Applying to USMMA

Excellence

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Jun 1, 2022
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Hello! As my junior year is about to end, I have from what I estimate a 3.4-3.5 GPA unweighted. So far, I've taken many Honor Courses as well as 3 total AP classes so far.
My only issue was getting a D in Honors Chemistry last year. I have decided towards my senior year I will be taking Chemistry at a local community college to compensate the current D on my transcript. I took the SAT and now the ACT coming up and have not yet gotten my score. I plan on retaking both by the end of this year towards the summer. As far as my extracurricular activities I believe are good so far (I can give specifics if so). I was just curious, do I have a shot at being admitted to the USMMA and what are some ways I can become a better candidate.
 
I believe anyone has a chance as you must work through the entire process ultimately to find out. I recommend to all of my students to put together a Plan A - B - C. "A" may be USMMA, but what are your other alternatives? You might want to look at ROTC scholarships as a Plan B, which require that you apply to civilian schools with an ROTC unit. Other good alternatives for you may be some of the other maritime schools as part of your Plan C.

Taking a replacement Chemistry course makes sense, but it would be better this summer, if possible. In your USMMA essay (biography) and interviews, you will want to address and 'explain' this particular setback.

I also recommend taking the SAT/ACT often along with working to expand your résumé. It is not too early to seek recommendation letters from your teachers this Spring for your nominations. And, of course, start preparing for the CFA.

Best of luck with you preparations for USMMA!
 
I believe anyone has a chance as you must work through the entire process ultimately to find out. I recommend to all of my students to put together a Plan A - B - C. "A" may be USMMA, but what are your other alternatives? You might want to look at ROTC scholarships as a Plan B, which require that you apply to civilian schools with an ROTC unit. Other good alternatives for you may be some of the other maritime schools as part of your Plan C.

Taking a replacement Chemistry course makes sense, but it would be better this summer, if possible. In your USMMA essay (biography) and interviews, you will want to address and 'explain' this particular setback.

I also recommend taking the SAT/ACT often along with working to expand your résumé. It is not too early to seek recommendation letters from your teachers this Spring for your nominations. And, of course, start preparing for the CFA.

Best of luck with you preparations for USMMA!
Yes Sir, I tried taking over this summer but my local community college only offered me my senior year. I do indeed plan on applying for ROTC as well.
 
You do not mention your leadership experience such as team captain, class officer, club president, etc. You need to demonstrate that you not only have been selected and served in a leadership role, but also that you accomplished something significant in that role.
 
Hello! As my junior year is about to end, I have from what I estimate a 3.4-3.5 GPA unweighted. So far, I've taken many Honor Courses as well as 3 total AP classes so far.
My only issue was getting a D in Honors Chemistry last year. I have decided towards my senior year I will be taking Chemistry at a local community college to compensate the current D on my transcript. I took the SAT and now the ACT coming up and have not yet gotten my score. I plan on retaking both by the end of this year towards the summer. As far as my extracurricular activities I believe are good so far (I can give specifics if so). I was just curious, do I have a shot at being admitted to the USMMA and what are some ways I can become a better candidate.
A lot depends on what state you are applying from. Take the SAT/ACT as many times as you can for the highest scores that you can achieve. Have you taken the math courses including calculus and add physics in your senior year? In May 2023 start your application and request nominations from both your senators and congressman. Go to usmma.edu and go to "admissions"
 
Hello! As my junior year is about to end, I have from what I estimate a 3.4-3.5 GPA unweighted. So far, I've taken many Honor Courses as well as 3 total AP classes so far.
My only issue was getting a D in Honors Chemistry last year. I have decided towards my senior year I will be taking Chemistry at a local community college to compensate the current D on my transcript. I took the SAT and now the ACT coming up and have not yet gotten my score. I plan on retaking both by the end of this year towards the summer. As far as my extracurricular activities I believe are good so far (I can give specifics if so). I was just curious, do I have a shot at being admitted to the USMMA and what are some ways I can become a better candidate.
What kind of sports do you play and do you plan to play at the academy? Having gone through the process this past year with my daughter at both USMMA and USCGA, I'm of the opinion that being a recruited athlete is very helpful - particularly if you feel grades or test scores are slightly lower than you want them to be. You don't need to be perfect, just very well rounded.
 
What kind of sports do you play and do you plan to play at the academy? Having gone through the process this past year with my daughter at both USMMA and USCGA, I'm of the opinion that being a recruited athlete is very helpful - particularly if you feel grades or test scores are slightly lower than you want them to be. You don't need to be perfect, just very well rounded.
hey Hope2Be I'd love to hear more about your DD's experience as a recruited athlete at USMMA.

My DS is being recruited, and he's done an overnight as a HS Junior, and the coaches (I'll refrain from mentioning the sport) seems to really want him on the team. My son expects to finish out his Junior year with a ~3.5 gpa, has a 30 ACT from the fall and just took the ACT again this week. He'll also likely be named as team captain for next year in the coming 6 weeks or so. Do you know if Letters of Assurance are done for recruited athletes?
 
hey Hope2Be I'd love to hear more about your DD's experience as a recruited athlete at USMMA.

