The US Naval Academy war opened 10 October 1845 with 50 midshipmen and 7 professors. Candidates for admission generally must both apply directly to the academy and receive a nomination, usually from a Member of Congress. Students are officers-in-training and are referred to as midshipmen. Approximately 1,200 “plebes” (an abbreviation of the Ancient Roman word plebeian) enter the Academy each summer for the rigorous Plebe Summer. About 1,000 midshipmen graduate in 4 years. rochestermilitary.com