The United States Naval Academy (USNA) hosted the 2015 Summer Seminar program for potential Academy candidates May 30 through June 18.

The seminar, which runs for three separate weeks in the month of June, is a fast-paced, six-day preliminary application experience offered to high school seniors.

Summer Seminar teaches the young students about life at the Naval Academy, where academics, athletics, and military training play equally important roles in developing our nation's leaders.

"It is important for rising seniors to make the most of their summer and explore their future educational opportunities," said Karin Dolan, USNA Admissions. "By attending our Summer Seminar program, the applicants can really see if they enjoy Academy life and make an informed decision on where to apply to, and ultimately attend college."

The Summer Seminar program offers opportunities for seniors to challenge their limits, get outside of their comfort zone, and learn new things about themselves, the military, and the Academy.

"The summer seminar is a really applicable experience of how things work here at the Academy," said Midshipman 3rd Class Matt Tumelty. "Everything the rising seniors experience during their time here, the physical training, military knowledge, and hands-on academics really show what the Academy is all about."

During their stay, students experience all aspects of the Naval Academy including the physical and academic program, and midshipman life. Students receive an overview of Navy and Marine Corps service options throughout the week and during a Sea Trials-inspired activity.

"Each participant has an opportunity to see firsthand what the Academy has to offer through its exceptional academic, athletic, extracurricular activities and leadership training programs," said Dolan. "By staying in Bancroft Hall, dining in King Hall and utilizing the athletic facilities, students get to experience all aspects of USNA and how it would be to attend college here."

For those students who are interested in attending the Academy after their high school graduation, the Summer Seminar program also acts as the preliminary application to USNA. During their stay, the students have the chance to meet with admissions counselors and ask questions or get clarification on the admissions process.

"The whole experience is really neat and I'm learning a lot about the Academy and thinking about applying," said Cory Michell, a Virginia native. "The seminar is fantastic and gets tougher but more rewarding each day. I feel that I can really see myself coming here in the future."

During the session, the students also have an opportunity to complete the Candidate Fitness Assessment, which is part of their USNA application. They also attend a wide variety of academic workshops that provide a glimpse of the curriculum offered at USNA.

"This is all pretty brand new to me but it has been a great experience," said Chris Gouin, from Atlanta. "I'm interested in coming to the Academy to study engineering and this is a great way to get a feeling for what the Academy does and how they teach here."

The Naval Academy Summer Seminar Program is offered exclusively to young men and women who have just completed their junior year of high school. Selection is dependent upon the overall qualification of the student and the Academy's need to meet complete geographic representation.

For more news from U.S. Naval Academy, visit www.navy.mil/.