Torn between Foundation Sponsorship schools

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GoldenEagle

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Feb 12, 2020
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So I've been torn between going to Northwestern Prep, or Marion Military Institute for my prep year. I understand they are different types of schools, but I'm still uncertain which I'd prefer. If any of you would be able to share your experiences and opinions I'd be more than grateful.
 
Did you discuss your application package with your admissions adviser? Do you know if there are areas that need improvement? The programs serve two different needs - one is aimed at test prep and fitness, the other adds college courses.

Are you seeking a military environment to see if the SA lifestyle is right for? - MMI
Are you seeking college credits that would be transferable in the event you opt-out of a SA and choose to go to a traditional college? - MMI
Are you seeking hyper focus on standardized test prep? - NWP
Are you seeking a 6 month cohort instead of a 12 month program? - NWP
Are you seeking something on the West Coast? - NWP
Are you seeking something in the South East? - MMI

Ultimately, I think you can be successful in either program. There are far more things to consider than these simple observations, but you've come to the right place where graduates of both programs can chime in. Staff like @Physicsguru also are here to help answer questions.
 
shiner said:
Did you discuss your application package with your admissions adviser? Do you know if there are areas that need improvement? The programs serve two different needs - one is aimed at test prep and fitness, the other adds college courses.

Are you seeking a military environment to see if the SA lifestyle is right for? - MMI
Are you seeking college credits that would be transferable in the event you opt-out of a SA and choose to go to a traditional college? - MMI
Are you seeking hyper focus on standardized test prep? - NWP
Are you seeking a 6 month cohort instead of a 12 month program? - NWP
Are you seeking something on the West Coast? - NWP
Are you seeking something in the South East? - MMI

Ultimately, I think you can be successful in either program. There are far more things to consider than these simple observations, but you've come to the right place where graduates of both programs can chime in. Staff like @Physicsguru also are here to help answer questions.
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Slightly off topic, but do you know whether we have to take a standardized test after NWP?? Can I just use my high school SAT?
 
Part of the course at NWP involves taking the SAT. I believe they take it 2 or 3 times in the fall.
 
Daisy Szemborski said:
Slightly off topic, but do you know whether we have to take a standardized test after NWP?? Can I just use my high school SAT?
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Call the school and talk to them about your specific scenario. If Admissions told you areas to focus on, you should ensure the program you select addresses these needs. The NWP program offers more content than just test prep, but it is the focus area I hear about the most from people who have been through the program, and like @usna94 mentioned, they take it multiple times as part of their Service Academy Prep program.

I am excited to hear from graduates of the program with first hand experience.
 
Daisy Szemborski said:
Slightly off topic, but do you know whether we have to take a standardized test after NWP?? Can I just use my high school SAT?
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At NWP, students are stressed to continue taking the ACT/SAT to try and keep improving their scores even if you have solid baselines. It's not uncommon for students to improve at least 100 points to get into the high 1400s and low 1500s.

Falcon scholars with 30+ ACT or 700+ SAT are not required to retake, though almost everyone still does. Last year, we took the SAT 3 times and the ACT twice.
 
I can only speak to MMI. My DS attended this past year. For him, we believe this was the right place to re-apply. The military bearing of the day to day cadet life was important to him. MMI also was able to provide him a platform to uplift his resume where it needed uplifting. To me that is your decision point. Where can your application stand improvement and where is the best platform for you to do that? That first requires an honest self assessment, which is easier said than done.
 
It sounds as if you are a SPONSORED prep (i.e., have been awarded a Foundation scholarship by USNA). If so, either school gives you the exact same chance for an appointment -- essentially 100% if you successfully complete the program, pass the PRT, and don't do something stupid (i.e., drugs, alcohol). So do not worry about which school helps you in "reapplying," b/c if you are sponsored, you don't reapply.

It is my recollection that USNA requires that you retake the SAT/ACT at least once. You also take the PRT (not the CFA) in the fall.

I suggest you speak to the "New Capt. Wallace" -- sorry, don't know his name -- who coordinates the Foundation program for USNA. He should already have reached out to you. He is very familiar with all of the prep schools and can give you the pros and cons of each given your specific situation.

You might also wander over to the Prep Forum on this site. It would help if you posted a bit about what you are seeking or not seeking for your prep year. In the meantime, Shiner above has given some good advice.

If I misread your post and you are NOT sponsored, then ignore the above.
 
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