Ready to attend the Naval Academy. 15 Must-Know Prep School Tips

Ready to attend the Naval Academy. 15 Must-Know Prep School Tips

Choosing Between the Naval Academy Preparatory School and NROTC

For many high school students interested in attending the prestigious Naval Academy, a key decision is whether to enroll in the Naval Academy Preparatory School or join the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program. While both provide pathways to Annapolis, there are some key differences between the prep school and NROTC worth considering.

The Naval Academy Preparatory School, nicknamed “NAPS,” is an intensive 10-month program located in Newport, Rhode Island. It’s designed to give students an extra year to focus on academics, athletics, and military training to boost their chances of gaining admission to the Naval Academy. The curriculum mirrors that of the Academy, with classes in math, science, English, history, and military indoctrination.

NROTC, on the other hand, allows students to start their officer training while attending a regular four-year college or university. There are over 150 NROTC units affiliated with colleges across the country. Students take naval science courses and participate in drills in addition to their regular studies. NROTC midshipmen also attend summer training cruises after their freshman and junior years.

So what are some of the key factors to weigh when deciding between NAPS and NROTC?

Academic Preparation

The Naval Academy has very high academic standards, with acceptance rates typically around 9%. Many students choose to do the prep school to get their grades and test scores up to a more competitive level. NAPS offers small class sizes, focused instruction, and tutoring support to help students master the math, science, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for the Academy.

In NROTC, you still need strong academics to be accepted to a top-tier university and stay competitive for a commission. But you won’t receive the same intensive academic preparation as at NAPS. If your grades and test scores are already within or above the Academy’s profile, NROTC could be a good option.

Athletic Development

NAPS places heavy emphasis on sports and fitness along with academics. Students have daily military, strength, cardio, and swim training along with competitive sports like boxing, wrestling, and track. The rigorous athletic routine keeps students conditioned for the physical demands of the Naval Academy.

In NROTC, there are fitness standards you must meet, but the physical training is less intensive than NAPS. You will have greater flexibility to pursue varsity, club, or intramural sports through your university.

Military Environment

The NAPS program fully immerses students in military life and discipline. Students live in Bancroft Hall dormitory under strict supervision. The military structure and customs are designed to prepare students for success at the Academy.

NROTC allows you to ease into military training while living a typical college lifestyle. You’ll attend naval science classes and drills during the week, but have more personal freedom than NAPS students.

Cost and Commitment

NAPS is fully funded by the Navy, so students attend tuition-free. There is no obligation to commit to military service after completion. However, most NAPS grads pursue appointments to the Naval Academy or enlist in the Navy or Marines.

With NROTC, you must compete nationally for a scholarship. If awarded, the Navy pays tuition, fees, books, and a monthly stipend. There is a service commitment after college associated with accepting the scholarship.

location

NAPS requires spending an intensive 10 months away at the Rhode Island campus. Students only return home for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

In NROTC, you stay closer to home and can attend a university of your choice. This allows for a more traditional college experience near family and friends.

Career Pathways

Both NAPS and NROTC graduates have the opportunity to become Naval officers. NAPS grads who gain appointment but fail to graduate from Annapolis often transition successfully into NROTC programs.

NROTC midshipmen who don’t go to the Naval Academy can earn commissions through Officer Candidate School or via direct commissioning programs.

So there are diverse career paths available regardless of which route you take.

Weighing these key factors can help determine if the intense preparatory focus of NAPS or the more independent nature of NROTC aligns best with your academic and professional goals. Visit each program’s website, speak with your high school guidance counselor, and connect with recent graduates to get further insight. While the road to Annapolis takes commitment either way, understanding these core differences allows you to make the optimal choice.

Understand the Naval Academy Application Process

Gaining appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis is a highly competitive endeavor, with only about 9% of applicants admitted each year. Understanding the key steps in the Naval Academy application process allows you to craft the strongest possible candidate profile.

The journey begins in early spring of your junior year by requesting a precandidate questionnaire from your local Naval Academy Information Office. This form provides basic biographical and academic data needed to begin your file. Returning the questionnaire promptly keeps you on track for upcoming milestones.

In the summer before senior year, you must register online and complete the full Naval Academy candidate kit. This detailed application focuses on academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, and essays where you demonstrate your motivation to attend. Input from teachers, counselors, and officials provides supporting materials highlighting your distinguished achievements.

