I agree with your 'one size does not fit all' point completely. Pretty sure you know this, but for others following, MMI IS a college. A jr college, yes, but considering that your primary objective is to transfer the next year, (or maybe two?), then your kid can transfer from MMI just as easily as Civ University. Hopefully, it's to SA of choice, but perhaps Civ University is the better path for you anyhow?
MMI, with it's corp of cadets, and very well established relationships with Service Academies definitely has advantages over the Civilian U route, IMHO.
Perhaps the service Academy gatekeepers (either congressional board interviewing, or AO at SA), felt DS/DD might not be the best over all candidates for military life? Or perhaps your kid really does need to give being part of a Corp of Cadets a dry run? Regardless, Corp of cadets will be in the plus column. (You could obviously do same at major military U's, such as Citadel, Norwich, VMI, TX A&M, etc....)
Yes, ROTC will provide that experience a couple times a week at State U, but Marion has ROTC also.
Marion has directly experienced professors and staff for fulfilling letters of reference, and SA evaluations required. And for fulfilling not always simple administrative requirements, like dental xray, fingerprint cards, DoDMERB requirements including AMI situations, etc.. Not saying Civ U can't do the same, but you could have to do some more work there explaining and reminding Civ professors who may have 1000 students in your section, of your needs. Perfect example: We got the perfect Dr referal to handle WP requested AMI. They knew a former Army Doctor to send DS to, and someone from MMI actually gave him a ride to and from his appointment. Excellent Support saves time that could be otherwise spent in the pursuit of militarily related extracuriculars at MMI to build a stronger Leadership profile. In particular, if you can pass the difficult Swamp Fox requirements, (many drop out), you will have an excellent experience to talk about in interviews, etc. DS West Point AO had heard all about the MMI Swamp Fox program and seemed particularily impressed by that.
When looking at statistics on appointments coming out of any situation, bear in mind your kid will actually need to perform and follow through. And perhaps some kids goingvthrough this just don't meet tge standards to begin with.
Obviously I'm biased towards MMI, but did everything they promised for my son and MORE. And gave him decent discounts with easy to get scholarships. Furthermore, I can't argue with the RESULTS. 3 appointments to all three Academies he applied to.
