Looking for Admission Statistics for the US Merchant Marine Academy

I'm trying to get a sense of how competitive the US Merchant Marine Academy is. Can anyone share or explain their admissions statistics, like acceptance rates or average scores, to help me gauge my chances better?

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) is quite competitive due to its unique offerings and its relatively small class size. Let's go over some available admission statistics to give you an idea of the school's selectivity.

Please note that all federal service academies, including USMMA, have a different admissions process than traditional universities. In general, they require a nomination as part of the application, usually from a U.S. senator or representative. Once applicants get a nomination and meet the other requirements, they're typically admitted.

As of the most recent data available, the USMMA has an acceptance rate of around 25%, making it highly selective.

While SAT or ACT scores are not the sole deciding factor, it's worth noting that the middle 50% of enrolled students scored between 610-650 on the SAT Math section, 590-630 on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section, and between 24-30 on the ACT Composite. But remember, these scores are merely guidelines, not strict cutoffs.

Academic performance is necessary but not sufficient for acceptance. You will also need to pass a medical exam (DoDMERB), a fitness assessment, and you will have to receive a nomination. Nominations usually come from a U.S. Representative or Senator, but there are other sources for nominations, like the Vice President or the Superintendent of the academy.

Even if you meet these academic and physical requirements and receive a nomination, admission to the USMMA is not guaranteed as these figures indicate that it's quite selective. However, for those admitted, the rewards can be substantial. Cadets receive a fully paid-for education, room and board, and a monthly stipend during their time at the academy. Upon graduation, they have a service obligation either in the U.S. Merchant Marine, Armed Forces, or maritime industry.

In conclusion, while admission to the USMMA is challenging, if you are well-rounded, have strong academic abilities, and meet their physical fitness standards, you may very well be a competitive applicant.

It might be helpful to meet with an admissions counselor to discuss your personal circumstances and how you can put your best foot forward in the application process. They would also be the most up-to-date source of admission statistics and the factors that play into admission decisions.