If you are sponsored to attend MMI under the SAP program for USCGA, then you would have to apply to the Academy this year and get selected for it. If you are chosen for the Scholars program, you go to the Academy for about three weeks before you start at MMI and go through an intense mini swab summer. If you are sponsored, then you will have MMI paid for you as well as get paid monthly to attend since you would be considered enlisted CG. However, you MUST be selected for this, which is not an easy thing to do. Slates for the Scholars program are competitive as any other appointment.
You can attend MMI under the SAP program as unsponsored, as well. You will have to pay for this, but there are other types of scholarships you can apply for. There are certain academic standards you need to meet to qualify for the SAP program: ACT score of at least 24, SAT score of 1100(M&CR), and at least 2.5 high school GPA. Being unsponsored allows you to be open to choosing other Academies and other possible military career branches.
The SAP program at MMI is great. I just finished my first semester and LOVED it. I highly recommend it to anyone considering a military academy. I feel so prepared to attend the USCGA after just one semester. It is tough, and academics are challenging, but it is totally worth it. If you have any questions about MMI or USCGA prep, feel free to PM me. I would gladly answer any questions you may have.