Explore This Top-Tier Institution
Candidate Visit Weekend (CVW) is a program conducted aboard USNA during the Fall and Spring academic semesters to expose candidates to all facets of life as a Midshipman.
CVW is an opportunity to sample university-level academics at USNA, to discover whether the Naval Academy will help you achieve your goals, and to offer valuable insight into the admissions process.
CVW is offered by invitation only throughout the academic year.
Please explore this website, as it contains everything that you would need to know for your trip.
Candidate Schedule Of Events
Thursday
Please note: parent/guardian attendance is optional
4:30pm - Screening at Gate 1 Visitor Access Center (VAC). Candidate and family transit to Mitscher Hall for check-in
6:00pm - Welcome in Mitscher Auditorium
6:45pm - Student is paired with midshipman escort for duration of visit β
Friday
7:45am - Morning classes begin (Candidates shadow Midshipmen to classes)
11:55am - Noon Meal Formation
12:05pm - Lunch
12:40pm - Leadership Seminar
1:40pm - Afternoon classes begin (Candidates shadow Midshipmen to classes)
3:00pm - Sports Period
6:30pm - Evening Meal
Saturday
7:00 a.m. - Candidate Fitness Assessment - Wesley Brown Field House
9:30 a.m. - Candidates gather belongings and transit to Alumni Hall
βStudents will experience a typical midshipman schedule with their hosts until student pick-up on Saturday morning (Navy Marine-Corps Memorial Stadium Gate 5).
Candidate Family Schedule Of Events
Please note: parent/guardian attendance is optional
Thursday
4:30pm - Screening at Gate 1 Visitor Access Center (VAC). Candidate and family transit to Mitscher Hall for check-in
6:00pm - Welcome in Mitscher Auditorium
6:45pm - Student is paired with midshipman escort for duration of visit β
Friday
8:15am - Buses depart from Navy Marine Corps Stadium (Parents/Guardians)
8:45am - Admissions Brief at Fluegel Alumni Center
9:30am - Admissions Panel at Fluegel Alumni Center (Parents/Guardians)
10:30am - Center for Academic Excellence presentation at Fluegel Alumni Center (Parents/Guardians)
11:00am - Midshipman Development Center Presentation at Fluegel Alumni Center (Parents/Guardians)
11:30am - Naval Academy Stockdale Center at Fluegel Alumni Center (Parents/ Guardians)
12:00pm - Buses depart Fluegel Alumni Center to Navy Marine Corps Stadium Parking or welcome to walk downtown Annapolis on own.
†All vehicles must depart Navy Marine Corps Stadium by 10:00 p.m. Friday.
ψLunch will not be provided. Our tourism site offers information about local accommodations.
Saturday
9:40am-10:40 am Candidate Pick-up at Navy-Marine Corp Memorial Stadium (Navy Marine-Corps Memorial Stadium Gate 5)
Arrival, Access & Parking
Transportation
- Candidates and their family members must provide their own transportation to and from the Naval Academy.
- The closest airport is Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI).
- No bus or shuttle service is provided from BWI to USNA. Ride-hailing services (such as Uber or taxi) and car rental services are easily obtained at the airport.
- During check-in, entry is via GATE 1 only. All parents/legal guardians and participants must enter through the pedestrian security screening.
- Participants and their luggage will be screened at the Visitor Access Center (VAC) prior to entry.
NOTE: Please plan to park using additional parking options available in downtown Annapolis. - To assist families without Yard access, program greeters will accompany participants from GATE 1 to the program check in area at Mitscher
Access Locations Based on Date
| Date | Event | Access Time Frame | Access Gate/Entrance | Parking | Event Location | Event Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THUR | Check-In & Welcome | 4:30 - 6:00PM | Candidate drop off at GATE 1 | Parking options available in downtown Annapolis | Mitscher | Candidates & Candidates Families |
| THUR | Late Arrival | 6:00 - 8:00PM | Candidate drop off via Gate 8 | Drop-off pin | Gate 8 | Candidates |
| THUR | Later Arrival | 8:00 - 9:00PM | Candidate drop off via Gate 8 | Solo Candidates - Gate 8 | Call Duty Phone 443-336-5359 | Candidates |
| FRI | Parent Event Arrival | 8:00 - 8:15AM |
Vehicle drivers/passengers park at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Once parked, coach buses will transport from the stadium to Fleugel Center |
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium - enter through Gate #5 Blue Parking - |
Fleugel Center | Candidate Families |
| FRI | Parent Departure | 12:15PM | Coach buses return to stadium from Fleugel Center | Candidate Families | ||
| SAT | Candidate Pick-up | 9:40AM-10:40AM | Buses will transport candidates from USNA to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium via bus for pick-up. | Curbside pick up at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (Parents enter through Gate #5 Blue Parking) | Curbside pick up at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium | Candidates & Candidate Families |
Access Requirements & Info
- ID requirements for all persons: Please consult the FAQ for USNA Access
- All persons, belongings, and vehicles accessing USNA are subject to search.
- Please consult this list for items that are prohibited at USNA
- Have a printed copy of your CVW confirmation email to show at the gate.
- Additional access points and times are available to DOD and military-credentialed individuals, please review details in the FAQ for USNA Access .
NOTE: Participants and their luggage will be screened at the Visitor Access Center (VAC) prior to entry.
