Frequently Asked Questions


What is the difference between a nomination and an appointment?

A nomination is required in order to receive an appointment. All students can apply to their congressman, senators, and the Vice President for a nomination. Alternative nomination sources are also available. Applying for a nomination is a separate process from applying to the Naval Academy. All nominating sources officially notify the Naval Academy of their nominees by the end of January. Students should apply to all the nomination sources for which they are eligible. Appointments are invitations to attend the Naval Academy. In a typical year, approximately 4,000 candidates receive nominations. However, only 1,500 appointments will be given out. In other words, obtaining a nomination in no way guarantees that a candidate will receive an appointment. You will be notified of your appointment status by the middle of April.

back to top

Do I have to know my congressman to obtain a nomination?

Absolutely not. Nominations are given on a competitive basis.

back to top

How do I know if I'm eligible to apply to the Naval Academy?

You must be:

  • at least 17 years of age and must not have passed your 23rd birthday on July 1st of the year of admission;
  • unmarried, not pregnant and have no incurred obligations of parenthood;
  • a United States citizen (except for the limited quotas of international midshipmen specifically authorized by Congress); and
  • of good moral character.


back to top

Are there any other qualifications necessary?

You must:

  • be found scholastically qualified by the Admissions Board;
  • be medically qualified;
  • pass the Naval Academy's Physical Aptitude Examination (same for all the service academies); and
  • receive an official nomination from one of many sources available


back to top

What courses should I take to make myself competitive for admission?

To improve your chances of qualifying scholastically, your high school preparation should include the following:

  • mathematics-four years of mathematics courses, including a strong foundation in geometry, algebra, and trigonometry. Courses in pre-calculus and calculus are also very valuable and are highly encouraged.
  • science-one year each of chemistry and physics, with lab if possible.
  • English-four years of course work with special attention to the study and practice of effective writing. Surveys of English and American literature are especially helpful as background for future study of literature.
To further enhance your competitiveness for admission, the following courses are also recommended:
  • 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 are recommended because all midshipmen are required to use personal computers in most courses.

back to top

What Grade Point Average do I need to get an appointment?

There is no specific GPA minimum. However, you should strive to be at least in the top 20 percent of your high school class.

back to top

Do you take the strength of my high school into consideration? If so, how?

Yes. We look at how many graduates of your high school go on to four-year and two-year colleges and universities.

back to top

Do you accept transfer students?

Yes and no. We do accept students from other colleges as long as they meet our age requirements, but they still have to attend the Academy for four years.

back to top

I'm home-schooled. Can I still get an appointment?

Yes. Home-schooled students make up an increasing number of applicants for admission to the Naval Academy each year. Each applicant is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, but we generally look for the same academic prerequisites as traditional high school applicants. Additionally, you should let us know if your schooling is recognized by the local school board or the State Board of Education. In addition to qualifying academically for admission, home-schooled applicants should also demonstrate participation in local extracurricular activities, both athletic and non-athletic.

back to top

What is NAPS?

NAPS is the Naval Academy Preparatory School. NAPS offers a 10-month college preparatory course to regular and reserve Navy and Marine Corps enlisted men and women who are seeking Naval Academy appointments. This program is designed to strengthen the academic background of incoming candidates. Navy and Marine Corps personnel who apply but are not appointed to the Naval Academy are automatically considered for admission to NAPS. The Academy also identifies a number of promising and highly motivated civilian candidates who are not successful on their first attempt at admission and offers them the opportunity to enlist in the Naval Reserve for the express purpose of attending NAPS to prepare for admission to the Naval Academy. A separate application for NAPS is not necessary. NAPS website can be found here.

back to top

What is the Foundation?

The U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, Inc., also assists promising candidates who are not appointed in their first try for admission. This nonprofit organization awards a limited number of sponsorships for post-high school preparatory studies to enhance those candidates' qualifications for admission. The Naval Academy's admissions board automatically recommends candidates to the Foundation for sponsorship consideration. No special request is required.

back to top

I am not a U.S. citizen and am interested in applying to the Naval Academy. What do I do?

If you are not an American citizen, completion of the Preliminary Application is not necessary. Information concerning application procedures for foreign nationals may be requested from the Naval Attache at the U.S. Embassy. If you are in the process of applying for citizenship, you can apply for admission but you must be a U.S. citizen by Induction Day.

back to top

Can I get corrective eye surgery prior to entering the Naval Academy? Will this enable me to fly?

All forms of surgical, laser, and mechanical procedures performed to improve vision are disqualifying for admission. Extremely few waivers have been granted for students who have received this type of medical treatment. In general, it is prudent to delay all refractive surgery procedures until after the progression of nearsightedness associated with growth in eye size has ceased (beyond age 21 for many people). However, the Naval Academy is currently allowing some midshipmen to receive PRK in order to be considered for a waiver to enter Special Warfare (SEALs) and Naval Aviation.>

back to top

Should I take the Writing portion of the ACT?

ACT will add a 30-minute Writing Test as an optional component to the ACT Assessment beginning in February 2005 for students testing within the United States who are applying to college for the fall of 2006 or later.  USNA Admissions recommends that all students taking the ACT also take the Writing Test and submit scores.

back to top

Will pre-Writing Test SATs and ACTs be used by the Naval Academy?

SAT results from tests prior to March 2005 and ACT results from tests prior to February 2005 will be used by the Naval Academy, and no conversion of scores is necessary due to compatibility of old and new scoring systems.

back to top

Back to top