<p>I have never heard as much about this academy as opposed to the others and at a college fair there was a representative. I liked what he said, it seems to open the most doors in terms of the academies(especially since there is no obligation to serve or join a specific branch) but in terms of education, future jobs, and the entire aspect of the academy how would one say it matches up against West Point, Annapolis, and Airforce academies?</p>
<p>Of the 5 federal service academies (don’t forget US Coast Guard Academy), US Merchant Marine Academy is equally good in terms of education, variety of opportunities to serve your country, and preparing students for leadership and decision-making. Check out the Princeton Review for a short, interesting summary. If you are still interested, I suggest an overnight visit to Kings Point to get a first hand flavor and hear directly from the midshipmen. As a junior you will find there are many steps to the application process for each of the academies, some of which you will need to complete by early next fall. So you will want to get started promptly.</p>
<p>Additionally get in contact with your state/local admissions field rep. If you go to the academy main web page and click on admissions you will see a link to the field reps. Contact that rep…they will be more than glad to assist you.</p>
<p>I graduated from the Kings Point and have worked in the Maritime Industry for many years. Kings Point is an excellent school and there are many opportunities for graduates. The engineering program is excellent and many graduates work as operating engineers. Nautical Science graduates work in various aspects of the shipping business at Maritime Attornies, ship pilots or like me for a shipping line in sales. The military training is not as rigorous as West Point or Annapolis but it is still a major part of Midshipmen life. Only very strong candidates should consider Kings Point (great SATs, very good grades and good extra-curriculars). Good Luck!</p>
<p>Talk to an admissions rep, visit if you can. Get the application started you will need a MOC rec and DODMERB physical. Ask as many questions as you can think of and best of lluck</p>
<p>As GWUdad said, the regimental program at KP is not as rigorous as the other academies.
That said, be prepared for a very strenuous academic program, especially if you major in engineering. the requirement that you spend a year at sea means that you will have to complete 4 years of education in the 3 remaining years on campus. There are few breaks and they are very short. Also, since the academic year is divide into three 14 week trimesters instead of two 16 week semesters the same material must be covered in less time. This academy is about “driving” ships. Really big ships! There are only two fields of study with three majors in each. My DS graduates in 8 days. It has been a difficult process to say the least but he has had some AMAZING experiences and the opportunities this academy offers cannot be matched anywhere else.</p>
<p>There IS a military obligation upon graduation. You have to accept at least a commission in the USNR. Now, when I graduated (way back in 81), one could accept an inactive commission. I do believe that this particular option is no longer available.</p>