Pedestrian Entry & Candidate Drop-off Outside Of Campus
- During check-in, entry is via GATE 1 only. All parents/legal guardians and participants must enter through the pedestrian security screening.
- Participants and their luggage will be screened at the Visitor Access Center (VAC) prior to entry.
NOTE: Please plan to park using additional parking options available in downtown Annapolis. - To assist families without Yard access, program greeters will accompany participants from GATE 1 to the program check in area at Mitscher
Parking
Thursday Parking For Parents/guardians & Candidates
- Plan to park in downtown Annapolis. Please select the hyperlink for parking options available in downtown Annapolis.
- Candidates driving solo must email cvw@usna.edu in advance of the weekend to coordinate parking with our staff prior to arrival.
Friday Parking For Parents/guardians
- Free parking for Candidate families attending Friday’s CVW events will be located at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
- Enter the parking lot through Stadium Parking Gate 5 . The address is 511 Taylor Avenue. The entrance is opposite Melrose Street. The signage is marked Gate #5 Blue Parking.
- Advise the gate attendant that you are a CVW guest to ensure no fee is charged.
- The CVW program offers scheduled coach bus transportation from the stadium parking lot to Fleugel Center.
- Arrive in the parking lot by 8:15 AM on Friday to catch the bus.
- Return buses depart at 12:15 PM from the Fleugel Center. Refer to the Candidate Family Schedule of Events for more details.
- You may park in the stadium lot until 10:00pm only on Friday.
- The stadium is a 1 mile walk (approximately 20 minutes) from Fleugel Center.
Packing List & Preparation
- Identification - Driver’s License, School ID, Passport
- Pillow
- Single bed sheet
- Blanket
- Bath towel
- Toiletries
- Shower shoes
- Workout gear and closed-toed workout/running shoes
- Refillable water bottle
- Sleep attire that is appropriate for a co-ed environment
- Swimwear and goggles (your Host Midshipman may have swim class) - an appropriate swim bottom for males and a one piece swimsuit for females
- Casual clothing (jeans, khakis, casual pants, short/long sleeve shirts)
NOTE: long pants are required while attending classes - Closed-toed comfortable shoes
- OPTIONAL-credit/debit/prepaid cards or electronic payment for souvenirs or snacks
- A printed copy of your confirmation email to show at the Access Gate when you arrive to USNA
Note:
- You will likely be sleeping on a cot in your Host Midshipman’s room.
- You will exit your host’s room for the restrooms.
- Sandals and flip flops are prohibited, except within Bancroft Hall dormitory.
- All attire must be appropriate and tasteful for a military installation.
- USNA is a cashless facility.
- USNA is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
Printed and signed copies of your Media Release Form and your Yard Patrol Liability Release Form
Candidate Dining & Accommodations
- Candidates are encouraged to eat dinner prior to checking in.
- Candidates will receive a small boxed snack following the Welcome program on Thursday evening.
- Candidates will eat meals with their Midshipmen Hosts in King Hall Dining.
- Candidates will reside in Bancroft Hall (the Midshipmen dormitory) during their stay.
- Candidates will be provided meals during their stay from breakfast on Friday morning through breakfast on Saturday morning.
Candidate Families
What To Know Before Arrival
- Please wear comfortable clothing that is tasteful and appropriate for a military installation. Shoes should be appropriate for significant walking on the historic campus (uneven walkways).
- Bring identification that meets access requirements: see FAQ for USNA Access.
- Weather Forecast
- No meals are provided to Candidate Families. Our tourism site offers information about local accommodations.
- Suggested On-Yard Resources
- Suggested resources off of the Yard
Check-In
Check-In is held in Mitscher Hall for a welcome presentation.
- Check-in begins at 4:30 PM and programming starts promptly at 6:00 PM.
- If you arrive between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, please enter via Gate 8 and transit to Mitscher Hall.
- If you arrive after 7:00 PM, please call the Duty Phone 443-336-5359 for assistance.
- Early Arrivals: Should you arrive prior to 4:15 PM on Thursday, please make your own arrangements, as there will be no programming, accommodations or staff available.
Required Forms
Please bring printed, completed, and signed copies of the following documents. Candidates under 18 years of age, must have a parent or legal guardian signature added.
Media Release FormYard Patrol Liability Release Form
USNA GLOSSARY OF TERMS
During your preparation and your visit at USNA, you will come across many words you may not be familiar with. Here are a few that may be helpful for you to know. If anyone uses a word or acronym that you are not familiar with, please do not hesitate to ask for clarification.
- Brief = a presentation of information
- Brigade = the entire student body; the collective term for all Midshipmen
- CFA = Candidate Fitness Assessment; a physical test that all Candidates must pass in order to obtain appointment Candidate Fitness Assessment as an Admissions Requirement
- Commandant = the second-most senior officer responsible for training, conduct and day-to-day activities of the Brigade; similar to a Dean of Students at a civilian college or university
- CVW = Candidate Visit Weekend
- Plebe = a Fourth Class or Freshman Midshipman
- Superintendent = the highest-ranking officer leading a service academy; similar to a college president
- Yard = the USNA campus
Contact Form
Please contact us via email with any updates or requests regarding your CVW.
If your request is urgent, please call 410-293-1858.