J.Davis6 has summed up Marion. My son felt pretty much the same. Something J.D has mentioned I have also noted. The Service Academy Prep program for prepsters for all five Academies (however they are supported) at MMI works well. But there are many more cadets at MMI who are not SAP. They don't have the goal the SAP prepsters, and so can "be distracting". It is best to stick to other prepsters and keep your eyes on the prize. My son has good friends from his time at MMI both at CGA and USMA.