Naval Reserves Officer Training Corp (NROTC) vs. United States Naval Academy (Annapolis)

Question

I want to become an officer in the U.S. Navy and join the Navy SEALs, which should I consider going with?

Answer 1

Either will do.

If you can get an appointment at the Naval Academy

You definitely would not want to turn it down, to do NROTC at another University.

Answer 2

Either, really.

The SEALs are extremely competitive.  My experience is with USNA, where there are around 25 spots for each graduating class (out of about 1000 people).  ROTC is equally, if not more competitive (I've heard it's harder to get a SEAL spot out of ROTC).  If you can go to the Academy, by all means do so.  If not, NROTC will suffice and get you the opportunity to prove yourself to the selection board.

Answer 3

if you are a rising Senior, it's pretty much too late to pursue an appointment to USNA for the class of 2013.  If you are a rising Junior: get cracking NOW.

first you have to be accepted into either program.  then worry about being qualified for SEAL.