Options for a prep school before US Merchant Marine Academy

Considering a prep school to strengthen my application to the US Merchant Marine Academy. What are some recommended prep schools or programs that have a good track record of preparing students for academy admission?

There are several recognized preparatory schools and programs specifically geared towards preparing students for admission into service academies, including the US Merchant Marine Academy. Here are three options that you might consider:

- Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS): As a Department of Defense preparatory school, NAPS offers a 10-month program designed to strengthen students' academic, physical, and leadership readiness for admission into one of the service academies. While its primary focus is on preparation for the Naval Academy, the knowledge and skills developed here also translate to other service academies, including the US Merchant Marine Academy.

- New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI): As the only state-supported, co-educational college preparatory military boarding high school in the country, NMMI offers a robust curriculum and strong military training. Several graduates have been accepted into various service academies, attesting to the quality of its preparatory program.

- Marion Military Institute (MMI): MMI offers a specifically tailored program called the Service Academy Program (SAP). SAP is designed for students who aspire to earn appointments to the U.S. service academies. It's often considered a feeder program for these academies as cadets develop academically, physically, and as leaders, while also completing the application process for the military academy of their choice.

Please note, while these options might strengthen your application and prepare you for life at a service academy, each student’s situation is unique, so it's crucial to consider your own academic record, physical preparedness, leadership experience, and career interests when choosing a prep school or program.