What are the academic requirements for the Merchant Marine Academy?

I'm looking into the Merchant Marine Academy and trying to figure out their academic requirements. What GPA or standardized test scores do they typically expect from applicants? Are there any specific courses I should focus on in high school?

The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) is a highly competitive service academy, and as such, they have notable academic requirements.

When it comes to GPA, although there's no official minimum GPA required for admission, the average GPA of admitted students usually hovers around 3.6, suggesting that successful applicants typically have grades in the B+/A- range.

For standardized tests, the USMMA currently accepts the SAT and ACT, but as of the 2024-2025 application cycle, they do not require the essay sections of either test. Their minimum accepted scores vary by year. However, it can be beneficial to aim for a score above the 50th percentile of admitted students, which is usually approximately 1270 for the SAT and 29 for the ACT.

In terms of coursework, the USMMA strongly recommends a curriculum that includes four years of English, four years of college-preparatory mathematics (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Trigonometry), one year of Chemistry or Physics (preferably both), and at least two years of a foreign language. Importantly, prospective candidates must have at least one year of high school Physics to gain admission to the USMMA, as its curriculum contains a significant amount of Physics coursework.

Besides these prerequisites, a very important aspect to remember is passing the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) which is a test comprised of six physical and motor ability events that gauges an applicant's physical readiness for the Academy's rigorous program.

Lastly, meeting these benchmarks doesn't guarantee admission, as the USMMA also considers aspects such as leadership potential, demonstrated interest, and interviews conducted either on campus or with Academy representatives. Thus, besides academics, building a well-rounded profile can significantly affect your chances of earning a spot at the USMMA.