What's the United States Merchant Marine Academy's summer seminar like?

Has anyone attended the summer seminar at the United States Merchant Marine Academy? I'm curious about what the experience was like and if it helped with the college application process. Any tips or insights would be awesome!

The summer seminar at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) is similar to the environment you would experience as a midshipman at the academy. It's a great way for high school students to get a sense of what it's like to attend USMMA and to get a feel for the regimented lifestyle of a service academy.

The seminar usually runs for about a week and consists mostly of rising seniors in high school. During this time, participants engage in a variety of activities that build their leadership skills, physical endurance, and understanding of maritime life. This can include physical fitness training, teamwork and leadership exercises, sailing, and navigating experiences. You also learn about the academic programs that the academy offers.

In terms of how it aids in the college application process, having the seminar on your application can show that you have a serious interest in USMMA. It also gives you a unique perspective that you can draw upon when writing your application essays. However, attendance at the summer seminar doesn't guarantee admission into the academy, but it shows you took an extra step in learning about the academy and its lifestyle.

Prepare yourself for an intense experience. Bring a positive attitude, plenty of physical stamina, and a willingness to work as part of a team. It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the aspects of maritime life and the academy before you go.