What do u know about the Merchant Marine Academy?

Question

i am considering to enter this school....does anyone have any advice to give me? anything....

Answer 1

The USMMA is a good school depending on what you want to do. I went there for a year before transferring to California Maritime. For me it just wasn't my type of learning environment. You have to have a congressman or senator nominate you to go. The best way I can descirbe the time there was like going thru boot camp and your first year of collage at the same time. You do ALOT of marching, cleaning bathrooms, inspections, and much more that has to do more with the military then your education that first year. Alot depends on what you want to do after graduation. I believe that only about 25% sail after graduation, many use it to go on to advanced degrees. The campus itself is beatiful. As for after graduation it can be a bonus or detriment that you graduated there. The Academy has a reputation in the shipping industry that, on the whole, the grads can be jerks and a**holes. However if you are interviewing with another grad its a big bonus.

If you are looking for a sea going career make sure that you check ALL the maritime schools out.

If you contact the alumni assocation I am sure that they would be able to put you in touch with someone that might be local that you could talk to.

Answer 2

I attended the Maritime Academy in Michigan.  What makes you want a career on the water?  You may want to consider shipping out as an unlicensed crew member to see if it a life for you.  We had over a 50% washout rate after the first sea time.  Better to find out early.  I often describe the seafairing life as " like being in jail with a good chance of drowning".   It is an interesting career choice but does have some drawbacks, you will have to see if it fits your lifestyle.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Call them ask for a students application and information pack sure they will be happy to help.



You must be prepared to study and work very hard for this but when you are officer of the watch at sea  you will look back and think well it was all worth it, nothing worth having comes easy!

Good Luck

Answer 4

I'll elaborate on the previous poster's answer, as I went to the other small federal service academy, the Coast Guard Academy. It is hardly "free", as you will have a very controlled lifestyle while enrolled; and at least with the other military academies there is a service obligation of five years after graduation. You'll wear a uniform, salute, call upperclassmen "sir", and other military-like things.

DON'T go to a service academy if you're expecting a college lifestyle (partying, staying up late, partying some more, sleeping in). But go for it if you're sure that the merchant marines and commercial shipping is really what you want to do.

Answer 5

Which one,   Maine, Mass, Kings Point, Cal, Michigan, Texas?   I live near the Maine one, so know it's pretty expensive if you're not a resident.   They have jobs around the school you can work in to help pay for it- many worked in the galley.    Freshman year you'll take a two month cruise to Europe most likely on their training ship in May and June.   You'll have upper class members supervising you on the cleaning and upkeep of the ship while not in classes onboard.   Sophomores go on a regular merchant ship for hands on training in a real work environment for a couple months.   Juniors go on the school ship again.   When you graduate you will NOT be an officer- you still have to pass the coastguard exams.

Answer 6

It is a free US Federal academy that trains deck and engine officers for a career in the merchant marine. It is a four year university program. There is some regimentation or military style living on campus. This can be a distraction if you are not a good student and have trouble managing your time. The campus is located on the north shore of Long Island, NY, in King's Point. The school is small in comparison to the other federal academy's.

Answer 7

I wish I knew more on what you wanted to go into... there are so many doors you can open when you become a merchant mariner. From an entry level OS (Ordinary Seaman) which requires no specialized training... you can aquire this document if you would like to work on a cruise ship, etc...

This would cost you 140.00, you would need an application, entry level physical, drug test, provide your original birth certificate, social security card, state/govt issued ID. Fingerprints at the REC to start your background check and in most cases you can recieve an OS MMD with in 2-4 weeks.  

Wish you the best of luck!