USMMA Prep Schools
- Thread starter kpdad2023
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- nmmi plan b prep school
Parent of 4
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Don't go by the published number. Call admissions at Marion, there are a number of scholarships/Aid they can offer..
Thanks!
tankercaptain
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You’d be better off having your child attend a State Maritime Academy and applying for the SIP.
The eligible SIP students entering the SIP Program, called cadets, may be awarded Federal funding of up to $8,000 annually, not to exceed $32,000 in a consecutive four year academic period. The SIP Program, is governed under 46 CFR 310.7, and is a voluntary program designed to assist cadets in defraying the cost of tuition, uniforms, books, and subsistence in return for a specific service obligation by the cadet / graduate."
Thank you. We will look into SIP.
Which Maritime Academy would you recommend?
tankercaptain
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All are equally good. I would seek out the one that you can receive instate or regional tuition.
My DS is still HOLD NWL and hopeful, but he is looking more at being ready for a new plan B attending prep school at MMI or NMMI. He has notified USMMA Admissions that he would be interested in a prep school sponsorship if he doesn't get accepted into USMMA this year. But what is the process? Should he fill out an application now for MMI or NMMI or is that handled by USMMA admissions if they sponsor him? How late can you wait on submitting an application to MMI or NMMI if you are self Prep? Also one source informed him that USMMA is not doing as many sponsorships as in the past.
There's still plenty of time for an appointment this year. I got my appointment April 1st back then.
But don't hold your breath for sponsored prep, it's used by admissions to lock in diversity, females, and athletes whom they cannot appoint because they don't have the right grades or SAT scores. It's not meant for the kids that are qualified, but not selected. I would go with a maritime academy if he doesn't get the appointment this year.
The program also requires the student to take the 8 year reserve commission and sail 150+ days or go active duty, or get a waiver from MARAD. That takes a lot of career flexibility out of the equation. They're basically reproducing the KP service obligation for a fraction of the cost of a KP grad. I don't think I would trade 5 years of career flexibility for $32k.
If you are a sponsored prep, you will have plenty of time to apply to MMI or NMMI once you are notified by USMMA of the prep offer. I would contact admissions at those two schools to get more info if you are considering self prep. I know they do offer generous sponsorships for many self prep kids I have not heard that USMMA is offering fewer sponsored prep spots. That would surprise me because USMMA got a huge budget increase this fiscal year.
tankercaptain
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Career flexibility?
If the student did not get accepted to Kings Point a State Maritime Academy offers the same degree, license and commission. The SIP is a way to lessen costs. It’s a better option than spending a year at a prep school hoping to get in a second time.
I was talking about the SIP Program. If you take that 32k, you have to sail 150+ days a year or get a waiver. If you don't take the 32k you can go for a shoreside job in the industry right away. If I was going to a state school, I would keep that open and not take the 32k.
My son is finishing second self prep year at Marion and between foundation and schools scholarships total out of pocket was about 18k total for 2 years