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  1. J

    USMA Class of 2028 Appointment List - Self-Updating

    BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR DS!!! Another inspirational self-prep success story at MMI....2 appointments, and now a big decision! Hard work, sacrifice, and determination rule the day!
  2. J

    Why You Should Never Give Up

    Funny, I drilled that line into my Son's head so many times...."squeaky wheel gets the grease", that after awhile, especially if he'd complain about the process, I'd just ask him loudly, "Who gets the Grease" ??? If you don't tell someone you want something, they'll give it to someone else...
  3. J

    Current Self Prep at Marion Military Institute- ask any questions!

    Excellent outlook for your son! There are no guarantees, and he'll really have to apply himself, and commit to an all out effort. But, rest assured, good results will follow! MMI is an amazing place!!! Your son will be happy for the opportunity and experience. Self-prep at MMI was the best...
  4. J

    What are benefits you wish you knew of earlier as a cadet.

    Priority Boarding on flights. Especially Southwest Airlines. Just show your ID to the gate agent.
  5. J

    Current Self Prep at Marion Military Institute- ask any questions!

    You sound a lot like my son was. Probably lacking in "leadership examples" just as you stated. You will have very good opportunities to improve on your WCS (whole candidate score) at MMI. Including leadership opportunities. Corp of Cadets, etc. You'll have very objective advantages in gaining...
  6. J

    Feedback from AO

    We have a similar story. 2 years of rejections, and not much positivity from AOs about how to improve, what to do, etc. DS decided for one more round of apps anyways. 3rd time applying he self-preped at MMI, and received 3 appointments, to ea of the 3 SA'S he applied to. I hold MMI, and...
  7. J

    Current Self Prep at Marion Military Institute- ask any questions!

    Was supposed to be a PM. Opps. Can't figure out how to delete. But not really concerned. Anyone can contact me.
  8. J

    Sports at USAFA

    Yes, and my son reports that at West Point at least, being a qualified swimmer is the most important consideration for tryouts/interviews for Triathlon Club. Even though he's done an olympic Triathlon, and finished 1st in his age group, he didn't make Triathlon last fall tryouts. However, the...
  9. J

    Sports at USAFA

    I'd like to point out that intramurals and club sports at Service Academies are indeed incredibly competitive. At West Point anyways, it's quite difficult to make these teams in tryouts. (You don't just sign up). Tryouts and interviews. Keep in mind that, while you may infact be a Div1...
  10. J

    Current Self Prep at Marion Military Institute- ask any questions!

    Sorry to hear this. I know precisely how you feel. We went through 2 years of rejections with my son prior to him attending MMI for round 3, last year. He is currently excelling as a Plebe at West Point. In the end, he actually told me he was "glad I didn't get in until after I went to Marion"...
  11. J

    Preparing for CBT

    My son has had great success with Garmont boots. (AR670-1 approved). We ordered from Amazon. In case fit wasn't right, Amazon has liberal, easy returns. GARMONT T 8 NFS 670 Lightweight Combat Boots for Men and Women, AR670-1 Compliant, Military and Tactical Footwear https://a.co/d/9LaZx6Z...
  12. J

    Presumably no prepatory school?

    To be clear, actually two years INCLUDING MMI. (MMI is a college). Three years applying. He applied in HS. Then went to Northwestern Prep and second semester local college. Then MMI. He wouldn't "settle" for ROTC at Reg University. To his "advantage", he graduated HS young, age 17. So he's...
  13. J

    Presumably no prepatory school?

    If it's really your dream, do a year of self-prep at Marion Military Institute. It took DS 3 years applying to SAs. Once he attended MMI, he received appointments to all three SAs that he applied to. It's not a guaranteed path, but if you really work incredibly hard, you'll have huge advantages...
  14. J

    GMC v MMI Question

    Colonel Bowen has been excellent about contacting my son (and myself), before, during and even now while my son is at USMA as a Plebe. Often by phone. He is the real deal! He genuinely loves the young Americans he works with to help them gain appointments. And is still doing his part to serve...
  15. J

    Mercersburg vs Kiski

    My son was a self-prep at MMI, and now a Plebe at WP. 15 classmates from MMI joined him at RDAY last June. (Both sponsored and other self-preps). They have been an incredibly strong support system for each other, and he is grateful that he did not gain appointment to USMA before going to Marion.
  16. J

    Ultimate CBT Packing List and Some Tips

    Color Coyote Brown boots. Garmont are fantastic according to my son and many others. We got great deal for them on Amazon. Amazon super easy for returns if they don't fit correctly. In our case sizing was spot on. He used them at MMI as a self-prep for a year. CBT and now Plebe year. They are...
  17. J

    GMC v MMI Question

    I can't recommend MMI enough! They are VERY GOOD at what they do. Your son will need to work incredibly hard, but if so, he will have a very real big advantage. The recommendations from MMI carry weight for sure. My son signed up for 3 extra curriculars, and made the Swamp Fox team. After...
  18. J

    Current Self Prep at Marion Military Institute- ask any questions!

    You could apply to MMI now. We paid a $200 or $300 deposit to hold his spot, once MMI admitted him. They will refund your deposit if your canidate gets an appointment in the end. MMI is a first rate institution with a very personalized manner of interaction with students/families. Another...
  19. J

    Low quarter sizing

    My Plebe son wears thick black athletic socks, rather than thinner dress socks, in his low quarters. Follow all the advice about breaking in shoes, boots and even running shoes. AND still bring a lot of blister bandages. They're small, lightweight and helpful to others, even if you don't end up...
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