Marion Military Academy- Advice?

Hi, I am currently planning on attend MMI this fall for their Service Academy Prep program. I applied last year for the Naval Academy and West Point, but I didn't get in. I was hoping If I could get some advice.
I will be a non sponsored cadet in the SAP program. I heard that they have a great program.
But I was hoping if I could get some second opinions and any advice that comes along.

Thank you

Respectfully,
-Travis

Travis, why do you suspect you didn't get in? Were your grades not very competitive or could it be another reason, like you are in a competitive state, not many ECs, etc. How was you physical fitness test?

Many will tell you that if your grades were competitive you do not need a military prep school - just go to a four year university for Freshman year, DO WELL, and reapply to your SAs. The good thing about going to one of the prep schools is that the SAs know their curriculum and how challenging they are, so it gives them a very good reference point when they see what you can do.

My DD was a CGA sponsored prep at MMI last year. I will not lie to you, she really did not like rural Alabama and is happy to be gone from there. However she will grudgingly admit that it was a good thing for her, as prep school introduced her to all of the military "stuff" and academy way of life. It made moving on to CGA a smoother and less stressful situation.

Another nice thing is that there are liaisons that visit MMI from the academies that you meet with on a regular basis (CGA was monthly) and also have a few group activities through the school year. The CGA self-preps were usually included in this, which is nice that you have an opportunity for someone from your SA to get to know you a little bit.

Still, don't assume the self-preping is a sure thing. DD knows of several who got it to their academies, and some who didn't (grades, and one 4.0 from a competitive state). Not all sponsored preps got in, either (grades, medical issues, discipline problems). Just because it is not a four-year university don't fool yourself that it won't be challenging.

The bottom line is that knowing now what she does, she would have self-prepped at MMI if she needed to, and it was beneficial, even putting aside academics.

I just noticed that one of your schools is USNA. It doesn't seem like MMI has had many Navy preps in the past, but DD did know of a few last year. I get the impression that WP is much more receptive to self-preps that USNA. You may want to speak with Navy or even MMI about the this. Again, this is only my opinion.

Nicole

I appreciate you talking to me. I believe my academics held me back from an appointment. I truly appreciate it. Thank you

Travis123 said:

I appreciate you talking to me. I believe my academics held me back from an appointment. I truly appreciate it. Thank you

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If so MMI might not be a good option for you. Have to consider two things - improving your academic standing and getting ready for a SA. At a normal college, you can fully concentrate on improving your academics. Whereas at MMI military requirements will make it more challenging. Attending MMI will better prepare your for miltiary requirements at SA, but that is if you get there.

Of course if you are successful at MMI academically you will look better than just being academically successful at a regular college. Seems like a high risk/high reward strategy.

One more thing, make sure you retake SAT/ACT. Doing some college level work doesn't change your SAT/ACT scores. Regardless of our personal opinions, SAT/ACT scores are used to evaluate candidates.

First, the disclaimer: I am an instructor at Marion, and been here 17 years. I'll try not to put on the sales job, though, because your choice in college should fit you and your needs.

LG is right in that you do not have to go to a prep school when you reapply at an SA. If you have a strong collegiate record (A's in SA freshman year classes), then you will have shown success and helped out your application. He's also right in that you likely should improve your SAT/ACT scores. Taking the tests again (and again!) can help, though a prep course, either online or paper, would be a benefit.

If you go to a prep school, though (not just MMI), you will have instructors who are familiar both with the SA courses and the SA appointment process. Small class sizes, accessible instructors, and liaison with the various academies are also selling points for prep schools.

At a military prep school, you also get the opportunity to participate in a corps of cadets. This is your chance to try on the SA experience and see if it fits you. There are also leadership opportunities available within a corps that are not available in a university or community college. For example, in the past three years I've had two company commanders, one company exec, two platoon leaders, and a company first sergeant selected out of the SAP students I advise. Many do become squad leaders and team leaders, so your leadership potential can be quickly identified and demonstrated.

The end result is up to you, though. Regardless of your path, you have to work hard, manage your time properly, be aggressive in seeking out help, and look for opportunities to demonstrate why you should be selected for an SA.

Best of luck to you, and good luck in your application process!