USNA's Whole Person Concept
The Whole Person Multiple (WPM) is a score USNA generates based on a candidate’s merit (achievement in academics, leadership, physical fitness, and extracurricular activities).
WPM
Academics (50%)
Leadership & Experiences(50%)
Fitness Assessment (- 2.5% to + 2.5% WPM performance adjustment)
*Official recommendations include recommendations from Teachers, Blue & Gold Officers, and others
USNA offers of admission are based exclusively on MERIT. Race, ethnicity, and sex are not factors in the WPM calculation or admission decision.
Candidate Academics
Well-rounded candidates excel in the learning environment.
- 18% SAT / ACT / CLT* Math Standardized Test Scores
- 10% SAT / ACT / CLT* Verbal Standardized Test Scores
*Classic Learning Test (CLT) scores are accepted beginning with Class of 2031 candidates
- 22% Class Rank (if School reports class rank) or GPA (if class rank is unreported by School)
Class of 2029 academic statistics
- 60% Top 10% of graduating class
- 610-720 (26-32) SAT Math (ACT Math) 25th to 75th percentile scores
- 600-710 (49-66) SAT Verbal (ACT English+Reading) 25th to 75th percentile scores
Recommended Coursework
- 4 years of Math with minimum completion through Pre-Calculus
- Minimum 1 year each of Chemistry and Physics
Academic achievement accounts for 50% of a candidate’s WPM.
Candidate Leadership
Well-rounded candidates compete athletically and share experiences in clubs & activities that develop leadership skills, encourage teamwork, and strengthen bonds throughout their local community.
16% - Athletic competition and leadership. Examples may include:
- Varsity high school sports (team captain)
- Club / Travel sports (team captain)
- Coaching athletes
- Other athletic participation
10% - Non-athletic extracurricular activities and leadership. Examples may include:
- Student Government / Class Leadership
- JROTC (regiment / battalion commander)
- Academic / other clubs (founder / president)
- Honor Societies (president)
- Boys / Girls State (governor)
- Fine Arts (drum major / orchestra leader)
- Jobs / Community Service (supervisor)
- Other non-athletic participation
24% - Recommendations from Math and English instructors, Blue & Gold Officers, and others
Leadership and experiences account for 50% of a candidate’s WPM.
Candidate Fitness
Candidates must pass the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) which evaluates coordination, strength, speed, agility, and endurance. The CFA is a common fitness assessment used by all DoW Military Service Academies.
| Men | Women | ||||
| Component | Goal (units) | Max Score | Mean Score* | Max Score | Mean Score* |
| Basketball Throw | Max distance (ft) | 102 | 67 | 66 | 41 |
| Pull-ups | Max count | 18 | 13 | 7 | 3 |
| Shuttle Run | Min time (sec) | 7.8 | 8.9 | 8.6 | 9.7 |
| Crunches | Max count | 95 | 73 | 95 | 70 |
| Push-ups | Max count | 75 | 60 | 50 | 38 |
| One-mile Run | Min time (min:sec) | 5:20 | 6:43 | 6:00 | 7:43 |
Maintaining a high level of physical fitness during high school is encouraged to prepare candidates for the physical demands of life as a Midshipman.
The WPM is adjusted higher (up by as much as 2.5% for a maximum score) or lower (down by as much as 2.5% for a minimum passing score) based on CFA performance.
Considerations to Improve WPM
- Retake Standardized Tests (SAT / ACT / CLT*) to maximize scores
*Classic Learning Test (CLT) scores are accepted beginning with Class of 2031 candidates - Strive to be in the Top 20% of your graduating class
- Pursue a minimum 3.7 GPA (non-weighted) in a rigorous curriculum
- Complete a math sequence through at least Pre-Calculus plus courses in Chemistry and Physics
- Maintain a rigorous course-load all the way through your senior year
- Seek leadership roles both within your school and out in your community
- Retake your CFA to achieve a top passing CFA score
The Whole Person Multiple is computed using inputs from your entire application. Improvements to any portion of your application will likely result in a higher WPM.