USMMA Guide: What you need to know about USMMA

We believe it’s in your best interest to consider all your options. Academies are difficult to get into – and many believe that USMMA is the “best kept secret”.

Unique Differences:

• USMMA is the only Academy with flexibility to commission into any branch after graduation (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard)
• USMMA is the only Academy with flexibility to join Reserves vs. Active Duty – Service Commitment
• USMMA is the only Academy with Sea Year – you’ll visit 18+ countries over 12 months. 
• Because of Sea Year, in-class curriculum is completed in 3 years instead of 4.
• USMMA is the only Academy that has significantly limited major selection: only 5 majors offered. Many classes have marine focus. 
• USMMA is the only Academy that has below 1300 avg SAT. [1250 vs. 1350]
• USMMA is the only Academy that has fees (they are minimal compared to college)
• USMMA is the only Academy under the Department of Transportation. Under wartime, it will be transferred under the Department of the Navy.

Similarities

• USMMA’s D-III sports are similar to USCGA – higher % probability of playing your HS sport.
• Similar probability of obtaining pilot slot as USAFA/USNA
• Similar military environment & leadership development – read USMMA Life as a Midshipman
• Similar commitment to character development (honor code) 
• Beautiful location at Kings Point, NY (on Long Island)

Former Client email about USMMA:

“Hey Travis! Kings Point has been a great experience so far, but I would definitely advise the different situation it brings to any candidates or potential applicants. It’s a trade school, Simple as that. Everything you do academically and in your life now revolves around attaining your coast guard license. In that way it is the most limiting of the academies while you’re there in your freedom of study as everyone in your department (engineering or deck officer programs) will take the exact same classes together. However, upon graduating it offers the most freedom and bargaining power by far, the ability to commission any uniformed service branch opens up the opportunity for midshipmen to graduate and serve as part of the NOAA officer corps or Public Health Service. Or if a student decides the military or uniformed life isn’t for them, they may sail on their license making a minimum of 6 figures a year for 6 months of work as 21-22 year old. Or even if they decide they don’t want to serve in an active component nor sail on US flagged vessels they can work in the vary loosely defined “maritime industry” to fulfill their obligation. So to summarize, Sea year is awesome and Midshipmen at KP (called cadets while on ship) will have a blast seeing the world while learning practical engineering and applications of their trade and get a short reprieve from the regiment. And KP itself lives up to its reputation as the “academy of choice” and “it’s the easiest to get in but hardest to graduate from” but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. “What is the Merchant Marines?“

• Answer: Merchant Marines lead large commercial ships that are used to transport people, raw materials, and manufactured goods, which are critical to trade and commerce of a nation. In peacetime, they report to the Dept of Transportation. In wartime, they can be activated under the Navy. At USMMA, you would earn your US Coast Guard license and be trained to lead these large vessels. However, you would have the option to go active duty instead.

2. “Do USMMA midshipmen have basic training?“

• Answer: Yes! Similar to Plebe Summer or BCT, USMMA mids call it “Indoc.”

3. “Why do most applicants not consider USMMA?”

• Answer: They’ve never heard of it. Or they have a false idea of what it is. Or they are over-confident and don’t think they need a backup plan to USMA, USNA, or USAFA.

4. “Can you tell me more details about Sea Year?”

• Answer: This document from USMMA has all the details you would ever want to know! Sea Year Details

5. “How many USMMA mids go active duty instead of merchant marines?”

• Answer: About 40% each year.

6. “What is the breakdown of branches that USMMA grads go into?”

• Answer: Most stay within the “Sea Services” – Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. But some go into the Air Force and Army too.

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