why i want to go to the naval academy essay

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Naval Academy Essay Example with Commentary: How to Get Into Annapolis

Trisha Dach

5 minute read

A Successful Naval Academy Essay Example

The following is an essay from a midshipman who won an appointment to Annapolis in the past few years. Want to know what makes an effective essay? We break down this successful essay and give you specific commentary as to why the response is effective. For information on all the Naval Academy application requirements, read our  Ultimate Guide to getting into the Naval Academy .

• The Prompt:

In a well-organized essay, please discuss both of the following (4000 characters max):

(1) Describe what led to your initial interest in the naval service and how the Naval Academy  will help you achieve your long-range goals, and

(2) Describe a personal experience you have had which you feel has contributed to your own  character development and integrity.

• The Answer:

My desire to serve my country is one that has developed over time through my experiences at home and in the community. Becoming an officer in the Navy would be both great honor and responsibility and one that I am prepared to undertake. In order to make that statement, I first needed to better understand what life would be like as a Naval Academy midshipman and future Navy ensign.   I had an action plan to find out more.   First, I visited the University of Tampa Naval ROTC program and talked to midshipmen and the officer staff about what life would be like as a midshipman.   I also attended the USNA Summer Session last summer to learn more about officer candidate training and future naval officership.   I have spoken to several naval officers about my chosen career as a nuclear submarine officer and learned much about the responsibility and standards that will be demanded of me leading crew members driving, powering, and arming these advanced vessels.  It is an awesome responsibility that I want to start with my enrollment at USNA. I have tried to fashion my life to work on increasing my responsibility and modeling selfless service to others that is the hallmark of a Navy officer.  I am a caregiver for my brother Peter, who has a significant intellectual disability and autism. My parents both have jobs that require early starts and frequent travel, so I take care of Peter before and after school each day, and also help with his care on weekends and holidays. My care includes getting Peter to and from school, helping him get dressed, meal preparation, medications, and overall supervision for safety. There are aspects of this that are tough. It has meant that I can’t join clubs or sports that meet before or after school, that I have to stay patient and calm even when Peter is having a really difficult day, and that I always need to put his safety and well-being ahead of all else. The experience has taught me the importance of selfless service and leadership at home, and I have learned that service to others isn’t always easy or fun, but that it always the right thing to do.

I have also embraced increasing responsibility through scouting by obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout.  It was in the Scouts, through service projects that benefited the community, face to face mentoring of younger scouts, and building a cohesive and self-sustaining unit, that I learned that leadership was the way to serve others and to put their good before my own.

Becoming an officer and submariner in the Navy would be an honor and privilege. The years I have spent growing as a leader at home and in scouts has shown me the importance of service and I look forward to pursuing future service to my country starting as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy.

• Commentary:

Notice that this essay is not a laundry list of what the candidate did in high school but rather what the candidate did to find out more about what life would be like as a midshipman and an officer in the Navy. The candidate visited the closest Navy ROTC program to talk with officers and officer candidates. Even better (or as an additional step) would have been for the candidate to visit a Naval Reserve unit. You can  find a list of units here  (they are nationwide)

The candidate also talked about other experiences such as the USNA Summer Seminar and other tangible things he did to find out more about life at USNA and as an officer in the Navy. The second paragraph then gets at the second question. Make sure you tell a story and make it inspiring. Emphasize selfless service and putting others ahead of oneself. Officers in the Navy lead by example and care for their sailors. Mission first—People always. End the essay with perhaps a brief summary of your leadership and other things you have done but conclude forcefully with your excitement and desire to serve others as an officer in the Navy.

Final Thoughts on Writing Your Naval Academy Application Essays:

The key to this essay is to do tangible things to learn more about being a Naval officer. The best way to do this is to ask serving or retired Naval officers how they would answer this question. By visiting Navy ROTC programs, Navy Reserve units, and talking with officers, you show that you went the extra mile to learn more about the Navy and officership. In the second part of the essay, be memorable. Emphasize selfless service and putting others before yourself. Conclude the essay telling the committee you are excited about serving as an officer in the Navy.

You can read tips for writing your Naval Academy Summer Seminar (NASS) personal statement  here.

You can also read our tips on congressional nomination essays here .

If you do the above things, you are that much closer to a Naval Academy appointment!

Article Contents

Examples of essays that won service academy appointments, do you need help crafting a compelling essay for service academy admissions, related posts.

See What Worked

Former Air Force Captain Trisha Dach served as an Intelligence Officer from 2011-2018. A graduate of the Air Force Academy, Trisha has helped hundreds of candidates earn a service academy appointment or ROTC scholarships, with over a 90% success rate with clients. Click here to learn more about Captain Dach.

LTC Rob Kirkland Featured on the Your College-Bound Kid Podcast

Updated for 2023-2024: naval academy admissions secrets – how to get into the naval academy book, naval academy jobs after graduation: 2023 assignment release, what is the service academy whole person concept, how to write your naval academy summer seminar personal statement, 5 steps to writing excellent service academy essays, requirements for the service academy presidential nomination, applying to naval academy summer seminar (nass), how to earn a service academy letter of assurance, service academy congressional nomination interview questions.

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

United States Naval Academy (USNA) Essay Prompts and Tips    

September 27, 2023

With an acceptance rate of just 10%, getting into the United States Naval Academy and officially becoming a midshipman in Annapolis is no easy task. After all, how many colleges require a nomination from a member of Congress? Those brave young men and women who choose to navigate a supremely challenging admissions process do so in order to later dedicate a portion of their adult lives to serving their country. This blog will offer admissions-related advice on how to approach the lone, two-part USNA essay.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into the United States Naval Academy? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into the US Naval Academy: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

When applying to an institution like the Naval Academy that rejects more than 9 of every 10 applicants, you need to put maximum effort into every area of the application, including the supplemental essays. Below are the USNA’s required supplemental prompts for the 2023-24 admissions cycle along with our advice for composing a winning essay.

