Marine Academy

The Marine Corps at the United States Naval Academy. Future Marines have the same Academy experience as those who plan on entering the Navy after graduation, but they attend the Corps' Basic School for 26 weeks after graduation to supplement their naval education with training in land navigation, small-unit tactics, weapons, and communications. They enter the Marines as second lieutenants and typically start off as platoon commanders in charge of 35-43 enlisted Marines. The time commitment to the Marines after graduating from the Naval Academy is five years.

Tuition, room and board, and medical and dental insurance are covered for all students, called "midshipmen," at the Academy. The hierarchy of midshipmen is generally structured by class, and first-year students are known as "plebes" rather than freshmen. They go through Plebe Summer before entering, a seven-week ordeal similar to boot camp that is intended to change them from "civilians to midshipmen."

Students at the Naval Academy have a highly regimented lifestyle, with times specified for meals, class, exercise, extra-curricular activities, studying, and sleep. As excellent physical fitness is expected in all midshipmen, everyone is required to participate in. In terms of classes, plebes have their class schedule essentially decided for them, with mandatory courses in calculus, chemistry, U.S. and naval history, naval science, and English/rhetoric. After the first year, students have more choice in their course work, selecting one of 18 majors while fulfilling core requirements in engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. All midshipmen, even humanities majors, graduate with a bachelor's of science degree to reflect the technical training they've completed. Alongside their academic pursuits, students must undergo at-sea training and character education.

Student life at the Academy is governed by a code of conduct called the Honor Concept. It is an agreement among midshipmen based on an idea of doing more than simply abiding by written rules. It encourages fairness and integrity and has no tolerance for lying, cheating, or stealing.

High school students who want to go to the Naval Academy should be sure to have four years of math and English on their transcripts as well as one year each of chemistry and physics, two years of a foreign language, two years of history, and demonstrated computer skills. For the entering class of 2005, 55% scored between 600 and 699 on their SAT verbal, and 58% scored in the same range on their SAT math. Almost all admits rank in the top fifth of their high school class.

Other requirements for admission include a nomination from a student's congressperson, senator, or the vice president of the United States. Though approximately 4,000 nominations are granted each year, only 1,500 students are admitted. Additionally, admits must also be 17-23 years old and unmarried with no dependents.

A preliminary application to the Naval Academy is available online.