Kings Point or NROTC

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cjprime12

New Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2021
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4
Hello Everyone,
I have received an appointment to the Merchant Marine Academy and I am deciding between that and Texas A&M. I received an NRTOC Scholarship to Texas A&M and almost everything is paid for so money is not the deciding factor for me. At Texas A&M they have the Corps of Cadets so it's almost like a service academy experience, not your average NROTC school. However, the Merchant Marine academy seems appealing as well with Sea Year and the true service academy experience. This is a big decision for me so I would just like to hear any opinions if anyone has one. Thanks.
 
cjprime12 said:
Hello Everyone,
I have received an appointment to the Merchant Marine Academy and I am deciding between that and Texas A&M. I received an NRTOC Scholarship to Texas A&M and almost everything is paid for so money is not the deciding factor for me. At Texas A&M they have the Corps of Cadets so it's almost like a service academy experience, not your average NROTC school. However, the Merchant Marine academy seems appealing as well with Sea Year and the true service academy experience. This is a big decision for me so I would just like to hear any opinions if anyone has one. Thanks.
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Career objectives? My DS wants to fly so he is going Navy. He too had an NROTC scholarship but many of the schools he wanted to play football for at the D1 level did not recruit him because of his height (QB). He did his research and felt that USMMA offered him a great education, the Sea Year experience, the chance to play football and ultimately get a chance to fly Navy jets.
 
Neither is a bad choice but if you can afford A&M with your scholarship I'd A&M - so many more choices compared to USMMA

USMMA is a great school but it's pretty hyperfocused
 
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I have known USMMA graduates with marine engineering degrees fulfilling roles as mechanical engineers in private industry. Looking at my DS courses it mirrors many of my mechanical engineering degree. This academy is definitely a hidden gem.
 
RowingMom said:
I have known USMMA graduates with marine engineering degrees fulfilling roles as mechanical engineers in private industry. Looking at my DS courses it mirrors many of my mechanical engineering degree. This academy is definitely a hidden gem.
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I see it as merely a name change because it focuses on marine engines. How many times do people ask your DS when he tells him where he is going "where is that"? My son is always having to clarify he is going to USMMA and not USNA!! :)
 
I'm a big fan of the merchant marine industry and was even before being stationed at Military Sealift Command. The USMMA appears to be a great place to get a quality education.

But, aTm is also a great place to do ROTC. Do you like college football. Kyle Field is one of the top venues in the country. Plus, you'll get to see Alabama come in every other year and beat those Texas Aggies.
 
Devil Doc said:
I'm a big fan of the merchant marine industry and was even before being stationed at Military Sealift Command. The USMMA appears to be a great place to get a quality education.

But, aTm is also a great place to do ROTC. Do you like college football. Kyle Field is one of the top venues in the country. Plus, you'll get to see Alabama come in every other year and beat those Texas Aggies.
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LOL @Devil Doc I'm a former Marine and I love me a good corpsman but my nephew is an incoming Freshman at Texas A&M and will be burning that Alabama defense for some deep threat TDs. His teammate will be starting QB at Auburn in due time and will beat them up as well. LOL. OohRah
 
KamsDadQB1 said:
LOL @Devil Doc I'm a former Marine and I love me a good corpsman but my nephew is an incoming Freshman at Texas A&M and will be burning that Alabama defense for some deep threat TDs. His teammate will be starting QB at Auburn in due time and will beat them up as well. LOL. OohRah
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Rah, I can't wait for the season to start. There's two seasons in Alabama. Football and the Fourth of July.
 
My DS also had a choice between USMMA and TAMU with NROTC scholarship. He has never regretted his decision to go to Kings Point. He is now a Navy pilot flying with spec ops on some really important missions. Regarding TAMU having more choices than USMMA, I guess getting a degree in history or political science is not possible at USMMA. However, I would put USMMA up against any school in the country for most GREAT choices of career after graduation. Good luck with your decision.
 
cjprime12 said:
Hello Everyone,
I have received an appointment to the Merchant Marine Academy and I am deciding between that and Texas A&M. I received an NRTOC Scholarship to Texas A&M and almost everything is paid for so money is not the deciding factor for me. At Texas A&M they have the Corps of Cadets so it's almost like a service academy experience, not your average NROTC school. However, the Merchant Marine academy seems appealing as well with Sea Year and the true service academy experience. This is a big decision for me so I would just like to hear any opinions if anyone has one. Thanks.
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Maybe go to a visit at Kings Point and see what effect that has on you? Just a thought. Good luck either way.
 
