Chances at the Merchant Marine Academy?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Merchant Marine Academy - Kings Point
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<p>I am currently a freshman at a top private college preparatory school in my area. My current GPA is a 3.3, but only because I am taking an honors science course usually taken by strong juniors. I am taking the maximum number of courses, two of which are honors classes, while the rest are regular classes, as my school does not have honors History or English classes for ninth graders. I had two unsuccessful campaigns for student government, one at the class level and one at the school level. However, I was appointed to be an alternate representative for my class government. I am not currently involved with my school’s athletic program, but I plan to do two sports next year. I am a member of my church’s youth group. I am involved in my school’s Euro Challenge team. Every week, I volunteer at my local library. I was cast in my school’s spring drama production. Also, I was a judge in the elementary school’s science fair. I am a member of my school band. For next year, I signed up for maximum number of courses, with one being an AP course and two being honors courses, as my school does not have honors level English classes for tenth grade. My science and math grades are my lowest grades, due to those two being my two honors courses, and my science course being a strong Junior level course. I don't plan to take physics until my Senior year, since that would be the only year I would qualify for AP Physics. Also, I plan on doing my school's Peer Leadership program in my Senior year. Next year, I also plan on participating in the Model Congress and Model UN programs at my school. As of now, what are my chances at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy?</p>

<p>Also, I am a first generation Filipino American, if that means anything. Both of my grandfathers fought in World War II, one being a soldier in the U.S. Army Forces Far East, and the other being a guerrilla warrior. One of my uncles is a retired Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. Another one of my uncles is a former Major in the Philippine Army. My father was a reserve Second Lieutenant in the Philippine Constabulary.</p>

<p>I live in New Jersey, and my congressman is Rush Holt.</p>

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<p>Stop worrying about resumes Chuck because it all comes down to who you are and if you would be good for the school. Obviously having all of the things you have on your resume help but none of it is a necessity. I was accepted and graduated from KP while having a sub 3 GPA in high school and essentially being involved with nothing at my school except for baseball and I didn’t even play baseball at the Academy. I just knew that I wanted to work on boats for a career because that’s all I’ve done my entire life. You are a freshman in high school. You are a long way away from applying to colleges and can’t even spend an overnight visit at the school yet. Enjoy high school and worry about the other stuff later.</p>

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<p>chuckjuday, </p>

<p>Way to go for thinking ahead.</p>

<p>Excellent course choices.</p>

<p>To get into any college (I notice you are particularly interested in the best of the best–Ivy League and service academies) academics and GPA are basic. Keep your GPA as high as you possibly can for grades 9-12. </p>

<p>Sports are great. </p>

<p>So is leadership in extracurricular actrivities–but don’t spread your self too thin there because a high GPA is better than the best excuses. </p>

<p>And don’t forget that the primary goal of your college search is to find a good match between the college and your interests and abilities.</p>