US Naval Academy Essay Prompt – Part 1

The USNA only requires one essay, but you need to cover two very distinct topics in one place. We will explore these two distinct questions in two separate sections of this blog. However, we want to stress that both need to be covered in the same limited number of words, as the official directions indicate:

In a well-organized essay, please discuss both of the following:

(1) Describe what led to your initial interest in the naval service and how the Naval Academy will help you achieve your long-range goals, and (CONTINUED LATER IN THE BLOG)… …

It may be helpful to view this portion of the prompt as a higher-stakes version of the typical “Why Us?” college essay. In that category of essay, an applicant is tasked with telling their story of how they decided that ______ University was the perfect school for them. They may write about particular academic programs, courses, professors, research opportunities, internships/co-ops, study abroad programs, and student-run organizations that they will take advantage of once on campus.

Similarly, the USNA wants to see that you have done your homework and are 100% committed to life as a Naval officer. This should be a highly-personal story that demonstrates your maturity, commitment, and readiness to commit to a life in the Navy. Ultimately, joining the Navy is not a decision that anyone should make lightly and the folks in Annapolis will want to see evidence of specific experiences that led you to this conclusion.

For example, perhaps you have:

• Had multiple conversations with a recruiting officer. Share what you learned.
• Participated in NJROTC as an adolescent/young adult.
• Had in-depth discussions with family members or non-family family members who served in the Navy or Armed Forces.

Items you could share related to the long-term goals can include:

• Talk about your intended major at the USNA. Whether you are interested in political science, aerospace engineering, chemistry, or cyber/electronic operations and warfare, explain how your area of study fits into your long-range goals.
• Discuss where you see your career in the Navy taking you. You may also want to touch upon post-Navy aims.

US Naval Academy Essay Prompt – Part 2

(2) Describe a personal experience you have had which you feel has contributed to your own character development and integrity.

To begin, it’s important to think about what type of specific words we can use to identify your particular character development. The following list may help your brainstorming efforts:

• Perspective
• Open-mindedness
• Self-regulation
• Emotional/social intelligence
• Persistence
• Enthusiasm and vigor
• Adaptability

Next, you want to chronicle a singular personal experience that led you to grow in one or more of these character-related areas. Use your life experience to show rather than tell the Naval Academy how you have grown into a person of high integrity. Examples can come from a job, school projects, athletics, NJROTC, or a family experience. In short, the thing to keep in mind here is the Latin quote “Facta, non verba” which translates to “Deeds, not words.”

How important are the essays at the United States Naval Academy?

Overall, the USNA lists nine factors as being “very important” to the admissions committee: GPA, class rank, the interview, extracurricular activities, character/personal qualities, the rigor of your secondary school record, the level of demonstrated interest, recommendations, and—most relevant to this blog—the application essays.

Want personalized assistance?

Lastly, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Naval Academy essays, we encourage you to get a quote  today.

• College Essay

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Personal Statement — Naval Academy Personal Statement

Naval Academy Personal Statement

• Categories: Personal Statement

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Published: Mar 20, 2024

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How to Get into the U.S. Naval Academy

Ex Scientia Tridens, “from knowledge, seapower,” is a fitting motto for the U.S. Naval Academy, the official undergraduate college of America’s Naval Service. Based in Annapolis, Maryland, this venerable institution provides talented men and women with the training and knowledge required to become military officers. After securing bachelor of science degrees in their chosen majors, Naval Academy graduates go on to serve commissions as Navy ensigns of Marine Corps.

Ranked No. 17 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best National Liberal Arts Colleges, the Naval Academy has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,512 and an acceptance rate of just 9%. Still, that doesn’t mean your dreams of attending this prestigious institution are unachievable. Keep reading to learn how to get into the Naval Academy.

Is the U.S. Naval Academy Right for You? 

If the U.S. Naval Academy is on your shortlist of colleges, then you probably know that matriculation comes with numerous advantages, including the guarantee of an officer slot in the Navy or Marines. However, you might not realize that the Navy pays the complete cost of tuition, room, board, and medical expenses for all Academy midshipmen. Additionally, students enjoy an array of perks such as entry at military commissaries, hotel discounts, and transportation benefits. 

Despite the many benefits associated with attending the Naval Academy, prospective students should know that there are some drawbacks as well. As a condition of accepting the scholarship, students must serve five years of active duty in the military following graduation. To break this commitment, you must repay the cost of your education, estimated at $186,000. If you aren’t 100% sure that you want to serve, this school might not be right for you. 

Additionally, Naval Academy students report that freshman year can be a stressful time. The lowest members of the totem pole, freshmen, or plebes, are considered subordinate to the sophomore, junior, and senior classes. Moreover, all Academy students live highly regimented lives, with their days starting at 6:30 AM and ending at midnight. If you prefer to be in control of your own schedule, you might not appreciate this way of life. 

Finally, female applicants should note that the school still has a dearth of women. Just 20% of entering freshmen are female at this time.

How to Get Into the U.S. Naval Academy

Wondering how to get into the Naval Academy? The rigorous application features multiple steps, including a fitness test and required nomination from a statesman. Read on to learn more about this venerable institution and find out what you have to do to submit a complete application by the January 31 deadline :

Eligibility

Not all students qualify for admission to the United States Naval Academy. According to the college’s website, students must meet the following criteria to be considered for acceptance:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be between 17 and 23 years old
• Be unmarried
• Not be pregnant
• Not have dependents
• Have a valid Social Security card

Of course, meeting these standards doesn’t guarantee that students will be accepted. The Naval Academy encourages interested students to visit the Academy early in their high school careers to showcase their interest and learn what characteristics and achievements the school values. 

Additionally, students should embark on a challenging curriculum and participate in activities that show their leadership skills and commitment to serving others. According to the website Operation Military Kids , 93% of the Class of 2022 participated in high school varsity athletics, with 73% serving as captains or co-captains of their teams. Moreover, 91% volunteered in their communities. Additionally, many students participated in STEM classes and attended STEM summer camps. If you’re thinking of applying to the Naval Academy down the line, consider taking steps to beef up your resume during the early part of your high school career.

