Go Navy, Beat Army: My Week at USNA Summer Seminar

Before entering the Naval Academy gates, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what the U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar would be like: rigorous workouts, military drills, and a glimpse into life as a midshipman. But nothing could have prepared me for how much I would learn about myself and the U.S. Navy in just one week.

The Naval Academy campus felt like stepping into a world where tradition and discipline reigned supreme. The historic gray stone buildings, the perfectly trimmed lawns, and the crisp, disciplined presence of the midshipmen in their summer whites were all at once intimidating and inspiring. The initial registration and briefing gave me a sense of structure and pride. Upon checking in, I was immediately directed to Bancroft Hall, the largest continuous dormitory in the world, and then to a period of physical education.

That first night, I met other young people like me, all of them were ambitious, driven, some with military families, others just curious about military life. Over dinner, we learned about different calls and the structure for the next week. We ended our night with squad time, where we were split into squadrons of six led by midshipmen. Nervous anticipation over the Candidate Fitness Assessment the following morning filled us.

The Physical Challenges

The physical training sessions were some of the toughest I had ever faced. We started off with the Candidate Fitness Assessment, a fitness assessment that all Naval Academy candidates take in order to gain admission into the academy. While difficult and long, my squadron cheered each other on as we tackled different stations and trials. For the following days, we had PEP at around 5am in the morning. PEP was our morning fitness session, lasting about an hour and full of different exercises, from pushups, situps, running around the football field, and other calisthenics.

With the Annapolis sunrise, we kickstarted our day, and I always left PEP feeling really refreshed and awake. Beyond these structured sessions, there were several intramural periods for exercise. Other candidates went on runs, played pickleball, basketball, football, soccer, and volleyball.

Leadership and Camaraderie in Action

Throughout the Seminar, we experienced various leadership and teamwork scenarios.

We learned about military drill and were instructed to work in squadrons or platoons to perform various drill sequences. These were really difficult, as we had to work in large groups with many of us not having performed drill sequences before. This eventually culminated in a drill competition at the end of the week.

Through my leadership seminars, the Travis Manion Presentation, and what our midshipmen leaders taught us, I learned quickly that leadership was not about commanding loudly or making snap decisions, but leadership was about listening, gathering input, and taking responsibility for both success and failure. It was humbling but definitely empowering. I began to see leadership as a form of service, where the goal is to lift others and work toward a common purpose.

Academic and Military Training: A Blend of Mind and Body

The Summer Seminar wasn’t just physical; it was a rigorous academic experience as well. I attended lectures on physics, ethics, and military history, ensuring that officers have not just brawn but brains and character. I was fascinated by Naval heroes of 20th century wars and the complex technologies that keep the fleet operational.

One lecture on ethics resonated deeply with me. We discussed the importance of integrity in leadership and the moral dilemmas that officers might face. It sparked reflection about my own values and how I want to lead in the future, not just in the military but in any path I take.

While there were six different classes I took, there were 25 classes we could mix and match from, and we were asked to indicate our class preferences when we initially applied.

Candidate Community

Perhaps the most unexpected part of the Seminar was the bonds I formed. We came from all over the country, with different backgrounds and stories, but shared a commitment to excellence. Late-night conversations about our goals, struggles, and hopes brought us close quickly.

Living in the dorms together, sharing meals, and working and struggling as teams fostered a sense of belonging. I realized that part of what makes the Naval Academy special isn’t just its traditions or training, but the people who become your family during your time there. I still keep in touch with many of my friends I met at Summer Seminar.

Reflection: How the Seminar Changed Me

By the end of the week, I was exhausted, but I had learned a lot. I gained confidence in my physical abilities (you can always do one more rep!), sharpened my leadership skills, and deepened my understanding of what it means to serve with honor and commitment. The Seminar showed me that I am capable of so much more than I thought I could do.

It also gave me clarity about my future. The values I witnessed and embraced, the discipline, respect, and dedication, are ones I want to carry forward, whether I choose to pursue a career in the military or any other path. The experience taught me that growth comes from pushing beyond comfort zones and embracing challenges with an open mind.

Applying Processes

Applying to the US Naval Academy Summer Seminar wasn’t overly complicated, but it did require some planning. I submitted my application online in January, which included basic personal info, my high school transcript, my GPA, test scores if I had them, and similar materials. There was also a short statement about why I wanted to attend. No letters of recommendation were required, which made it easier than I expected.

I found out I was accepted in early March, much to my relief! Summer Seminar uses rolling admissions, but I would encourage you to apply as early as possible. The Summer Seminar Application also serves as your preliminary application to the Naval Academy, which is helpful if you plan on applying later.

Why I’d Recommend Summer Seminar to Future Applicants

If you're even thinking about applying to the Naval Academy or if you're interested in the Navy at all, I can’t recommend the Summer Seminar enough. This program isn’t just a random camp or a leadership seminar; it’s a full-on preview of life as a midshipman. You get a taste of the physical challenges, the academic rigor, and most importantly, the culture of teamwork and service that defines the Academy.

One of the best parts of the week was how much real admissions support we received. The Academy didn’t just tell us “good luck with your application”—they broke us up by geographic region and gave us targeted presentations on how to stand out, who our regional admissions counselors were, and what the full application timeline looked like. They even walked us through tips on nominations, CFA (Candidate Fitness Assessment) prep, and how to build a strong personal statement. Our midshipmen worked with us to personally work through concerns and detail their own experiences, additionally giving us another letter of recommendation for your application file. I walked away from those sessions feeling so much more confident about the process and informed than I was before.

Best of luck to anyone applying for Summer Seminar! The best week of your life awaits! Go Navy, Beat Army!