Requirements for United States Merchant Marine Academy?

I'm considering applying to the United States Merchant Marine Academy and want to know what the main requirements are. Do they have specific academic or extracurricular standards I should be aware of before applying?

The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) is one of the five federal service academies, and as such, it has some unique application requirements, compared to traditional colleges. Here are the major ones you should be aware of:

1. Nomination: Similar to the other service academies, you need to secure a nomination to apply for USMMA. These are usually obtained from a United States Congressman or Senator. You might also get a nomination from the Vice President of the U.S.

2. Academics: While USMMA does not publicly share exact GPA or standardized test score requirements, it's widely understood to be a competitive institution. Historically, strong candidates have solid GPAs, ideally in the top 40% of their high school class, and strong SAT/ACT scores, typically around the 50th percentile or higher.

3. Medical Evaluation: All candidates must meet certain medical and physical standards outlined by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Be prepared to undergo a medical examination to determine if you meet the specific vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and other physical requirements.

4. Fitness Assessment: You will also be evaluated through the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), which includes a series of six physical and motor fitness events that measure muscular strength and endurance, cardio-respiratory endurance, power, balance, and speed.

5. Extracurriculars: While it's not explicitly stated, USMMA (like other service academies) looks for students who demonstrate leadership and teamwork, often through extracurricular activities. This could be in sports, student government, or community service activities.

6. Personal Interview: A key part of the application process is an interview with a USMMA representative, usually an admissions field representative. This interview aids in understanding your desire and preparedness to attend a service academy and to serve in the maritime industry following graduation.

7. Maritime screening: Depending on your proposed course of study, you may also need to pass a maritime screening. This usually only applies to applicants who wish to acquire a Coast Guard License during their course of study.

It's important to start this process early due to its complexity. And remember, each student is more than just a profile filled with numbers so even if your stats don't seem perfect, your overall application may still make you a competitive candidate.

Finally, a unique aspect of the USMMA is the Sea Year, wherein midshipmen spend time at sea learning practical maritime skills. It's a rigorous and rewarding program, but be sure to consider this unique aspect when deciding if the USMMA is right for you.

Best of luck with your application!