A critical component is securing a nomination, usually from your U.S. Representative or Senator. The academy accepts up to 10 nominations per congressperson. You’ll also need a recommendation from the Naval Academy Information Office covering your geographic region. Don’t wait – build relationships with these key nominators early.

As acceptance nears in the spring, you’ll be scheduled for a medical examination and a fitness assessment measuring strength, endurance and agility. Your final step is an intensive interview evaluating readiness to meet the Academy’s high personal, academic and professional standards.

Following acceptance, you’re required to attend an orientation program introducing plebe summer training. This Admissions Visitation Program helps transition you into the military lifestyle.

While competitive, understanding the full Naval Academy admissions roadmap allows you to chart a course to success. Here are some tips to stay on track:

• Aim high academically, taking honors/AP courses in core subjects
• Pursue meaningful leadership roles in school clubs and sports teams
• Volunteer in your community to demonstrate commitment to service
• Contact your U.S. Representatives and Senators early and often
• Visit the Academy for an immersive experience you can convey at interview

Staying organized, meeting deadlines, and presenting your best self throughout the admissions process allows your talents and motivation to shine. With diligent preparation, you can greatly improve your chances of passing through the door to an Annapolis education and commission as a naval officer.

Focus on Academic Performance in High School

Students aiming for the Naval Academy Preparatory School or Naval Academy need to kick their academics into high gear starting freshman year of high school. Admissions to these top-tier programs is highly selective, with successful candidates typically in the top 10% of their class and scoring 1300+ on the SAT or 28+ on the ACT.

Here are some tips to shine academically and boost your competitiveness:

• Enroll in honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses whenever possible. Seek out the most challenging curricula your school offers.
• Excel in math and science classes like calculus, physics, chemistry, and biology. These fields are vital for future naval officers.
• Take courses that strengthen English, reading comprehension, and writing skills. Strong communication abilities are a must.
• Learn a foreign language. Proficiency reflects intellectual ability and world cultural knowledge.
• Develop effective study habits like consistent review, forming study groups, and utilizing tutoring. Cramming won’t cut it.
• Strive for mostly A’s with a few B’s in rigorous courses. All C’s or lower can disqualify your application.
• Score high on the SAT or ACT standardized tests. Meet with a tutor or prep instructor to maximize scores.

Pursuing a highly competitive academic track requires sacrifices like giving up free time and social activities. But the long-term payoff can set you up for acceptance to the prep school or Naval Academy.

Here are some key academic benchmarks to aim for:

• 9th Grade – 3.7+ GPA; enroll in honors courses
• 10th Grade – 3.8+ GPA; take geometry and Algebra II
• 11th Grade – 4.0+ GPA; take pre-calculus and physics
• 12th Grade – 4.0+ GPA; take calculus and chemistry

Earning top grades in an advanced curriculum demonstrates you can handle the prep school’s and Naval Academy’s academic rigors. Consistent hard work and perseverance both in and out of the classroom will help set you on a course for success.

Get Familiar with the Naval Academy Physical Fitness Assessment

The Naval Academy Preparatory School and Naval Academy require midshipman candidates to meet strict physical fitness standards. Familiarizing yourself with the Naval Academy’s unique Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) can help you build the athletic skills and endurance needed to excel.

Unlike regular fitness tests measuring pushups, situps, and running, the PFA focuses on functional exercises that strengthen muscles critical for military duties. The rigorous 45-minute test consists of five elements:

• Basketball throw – tests upper body explosiveness to simulate lifting and throwing ammunition.
• Pull ups – build arm and back strength for climbing and maneuvering obstacles.
• Modified sit-reach – measures flexibility important for tasks like damage control.
• Pushups – assess endurance essential for extended ground combat.
• 1.5 mile run – evaluates aerobic capacity critical in battle conditions.

Scoring is based on performance standards graded from “outstanding” to “poor.” To be competitive, you’ll want to aim for an “excellent” or at minimum a “good” overall ranking.

