I'm currently a cadet at MMI, and after following these forums for a while, I wanted to share a word of caution for anyone considering MMI as their top choice for a Service Academy Prep (SAP) program.
The SAP program includes four main classes: math, English, chemistry, and either U.S. history (for West Point-bound cadets) or physics (for everyone else). I didn't know this before coming here, and others might not either. While I’m enjoying my time at MMI and doing well, it’s important to note that I came in with a strong STEM foundation, which not everyone has. The chemistry class, in particular, is the hardest I’ve ever taken. Unless you've taken AP Chemistry before, you will find it incredibly challenging. (The average for the last 2 tests were high D's) Although people who go on to the academies say this course makes chemistry there a breeze, it can seriously impact your GPA(and thereby your chances of getting into the academies) here unless you're already well-prepared or willing to dedicate a lot of study time. I know several people who have already dropped the class, and others who are seriously considering it.
In math, most SAP cadets take either pre-calculus or calculus, with the majority in pre-calc. The teacher for calculus and most pre-calc sections is a very kind woman, but she has a very thick accent, which can make her difficult to understand at times. You’ll likely need to teach yourself some material, but the fail rate is low because she is a generous grader who truly wants to see her students succeed and get into the academies.
TLDR: The MMI SAP program is not an easy ride that will automatically boost your GPA. There are tough, college-level courses that will require significant time and effort for most people just to earn a B or C. Many of us, myself included, came in thinking a junior college in Alabama would be a breeze—be sure you’re ready for the challenge.
The SAP program includes four main classes: math, English, chemistry, and either U.S. history (for West Point-bound cadets) or physics (for everyone else). I didn't know this before coming here, and others might not either. While I’m enjoying my time at MMI and doing well, it’s important to note that I came in with a strong STEM foundation, which not everyone has. The chemistry class, in particular, is the hardest I’ve ever taken. Unless you've taken AP Chemistry before, you will find it incredibly challenging. (The average for the last 2 tests were high D's) Although people who go on to the academies say this course makes chemistry there a breeze, it can seriously impact your GPA(and thereby your chances of getting into the academies) here unless you're already well-prepared or willing to dedicate a lot of study time. I know several people who have already dropped the class, and others who are seriously considering it.
In math, most SAP cadets take either pre-calculus or calculus, with the majority in pre-calc. The teacher for calculus and most pre-calc sections is a very kind woman, but she has a very thick accent, which can make her difficult to understand at times. You’ll likely need to teach yourself some material, but the fail rate is low because she is a generous grader who truly wants to see her students succeed and get into the academies.
TLDR: The MMI SAP program is not an easy ride that will automatically boost your GPA. There are tough, college-level courses that will require significant time and effort for most people just to earn a B or C. Many of us, myself included, came in thinking a junior college in Alabama would be a breeze—be sure you’re ready for the challenge.