Preliminary Application

Naval Academy hopefuls must submit a preliminary application before they can officially be considered for admission. The application includes the following components:

• Social Security number
• High School Educational Testing Service (ETS) code
• Congressional state and district
• SAT, ACT, or PSAT scores

According to the school website, students can submit these applications if they are currently a high school senior, will be a senior next year, or are in college and looking to transfer to the Academy. Once the school receives a students preliminary application, the admissions team will review it to assess a candidate’s qualifications and assign them a candidate number. At this time, students will also receive instructions with next steps on how to apply to the Naval Academy.

Official Application Requirements

After completing the preliminary application, the next step is to submit your official application. The U.S. Naval Academy application includes many of the same components required by other schools, including SAT or ACT Scores, school transcripts, and letters of recommendation. The average Academy student boasts a combined SAT of 1410 (ACT of 31) and an average GPA of 3.94. Additionally, students must submit a personal essay conveying their reasons for wanting to attend the school and complete an in-person interview with a USNA Blue & Gold Officer.

Unlike traditional colleges, the Naval Academy also imposes physical requirements on applicants. To gain acceptance, students must undertake a medical exam by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board. It’s worth noting that students with preexisting health conditions may still be able to attend the Academy. The school automatically considers students with disqualifying conditions for waivers. 

Additionally, candidates must complete a fitness test designed to evaluate their strength, speed, coordination, endurance, and agility. The assessment requires them to run a mile, participate in a shuttle run, throw a basketball from a kneeling position, and do crunches and pushups. Male candidates are required to do pull-ups, and female candidates must do a flexed-arm hang. 

While the testing might seem rigorous, the Academy notes that students who are physically fit should have little trouble meeting the requirements. Individuals who don’t work out regularly may want to start preparing a few months before submitting their official application to increase their odds of success.

Getting a Nomination

Along with making physical fitness a condition for acceptance, the Naval Academy differs from other institutions in that applicants must secure a nomination to be admitted. As part of your official application, you must submit a nomination from a U.S. Representative, a U.S. Senator, or the Vice President of the United States. Note that you don’t have to know your nominator personally to obtain this recommendation. Still, securing a nomination can be challenging, as Senators and Representatives are limited to five nominees each in a given year. Students should send requests in early to bolster their odds of selection.

In most cases, nominators request that students meet with them or someone on their staff for an interview. Additionally, the nominator will likely request information about a student’s background, including academic records, extracurricular experience, and other personal details. For best results, gather all this information ahead of time so the nominator has everything they need at their fingertips. 

Curious about your chances of acceptance to your dream school? Our free chancing engine takes into account your GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and other data to predict your odds of acceptance at over 500 colleges across the U.S. We’ll also let you know how you stack up against other applicants and how you can improve your profile. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to get started!

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• Service Academy Discussion
• Naval Academy - USNA

Personal Statement for USNA

• Thread starter srlowery73
• Start date Sep 13, 2018
• Tags essay advice personal statement usan essay advice usna usna application usna essay usna personal statement
• Sep 13, 2018

Hello, I am an applicant to USAFA and USNA. I think I have finished my USNA personal statement and wanted some feedback on it. I know it's good to have family and friends read essays because they'll know if it sounds like you or not. I've already had everyone I know read it, but I'd like opinions from people on this forum. In a well-organized essay of 300 to 500 words, please discuss the following: (1)Describe what led to your initial interest in the naval service and how the Naval Academy will help you achieve your long range goals, and (2)Describe a personal experience you have had which you feel has contributed to your own character development and integrity. My interest in naval service, and in attending the United States Naval Academy, strives from wanting to make a difference. Attending the Naval Academy and subsequent naval service will allow me to make tremendous differences in myself, our country, and our world. I have always been extremely passionate about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Time spent practicing STEM, like in a science lab mixing strange chemicals or with my robotics team designing crazy prototypes, are times that I find most enjoyable. This past year I had the opportunity to take a high school aviation course. This course allowed me to do things like fly unmanned aircraft, and maintain Cessna 152s. Word of advice, when you change the oil filter on any plane, make sure to drain ALL of the oil! This class made me sure that I want to earn a degree in aerospace/astronautical engineering and work in fields like missile defense and experimental aircraft design. Having some of the country’s most advanced labs and knowledgeable professors, the Naval Academy will provide me with many resources to help me earn my degree. I would also like to become an astronaut. With over fifty graduates of the Naval Academy going on to become astronauts, I believe that opportunities presented to me during my service as an Officer will put me on track towards achieving this goal. There are reasons beyond my personal goals that push me towards naval service; reasons that exist because of my time in scouting. I have been a Boy Scout for the majority of my life, and there is a law we learn as scouts that teaches us to be twelve things: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. Trustworthy; even though it seemed harder at times, I’ve learned that telling the truth is always easier. Brave; something I needed to be on those long backpacking trips to Pictured Rocks and Isle Royale. Each of the points has served as a moral compass, guiding me to become a better scout and a better person, yet helpful has become one of the most valuable. Many hours have been spent by my troop and I volunteering in communities, whether it be restoring a nature trail, placing flags on veterans’ graves, or building shelves for a local food pantry. No matter what it was we were helping with, I always recognized that it took a leader to get the job done, and done well. It took someone who was willing to devote their time other than to themselves, but towards the betterment of their community. This above all else is why I wish to attend the Naval Academy. I could earn my degree at many other schools, but none would set me up better for a career where I could be one of those leaders. I want to devote my time, and possibly my life, to protecting this community, this nation, and ensuring the welfare of it and those who call it home.  

Ok, first off it's generally not recommended to post your essay on an anonymous forum. That being said I think you answered the first part of the prompt well but I think you need to reread part two and see if you are really answering the question.  