Here are some tips to start getting in PFA shape:

• Use free weights to improve basketball throw power and distance.
• Perform assisted and negative pull ups to build toward completing the minimum 5 reps.
• Stretch regularly and work on hip and back flexibility through yoga or Pilates.
• Include pushup ladders andChest, triceps, and shoulder strength boost pushup endurance.
• Run 1.5 miles several times per week, then extend distances to improve speed.

With intense daily training, NAPS students reach top PFA performance. But getting familiar with the unique test now allows you to target the specific functional strength and endurance it requires. Making the PFA a regular part of your workout routine will prep you for the rigors of the Naval Academy.

Participate in Extracurricular Activities to Build Leadership Skills

Admissions officers at the Naval Academy Prep School and Naval Academy look for applicants who demonstrate strong leadership potential. Getting involved in extracurricular activities and taking on leadership roles allows you to highlight valuable skills.

Pursuing activities that showcase responsibility, teamwork, and people skills can give your application a competitive boost. Here are some impactful extracurricular options to consider:

• Student Government: Serve on student council or run for class president or vice president.
• Clubs: Join the debate team, school newspaper, or academic teams like math club or robotics.
• Performing Arts: Participate in band, orchestra, chorus, drama, or dance productions.
• Athletics: Join sports teams and aim for captain positions.
• Community Service: Lead drives, volunteer projects, or awareness campaigns.

Taking on leadership doesn’t always mean being “in charge” with a formal title. Demonstrating initiative to start new programs, motivate peers, and achieve team goals also highlights leadership capabilities admissions officers seek.

For example, you could:

• Propose and organize a new intramural sport or club.
• Start a peer tutoring program to aid struggling students.
• Launch a recycling initiative to reduce waste at school.
• Coordinate a holiday care package drive for deployed military members.
• Rally your team after losses and recognize achievements.

Pursuing meaningful activities alongside your academics and fitness regimen takes commitment and time management skills. But emphasizing leadership will strengthen your Naval Academy Prep School or Naval Academy application immensely.

Consider Taking SAT/ACT Prep Courses

To be a competitive candidate for the Naval Academy Prep School and Naval Academy, you’ll need to excel on the SAT or ACT standardized tests. Investing in prep courses can help maximize your scores.

Applicants with SAT scores of 1300+ or ACT scores of 28+ stand out. Prep courses teach strategies to master every section and question type on these make-or-break exams.

Here are some benefits of test prep:

• Learn effective approaches for pacing yourself and managing time constraints.
• Review key content areas like algebra, geometry, trigonometry, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
• Gain experience taking full-length practice tests under realistic conditions.
• Receive feedback from instructors on strengths, weaknesses, and score improvement tactics.
• Boost confidence by removing the fear of the unknown about the SAT or ACT format.

You can choose from live or online classes, private or small group settings, and length options ranging from a few weeks to a few months. Look for prep courses that provide:

• Content aligned closely with the actual SAT or ACT
• Practice with real questions from previous tests
• Opportunities to take multiple full-length practice exams
• Detailed score reporting and analysis
• Flexible schedule options to fit your academic and extracurricular commitments

With diligent preparation, score increases of 100+ points on the SAT or 3-5 points on the ACT are attainable. This can catapult you into the score range needed to achieve your Naval Academy Prep School or Academy goals.

Obtain Letters of Recommendation Early

Strong letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, coaches, and community leaders provide crucial third-party validation of your Naval Academy Prep School or Naval Academy candidacy. Begin requesting letters early to give your recommenders plenty of time.

Here are some tips for securing compelling recommendation letters:

• Build strong relationships with teachers, counselors, and mentors throughout high school by actively participating in class, seeking extra help when needed, and demonstrating positive attitudes.
• Choose recommenders who know you well enough to provide detailed examples of your academic abilities, leadership, character, and potential.
• Discuss your Naval Academy Prep School or Naval Academy goals with potential recommenders and confirm they feel positive about endorsing your candidacy.
• Provide your recommenders with your resume, academic transcripts, and any major accomplishments or awards.
• Give recommenders at least one month and preferably longer to prepare thoughtful letters.
• Follow up politely with recommenders as deadlines approach to ensure letters will be submitted on time.

With an acceptance rate around 9%, every element of your Naval Academy application carries weight. Glowing, enthusiastic recommendation letters from respected individuals in your school and community make a strong impression on admissions officers.

