<p>I was wondering if anyone could possibly shed some light on USMMA admissions for my current situation:</p>
<p>I graduated high school last year with a less than satisfactory overall GPA (2.1) yet did fairly well on my SAT's (1020 Math & Verbal). My motivation was lacking yet the potential to succeced was there. Most every teacher and guidance counselor whom I told about wanting to go to Kings Point either laughed or told me not even to bother. I spent my entire summer motivating myself for the upcoming year, mentally and physically. I am currently attending a local community college majoring in mechanical engineering tech. with an overall 3.4 GPA. My concern is, can I still make it into the Academy even from a community college? I was also accepted recently into the University of Connecticut, by attending this school will I have a better shot rather than staying at the community college? I also belong to a local yacht club in which I have become a very competitive sailor over the past 4 years as well as befriended several Kings Point alumni, all of whom said they would be more than happy to write a letter of recommendation.</p>
<p>Not to burst your bubble, but I had only a 2.9 in HS and I thought I barely scraped by to make it in. That said, there is much more to just grades when it comes to impressing the admissions committee. They want to see well-rounded students. Extra-curricular activities, sports, clubs, etc are big pluses. Your sailing experience will help too. Make contact with the sailing coaches (dinghy or offshore/keelboat?) and keep them apprised of your situation. They can help majorly. A visit to the academy is also highly recommended.</p>
<p>Plenty of midshipmen have entered KP after a year (sometimes two) of prior college experience. Academically, it will help ease off some classes you would take at KP, but it still is a four-year program no matter how you slice it. I don't know how they would look at a big state school as compared to a small community college.</p>
<p>Don't forget that not only do you need to satisfy the requirements of the Academy, but you will need to secure a nomination from your Rep and/or Senators before KP will even look at your application.</p>
<p>Do you think that admissions would reject me ultimately because of my high school transcripts? If that's the case then it's over. I'm hoping that my decent GPA from my current school (3.4), as well as a decent GPA at UConn will be enough gradewise</p>
<p>I'm also going to be joining the sailing team at UConn, so that should be a plus as well.
I'm also hoping to participate in variety of other activities as well on campus as time allows.</p>
<p>I honestly can't say anything about your transcripts, since I'm not on the admissions committee so I'm not going to speculate on what they might do or look at.</p>
<p>What you need to focus on, if you really want to come here, is what you can do NOW to prove that you deserve to go to KP. That would include extra-curriculars and yes, maintaining good grades in your college stuff. Don't dwell on what you did in HS, since you can't change that. </p>
<p>Also, getting in here is a multi-step process. Start contacting your Representative and Senators (never too early to do this, anytime of year). Tell them your situation and ask what you can do to make yourself more attractive for nomination. If you can't get a nomination from them, the school can't help you. </p>
<p>The academic program here is not light. There are (were) many in my class who were "grade kings/queens" in high school, then got their butts kicked (outta) here. Just be prepared in knowing that getting in here is the easy part - staying is an entirely different matter.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice, I'll most deffinitely be applying for 2014 at KP.
Also, how does KP rate as far as alumni connection or the effect it has on employers in the civilian world. For instance an Annapolis or West Point grad is said to be able to find a job easier per say because of where their degree is from.</p>
<p>JPC5691, KP rates very high for alumni assistance.
KP alumni are well-known for their strong networking tradition.
They are always happy to help a midshipman with an introduction to a prospective employer, or to give the lay of the land to a midshipman considering a host of career options.</p>