The “yellow brick road” at the U.S. Naval Academy doesn?t lead to a crystal city, but straight to a buzz cut, uniform and everything the freshmen need for the next four years.
More than 1,000 plebes, or freshmen, walked a yellow-painted line at the Annapolis academy Wednesday as part of Induction Day, removing the vestiges of civilian life and entering four years of military and academic training.
“This isn?t your typical college,” said Bruce Latta, dean of admissions. “The people who come here know that in addition to studying, they will be serving their country.”
The plebes arrived at Alumni Hall early in the morning and stood in line to be ushered into the academy. Plebes were fitted for white uniforms with a blue-rimmed hat, given a haircut andpracticed standing at attention. The clothes they came in will be mailed back to their homes.
They were escorted by bus to Bancroft Hall, the largest dormitory in the world.
The class of 2011 is considered one of the most diverse and well-rounded groups in years, Latta said. More than 90 percent of the plebes are in the top 40 percent of their class, and nearly all of the plebes were high school varsity athletes.
The academy saw a 12 percent increase in applicants, with 20 more minority plebes than last year.
Latta said academics, physical fitness and extracurricular activities factor into a candidate?s application.
“It takes more than good grades to get into the academy,” Latta said.
Many of the applications come from Maryland and Virginia because of their proximity to the campus, but others come from places where Navy posts and strong alumni bases exists, such as San Diego and Texas.
The academy is required by law to accept a qualified candidate from each congressional district.
BY THE NUMBERS
(Incoming class – four-year average)
» Total applicants: 2,003 ? 12,108
» Total female applicants: 2,438 ? 2,496
» Minority applicants: 2,812 ? 2,706
» Female minority applicants: 746 ? 732
» Total acceptances: 1,212 ? 1,197
» Total female and minority acceptances: 544 – N/A
* Female candidates are included in the totals.
Source: U.S. Naval Academy
