. Naval Academy and I'm curious about the admissions timeline. When should I start preparing and what are the important dates I need to keep in mind?

The application process for the U.S. Naval Academy is a bit more complex and lengthy compared to regular colleges, so planning is key. Below is a general timeline, though the exact dates can vary each year:

- January of Junior Year: This is when you should register for the Candidate Application Portal. This is also an ideal time to speak with your school counselor about your intent to apply to the Naval Academy and request their support in the application process, including helping you gather the necessary materials for the application as well as arranging for standardized tests.

- April of Junior Year: Attend the Naval Academy's Summer Seminar if you have an interest. While not compulsory, attending will provide a very useful firsthand experience of life at the Naval Academy and will demonstrate interest to the admissions committee.

- May of Junior Year: Begin preparing necessary documents such as your resume and personal statement. You can request the application for a nomination from your senator, representative, and the Vice President during this time as well.

- June - August before Senior Year: Use the summer break to expedite gathering necessary information and documents which include school records, community achievements, letters of recommendation, etc. Additionally, this is the time to take care of medical qualifications through the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB). If you're selected for a Summer Seminar, this timeline might differ slightly.

- September of Senior Year: Submit your completed preliminary application to the U.S. Naval Academy. Around this time, you should also undergo the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA).

- October - January of Senior Year: Ideally, by this time, you should have obtained a nomination and submitted your application. The deadline for the application is usually the end of January, but verify the dates each year. You should hear about your offer of appointment, if you receive one, between these months.

Remember, it's a rolling admissions process. It's beneficial to complete everything as early as possible because appointments (aka acceptances) begin going out in the fall. Good luck!