My math score was a point short on the ACT and so I did not qualify for an appointment, however I got a prep spot at NMMI. I know little to nothing about this school. If I do decide to go, would I have to go through the entire application process again? I am a recruit and I really would rather go to USMMA than my other school but not necessarily NMMI. I am wondering if it is just one of those things that I’d have to suck up and push through in order to get to where I want. I really think I want to be in the maritime industry and also do not want to be in debt for the rest of my life.
NMMI prep worth it?
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JohnPAKP65
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Were you offered any form of a scholership to NMMI, thus becoming “sponsored”? If so it appears as if you have to reapply, and likely have to reapply via other methods that might be used. See https://www.usmma.edu/admissions/sponsored-prep
By the way, how many times did you take the ACT? If multiple times, as encouraged by the Academy, and you came up short repeatedly, then you definitely (IMO) should go to a prep school or perhaps a community college.
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Yes they are paying for some of it. I don’t know all of the details since the coach is the one who told me, I have not gotten the official email from admissions yet.
And yes I took the ACT three times and missed it by one point on the math every time. I am taking the June SAT in an attempt to secure a prep school spot. I was just wondering if anyone who has done prep school has regretted it? I know it would be beneficial for me, but I can’t shake off the fact that I might not even enjoy sailing and five years plus my service commitment seems like a long time to be miserable for. However, I chose USMMA because of the job security.
JohnPAKP65
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Hopefully someone who has attended prep school will step up. But a question to you; are you considering deck or engine?
As far as enjoying sailing…it’s work, hard work, no getting around it. It is particulalrly hard when you marry and start a family. But having said that, it is also very rewarding financially. There are grads that are millionaires by the time they are 30.
There are also the military options to consider. Your user name “navy2715”…is there a significance in the Navy portion?
inquiring88
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Are you a football recruit? My DS is also.
Definitely deck! Since I am not as strong in math. And no I honestly did not put thought into my username, however I have been thinking about going Navy rotc if I end up at my backup school.
I’m a volleyball recruit!
I cannot speak specifically for USMMA, but I would have to assume it work the same as the others. The prep school is for candidates that are not qualified while the sponsored civilian prep slots are for those that are qualified but did not rank high enough for an appointment. If you are sponsored at civilian prep school, you are basically assured an appointment the next year as long as you successfully complete the program. You will have to reapply again and go through the same process. In reality, 99% of the kids who attend these programs see a great deal of value as you get an extra year to mature. If Math is a struggle, the year at prep will be well worth the investment so you can handle the advanced academics at the Academy.
JohnPAKP65
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Good luck on the future testing!
Something you should do, if you haven't already, is to take one of the online tests with developing a test strategy in mind. Lets take the ACT (math) for instance. It is my understanding that it comprises 60 questions and you are allotted 60 minutes. You only get credit for questions answered correctly; there is no penalty for a "miss" or not doing a question. Of course not doing a question narrows down the field of those you desire to attempt. In reviewing some of the online tests I see an abundance of questions that you should be able to hopefully do in your head with minimal time used to acquire the answer. As an example take the problem portrayed immediately below. [Keep reading below]
Now, my approach to solving this would be to observe that the car gets 27 miles per gallon and it has travelled 2727 miles. Observe that 2727 is evenly divisible by the miles per gallon "27". Indeed 2700/27 = 100 plus that extra 27 miles necessitates 1 more gallon of fuel. So the cost will be that of 100 gallons ($404) plus 1 gallon at $4.04 or $408.04. I would hope this is a simple mental exercise that would take 30 seconds tops, leaving the other 30 seconds for a later more difficult question.
Let's take another question, see below:
Observe that the three numbers 42, 126, and 210 are all visible by 42. 42 as well is the greatest common factor of 42, so that sets the solution at 42 (answer J).
Next sample question, again see below:
Seems difficult on the surface as you pick your brain as to the definition of an irrational number. But the reality is an irrational number is any number that cannot be expressed as an exact fraction. It is also a trick question as many individuals might think of the whole numbers between 1 and 6 and guess 4 (2, 3, 4, and 5). But something that you should have been taught as part of irrational numbers is the rule that between any two real numbers, there are infinitely many rational numbers and infinitely many irrational numbers. So, clearly, between 1 and 6, there are infinitely many irrational numbers and the answer is J.
So what is the strategy I suggest? Rapidly go through the test and answer the questions where you have both a high level of confidence and that save you time then come back to the harder more time consuming questions. Had you had these three question and been able to answer each in 30 seconds, you would have created a 1-1/2 minute time cushion.
KPEngnr90
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One thing I remember after graduating KP was hearing the conversations between NROTC officers in the wardroom of a destroyer, hearing them complain about student loans while the NA guys and me would sheepishly smile at one another. So in essence, hell yeah its worth it. On top of that you have one better than the NA guys. You get a chance to go to sea with a 6 figure salary waiting for you as a 3rd Mate or 3rd Engineer as opposed to a SWO graduating from the NA making Ensign pay currently $3800/month aboard ship 365 days a year.
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USMMA only has civilian prep options. 1 pro over the big 3 SA prep schools is the private ones provide college credits that are worth something if you don't wind up going the academy route. At least in my day, the SA prep schools did not provide college credits. I would recommend taking any funded prep school opportunity that comes your way. It will serve you well wherever you wind up the following year.
Apprehensivecoffee
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Current Plebe here. I did not attend prep school; however, I seriously considered doing a year of prep school. I know a few fellow plebes who did NMMI/Prep School, and all of them had nothing but good things to say about their experience. If you really want to come to KP, take advantage of the NMMI offer. That extra year will fly by extremely fast, and you will be way better prepared than the rest of your plebe class.
I think you see the tremendous value in the maritime industry and what KP has to offer. NMMI will only help you succeed in achieving your future goals. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
NeverSayNever
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NMMI is a good deal. Many of the professors are likely better than they are at KP and it will make Plebe year a bit easier.