<p>MDSU-
the peliminary application can be started at any point. Feb 1 opens the applications for NASS- the Naval Academy Summer Seminar- which is a good opportunity to visit USNA and get a glimpse of USNA and what it is like to be a “plebe.” The closer you apply to Feb 1 the better, although a 2 week time frame should be ok. It is not “first come, first serve” -there are other things that will factor into the selection for NASS. The reason many apply early, however, is that it is a popular program and it tends to fill up quickly- thus, the “sooner the better.” </p>
<p>You do not have to have SAT scores to apply to NASS, although you will be asked for PSATs- most applicants will have those scores to report. </p>
<p>Aside from NASS (which opens up a peliminary file for you)-
if you meet minimum requirements on the peliminary application, you will be designated as an “official candidate,” (most will be notified of that status over the summer) which brings you to the next step of the application process. Getting that part of the application completed is up to you, although the summer prior to the start of your senior year is a good time to get the bulk of it done. The goal is not as much to do it “fast” as it is to do it “complete”. </p>
<p>Most applications don’t start rolling in to USNA until early fall, although there are a good amount of candidates that submit as early as August- a few apparently even earlier than that…all depends on when you have SATs to report (some are satisfied with May-June SAT results, while others will wait for Fall results). The admissions board starts reviewing files as they come in once this years class has reported (which will occur on 7/1 this year)- if I remember correctly, the admission board started meeting the last week of August last summer for the current admission cycle. Rushing to get things in prior to that is unnecessary, IMO.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>