by Seaman Recruit Matthew Ebarb, USN
From the fleet to “The Yard”
Prior Enlisted Sailors Bring Fleet Experience to the Naval Academy
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ach June, approximately 1,200 young men and women report to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., hoping to succeed in one of the country’s most challenging academic environments. This year, over 90 of those incoming midshipmen already have an idea what they’re getting into, because they come from the fleet as prior enlisted Sailors and Marines. The Academy produces between 900 and 1,000 ensigns and second lieutenants every year. Making it to that top tier is a long and challenging road, specifically designed to weed out those who aren’t truly dedicated and committed. The United States Naval Academy’s selection process is very stringent. More than 11,000 prospective midshipmen apply each year. Of that number, only about 4,000 receive official nominations. For enlisted applicants, an official nomination can come from the Secretary of the Navy. A sample request form can be found in OPNAV Instruction 1420.1. Of those initial 4,000 nominations, approximately 1,800 applicants are deemed to be scholastically, medically, and physically qualified candidates. Approximately
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1,500 are given offers of admission, with roughly 1,200 accepting an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. Senior Chief Petty Officer (SW) Ephriam Maxwell is assigned to the admissions department at the Naval Academy. He serves as the designated point of contact for enlisted Sailors navigating the application process. “The main things we look at are your transcripts, military service, and your commanding officer’s recommendation,” Maxwell explained. “We want the top performers, people who have been recognized for something like Sailor or Junior Sailor of the Quarter. People in leadership positions, especially in combat, have an edge.” The average midshipman tends to be from the top 20 percent of his or her high school graduating class. Standardized Academic Test (SAT) scores must be above 500 in critical reading and 550 in math with a combined score of at least 1050. Candidates who took the Academic Comprehension Test (ACT) must yield a composite score of 22 in English and 24 in mathematics. The results for either the SAT or ACT must not be more than two years old, or a retest will be required.
However, if an applicant decides to retake either test to improve his or her score, the higher of the two scores will be counted. A curriculum featuring mathematics, English, chemistry, physics, history, and foreign language is strongly recommended. This background helps prepare candidates for the Academy’s heavy concentration in math and science. If an otherwise promising candidate falls a bit short of the academic requirements, they may be offered a seat at the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS). NAPS is a year-long academic program that helps candidates strengthen their skills in the core curriculum areas of chemistry, physics, English, and calculus. The admissions board also looks at demonstrated leadership at present and past commands; top 20 percent performers in their respective “A” schools or “C” schools are encouraged to apply. “Say you have a 90 percent or above in your respective ‘A’ school, especially in the top ten ranked graduates of Nuclear Power School – that makes you really competitive as a candidate,” said Maxwell. “The most common misconception among prior service applicants is that you have to have