My DS is being recruited, and he's done an overnight as a HS Junior, and the coaches (I'll refrain from mentioning the sport) seems to really want him on the team. My son expects to finish out his Junior year with a ~3.5 gpa, has a 30 ACT from the fall and just took the ACT again this week. He'll also likely be named as team captain for next year in the coming 6 weeks or so. Do you know if Letters of Assurance are done for recruited athletes?
Hey- would be happy to give you the full low down. Tried to private message you but I think you need a couple more posts before you can do DMs.

I’ll say this, assuming his course load is heavy STEM, that’s not a bad GPA…just keep building on it into senior year. 30 ACT is PLENTY! Part of the app is a 7 semester transcript, so important not to tank senior year.

They do indeed offer LOAs for recruited athletes. My daughter received one in late October. Appointment arrived just before Christmas.

Feel free to message me when you’re eligible and I’ll tell you everything I know!
 
Hey- would be happy to give you the full low down. Tried to private message you but I think you need a couple more posts before you can do DMs.

I’ll say this, assuming his course load is heavy STEM, that’s not a bad GPA…just keep building on it into senior year. 30 ACT is PLENTY! Part of the app is a 7 semester transcript, so important not to tank senior year.

They do indeed offer LOAs for recruited athletes. My daughter received one in late October. Appointment arrived just before Christmas.

Feel free to message me when you’re eligible and I’ll tell you everything I know!

Thanks for the info! I'll pad my post count so we can chat. :p:cool:
 
A lot depends on what state you are applying from. Take the SAT/ACT as many times as you can for the highest scores that you can achieve. Have you taken the math courses including calculus and add physics in your senior year? In May 2023 start your application and request nominations from both your senators and congressman. Go to usmma.edu and go to "admissions"
I do plan on taking Pre-Calc. and physics next year. I play Soccer, I'm not really a recruited athlete as far as it goes.
 
Hello all! Hope everyone is doing well. Just wanted to ask if anyone knows when the Merchant Marine Academy applications will open for Class of 2028?
 
Hello all! Hope everyone is doing well. Just wanted to ask if anyone knows when the Merchant Marine Academy applications will open for Class of 2028?
In my day, and that was another century, it was recommended to start the process by writing senators and congressmen in Spring of your high school junior year. I think that is likely to still be good advice. My appointment was received in Spring of senior year.
 
Hello! As my junior year is about to end, I have from what I estimate a 3.4-3.5 GPA unweighted. So far, I've taken many Honor Courses as well as 3 total AP classes so far.
My only issue was getting a D in Honors Chemistry last year. I have decided towards my senior year I will be taking Chemistry at a local community college to compensate the current D on my transcript. I took the SAT and now the ACT coming up and have not yet gotten my score. I plan on retaking both by the end of this year towards the summer. As far as my extracurricular activities I believe are good so far (I can give specifics if so). I was just curious, do I have a shot at being admitted to the USMMA and what are some ways I can become a better candidate.
You can commence applying on May 1.
 
Hello all! Hope everyone is doing well. Just wanted to ask if anyone knows when the Merchant Marine Academy applications will open for Class of 2028?
Another thing, and this is a common sense approach, look up the Members of Congress (two members of the house and one senator) where the application process would be initiated. Almost all will have something on their website as to the application process and date, which can vary. Chrissy Houlihan for instance has an application on her website, and applications and supporting documents are being collected until early October.
 
Hello all! Hope everyone is doing well. Just wanted to ask if anyone knows when the Merchant Marine Academy applications will open for Class of 2028?
May 1. Get the initial portion complete and fill in the blanks as you get the info
 
Hello! As my junior year is about to end, I have from what I estimate a 3.4-3.5 GPA unweighted. So far, I've taken many Honor Courses as well as 3 total AP classes so far.
My only issue was getting a D in Honors Chemistry last year. I have decided towards my senior year I will be taking Chemistry at a local community college to compensate the current D on my transcript. I took the SAT and now the ACT coming up and have not yet gotten my score. I plan on retaking both by the end of this year towards the summer. As far as my extracurricular activities I believe are good so far (I can give specifics if so). I was just curious, do I have a shot at being admitted to the USMMA and what are some ways I can become a better candidate.
You sound committed and have a plan. Be sure to take calculus (ap if possible). USMMA should go ahead and tell applicants it is required for admissions instead of preferred based on feedback I am learning.

Take the SAT as many times as you can. Enroll in prep courses for the SAT. The SAT is super scored for KP so you can focus solely on additional language arts reinforcement or math reinforcement.

What state are you from? Apply early (2028 application process is either open now or opening soon). Prepare now for your senator and representative nominations. All the information should be on their individual web sites. It is an easy thing to take care of now before you begin enjoying summer (as you should).

I am happy to help any perspective applicant as an Alum, regardless of where you are from after seeing the challenges kids are facing with the application process.

Reach out to my by PM if you can.
 
Talk to teachers about letters of recommendation this Spring. They will be loaded up in the Fall.
 
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