Taking time to cultivate genuine, meaningful relationships with teachers and mentors throughout high school pays dividends when you request letters demonstrating your preparation and fit for the prep school or Naval Academy.

Take the recommendation letter process seriously, and this component can become a valuable advantage in your application rather than just another box to check.

Visit the Naval Academy and Prep Schools

Seeing the Naval Academy Preparatory School and Naval Academy firsthand allows you to gain invaluable insights into daily military life and demonstrate your sincere interest.

Take advantage of opportunities to visit the prep school campus in Newport, RI and the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Here are some tips to get the most from your visits:

• Attend the NAPS or Academy summer seminar programs for an immersive on-campus experience.
• Schedule a weekend visit during the academic year to sit in on classes and stay in a midshipman dorm.
• Take a formal tour to view academic, athletic, and training facilities.
• Meet with admissions officers and ask specific questions about qualifications and competitiveness.
• Talk with midshipmen about day-to-day activities, challenges, and advantages of the prep school and Academy lifestyles.
• Visualize yourself thriving in the environment to strengthen your motivation.

As you navigate the admissions process, highlight these visits in your application essays and interviews. Share insights like:

• How the discipline and community you observed will help you grow.
• Specific facilities or programs that excite you.
• Conversations with midshipmen that inspired you.
• Moments you could picture your future self succeeding there.

Making the effort to engage directly with the prep school and Naval Academy builds your knowledge and demonstrates sincere interest. Visits provide valuable context to stand out from candidates who just view brochures or websites.

Learn About the Naval Academy Honor Code

The Naval Academy Prep School and Naval Academy uphold a strict honor code that guides behavior and ethical standards. Learning the code now will help you adapt more smoothly if admitted.

The Naval Academy Honor Code states simply:

Violating the code results in harsh discipline, including potential expulsion. But the code’s true power lies in peer enforcement – midshipmen must confront or report others who lie, cheat, or steal.

This means you will undergo intense ethical scrutiny each day from classmates. You must take full responsibility for even inadvertent infractions that could breach the code’s ideals of honesty and integrity.

To prepare, reflect deeply on what honor and integrity mean to you. Be ready to:

• Abide by the code with sincerity, even when inconvenient or difficult
• Make daily choices guided by honesty, respect, and fairness
• Hold peers accountable who rationalize unethical behavior
• Admit mistakes readily and counsel peers to do the same

The Naval Academy aims to graduate officers of impeccable character. Adopting the honor code’s high principles now demonstrates your readiness for this responsibility.

Talk to Recent Prep School Graduates

Connecting with recent Naval Academy Prep School graduates can provide invaluable insights about optimizing your experience and improving your chances of appointment to Annapolis.

Try to identify and reach out to NAPS grads in your area or school. Here are some great questions to ask:

• Why did you choose NAPS over other prep school or ROTC options?
• What were your biggest academic, athletic, and lifestyle adjustments?
• What classes or training most helped prepare you for the Naval Academy?
• What key advice do you have for excelling at NAPS?
• How did your NAPS experience improve your leadership skills and officer preparation?
• What lessons or memories do you most value from your NAPS year?

Recent graduates can provide candid insights you may not hear on official tours or in brochures. Listen for advice on topics like:

• Balancing the intense military, academic, and athletic schedules
• Adapting rapidly to a highly regimented lifestyle
• Studying efficiently and exceeding academic expectations
• Embracing physical training to meet or exceed fitness standards
• Developing strong peer-to-peer support and teamwork skills

Learning from NAPS grads’ knowledge and experiences helps set accurate expectations and prepare mentally. Taking their lessons to heart better equips you to make the most of the prep school opportunity.

Manage Your Time Wisely to Balance Academics and Athletics

At the Naval Academy Prep School, your day starts before dawn with military training, continues through intense academic classes, and then shifts focus to competitive sports practice. Learning to maximize each minute is crucial.

With little free time between obligations, time management skills become vital. Tips to make the most of your demanding schedule include:

• Utilize every possible minute for studying or homework between classes and at meals.
• Stay focused and avoid distractions during self-study periods in the evening.
• Develop quick but effective daily routines for cleaning, grooming and preparing for the next day.
• Limit leisure time to essential stress relief like reading or listening to music.
• Perfect quick changes to transition promptly from academics to athletics.
• Catch up on sleep whenever a free hour becomes available.

