<p>I was recently visiting family in New England and we chose to visit some of the Service Academies. We visited USMA, USCGA and USMMA. We visited USMMA first and we met with two newly comissioned Ensigns. One an 0-1 in the USCG and the other in the Naval Reserve preparing to enter the Merchant Marine. We had the opportunity to speak about the Academy and life at it. I enjoyed hearing of the close-knit community a small school like USMMA has. The campus was beautiful and the rooms and buildings impressive. I also visited USCGA, which was impressive but I would have to say that I was more impressed w/ USMMA. I say that because it was all very fromal, and the Admissions officer we met with, an O-3, was not into the military aspect of USCG. I would love to be in CG as a service but I like Kings Point as a school much more than New London. West Point was amazing, like a medieval city in the middle of nowhere. But I still prefer Kings point because of the small school atmosphere and the opportuniteis upon graduation.</p>
<p>and one of those opportunities being going to the coast guard which you probably already know, so it looks like no matter which way you choose you'll be doing what you want after graduation. and who knows, you might change your mind after coming here, i know i did</p>
<p>BV is there an official Coast Guard option? I heard there might be. All of the schools have things to offer. I happen to think the CGA has a great campus and a family atmosphere. Good luck in whatever you do.</p>
<p>Kings point is way better though... first of all you come out of here with a costie liscense... you dont get one up in new london...also new london is a bit of a ghetto.... Kings point is in one of the richest towns in new york.... and most of all our admiral kicks costie butt...</p>
<p>Where'd ya hear that Boss? LOL The program is still in the works and I wouldn't look for anything official until after November sometime. I've seen part of it's design and it looks like USMMA might become involved with USCGA for some of the training if they can pull it off. Somebody wants on the Eagle bad! LOL </p>
<p>JT, there were several kids that went into the CG at graduation from KP. Its a good option!</p>
<p>JM I thought I had read that somewhere on line...maybe I'm dreaming...KP you come out of CGA with a Coast Guard COMMISSION! Ha ha license not needed. Anyway I don't get the ghetto reference. Connecticut is a beautiful state and LI is nice too! Get back to studying your knowledge...ha ha :D</p>
<p>new London can get rough fast if you drive into some areas of that town,,, trust me I did it my self loll... also coming out of kp you can get both the commission and license.... having a license is a good thing to have... not only having the license you have a higher level of professional knowledge of the sea. At cga you won’t even have the amount of required time on the water to get a license right out of graduation... now I am not bashing CGA it’s a great school if that’s what you really want.... but just remember KP is going to kick CGA butt at foot ball volley ball, etc... When they come down to meet their destiny.
And yes I want my chicken on my chest….. its driving me nuts having it sit on my desk</p>
<p>I thought I heard that USMMA graduates who go CG get some kind of billet selection priority compared to USCGA grads. Is that correct?</p>
<p>Hi everyone - haven't been on this site for awhile. I will be taking my youngest son to an open house at Kings Point this friday. The USMMA is only about a 20 minute drive from my house but we have never been there. Anything that I should see that is not on the regular tour? Thanks</p>
<p>my favorite place on campus is right behind the chappel.... its a really relaxing view... i suggest going there.... its also in the rear of land hall</p>
<p>I recently joined my HS swim team and have spoken to the coach about being the manager. The position does make one eligible for a varsity letter. But the coach, a retired Major in the Army, is concerned that the Academies may not accept such a letter. If you have any advice I would be glad to hear it. Thnk you.-John</p>
<p>I don't think a letter for being a manager will help much. It will be counted as an extra-curricular activity but not an athletic one. Sorry.</p>
<p>JTRW3990, it sounds like you have almost made your mind up that USMMA is for you. I believe you are a junior this year, right? Be sure you are taking the math and science courses you need and getting the best grades you can. Grades are very important. Take your best shot at the SAT next spring, perhaps by taking a review course ahead of time. Hopefully, you can point to some leadership, service and/or sports on your application, not necessarily a lot of activities, but some things you are excited about.
If you haven't made up your mind yet, schedule an overnight visit. Your family will drop you off and pick you up, but most of your time will be with midshipmen who will tell you what you can expect.</p>
<p>Thank you all for ypur quick and informative responses. The coach ended up recommending that I join the diving team. I have been attending practices for a week now and am really enjoying it. I am a Junior and this year is going to be extremely busy with JROTC,Band, and diving plus academics. My number one school is USMMA, but I am being realistic and looking at local schools. Thanks-John</p>
<p>JTRW3990... i was in your position my junior year.... i was just promoted to LT. in jrotc and had to hold my position as xo,,, had sailing.;. and academics....and studying for sat...</p>
<p>remember it is do able.... put in the work now so you can put in even more work as soon as you report....</p>
<p>i would love to be in jrotc...the challenge, the pain, the benefits...but there are no units located anywhere near me.</p>
<p>If not JROTC you might want to check out a CAP unit near you..</p>
<p>There is another good unit the US Naval Sea Cadets. Many Academy bound students have used this as a starting point. The good thing about this unit, is that the cadets receive the same training as do enlisted members of the US Navy. Superb Unit!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.seacadets.org/public/%5B/url%5D">http://www.seacadets.org/public/</a></p>