My son had a similar decision, ROTC scholarship to D1 or USMMA. We made one last visit to both of them. When we got on the LIRR to head back to the city, his mind was made up: USMMA.

Good luck with your decision.
 
Your life decision may change as you grow. I know that all through high school, I wanted to be a fighter pilot, or any kind of pilot. I applied to all of the Federal academies (save USMA), and nominated to my choices, but ultimately only appointed to KP. As I went through the program, I decided that the maritime industry was far more appealing. Some of my classmates (including one of my Sea Year shipmates) took the military option and ended up being Naval Aviators. Good for them. I am happy with my choice. The industry has changed since those days, and I haven't been to sea on my license in decades, but part of my work is in the maritime industry. I have no regrets. . .well, at least career wise, anyway. . .
 
cmakin said:
Your life decision may change as you grow. I know that all through high school, I wanted to be a fighter pilot, or any kind of pilot. I applied to all of the Federal academies (save USMA), and nominated to my choices, but ultimately only appointed to KP. As I went through the program, I decided that the maritime industry was far more appealing. Some of my classmates (including one of my Sea Year shipmates) took the military option and ended up being Naval Aviators. Good for them. I am happy with my choice. The industry has changed since those days, and I haven't been to sea on my license in decades, but part of my work is in the maritime industry. I have no regrets. . .well, at least career wise, anyway. . .
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What kind of work in the maritime industry (without being at sea) are you doing, if you don’t mind saying? Thanks.
 
CkzErz said:
What kind of work in the maritime industry (without being at sea) are you doing, if you don’t mind saying? Thanks.
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No problem. When I first came ashore, I worked as a field surveyor for the American Bureau of Shipping. It was a good fit. Working out of and running the Galveston office involved a lot of work with the Oil and Gas offshore industry (rigs, supply boats, construction barges, etc.). After about 10 years, I was approached by an Energy Loss Adjusting (insurance adjustors) firm. I have been and adjustor/surveyor now for over 20 years.
 
RowingMom said:
I have known USMMA graduates with marine engineering degrees fulfilling roles as mechanical engineers in private industry. Looking at my DS courses it mirrors many of my mechanical engineering degree. This academy is definitely a hidden gem.
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Maritime merchant marine engineering majors are hybrid mechanical engineers who know how to weld, turn wrenches, and problem solve with this tools and hands. With a few extra courses post grad they will be able to take the ASME professional exam. DS was in similar situation. He went with AROTC scholarship to a SMC with a Army heritage. His goal is to be a combat arms officer in the US Army. USMMA did not have the "ranger company" or similar soldier skills training units that he desired to participate in while in school. He will still play D3 ball at the next level, Army picks up tuition and the SMC picks up the room and board. Good luck CJPRIME12.
 
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banjoppd said:
Maritime merchant marine engineering majors are hybrid mechanical engineers who know how to weld, turn wrenches, and problem solve with this tools and hands. With a few extra courses post grad they will be able to take the ASME professional exam.
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When I sailed (as an engineer), I often called myself a gloried mechanic. I sailed on ocean tugs for a lot of years. On some I was the only engineer, others I had one or two assistants. Anything that broke down, or needed maintenance was my responsibility, as well as standing watch. Dealing with emergency repairs, too. I always thought that KP did a great job preparing my for that kind of work.
 
cmakin said:
When I sailed (as an engineer), I often called myself a gloried mechanic. I sailed on ocean tugs for a lot of years. On some I was the only engineer, others I had one or two assistants. Anything that broke down, or needed maintenance was my responsibility, as well as standing watch. Dealing with emergency repairs, too. I always thought that KP did a great job preparing my for that kind of work.
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@cmakin are you still in the gulf coast area by chance?
 
cmakin said:
No problem. When I first came ashore, I worked as a field surveyor for the American Bureau of Shipping. It was a good fit. Working out of and running the Galveston office involved a lot of work with the Oil and Gas offshore industry (rigs, supply boats, construction barges, etc.). After about 10 years, I was approached by an Energy Loss Adjusting (insurance adjustors) firm. I have been and adjustor/surveyor now for over 20 years.
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Thank you!
 
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