I don’t normally respond to these, but I’ll pick a nit or two. The subject of your opening sentence is presumably “interest.” I don’t understand how the verb “strives” works with that subject. Did you mean “derives from?” Write clearly, succinctly and flawlessly. Read the mission of USNA. Do your goals and values align with that? Always go back to the prompt and check for alignment there. Resist the urge to be cute or folksy. In a spoken conversation in a formal interview setting, would you veer off to the “word of advice” thread? Don’t waste words telling USNA what they already know. This is your chance to present yourself. Read over your statement and look for statements likely to be known by readers at USNA. Avoid hyperbole. When someone your age says they have “always” been interested in X, I envision them as a toddler earnestly doing X. What sparked your interest in STEM? A trip to a planetarium with your mom? Seeing inside a cockpit at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum? A teacher who wowed you with interesting classes? Tell me something unique about you and how STEM first tickled your brain. You come across as sincere and straightforward in tone, a good thing. “...spent by my troop and I...” Test this by deleting the “my troop,” and saying “by I.” Should be “me.” Even better, ditch passive construction and go active: “My troop and I spent many hours volunteering...” Once you have it polished and feel you are close to your final version, ask an English teacher to review it. I am not in Admissions, so value this advice at the price you paid for it. I don’t need any answers to questions or suggestions I posed above. Good luck!  

• Sep 19, 2018

For any college, I found this to be helpful in writing essays... Google "hacking the college essay 2017" It talks about writing the essay only you could write. I feel like any boy scout could have written your essay. What made you need to be brave at Isle Royale?  

• Sep 25, 2018

It's called a personal statement for a reason!!!!  

Old Navy BGO

Two thoughts ... 1) Are you an Eagle Scout ? If so, include it ...if not, get it done. There is so much about the Scouting program that is good, whether you make Eagle or not, but from and Admissions standpoint, earning your Eagle Scout award is important. 2) Not necessarily directed at OP or the specific statement above, but to all young writers -- cut out the flowery BS and make every word count. Use active voice, be direct and to the point, and write to your intended audience. In the case of your Naval Academy personal statement, the readers are going to members of the Admissions Board, mostly Naval and Marine Corps officers. The flowery prose that gets you an A in English Lit or Creative writing in High School, or even accepted to some prestigous liberal arts school, is going to quickly bore a Senior Naval Officer.  

Memphis9489

• Oct 2, 2018

Capt MJ said: I don’t normally respond to these, but I’ll pick a nit or two. The subject of your opening sentence is presumably “interest.” I don’t understand how the verb “strives” works with that subject. Did you mean “derives from?” Click to expand...

Founder - Service Academy Bacon Forums (SABF)

Memphis9489 said: ...I think it sets a bad precedence... Click to expand...

THParent said: Memphis9489 said: ...I think it sets a bad precedence... Click to expand...

• Jun 11, 2020

srlowery73 said: Hello, I am an applicant to USAFA and USNA. I think I have finished my USNA personal statement and wanted some feedback on it. I know it's good to have family and friends read essays because they'll know if it sounds like you or not. I've already had everyone I know read it, but I'd like opinions from people on this forum. In a well-organized essay of 300 to 500 words, please discuss the following: (1)Describe what led to your initial interest in the naval service and how the Naval Academy will help you achieve your long range goals, and (2)Describe a personal experience you have had which you feel has contributed to your own character development and integrity. My interest in naval service, and in attending the United States Naval Academy, strives from wanting to make a difference. Attending the Naval Academy and subsequent naval service will allow me to make tremendous differences in myself, our country, and our world. I have always been extremely passionate about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Time spent practicing STEM, like in a science lab mixing strange chemicals or with my robotics team designing crazy prototypes, are times that I find most enjoyable. This past year I had the opportunity to take a high school aviation course. This course allowed me to do things like fly unmanned aircraft, and maintain Cessna 152s. Word of advice, when you change the oil filter on any plane, make sure to drain ALL of the oil! This class made me sure that I want to earn a degree in aerospace/astronautical engineering and work in fields like missile defense and experimental aircraft design. Having some of the country’s most advanced labs and knowledgeable professors, the Naval Academy will provide me with many resources to help me earn my degree. I would also like to become an astronaut. With over fifty graduates of the Naval Academy going on to become astronauts, I believe that opportunities presented to me during my service as an Officer will put me on track towards achieving this goal. There are reasons beyond my personal goals that push me towards naval service; reasons that exist because of my time in scouting. I have been a Boy Scout for the majority of my life, and there is a law we learn as scouts that teaches us to be twelve things: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. Trustworthy; even though it seemed harder at times, I’ve learned that telling the truth is always easier. Brave; something I needed to be on those long backpacking trips to Pictured Rocks and Isle Royale. Each of the points has served as a moral compass, guiding me to become a better scout and a better person, yet helpful has become one of the most valuable. Many hours have been spent by my troop and I volunteering in communities, whether it be restoring a nature trail, placing flags on veterans’ graves, or building shelves for a local food pantry. No matter what it was we were helping with, I always recognized that it took a leader to get the job done, and done well. It took someone who was willing to devote their time other than to themselves, but towards the betterment of their community. This above all else is why I wish to attend the Naval Academy. I could earn my degree at many other schools, but none would set me up better for a career where I could be one of those leaders. I want to devote my time, and possibly my life, to protecting this community, this nation, and ensuring the welfare of it and those who call it home. Click to expand...

Hopeful2025

• Jun 27, 2020

Just curious, but do I have to answer the two questions in order. I feel like my personal statement would chronologically flow better if I chose to answer the second question first, as that would then lead into my response for the first one. Answering them in order would make my answer kind of go in reverse order. Does anyone know if the order you answer the two prompts matters?  

ABCDE_2026 said: So how did the application go? Click to expand...

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How to apply to the naval academy: 5 things your teen needs to know.

