I was denied an appointment to USMMA but I am in the running for a possible appointment to New Mexico Military Institutes Service Academy Prep Program. Has anybody here been through the their program? I am wondering what to expect? I have of some current mids saying that the mids from the program have an easier time understanding the academics when they get to the Academy. Does anybody know what life is like at NMMI?
Possible NMMI appointment
- Thread starter krumble
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My son is currently a West Point Prep at NMMI. I can tell you a few things about the place from a Mom's point of view.
Good things I have heard from my son:
1) Academics - He likes the professors and says they are willing to help before or after class if you have questions. Classes are small too. He feels that he is getting an excellent academic preperation for West Point.
2) Military school environment - When you go to your academy you will be used to shining shoes, putting together a uniform, marching in formation, etc.
3) Friendships - He has made some really good friends among the prep cadets, not just West Point preps, all the preps. All preps basically take the same classes so they get to know each other pretty well.
4) Time management - You learn to manage your time better so you can get everything done in the time you have.
Complaints I have heard from my son:
1) Food - he says the food in the mess hall sucks. I guess it just depends on what you like, some people like the food.
2) Leadership - there are some issues with leadership at the school. Cadets in leadership positions not doing what they are supposed to be doing or just not caring about the rules. Inconsistancy in applying the rules to all cadets.
I have heard from other cadets that went to NMMI that it does give you an excellent academic foundation for the academy. One former cadet that graduated from USMA last year told me that he doesn't think he would have made it through without his year at NMMI.
My son is away from NMMI this weekend on a band trip to Disneyland, when he gets back I'll see if I can get him or some other preps to logon and tell you more. They don't have a lot of time to be on the internet but I'll see what I can do.
If you have any specfic questions I'll do my best to answer them.
Good things I have heard from my son:
1) Academics - He likes the professors and says they are willing to help before or after class if you have questions. Classes are small too. He feels that he is getting an excellent academic preperation for West Point.
2) Military school environment - When you go to your academy you will be used to shining shoes, putting together a uniform, marching in formation, etc.
3) Friendships - He has made some really good friends among the prep cadets, not just West Point preps, all the preps. All preps basically take the same classes so they get to know each other pretty well.
4) Time management - You learn to manage your time better so you can get everything done in the time you have.
Complaints I have heard from my son:
1) Food - he says the food in the mess hall sucks. I guess it just depends on what you like, some people like the food.
2) Leadership - there are some issues with leadership at the school. Cadets in leadership positions not doing what they are supposed to be doing or just not caring about the rules. Inconsistancy in applying the rules to all cadets.
I have heard from other cadets that went to NMMI that it does give you an excellent academic foundation for the academy. One former cadet that graduated from USMA last year told me that he doesn't think he would have made it through without his year at NMMI.
My son is away from NMMI this weekend on a band trip to Disneyland, when he gets back I'll see if I can get him or some other preps to logon and tell you more. They don't have a lot of time to be on the internet but I'll see what I can do.
If you have any specfic questions I'll do my best to answer them.
WAMom,
Waiting for your expert observations before I added anything. I have had mids go there. They have all concurred that it was the best thing that they could have done.
Considering that the Commish discovered that USMAPS does not offer Chem and Physics, it is probably better preparation for the WP bound.
Hadn't heard any complaints about the food. Anytime anyone eats the "same" food for an extended period, it become boring.
Leadership-There are a few there from the HS program, but for most it is their first chance at military-style leadership. They are not experts. That is a part of the learning process which makes this a good experience for both the leaders and the led.
Waiting for your expert observations before I added anything. I have had mids go there. They have all concurred that it was the best thing that they could have done.
Considering that the Commish discovered that USMAPS does not offer Chem and Physics, it is probably better preparation for the WP bound.
Hadn't heard any complaints about the food. Anytime anyone eats the "same" food for an extended period, it become boring.
Leadership-There are a few there from the HS program, but for most it is their first chance at military-style leadership. They are not experts. That is a part of the learning process which makes this a good experience for both the leaders and the led.
Just_A_Mom
10-Year Member
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I hear being in New Mexico - they serve a lot of Mexican food. Get ready for lots of Tacos.
I think anyone who strives for an Academy and is offered a foundation scholarship should take it. When you are a high school senior 1 year seems like a lifetime, however it is a huge step to being closer to that appointment. It takes the average college student 5 years to graduate now so one year at a prep school is a pretty good deal.
Coongratulations! Parentally speaking, go there, do well and join KP as a member of the class of 2012!
I think anyone who strives for an Academy and is offered a foundation scholarship should take it. When you are a high school senior 1 year seems like a lifetime, however it is a huge step to being closer to that appointment. It takes the average college student 5 years to graduate now so one year at a prep school is a pretty good deal.
Coongratulations! Parentally speaking, go there, do well and join KP as a member of the class of 2012!
Regarding the food, his biggest complaint is that they serve a lot of mexican food and it does get old fast. The good news is that if a cadet signs up for the "Drug Free Youth" program they get the privilege to leave campus for dinner on Monday and Wednesday. There is also the opportunity to leave campus on Sat. and Sun. so you can eat elsewhere on those days too.
NMMI is a high school and a junior college so many of the cadets in leadership positions are high school kids. They have been at NMMI long enough to earn a leadership position but they don't always have the skills to do the job. Don't get me wrong there are some good leaders too. If you go to NMMI be prepared to be told what to do by a high school junior or senior, it's good practice for the real world where you may have superior that is younger than you.
In my opinion the year a NMMI is worth it to get into the academy.
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Krumble, if you can get NMMI, only one word from this KP Mom - GO! Son has said on several occasions that the kids that did the year of prep at NMMI do better academically than those coming in from high school or even with a first year of college. And if you really want what KP offers, this is a route there. The things I could tell you about sea year adventures would astound you. I'm sitting here playing the "watch the Mid sleeping" game here in Norfolk. We musta worn him out today. Highlight of the day was a tour of the ship he is on. AMAZING. The things KP kids learn during this time at sea is like no other. Feel free to ask any questions & I'll do my best to find you the answers.