<p>I'm a freshman in college now. What can I say other than I didn't care about trying too hard in high school or even consdering where I would end up until senior year. I have only recently realized how much I think I would like the Naval Academy. Is it too late now? I basically know nothing about the processes required (physical tests, recommendations) but I am willing to try. I mean I haven't even done ROTC which I would think is almost a requirement if it isn't already. Do I still have time this year to try and apply, or even next year when I'll be a sophomore? I guess I would just like to know if this has ever happened or honestly could happen.</p>
<p>Yes, it can be done. As a BGO, I helped a young woman enter USNA last year who, at the time, had completed three years of college. She was somewhat in your shoes -- it was a tough road but she did it and is now a third class (sophomore) at USNA.</p>
<p>Whether it's too late this year to apply? Technically, no. However, you need to consider what courses you've taken in college and what grades you've earned. It MAY (I emphasize MAY) make sense for you to sit out another year if you need to improve those grades and/or take the hard cord science/math courses that USNA expects. </p>
<p>Understand, however, that if you are successful in your goal, you would start at USNA as a plebe (freshman) and would be required to do four years there. You would probably get credit for some (not all) of your college courses. </p>
<p>Your best bet is to find out who your Blue & Gold Officer is. You can obtain this information from the Candidate Guidance Office and/or on-line (you find your Area Coordinator based on your state or region and he/she will know who your BGO is). That person can best counsel you on what's best for YOU.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>My son recently met a former Marine that is currently a Mid at the academy, a member of the class of 2011; he went through basic and became a Marine, was deployed and returned from Iraq, applied to and attended the Citadel for one year and went through "Knob" year there, applied to the academy and ended up going from the Citadel to NAPS, and finally this summer entered the place he hoped to attend all along. If you want to count basic, he had to endure the equivalent of 4 "plebe years" to reach his goal. This young man's pursuit of his dream should be both an example and an inspiration for all. So to answer your question more directly; you can get there if you try. Educate yourself about the program, ask lot's of questions and do well as a freshman and you will have a shot.</p>