Does Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy have a prep program?

I'm a high school junior interested in Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy and heard they might have a prep program. Does anyone know what it involves and if it's beneficial for admission?

Yes, the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point actually does have a preparatory program known as the USMMA (United States Merchant Marine Academy) Sponsor Program. It's a bit unique - it's not a preparatory program in the traditional academic sense, but instead, is a robust mentorship initiative designed to help incoming plebe (freshman) students adjust to the demands and rigors of the Academy's environment.

When you get accepted to the Academy, you're paired with a Sponsor Couple or Individual who live in the local Kings Point community. These sponsors are often alumni, Academy staff, or others closely tied to the USMMA community. The goal of the program is to provide plebes with a "home away from home" and offer a support system outside the Academy structure.

While the Sponsor Program doesn't directly impact admissions and isn't intended to prepare students for the application process itself, participating students often gain valuable insights and advice from their sponsor, which can indirectly contribute to their overall success at the Academy. So, while it doesn’t offer a direct admissions advantage, it can certainly create a more supportive and enriched environment for students once they’re attending!