Get Started & Prepare Yourself
Coming to the Academy requires making a very large commitment to something that is larger than yourself. You have to question what your motivations are and make sure that it is something that you want. The Academy is not for everyone, and some will be quick to figure this out. Having the right mindset and a positive attitude can take you as far as you want to go and will help you accomplish anything you set out to do.
Before coming to the Academy it is important to know what will be expected of you and understand the level of commitment you are making. Do your best to reach out, talk to current students, officers in the fleet, alumni, and your local Blue and Gold officers.
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What is the best way to prepare for the U.S. Naval Academy?
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What if I am NOT a U.S. citizen?
Each year, there are several opportunities available for certain non-U.S. citizens to attend U.S. service academies. This is based on nation-to-nation agreements, and involves a specialized application procedure. Non-U.S. citizens must contact the U.S. Naval Attache at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in their home country for details. The U.S. Naval Attache will be able to advise you as to whether your home country will be eligible to submit applications of their citizens to the Naval Academy via the U.S. State Department. Application procedures vary as do the service commitments in your own defense force. Service requirements after graduation vary from nation to nation, but in any case, service will NOT take place in the U.S. military.
What if I am a dual-national?
You must decide to apply as either a U.S. citizen or as a non-U.S. citizen. You should also consider the implications of service in the U.S. military as legally viewed by the other nation for which you claim citizenship.
Can I visit the Naval Academy?
Yes. If you want to come for an overnight visit, you may sign up for one of ten candidate visit (CV) weekends conducted throughout the academic year. You may sign up for the weekends starting the last week in August. The visits begin on a Friday morning, conclude at 1100 on Saturday, and provide an opportunity to experience a day of classes and overnight in Bancroft hall with your assigned midshipman. The dates for the weekends are listed here.
If you do not want to spend the night, you can stop by the admissions office and attend one of the briefings during the day. The briefings are offered M-F at 9, 11, 2, and 4 or at 9 and 11 on Saturday. Reservations are not required.
Where is the United States Naval Academy located?
The U.S. Naval Academy's address is 121 Blake Road, Annapolis, MD, 21402-5000.
What should I bring to I-day?
The Academy issues most, if not all, necessities. You will receive a list in your Permit to Report Package specifying a few basic things to bring with you. You will be told to bring a small bag in which to deposit your civilian clothes after you are issued uniforms. This bag is then stored away and returned to you during Plebe Parents’ Weekend in August. In some cases, the items you are told to bring with you end up stored away until that time as well. Count on only being allowed to keep your watch (which should be an inexpensive shock resistant one) and wallet after you are issued your uniforms.
Is there an official report date?
Are you in contact with your blue and gold officer? The report date is specific to your class but is typically at the end of June or start of July.
Is it worth it to buy a laptop for school at NAPS and the Naval Academy?
No, as they will issue you a computer when you get to the Academy. Unless you want a computer for the weekends or something to store your personal music/photos/movies on, then I would not recommend it.
Does one have to be selected to go Marine option at the Naval Academy, or is it the cadet's choice?
You are ultimately selected based upon a preference list you submit your junior year. If you are interested in going Marines, there are certain training events you can take part in during the summer to set yourself up for that option.
How to get your NASS CFA scores sent to another service academy?
If you contact the Academy directly, they will be able to send it to the other Academies.
What types of candidates get offered to the Academy prep school?
People whom the Academy feel are strong candidates. Due to the limited spots this is a way for the Academy to allow people to spend a year at the preparatory school before coming to the Academy. They also send individuals they feel need a refresher on their math and science skills. This is to set people up for success once they reach the Academy.
Does the Naval Academy better my chances of joining the most elite force of America, the Navy SEALs?
The Academy will put you in a great position to become a SEAL Officer. If you would like to go straight to BUDS, then enlisting would be your best option. The difference would be that you would not be going in as an officer.
If your question does not appear in our FAQ list, please Ask USNA Prep Your Question Today! or send an email to contact@usnaprep.com.
You can also visit U.S. Naval Academy’s FAQ page.
Summer Seminar
I'm interested in attending the Naval Academy Summer Seminar. How do I do it?
Please see the Academy's Summer Seminar web page for more information.
How does the application for the junior summer seminar work?
Please visit http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/nass.htm to answer your basic summer seminar questions.
My goal is to be an officer in Naval Intelligence, is that an option coming out of the Academy?
Naval Intelligence is a restricted line position. Academy graduates are typically unrestricted line. If your goal is to become an intelligence officer, the Academy is most likely not the best route.
If your question does not appear in our FAQ list, please Ask USNA Prep Your Question Today! or send an email to contact@usnaprep.com.
You can also visit U.S. Naval Academy’s FAQ page.