Feb 7, 2024 1:00:00 PM

Do you have a teen who is hoping to go to the Naval Academy? Whether they’re honoring a history of military service in your family, always wanted to be a part of the Navy, or are just now realizing they’re being called to serve, we applaud and welcome them. Since 1845, we’ve had the privilege of training the U.S. Navy’s future leaders, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. 

Related: The Most Important Ways to Prepare for USNA Admissions.

How to Apply to the Naval Academy

There are several important steps to take to maximize your teen’s chances of attending. Here are five things your teen can do:

2. Take a USNA Tour: USNA Admissions Briefing and Walking Tours run twice a day from the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center. Students will get a behind-the-scenes look at everyday life of a midshipmen, have the opportunity to ask questions about how to apply to the Naval Academy, and even view “The Call to Serve,” a video that captures the spirit of naval service. They’ll get the layout of the Yard, learn the history, and even meet fellow high school students who may be applying to USNA. We recommend participating in the Admissions brief led by an Active Duty member at either 10:00 am or 2:00 pm (offered daily except on Sundays and Federal Holidays). Follow the brief with our walking tour at 11:00 am or 3:00 pm.

3. Prepare Academically: A well-rounded curriculum will ready students for the rigors of the Academy’s academic programs. USNA Admissions recommends:

• Mathematics: Four years, including geometry, algebra, and trigonometry. Courses in precalculus and calculus are also highly encouraged.
• Science: One year each of chemistry and physics, with a lab if possible.
• English: Four years with special attention to the study and practice of effective writing. Surveys of English and American literature are especially helpful.
• Foreign Language: At least two years.
• History: One full year of U.S. history and, where possible, a full year of European or world history.
• Introductory Computer and Typing Courses: All midshipmen use personal computers in most courses.

Take Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB)  courses if they are offered. USNA Admissions also recommends taking the  PSAT. The SAT is not optional.  4. Prepare Physically: It’s never too soon for your teen to implement their physical training. They’ll be required to submit a Candidate Fitness Assessment as part of their Naval Academy Application, and they’ll hit the ground running the first day of Plebe Summer. The Physical Readiness Test (PRT) requirements can be found here , but check with USNA admissions for the most up-to-date information. 5. Secure a Nomination: USNA Admissions recommends candidates connect with the offices of their Representative and both of their U.S. Senators in the spring of junior year to request a nomination. Check their websites for specific information.

Related:  “General Advice for Grades 9-12.” 

More Questions?

You can find more answers on how to apply to the Naval Academy in this FAQ page , and please feel free to reach out to USNA Admissions . Make sure to experience the Yard in person too. Not only will your teen get a real feel for what it’s like to be here, but you’ll also be helping the midshipmen who defend our freedom. Every time you take a USNA tour, dine at our Yard restaurants, or make a purchase from our stores, you’re helping to fund extracurricular activities like cultural arts, music, theater, club sports, and more for the midshipmen to foster teamwork and camaraderie. Come see what makes this place so special!

Topics: USNA admissions

Written by Bill the Goat

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, applying to the naval academy.

I've been thinking about applying to the US Naval Academy, but I'm not exactly sure about the entire application process. What are the requirements, and what general advice would you give to someone interested in applying?

Applying to the United States Naval Academy (USNA) is a bit different from applying to a typical college, as there are additional steps and requirements due to its military nature. Here's a rundown of what you need to know about the application process.

1. Academic requirements : To be competitive for the USNA, you should have a strong high school academic record. This includes a focus on challenging coursework such as AP, IB, or honors classes, particularly in math and science. Good grades (usually A's and B's) and class rank also play a role.

2. Standardized tests : While most colleges have gone test-optional, the USNA still requires either the SAT or ACT. Aim for competitive scores (above 1250 for SAT and 27 for ACT) to increase your chances. The higher, the better.

3. Physical fitness : As a military academy, USNA requires candidates to demonstrate physical fitness. The Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) involves six events: basketball throw, pull-ups (or flexed-arm hang), shuttle run, crunches, push-ups, and a 1-mile run. Practice to achieve good results and familiarize yourself with each event's requirements.

4. Extracurricular involvement and leadership : Demonstrating leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities is essential. This can include participation in sports, clubs, volunteer work, or community service. Pursue activities that showcase your dedication, teamwork, and leadership skills.

5. Nominations : To apply to the USNA, you must obtain a nomination, typically from a U.S. Senator, Representative, or the Vice President. The nomination process is competitive, so start researching the requirements and application timeline early in your junior year of high school.

6. Letters of recommendation : Secure strong letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or coaches who know you well and can speak to your character, leadership skills, and potential as a midshipman.

7. Candidate Statement and Essay : As a part of the application, you'll need to write a candidate statement detailing your reasons for wanting to attend USNA and how you can exceptionally serve the country through naval or Marine Corps service. Additionally, write a well-crafted personal essay that provides insight into your passion, goals, and motivations.

8. Medical examination : You'll need to undergo a thorough medical examination as part of the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) process to ensure you meet the medical standards for the USNA.

9. Interview : Lastly, prepare for an interview with a Blue and Gold Officer, who will assess your candidacy and provide valuable input for your file.

General advice for applying to the USNA:

- Start the application process early and stay organized, as there are many components to the application.

- Reach out to your local Blue and Gold Officer for help, guidance, and answers to any questions.

- Attend a USNA Summer Seminar (if possible), which can give you firsthand experience and demonstrate your interest.

- Highlight your leadership skills and commitment to others in your application, essays, and interviews.

Remember, applying to the USNA is a commitment to serving in the United States military. It's essential to carefully consider the implications and ensure it aligns with your personal goals and values. Good luck!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Home » Academy Endeavors Blog » USNA ESSAY TIPS

USNA ESSAY TIPS

Academy Endeavors provides tips on every Service Academy essay question…

USNA Essay – its a long one, but there’s only one!

USNA Essay question: Describe what led to your initial interest in the naval service and how the Naval Academy will help you achieve your long-range goals. Describe a personal experience you have had which you feel has contributed to your own character development and integrity. (3500 character limit)

AE Guidance: It’s best to break down this essay question as two essays with a 1750 character limit each.

