Sam used the following essay in his application to the USNA.

　　In a well-organized essay of300-500 words, please discuss the following: (1) Describe what led to your initial interest in the naval service and how the Naval Academy will help you achieve your long range goals, and (2) Describe a personal experience you have had which you feel has contributed to your own character development and integrity.

　　I was privileged to visit the Naval Academy for the first time through the Summer Seminar, although I remember previously passing through Annapolis on a family vacation to D. C. On that occasion, I was particularly impressed with the picturesque beauty and the plethora of sailboats. Upon returning for the Seminar, Annapolis was as gorgeous as I remembered, and I had greater appreciation for the sailing because of lessons that I took in Maine last summer.

　　It was my Latin teacher who introduced me to the ideas, purpose, and heritage of the Naval Academy. I discovered immediately what a unique place it was, and this impression was justified again and again as I learned more about it from other sources. As I received input from individuals about what being in the Navy was like. I thought life in the service sounded like a fascinating adventure.

　　I especially like two things about the Navy. The first would be the environment. I may be something of a romantic, but I love stories of courage, bravery, and honor, from the Iliad to the movie Braveheart. These tales stir an emotion in my soul which I see developed and encouraged at the Academy. In a culture that exhibits a total lack of morals, and seems not even to know what "honor” is. I feel the Academy is perhaps one of the few places left where these ideals are cherished as being vitally important.

　　So many of us have forgotten the sacrifice that our fathers endured so that we could have what we have today. Out of the fifty-six brave men who signed the Declaration of Independence, five were captured by the British and tortured: twelve had homes sacked, looted, or burned: two lost their sons; one had two sons captured: nine died in the war from wounds or other hardships. These were men who not only exemplified courage and honor, but who left an incredibly awesome responsibility to us. John Adams speaks to us with these words: "Posterity—you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope that you make good use of it." What a challenge for us to live up to!

　　The second thing about the Navy that I especially admire is what it does to people. It literally changes people. Changes in attitudes and a closeness of relationships with others was even evident from the short weekat the Seminar.

　　A personal experience that contributed to my character development and integrity would be "totaling" my mom’s brand new Nissan Altima. This was a result of recklessness and rebellion on my pan. Being so dangerously close to death greatly terrified me. As a result, I realized the need to respect rules and authority, and how my actions have consequences which I must live up to. This mistake led to my getting a part-time job to pay for a car and insurance. Working at Steak & Shake as a waiter has been a tremendous character-building experience

　　(编辑：Ada)