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Information for Prospective Midshipmen

Are you interested in the United States Naval Academy... or know someone who might be interested?  This site should help you learn more about the Academy.  Here you will find information on Academy requirements, Blue and Gold Officers, etc.

"The Naval Academy is seeking highly motivated, well-rounded applicants who excel not only academically,
but also in athletics, leadership, and service. If you have a strong will to achieve, desire a real challenge,
and want to be a leader serving your country, the opportunity of a lifetime could begin for you at the
United States Naval Academy. It is one of the greatest adventures you could possibly imagine!"

Colonel David A. Vetter, USMC (Ret.), Dean of Admissions

• How do you begin the admission process?

• If you have not been designated as an official candidate, can you still talk with a Blue and Gold Officer?

• How can you get more information regarding the Naval Academy Summer Seminar?

• If you don't attend Summer Seminar, can you visit the Naval Academy before you decide to attend?

• How do you get a nomination?

• How do you get a medical exam?

• What are the Physical Aptitude Exam requirements?

• Is there information available to help your parents prepare for your attendance at the Naval Academy?

• How do you begin the admission process?

A good place to begin learning about the Academy and the admission process is the Naval Academy Admissions page.  The first step in the application process is to complete a Preliminary Application, which can be requested online by clicking here, or by written request to:

Candidate Guidance Office
United States Naval Academy
117 Decatur Road
Annapolis, MD  21402-5018

(410) 293-4361

If your preliminary application indicates a strong record, you will become an official candidate for admission, and a complete USNA Candidate Application package will be sent to you early in your senior year.  You will also be assigned a local Blue and Gold Officer, who will conduct a personal interview with you and assist you in the rest of the application process.  Feel free to contact the Kansas City-area BGO that works with your school district, or you may contact Jeff Kranz, who will relay your information to the appropriate local Blue and Gold Officer who will be personally working with you.  top

• If you have not been designated as an official candidate, can you still talk with a Blue and Gold Officer?

One of the duties of BGO's is to consult with interested students who may not yet meet the necessary qualifications for official candidacy for admission to the USNA.  Feel free to contact the BGO that works with your school district.  top

• How can you get more information regarding the Naval Academy Summer Seminar?

You can refer to the Academy's Summer Seminar web page for more information.  top

• If you don't attend Summer Seminar, can you visit the Naval Academy before you decide to attend?

You can attend one of the Academy's Candidate Visit Weekends.  Contact the USNA for more information.  top

• How do you get a nomination?

Candidates must receive a nomination in order to be offered an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.  This nomination can come from several sources.  Every candidate is eligible for a nomination from the Vice-President.  Also, candidates can receive nominations from the two United States Senators from their state and the one House Representative from their congressional district.  Congressional information can be found by visiting the appropriate site listed below.

Also, candidates who have a parent on active duty or a parent that has retired from active U.S. military service are eligible for a Presidential nomination.  Prospective candidates should apply to all nomination sources that they are eligible for, as nominations can be quite competitive.  Generally, a senator or congressman provides a list of 10 names and the Academy makes its selections from these lists.  If you are on several of the lists, your chances should improve.  The USNA site has sample nomination application letters that may be useful to you.  top

• How do you get a medical exam?

The Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB) is in charge of administering medical examinations required for the service academies and ROTC programs.  Once you are identified as an official USNA candidate, DODMERB will will schedule your medical and dental examinations and they will review the reports to determine if candidates meet their medical standards for admission.  Approximately four weeks after your exams, DODMERB will send you a letter indicating whether you are medically qualified, or if they need additional tests to be taken.  If DODMERB requests additional information, be sure to take the appropriate action immediately, since this is crucial to the timing completion of the admission process.  top

• What are the Physical Aptitude Exam requirements?

The physical aptitude exam will be sent to you as a part of the candidate admission package.  Coordination, strength, speed, agility and endurance will be tested by a 300-yard shuttle run, a kneeling basketball throw, a standing long jump, push-ups and either pull-ups for men or a flexed-arm hang for women.  This test can be administered by anyone with a physical education degree or by an active duty military officer.

Midshipmen take the Physical Readiness Test twice a year.  This test consists of a 1.5 mile run, two (2) minutes of push-ups, and two (2) minutes of sit-ups.  The following minimums may be used as a guide for prospective candidates:

• Is there information available to help your parents prepare for your attendance at the Naval Academy?

Although there may be several others, you may want to look at a couple of different resources.  The first is the U.S. Naval Academy homepage itself.  There, you will find detailed information on the complete admissions process, academic information, various calendars and schedules, along with other important information.  Another excellent resource for incoming Plebes and their parents is the USNA-Net Parents' Handbook.  Everything from preparing for Induction Day to celebrating Herndon, the handbook can answer a lot of questions parents may have regarding their son or daughter leaving for the Academy.  And, of course, do not forget your local resources.  Feel free to contact your Blue and Gold Officer, or contact the local Mo-Kan Parents Club president for questions, as well.  top

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