Think about what you want to do following graduation. If your answer is anything other than to serve as a leader in the Navy or Marine Corps, the Naval Academy is probably not for you. The Naval Academy immerses its students in the Navy. The virtues of duty and service are at the forefront of its mission.
Learn what it means to be an officer in the Navy or Marine Corps and find out what career opportunities exist.
Visit the Naval Academy. Stay overnight in Bancroft Hall, the dormitory that houses all 4,000 mid-shipmen. Watch the interaction of the mid-shipmen and see what their daily life entails. Tour the town of Annapolis and see what mid-shipmen do in their off time.
Decide if you want a rigorous academic education. The academics at the Naval Academy are challenging and the time demands placed on mid-shipmen intensify them. All mid-shipmen receive a bachelor of science degree regardless of major.
Get in shape physically. Mid-shipmen should enjoy physical activity as it plays a vital role in the day-to-day activity of mid-shipmen and will continue to do so in the fleet.
Talk to current mid-shipmen. Listen to their stories about life as mid-shipmen. Find out how they deal with the challenges of the Naval Academy.
Be ready for rules. The daily routine is very structured.