MMI Class of 2021 - SELF PREP

Korab said:
I'm saying good look transferring credits from what amounts to an Alabama community college to a reputable four year institution- it's a two year institution in Alabama - is what I wrote somehow not accurate? Maybe reputable wasn't the best word - how about highly selective, because most of these kids would have gone to a highly selective college if they weren't pursuing an academy appointment

There is a developing mindset on this site that self prepping is somehow the answer for those who were rejected - which is great for the institutions offering self prep programs, but not necessarily so great for the kid who enrolls in one and doesn't earn an appointment. Now what? Parents and kids need to think about that, since most self preppers are not going to earn an appointment. If a kid who is rejected does what all the academies recommend and enrolls in a regular college and takes a first year like schedule, re-applies, and is rejected again, they don't have to worry about finding a new school and whether those credits will transfer, making new friends, etc, etc, etc.
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I think the unnecessary descriptor was "Alabama" as if MMI is some sort of backwater, hillbilly institution. I have a DS at MMI and I've been quite impressed. And he is a re-applicant now with an LOA at USNA. For him, as a re-applicant, this was the best choice because of the military bearing and experience presented by the school. His leadership skills increased, and he was surrounded by fellow cadets and faculty who had the same mission. To me that is the real message, each re-applicant needs to evaluate their individual circumstance and seek to improve their application based on their own deficiencies. Keep in mind that MMI is the only civilian prep that is recognized by all 5 SAs. That means they have a communication pipeline into each SA. That was important to my DS' situation. And we believe his LOA is a direct result of the choice he made. But that doesn't mean it would be the best choice for another re-applicant.
 
Korab - All credits awarded by MMI are compliant with the STARS transfer system. This means all credits earned at MMI (and other Alabama Community Colleges) are fully transferable into the state Univeristy system, which includes Alabama and Auburn. In addition, MMI is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and all credits (with exceptions for ROTC and Physical Training) are transferable to schools nationwide. I have former students, in addition to going to all five service academies, attending UCLA, USC, Embry Riddle, University of Mississippi, Texas A&M, Norwich, etc. We have athletes who are getting atheltic scholarships to Division I schools nation wide, including a couple of basketball players who have played in the NCAA tournament. In summary, as a two-year college, MMI credits hold the same academic standing as credits earned in the lower division of universities throughout the country.

Now, as to the self-prep route...again, it's a personal choice for the students. For some, a dedicated prep school is the way to go, for the academic structure. Others would benefit from an MJC, working within a corps of cadets and earning college credit. Still others who already have strong self-discipline would fit at the university level, or even at the local community college. No path is guaranteed, and no path is a dead end. It all comes down to how the student makes best use of their opportunities.
 
BunkerDog1 said:
I think the unnecessary descriptor was "Alabama" as if MMI is some sort of backwater, hillbilly institution. I have a DS at MMI and I've been quite impressed. And he is a re-applicant now with an LOA at USNA. For him, as a re-applicant, this was the best choice because of the military bearing and experience presented by the school. His leadership skills increased, and he was surrounded by fellow cadets and faculty who had the same mission. To me that is the real message, each re-applicant needs to evaluate their individual circumstance and seek to improve their application based on their own deficiencies. Keep in mind that MMI is the only civilian prep that is recognized by all 5 SAs. That means they have a communication pipeline into each SA. That was important to my DS' situation. And we believe his LOA is a direct result of the choice he made. But that doesn't mean it would be the best choice for another re-applicant.
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Isn't it in Alabama?

Physicsguru said:
Korab - All credits awarded by MMI are compliant with the STARS transfer system. This means all credits earned at MMI (and other Alabama Community Colleges) are fully transferable into the state Univeristy system, which includes Alabama and Auburn. In addition, MMI is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and all credits (with exceptions for ROTC and Physical Training) are transferable to schools nationwide. I have former students, in addition to going to all five service academies, attending UCLA, USC, Embry Riddle, University of Mississippi, Texas A&M, Norwich, etc. We have athletes who are getting atheltic scholarships to Division I schools nation wide, including a couple of basketball players who have played in the NCAA tournament. In summary, as a two-year college, MMI credits hold the same academic standing as credits earned in the lower division of universities throughout the country.

