1. World-Class Education, Ranked #1 Top Public School by U.S. News and World Report: All midshipmen regardless of major will have a core curriculum that includes courses in engineering, science, mathematics and the humanities. They will be immersed in problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership training that prepares you for complex challenges, both in and out of the military. In addition, they will have the opportunity to participate in military training and internships during the summer. 

2. Athletics: The Naval Academy places a strong emphasis on athletics, recognizing that physical fitness, teamwork and competition are essential to shaping leaders. The Naval Academy offers 33 Division 1 sports and a variety of sports at the intramural level.

USNA graduates can pursue professional sports careers after their time at the Academy. A recent notable alumni example is Diego Fagot, Class of 2021, Las Vegas Raiders.

Path to the U.S. Naval Academy

The Naval Academy admissions website advises high school students (Grades9-12) interested in applying. Some key points to consider are:
● Focusing on strong academics (especially in math and science)
● Excelling in physical fitness
● Demonstrating leadership through extracurricular activities
● Initiating the application process early. In addition, you will need to obtain a nomination from a U.S. congressman/senator or other authority, complete a medical evaluation, complete a physical fitness test, and submit essays and teacher recommendations.

For more advice and resources on preparing, visit General Advice for Grades 9-12 on the official USNA admissions page.

Next Steps to Applying to the Naval Academy

1. Connect with Your Blue and Gold Officer
One of the most important next steps is to connect with your Blue and Gold Officer (BGO).

A BGO is a volunteer who:
a. Provide guidance on the application process: They can help you understand what documents and forms you’ll need, how to prepare for your interview, and what to expect in terms of timelines and requirements.
b. Serve as your local contact: BGOs are typically assigned by region or district, so they’re often the person you can reach out to with questions specific to your area or the application process in general.
c. Conducts interviews: BGOs may also interview prospective students as part of the selection process. They’ll assess your character, motivation, and overall fit for the Naval Academy.
Support your nomination process: The BGO will help guide you in seeking a nomination from your Member of Congress or U.S. Senator, a vital step in the application process.

2. Submit a Request for Information (RFI)
The RFI is the official way to express your interest in applying to the United States Naval Academy. By submitting an RFI, you’ll receive:
a. Information on how to apply, including deadlines and admissions requirements
b. Notifications of upcoming events and programs such as Academy information sessions, college fairs, or open houses.

You can submit an RFI easily by visiting the USNA Admissions page and filling out the brief form or by attending Summer Seminar.

3. Additional Resources

Admissions: USNA’s admissions website provides detailed information on the application process, including eligibility requirements, timelines and steps for obtaining a nomination. It also offers resources for prospective students, such as connecting with BGOs, preparing for physical and academic challenges, and submitting a Request for Information (RFI)to start the application journey.

Summer Programs: USNA offers several summer programs for high school students:
a. Summer STEM: Summer STEM at the Naval Academy is a vibrant week of problem solving, exploratory learning, critical thinking, and team building for rising 9th-11th graders interested in a future in science, technology, engineering and math.

b. Summer Seminar: For rising 12th graders, Summer Seminar kick-starts your Naval Academy application by giving you a taste of life at the Academy. For one week in June, you will experience first-class academic, athletic and professional training while building lifelong friendships with campers from all over the world.

What's Inside the Academy? Offers an in-depth look at daily life at the United States Naval Academy, showcasing the academics, athletic programs, and leadership training that midshipmen experience. It provides prospective students with a behind-the-scenes tour of the campus, highlighting key facilities and offering insights into what it takes to succeed at one of the nation’s top military academies.

Want to learn more? Watch the video.

1. Touch Base with Local Guidance Counselors and JROTC Points of Contact
These people often play a critical role in guiding students through the college application process and can greatly influence the decision to apply to the Naval Academy. Contact the BGOs who owns the school and let them know you’re available to assist and meet with the school’s counselors/JROTC points of contact, share your experiences, and the unique aspects of a Naval Academy education.

2. Offer to Speak at School Career Days
Many high schools host Career Days where professionals from various fields speak about their careers and educational pathways. As an alumni of the Naval Academy, you can offer to speak to students about your journey to the Academy, the experience of being a midshipman, and how attending the USNA shaped your career.

3. Set Up a STEM Event
Consider a STEM event in your community or local schools. The STEM in a Box through the Shared Interest Group NAMA and the Board of Trustee Admissions Committee offers a checklist and resources to help alumni organize STEM events that introduce younger students to the world of STEM. These events are a great way to promote the Naval Academy.

4. Participate in Chapter Candidate Events
Naval Academy alumni chapters across the country regularly host events for prospective candidates, including information sessions and social gatherings. Participating in these events is a way to support the next generation of midshipmen. If your area doesn’t have a dedicated chapter, consider connecting using this Admissions Events page to support one, or contact the Board of Trustees Admissions Committee to set one up.

5. Focus on Underrepresented Areas
The Naval Academy seeks to create a student body that reflects the nation’s broad spectrum of experiences, backgrounds and perspectives. If you’re in a community that is underrepresented at the Academy, consider working to increase awareness and opportunities for students from those areas. For example, you could host informational sessions, encourage local students to apply, or offer mentorship to those who may not have considered the USNA as an option.

6. Reach Out to Local Congressmen/Representatives
A significant part of the USNA admissions process is obtaining a nomination from a member of Congress. As an alumni, you can help by reaching out to your local congressman or representatives and offering to participate on congressional panels. These panels are typically held in the fall. Being involved in the nomination process allows you to directly contribute to selecting the next generation of midshipmen.