For the first part, its a WHY question, similar to the USMA essay #1. Start by answering when your desire first began and what steps you’ve taken to act on that desire. Conclude by stating your career goals in the Navy, and why this path interests you. By the time you finish, the reader will clearly understand that you know exactly what you’re getting into.

For the second part, its a CHARACTER question, similar to USMA essay #2. Think of challenging experience or leadership challenge, and explain how this ultimately grew you.

Overall, USNA should clearly see your enthusiasm and your character, leadership potential here. You only have 1 long essay here. Make it count!

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Why do you want to go to the Naval Academy?

<p>I’m curious to find out why so many people would like to recieve an appointment to the Naval Academy. It’s a shame because all i see are parents talking about their kids going when it should be the kids talking about themselves going. “My son this” and “my daughter that”. The desire has to start from within the person applying, not the parent. I want to go to the Naval Academy because i love the atmospehere. So i leave you with this question : Why do you want to go the Naval Academy?</p>

<p>I agree with you wholeheartedly AdmiralThomas. My mother hasn’t made one phone call, and she’s certainly not running this process. If I want to find something, I find it out myself, b/c it is my future and my life. I think it is good that there are parents who care about their childrens future, but in an application process as complicated and overwhelming as this one, it really should be their children who are foremost- the ones checking the admissions website, and making phone calls. I want to go to the Naval Academy b/c I want to serve for this country in some way, and I think that I have the intelligence and willpower to make a good officer. When I was at the Academy this summer for summer seminar, I was awestruck by the walls of Memorial Hall. When my squad leader asked us if we were willing to have our names on that wall I was overwhelmed with emotion and pride. Memorial Hall is the heart of the Academy. Of course the academics, the discipline, the athletics, the tradition, and the prestige are an important part of why I want to go, but I think that it is the desire to serve, and to do some good in this world is my main reason. Everyday there are people who are risking their lives to make sure that I am safe at home, and I believe that it is my duty as a physically capable person to give back and thank them by being one of them. I know that parts of it are going to suck, and that it is going to be hard, and that I’m going to have to work hard, and I’ve worked hard enough as it is on the application and all of the walls that they’ve put up in front of me that I keep having to break down, but its worth it to me. Even if I don’t end up recieving an appointment, I still plan on serving, either via NROTC, or through a commissioning program I’ve been accepted to at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. I hope that everyone else on this site, students, and the children of the parents who are here want to go to the Academy for the right reasons. And I certainly hope that kids are putting in more effort to their application than their parents. Again, I think that parents hearts are in the right place, but your kids aren’t going to have you anymore to do their work when they are there, and all should start realizing that from the start. Merry Christmas everyone! ~Meghan :)</p>

<p>I agree completely with both of you. I have done everything myself to appy for the academy, from the application to the follow-up phone calls. My parnets are supportive, but I am running this show. After all, it is my future. I want to go to the academy because I want to serve my country. Thats it. The Summer Seminar showed me that the atmospehere of the Naval Academy is good for me. But I want to be an Officer, I spent a week on the USS Ronald Reagan, the men and women on that ship were simply inspiring, down from the captain to the mess cooks. I want to be a part of that. I plan on getting there anyway I can. I may not get an appointment to the Naval Academy, but I will get to serve. I got an appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy on Christmas Eve, that was a great Christmas present. I very excited about this, I may prefer this over the Naval Academy because of its choice of majors. I’ll be a naval officer and know everything about the ship that my F-18 will be landing on. It really is the best of both worlds. Parents let your kids do this, I think I have grown more in the last year because of this application process, doing it myself really confirmed that this is what I want. July of next year I’ll be a plebe, and I’ll know that I got myself this far and that this is what I really want. -Anne</p>

<p>Candidates: I agree wholeheartedly with your posts that indicate the impetus must come from the applicant, not the parent.</p>

<p>I have been sharing my son’s experience to help the current applicants understand and benefit from what he encountered. </p>

<p>The dream was his; the effort to achieve it came from him. I was there to put in my two cents only when asked “what do you think?”. I was his sounding board, his travel agent (for CVW) and his postal employee (for the mounds of paperwork he sent to DoDMERB). </p>

<p>I did, however, insist that he come up with a viable plan B, and plan C, in case his dream would have to be postponed. I interjected my parental obligation and life experience only to make sure that if all did not go as he had hoped, that he would move forward, and if the Academy was still his goal, that he could pursue it at a later date.</p>

<p>I wish you all the best of luck on this emotional roller coaster, and hope you have benefitted from the experiences of those who have taken the ride before you. It is worth every bit of the effort and turmoil.</p>

<p>Proud parent of '08. CM</p>

<p>Hi All~As a parent on this site my motivation has been to learn all I can about the process. I have some reservations about the Academy and the military (as many parents feel now) and by reading and learning about them I am trying to understand the motivation so many feel. My son is so busy he doesn’t have time to “chat” on the computer and I have learned a great deal that has supported him and all he is trying to accomplish. I / We have not made any calls to the Academy or done anything towards the actual admissions process other than to be a sounding board and mailman. It is his application and his process. I have been the travel agent and trip coordinator as we have had to visit other cities for interviews etc. It is helpful to talk with other parents and those that have been through this rollercoaster ride before so that we can help support our kids through this unique application! I have encouraged back-up plans as a realistic approach and it is outlined well on the AFA Web site. </p>

<p>I have really enjoyed talking with other candidates as they go through the process. Sometimes you can gain insight into your own child by talking with someone you don’t know going through the same thing many miles away. I have had feedback that it has been helpful to understand how a parent feels going through this as well.</p>

<p>My greatest hope is that he will get to make the choice and that I / We can be there to support whatever decision about his future he chooses to make. Merry Christmas and good luck to all! JM</p>

<p>“My son is so busy he doesn’t have time to “chat” on the computer and I have learned a great deal that has supported him and all he is trying to accomplish.”</p>

