How to Prepare for the Naval Academy

The United States Naval Academy, located in Annapolis, Maryland, is designed to develop midshipmen morally, mentally and physically to become officers in the Navy or Marine Corps. As a result of this mission, the Naval Academy is very different from a civilian college. Any student entering the Naval Academy should be prepared for its unique challenges.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection
• Running shoes
• Computer

1. Take college-prep classes throughout high school. Take four years of English and advanced math and science classes. The course load at the Naval Academy is heavy, and the other students are very bright. Be ready for science and math. All students graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree, regardless of major.

2. Get in shape physically. Prepare with conditioning exercises such as sit-ups, pull-ups and push-ups as well as running. Midshipmen are expected to be in shape when they arrive. The hot Annapolis summer is no place to try and catch up physically.

3. Learn as much as possible about the Naval Academy before beginning Plebe Summer (the six-week orientation). Read about the Academy and talk to recent midshipmen.

4. Take on leadership roles at work, school or on teams. Learn how to deal with problems that arise in these roles. The Naval Academy exists to educate leaders, and they will put you in leadership roles.

5. Visit the Naval Academy if possible. Nothing provides a better idea of what the experience is like than seeing it first hand.

6. Learn about the Navy and Marine Corps. The more you know about ships, aircraft, career opportunities and naval traditions, the less foreign everything will seem.

Tips & Warnings

• Be ready for rules and regulations. The Naval Academy is very structured.

• The Naval Academy takes the Honor Concept very seriously. Do not lie, cheat or steal.