Setting clear priorities will help guide your time allotment where it’s needed most. For example:

1. Academic mastery should come first to excel at the Naval Academy.
2. Fitness is vital for meeting military obligations.
3. Absorbing the military lifestyle and protocols requires attention.
4. Community service and clubs support leadership skills.
5. Relaxation and peer bonding recharge your motivation.

With diligence and practice, it is possible to achieve balance, succeed academically, and build your physical abilities, even within the prep school’s packed schedule. Embracing the demanding agenda prepares you thoroughly for handling everything the Naval Academy will throw at you.

Develop Strong Study Habits for Challenging Coursework

The intense Naval Academy Prep School curriculum of advanced math, science, English, and history requires disciplined, diligent study habits to excel academically.

To meet or surpass expectations, build skills like:

• Active listening – Focus intently during lectures to fully grasp concepts.
• Note taking – Record thorough notes organized in your own shorthand style.
• Daily review – Reinforce learning by reviewing notes and texts nightly.
• Memorization – Utilize mnemonic devices, repetition, and quizzing to commit key info to memory.
• Understanding context – Relate smaller details to the bigger academic picture.
• Collaboration – Form study groups to gain insight from classmates.

Also set up optimal conditions for academic focus like:

• A quiet, organized, minimalist desk and work area.
• A schedule and routine that protects study time.
• Healthy snacks and water to maintain energy.
• Instrumental music playlists to aid concentration.
• Brief breaks for fresh air and exercise as needed.

Bring academic intensity from day one. View learning as your primary duty and top priority. Establishing diligent study habits early on will pay dividends at exam time and equip you for the Naval Academy’s uncompromising curriculum.

Embrace the Military Structure and Discipline

The Naval Academy Prep School environment provides your first full immersion into military life. Embracing the structure and discipline wholeheartedly is key to thriving.

To adapt successfully you must become comfortable with constant oversight and limited personal freedom. Tips include:

• Follow the chain of command without question or excuses.
• Move with a sense of purpose between activities when allowed out of quarters.
• Keep your quarters meticulously inspection-ready at all times.
• Adhere to grooming, uniform, and conduct codes with precision.
• Address officers and upperclassmen with respect.
• Learn protocols until military etiquette becomes second nature.

Viewing rules as helping rather than hindering your growth will improve your outlook. Remember that discipline:

• Builds personal responsibility and accountability
• Teaches attention to detail
• Instills habits of promptness and preparedness
• Strengthens self-control and composure under stress
• Bonds classmates through shared experiences

Bringing energy and eagerness to each military obligation demonstrates commitment. The prep school experience molds cadets into future officers. Embrace the forging process and you will excel.

Build Your Math and Science Skills

The Naval Academy Prep School curriculum emphasizes STEM subjects critical for future naval officers. Building math and science skills now prepares you for the academic challenges ahead.

Excel at every math course available, especially:

• Algebra I and II
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Pre-Calculus
• Calculus

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics

• Practicing math skills on sites like Khan Academy
• Memorizing formulas and key theorems
• Doing practice Naval Academy entrance exams
• Visiting science museums to visualize concepts

Stay Motivated Throughout the Rigorous Prep School Experience

The intense demands of the Naval Academy Prep School will test your commitment and resolve. Maintaining laser focus on your end goal is key to persevering.

Expect challenges like:

• Waking before dawn for military training
• Frequent uniform inspections and quarters checks
• Heavy course loads and demanding professors
• Daily fitness standards to meet or exceed
• Few opportunities for off-campus free time

During the inevitable tough moments, stay motivated by:

• Keeping your dream of attending the Naval Academy front and center
• Visualizing your future self as a naval officer
• Reminding yourself this experience will mold you into a leader
• Embracing the prep school as a stepping stone and rite of passage
• Bonding and commiserating with classmates going through the same challenges

A positive mental approach focused on your goals makes the rigors and sacrifices seem worthwhile. Some tips for maintaining motivation include:

• Writing down and re-reading your short and long term goals
• Charting measurable progress toward key milestones
• Highlighting accomplishments and improvements
• Avoiding negative thinking spirals when you falter
• Reframing setbacks as learning experiences