Now, as to the self-prep route...again, it's a personal choice for the students. For some, a dedicated prep school is the way to go, for the academic structure. Others would benefit from an MJC, working within a corps of cadets and earning college credit. Still others who already have strong self-discipline would fit at the university level, or even at the local community college. No path is guaranteed, and no path is a dead end. It all comes down to how the student makes best use of their opportunities.
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I had no doubt the school was appropriately accredited. It doesnt surprise me in the least that some of your former students went on to fine institutions, as most kids seeking an Academy nomination are hard chargers. Can you tell us whether UCLA, Embry Riddle or USC accepted the credits from MMI? You know what I mean by this - actually accepting the credits as counting towards the degree, not just placing the kid into a higher level class. That was the point I was making before - most highly selective institutions won't accept the credits - they will just place you in a higher level class but you arent closer to graduating. This is also true for many kids with dual enrollment credits they earned in high school.

Care to share the exact statistics for self-preppers at their first choice school for the last 5 years?
 
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mamabear1302 said:
Just starting this thread for those of us/DS/DD who had MMI as their plan B. USCGA was DS's first and only choice, but we had plans B, C, D in place in case. He's looking forward to it, maybe not the heat & humidity though. Cali kid here.
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Same here! My DS is a Cali kid too! He has no idea what he is in for but is highly motivated.
 
My DS attends MMI currently. He was rejected from USNA, USNA, and USAFA last year. He decided to attend MMI because of the small campus feel and wanted to be around peers who have the same dreams. Before committing to MMI we inquired with Purdue University, University of Michigan, and 2 other colleges that he was accepted into to see if the credits would transfer All schools told us the credits would transfer to his applicable major except for military science and physical conditioning. Currently, DS has an appointment to West Point and recently was informed that he is a leading candidate for USNA for USAFA per our congressman. I would say the program has done a fine job in preparing him for the academies. MMI cannot control nominations, waivers, and other situations outside their control like any other college/university with ROTC programs. Also, the program gives the cadet tools to help improve their application but it's ultimately the cadet's dedication to make this happen. As a self prep student, there is no golden ticket and as a parent/student you know this. Our Plan B for the upcoming school year was to transfer to a state college but it is not needed.

MMI is also very generous with scholarships and makes it very affordable for many families. It was a great education for a very reasonable price. My cadet took calculus, physics, chemistry, English Comp, etc. which the academies want to see from a reapplicant. Even if DS was rejected again, it was a great education for freshmen year of college.
 
mamabear1302 said:
Just starting this thread for those of us/DS/DD who had MMI as their plan B. USCGA was DS's first and only choice, but we had plans B, C, D in place in case. He's looking forward to it, maybe not the heat & humidity though. Cali kid here.
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prospective_cadet11 said:
Hi all! There is a Snapchat group chat being made for those attending MMI. I was rejected from CGA and will be attending MMI's SAP program for the Coast Guard this fall. I saw others did it last year and figured it would be a great idea, so if you or your DD or DS are attending MMI and want to be added to it, feel free to let me know.
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Yes please add me. Not sure if my DS is going to go to MMI now given our dire financial circumstances due to the shut down. We will need more scholarship $$ to make it work now.
 
Mooselover20# said:
If you go to MMI as self prep, apply to at least three other academies. Nothing is guaranteed, but hard work there will get you an appointment.
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If CGA is his his desired end goal...why? He wants to fly helicopters and has mentioned applying at Air Force as well but the humanitarian role of the CG is what drew him in.
 
My daughter attended MMI. You will have no problem transferring classes to any other college. All the classes taken at MMI are basic core classes required at any university. My daughter was not SAP but DCSS for Coast Guard and I cannot say enough positive things about MMI. 100% pleased with her experience at MMI.
 
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mamabear1302 said:
If CGA is his his desired end goal...why? He wants to fly helicopters and has mentioned applying at Air Force as well but the humanitarian role of the CG is what drew him in.
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Most of the SAs look favorably on multiple applications because it demonstrates a desire to serve. Someone with more knowledge can correct me, but I believe all the service branches fly helicopters.
 
