Who here had (or your son/daughter had) Kings Point as their #1 choice?

caitvvw

5-Year Member
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Dec 13, 2009
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Who here had KP as their first choice, and why?

My first choice was the Air Force Academy, mostly because I have a friend going there and had some relatives in the air force. While applying for the Air Force Academy, I learned about USMMA from a mother of someone who went there. I heard about sea year- the very next day I started the application process because it sounded so cool.

Anyway, it looks like I have a decent chance of going there (DoDMERB is holding me back!), and I was hoping to hear from other people so I can get even more excited about going.
 
Our son was interested in both USMMA and USCGA and attended the AIM program. He was leaning toward the USCGA until he went to KP for an overnight visit. He came back with KP as his strong first choice. Even though we concurred with his decision, we urged him to visit USCGA again, but he said he knew he wouldn't change his mind.

He got early action conditional appointments to both, conditional on receiving waivers for near-sightedness. He got his waiver from USCGA in mid January (he didn't have his physical until early December) but waited and waited for USMMA. Finally we contacted USMMA and found out there was some SNAFU with the waiver - somehow it was never applied for. Capt Johnston got it moving and he got his waiver two weeks later.
The moral of the story is: if things are taking longer than it seems they should, look into it - who knows what could have happened. Since this incident, the bureaucracy at KP has lost several pieces of paperwork, giving one the impression that they are not the most competent bunch!

He is in his plebe year and doing fine. He hasn't second guessed his decision.
 
caitvvw, I've been around a while as I'm a parent of an 09 KP graduate who is an active duty 2nd LT in the AF currently in Intel training. KP was his first choice & it was 90% due to the Sea Year education.

He's traveled to 17 countries via four types of ships doing navigation, standing watches & having the helm as some duties belonging to a "Deckie". That includes the USNS Comfort. You can see the actual photo (posted in the forum's photo section) of the Comfort passing through the Panama Canal while he was aboard.

He has memories that a million bucks couldn't buy. Some I wish I didn't know about really.:rolleyes: He has some great mentors & friends from KP that are still supporting him & 7 months after graduating, he is 110% positive that hanging tough & making it through was the right choice for him.

You've a great opportunity to learn more about KP here as there are a great many members who are associated with KP and have first hand knowledge. I'd contribute more but I fear I'm KP biased as I know & like too many great Mids, parents, KP Admin & Grads, ect.ect.ect.. :smile:

Best wishes to you on your future.
 
I was all USAFA due to family tradition until I visited/learned about KP.

Ended up being medically dq'd from AF anyway, but prior to that happening had already set my sights on KP.

You can't beat that place in my eyes.
 
I have heard - many times - that KP is the "best kept secret" amongst the service academies."

I really wish that was not so.

The more people that know about KP - the greater the chance that more people will learn about the state maritime academies!

:)

Fuji
 
KP was our DD's absolute first choice, majoring in marine engineering. Second choice was RIT with a major in automotive engineering. She was determined to get practical, hands-on experience in a program where she was working with engines. Since she has lived overseas for most of her life, the chance to travel the world in the merchant marine really appealed to her.

She was also accepted at Mass. Maritime. But, sorry Fuji, you never stood a chance after the USMMA appointment came through.
 
I have heard - many times - that KP is the "best kept secret" amongst the service academies."

I really wish that was not so.

The more people that know about KP - the greater the chance that more people will learn about the state maritime academies!

:)

Fuji

I actually heard about KP from a friend who was a colonel in the army. I spoke to him about USNA being one of my top choices for college, and he told me that his nephew attended KP. After a bit of research, I learned a ton about the state maritime academies. Come next year, you'll be seeing my application...
 
As you might guess, there is an Air Force tradition in my family. My son looked at CGA but his only real choice was USMMA. Doing his second sea year and doing great.
 
3rd generation Kings Pointer

We're on our 3rd generation at KP. It was clearly a first choice not b/c of family tradition but b/c of the education and phenomenal opportunities after graduation. Many have said KP is a great place to be from. It's not easy but certainly well worth the work.
 
My DS (4th Company 2013) was set on KP from the moment he did his overnight. Got accepted at USCGA and was offered a Foundation Scholarship at USNA.
Sea year, the hands on experience and the choices upon graduation are the reasons.
 
USMMA was the only service academy to which DS applied. He had Boston U, U of Richmond and U of Delaware as choices and really did not know what he wanted to do. A trajectory, sea year, service, choices and sailing were all what put him over the edge. Best decision he's ever made.:wink:
 
Kings Point was my first choice over USCGA and USNA. I wanted to go to USMMA since I was around eight years old, so Kings Point was an easy choice over all other colleges.
 
first choice

Our son received nominations from both of our senators one for Kings Point, the other for Annapolis. He flew out to Annapolis first for a sumer seminar week and was very impressed and he then flew to Kings Point for an overnighter and was even more impressed.

We are thankful that he made an informed decision based on his judgement of what he wanted. He does not regret his choice but is having the same trials and tribulations as others. This college is not for the faint of heart simply because they have to really want it and be adequately academically prepared before they go.
 
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