<p>Exactly the point. The parent is the “XO” in this process. The most successful students usually have the support and involvement of the parents. The work and the desire always must be the student’s—but the involvement and especially the education of the parent on this complicated and drawn out process is not only necessary, I see it is a parental obligation. There is too much mis-information, too many pitfalls in this process not to have another set of eyes watching over things. Our students are up to their eyeballs in school work, activities, college applications, essays, etc–we are there (as always) to keep an eye on things and help where we can.</p>

<p>My friend and I were discussing the college application process the other day. She and I both tend to wax intellectual around each other, and she summed everything up quite nicely (yes, we’re both US History buffs). Her mom (like mine) decided to try to get involved in the application process almost after everything was done. Rachel told her that “Mom, the colonists flourished under the British policy of salutary neglect. I’ve done the same thing!” Maybe I’m just a dork, but I was rolling on the floor laughing at that one.</p>

<p>marines4me, her comment made me laugh as well! As a parent, I’ve been involved with every interest my son has had in his life regarding his future dreams. I’ve been there supporting him and acting as his sounding board. ;> I’m pretty sure he doesn’t consider me a dork so…</p>

<p>so far…so good. :)</p>

<p>Research shows that successful students often have at least one or all of the following characteristics:</p>

<p>-highly educated mothers -parents involved in their child’s education -or, at least one person who mentors them and believes that they can be successful </p>

<p>As many of the parents have already mentioned, our kids are personally motivated to attend service academies, have completed all of the application documents, participated in Summer Seminar, and interviewed with MOCs, but they are extremely BUSY too. In addition to sports and church, my daughter is taking five AP classes (seven classes total) and she works part-time. We live in California and after she returned from Summer Seminar in mid-June, she unpacked her suitcase, repacked it and flew back to Washington, D.C., 24 hours later for a congressional student seminar scholarship award she had received from a local MOC. For most families the college application process is a collaboration between student, parents, and high school counselor. Unfortunately, many high school counselors at large schools are overburdened. Though my daughter attends a large public high school, her academic magnet has its own wonderful counselor who helps students gain entrance to some of America’s most elite institutions. Even so, some of the students have hired private counselors to help them with college applications. But application to a service academy is unique and many who have been through the process feel a sense of duty to share what they’ve learned with others. It’s the American way and we all benefit from sharing. What is the parent’s role if not to facilitate a child’s education and development?</p>

<p>AT: There is a major difference between orchestrating your child’s future and supporting his/her aspiration.</p>

<p>I have followed this forum for some time, and most of the parents here are the “supporters” rather than the “orchestrators”. They are networking and collaborating to find the most reliable information available in order to share with their candidate. </p>

<p>Some of the information is trivial (what to bring to CVW), but I can tell you that it is reassuring to a student to go into a new situation (alone) with the confidence of information on what to expect (at least in general). Then the student can spend time on assessing their surroundings rather than being anxious about being unprepared.</p>

<p>Happy Holidays to all and best of Luck CM</p>

<p>Well im actually proud of your involvement in your child’s life. I obviously mistanken in terms of parents forcing they’re children to apply. The reason i brought it up is because i have seen a lot of it in my congressional district. All of you are great parents and keep up the good work.</p>

<p>My reasons for wanting to go to a service academy:</p>

<p>1) Serving the country. 9/11 showed me that America is not safe, and it first put the idea in my head of joining the military.</p>

<p>2) I think attending an academy is one of the best ways to prepare myself. I especially like the ‘Honor’ codes and concepts that are emphasized. The unique education, “moral, mental, and physical”, made me want to attend an academy versus going through a [N]ROTC program at another school.</p>

<p>3) The cadets or midshipmen that I have met are disciplined and tough. The Academy is tough. I like that.</p>

<p>My parents have been very helpful in this process. Actually, if it wasn’t for them, I would never even have opened an application. I didn’t think it was even possible that I would be able to attend an academy. My dad encouraged me to at least open a SS applicaton. I now have LOA’s to two academies and nominations! If it wasn’t for their encouragement I would not be where I am now.</p>

<p>The only physical assistance my parents have given in this whole process is driving me around and reviewing my essays. The desire and will has come from me.</p>

<p>-Joel</p>

<p>candidatemom,</p>

<p>We seem to be on the same wavelength! Many have benefited from the information you have contributed as an articulate plebe parent. Thank you for sharing. Best wishes to you and your son. What does he like about being home over the holidays?</p>

<p>Why do you want to go to the Naval Academy?</p>

<p>Awwwww!!! That questions brings back horrible flashbacks to Interviews!</p>

<p>I live with my dad and I haven’t had too much parental support. I told him in the beginning that I would like to do this on my own because I am very independent when it comes to most all other aspects of my life and the academy is solely my dream. I had him read through a rough draft of my personal statement once a while back and was disappointed when he didn’t have too much input…but that’s what you get for kind of brushing your parent aside sometimes. I do thank him for transporting me for interviews and the like but, other than that, he hasn’t facilitated the application process at all. </p>

<p>Unfortunately, as those of you with less parental support may have noticed, you get a lot more dumb questions when your parent is less involved (can be frustrating). …I don’t even think that he’s even checked out my USNA catalog. He’s enthusiastic about my dream and supports me but has mainly become someone I can just dump my USNA concerns and hopes on. So it’s good that he there to listen to me (…I’m a talker) and provide encouragement, but it wouldn’t hurt (and would be appreciated) for him to be a little more informed. </p>

<p>My reasons for wanting the academy can all basically be traced back to my desire to challenge myself and serve my country. Summer Seminar was phenomenal and only bolstered my dream to go to USNA. Although the experience of being an academy mid. seems like it would be unparalleled, I will definitely be up to doing NROTC if I’m not admitted.</p>