BunkerDog1 said:
Most of the SAs look favorably on multiple applications because it demonstrates a desire to serve. Someone with more knowledge can correct me, but I believe all the service branches fly helicopters.
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Probably so but CG is his desired service with it's misssion.
 
mamabear1302 said:
Probably so but CG is his desired service with it's mission.
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Understood. Applying to multiple SAs doesn't mean one should have a most favored or optimal choice. But it does reflect on desire to serve. And of course if your DS would not attend any other SA regardless even if it was his only appointment, then probably not worth the effort of completing the other applications. My DS has a dream of being a Navy pilot and has an LOA from USNA but he's also still in the running at USAFA and USMA after a year at MMI.
 
prospective_cadet11 said:
Hi all! There is a Snapchat group chat being made for those attending MMI. I was rejected from CGA and will be attending MMI's SAP program for the Coast Guard this fall. I saw others did it last year and figured it would be a great idea, so if you or your DD or DS are attending MMI and want to be added to it, feel free to let me know.
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I have been accepted for self prep at MMI, but I am still waiting on a possible appointment to USMA.
 
Korab said:
I'm saying good look transferring credits from what amounts to an Alabama community college to a reputable four year institution- it's a two year institution in Alabama - is what I wrote somehow not accurate? Maybe reputable wasn't the best word - how about highly selective, because most of these kids would have gone to a highly selective college if they weren't pursuing an academy appointment

There is a developing mindset on this site that self prepping is somehow the answer for those who were rejected - which is great for the institutions offering self prep programs, but not necessarily so great for the kid who enrolls in one and doesn't earn an appointment. Now what? Parents and kids need to think about that, since most self preppers are not going to earn an appointment. If a kid who is rejected does what all the academies recommend and enrolls in a regular college and takes a first year like schedule, re-applies, and is rejected again, they don't have to worry about finding a new school and whether those credits will transfer, making new friends, etc, etc, etc.
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I believe you are conflagrating the two separate issues here. In fact-MMI has transfer agreements along with scholarships for MMI students matriculating to other 4 year Universities (Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi State-are these Universities not reputable?). Before you denigrate a prestigious institution the does an amazing job (yes-MMI is a prestigious 2 year college) you should do your homework. The choice to either attend 4 year University and take an aggressive schedule as USNA publishes or attending MMI and self prep is a personal choice. Yes, I agree that many do not take a hard enough look at where they truly lie on the scale. If you are truly a competitive candidate and are just missing a nut or bolt here and there and you are willing to go to MMI and work for it, odds are you will receive your appointment. The less competitive you are the less likely you will be appointed. A sliding scale should be applied here as not all prospective "self preppers" are fully competitive candidates. For disclosure sake, I have one DS who attends MMI whom needed his academics strengthened before moving on to Auburn or Miss State and little brother just turned down AROTC and AFROTC 4 year scholarships to Miss. State and will now attend MMI as an AOG sponsored West Pointer.
 
I was an MMI Self Prep student. The MMI self-prep program is very similar to that of the sponsored kids. There is still regular PT and some of the classes can be moderately difficult. If your DS/DD sets their mind to get into an academy and stays focused, they are sure to be successful in some way. It may take more than one year, but the MMI program is great. The program is especially beneficial in helping academy applicants maintain their focus. Getting the job done at MMI requires a lot of focus and discipline!

MMI has an appointment success rate of about 75%.

Edit: The numbers can be confusing, especially when you consider the bigger picture. The overall success rate is 75% for sponsored and non-sponsored cadets. Granted, most of that 75% is sponsored, but everyone in SAP makes up that statistic. If you have any specific questions or require more updated statistics, reach out to LTC Bowen, he is the coordinator. Between the PT and the classes, your child has a really good chance of earning an appointment because of the improvement that will be seen. MMI has more USCGA, USMA, and USMMA appointments for self preppers than they do for USNA and USAFA because those academies look heavily at academics.

If your child works VERY hard, they will be successful at earning an appointment to at least one academy. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any MMI-specific questions.
 
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Korab said:
Its not just what "many" suggest - its what CGA and all the other academies recommend. I think you will be hard pressed to find official numbers for self-preppers and their success rate overall, much less at their academy of choice. The loose numbers above show a success rate of approximately 40% - for the other 60%, good luck transferring those credits from what amounts to an Alabama community college to any reputable 4 year institution
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The credits from MMI actually transfer well. Unless your DS/DD requires a different set of classes for their major, all of MMI's SAP classes are accredited and transferrable.

For example, if your DS/DD does not earn an appointment to one of the SAs, they will be able to transfer all of their credits earned at MMI to most 4-year colleges. However, if they are going for an engineering degree, the trig-based physics offered at MMI will not transfer as a credit to their major. Instead, they would have to take calc-based physics.

I am a transfer student from MMI this year, and all of my credits transferred, with the exception of physics because I am an Aerospace Engineering major.
 
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