Recent content by Jetbill

  1. 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...
  2. 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...
  3. 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.
  4. 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...
  5. 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...
  6. 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...
  7. 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...
  8. J

    USMA Class of 2028 Appointment List - Self-Updating

    Congratulations!!! From another TX Dad of a WP Plebe, and MMI self-prep grad. MMI Rocks! Only 5 months till R-Day!
  9. J

    Would I be too old to apply for USMA?

    MMI is a very solid plan. I can't recommend it enough for anyone that wants a super competitive shot at Service Academy Appointment. It's not a guarantee, nor an easy short cut. But if you are willing to truly work your ass off, then they're quite experienced at helping you through the process...
  10. J

    Lower GPA (West Point)

    The above posters are all spot on. If West Point is truly your dream, well just kill on everything from hete on out. In essays and interviews talk about how your desire to go to USMA is what motivated you to get your academics top notch. If that's still not enough DO NOT give up! Go to Marion...
  11. J

    How long do I have to accept an appointment

    Last year DS accepted appointments to USAFA, and USMA. (Also got offered USCGA late in the game, and declined immediately). After torturing himself for 6 weeks or so with the decision, he finally respectfully declined the USAFA appointment. It was still well before deadline, and pretty sure...
  12. J

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

    My Son reported on Aug 8th, 2022. Safe to assume it'll be around that date . MMI was absolutely the BEST decision we ever made! DS was a self-prep, worked his butt off, joined every club he could, (3 or 4?), and ended up receiving appointments to all 3 SAs he applied to. USMA, USAFA and USCGA...
  13. J

    Re-applicant letter of recs

    As an aside, this is one of the biggest advantages to attending a Service Academy Prep program, such as Marion Military Institute (Jr College). In addition to having ROTC to join, the Reapplicant has professors in place who, as part of their job description, write these letters/evals. I would...
  14. J

    Do you love your ROTC program?

    You mentioned Norwich. We were VERY impressed when we visited a year ago. If you haven't visited, i highly suggest. We git to speak with the AFROTC detachment DS was interested in directly following an excellent tour. You may, or may not know, that Norwich will "match" Federal ROTC...
  15. J

    West Point Duffel Bag

    We're in the 60 size range. Seems plenty big to fit everything recommended by our N. TX parents group, and a couple other small items, with room to spare. Bag was recommended that size too.
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