<p>About the time issue (or lack of it, rather)…I am also extremely busy. That’s one reason I post at like 3 AM or other weird hours…if that’s the only time I have to get stuff done or check up on things that are important to me, I sacrifice sleep. Today, fortunately, is a fluke because nothing in particular is scheduled; even though I have some essays & studying that I’ve been procrastinating today (yeah…I better get on those). Shogun & sovhappy, I can completely relate to your children in having a swamped schedule and most other posting candidates probably can, too.</p>

<p>wstcoastmom: The things my son likes best about being home:

• Listening to music
• Playing video games
• Not having to recite “rates”
• No classes, or exams, or roommate
• Home cooking
• Annoying his brother
• Seeing his friends
• Freedom to do pretty much whatever he wants (within the limit of our household rules and Academy regulations).</p>

<p>He was proud to wear his uniform to church, and to wear it back to his high school on the day he arrived home. He is thriving at the Academy; it is pretty much what he expected. It is not easy, but he is enjoying the challenge. He sees the big picture and is convinced that all the sacrifices will be worth it.</p>

<p>Good luck to all; I hope the final choice is yours to make and that each of you makes a decision that brings you great happiness. CM</p>

<p>Bria,</p>

<p>Are you also applying for a NROTC scholarship? If so, I just want to remind you of some upcoming deadlines. Thursday, December 30 is the deadline to get SAT/ACT test scores to NROTC. Send them TODAY if you haven’t already sent them. January 31 is the deadline to submit your application. For more information call Chief Gary Church at (619)524-6703. You sound like a smart girl. Good luck and keep in touch with your BGO.</p>

<p>candidatemom, We were touched by your remark about your mid proudly wearing his uniform to church and back to his high school. Sounds like you did a fine job raising him, and he’s a good role model for his younger brother.</p>

Why I want to attend the Naval Academy Essay

bakhadeer 6 / 20   Apr 10, 2014   #2 excellent. remarkable essay) sure, you will be accepted if you do what said above) wish you luck

Pahan 1 / 1850   Apr 11, 2014   #3 "a United States Marine Corps Officer whom graduated from the United States Naval Academy." I switched schools when I was in the ninth grade to join my rival school's JROTC program to pursue my Naval Academy future. dream There I fell in love with the discipline, honor, integrity, courage, commitment, and respect that the program provided. I was fascinated by the discipline,honor, integrity, courage, commitment, and respect that this program provided. Also that same year the school board was looking to cut programs due to a shortage in the budget. This sentence tends to break your flow. I feel it should have come earlier in this para.

dumi 1 / 6850   Apr 11, 2014   #4 Since I was young I have felt the overwhelming urge to serve. ... serve what? who? Need to specify; Since I was young I have felt the overwhelming urge to serve. I come from a family dedicated to serve our nation; my late grandfather proudly served thirty years in the U.S. Navy and my father has served thirty-two years in law enforcement. Since I was young I found my overwhelming urge to serve my nation. My family background may have inspired this desire because both my grandfather (served the US Navy for thirty years) and father (served thirty two years in law enforcement) both took pride in their long services at the US Navy.

Discipulus96 1 / 2   Apr 21, 2014   #5 Here are four ways to improve your essay: - Transitions - Your essay is lacking sufficient transitions between sentences and paragraphs. Add some! - Grammar - You've misplaced a few commas, and "lets" should be "let's" (contraction of "let us"). Fix these. - Sentence Structure - Your essay's sentence structure is relatively weak. Mix things up by adding some semi-colons, colons, and conjunctions. - Verbs - Strong verbs empower an essay; weak verbs make essays boring. (Look at the previous sentence: the first half uses a powerful verb, "empower," while the latter half uses "make," a relatively weak verb.) Remove the "it is" and "they are"s, and fill your essay with meaningful verbs.

2024 Leadership Essay Contest

Supported by drs. jack and jennifer london charitable foundation, the challenge.

The Leadership Essay Contest focuses on the roles of leadership and character in the U.S. Sea Services from the perspective of tomorrow's leaders. Junior officers (LCDR/Major and below) from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard are eligible to participate.

Submission Guidelines

• Essays must be no more than 2,000 words maximum (excludes endnotes/resources).
• Include word count on title page of essay , but do not include author name(s) on title page or within the essay.
• Essays are judged in the blind.
• Submit essay as a Word document at www.usni.org/leadershipessay by 30 November 2024 .
• Essay must be original and not previously published (online or in print) or being considered for publication elsewhere. 

First Prize: $5,000

Second Prize: $2,500

Third Prize: $1,500

Selection Process

The  Proceedings  staff members will evaluate every essay and screen the top essays to a special Essay Selection Committee of at least six members who will include two members of the Naval Institute’s Editorial Board and four subject matter experts.

Announcement of the Winners

Winners will be published in a future issue of Proceedings .

Submit your Essay

Previous winners, 2022 leadership essay contest sponsored by dr. jennifer london in honor of dr. jack london, 2021 leadership essay contest sponsored by dr. j. phillip london, 2020 leadership essay contest sponsored by dr. j. phillip london and caci international, 2019 leadership essay contest sponsored by dr. j. phillip london and caci international, 2018 leadership essay contest a u.s. naval institute program in partnership with dr. j. phillip london and caci international, 2017 leadership essay contest a u.s. naval institute program in partnership with dr. j. phillip london and caci international, 2016 leadership essay contest a u.s. naval institute program in partnership with dr. j. phillip london and caci international, 2015 leadership essay contest a u.s. naval institute program in partnership with dr. j. phillip london and caci international, 2014 leadership essay contest a u.s. naval institute program in partnership with dr. j. phillip london and caci international, 2013 leadership essay contest a u.s. naval institute program in partnership with dr. j. phillip london and caci international, 2005 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 2004 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 2003 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 2002 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 2001 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 2000 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1999 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1998 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1997 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1996 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1995 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1994 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1993 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1992 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1991 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1990 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1989 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1988 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1987 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1986 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1985 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1984 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1983 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1982 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1981 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1980 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1979 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1978 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1977 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1976 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, 1975 vincent astor memorial leadership essay contest, receive the newsletter.

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