Applying to admission at the maritime academies

Maritime Academy
1

Hello Everyone, this is my first post on this forum. Although I have been reading posts and threads for months now I feel I need to ask some questions.
Some background on myself first. I am currently a senior in High School right now out of Toledo, Ohio. This past summer I attended the US Naval academies summer seminar, and after experiencing the regimental lifestyle of a midshipmen, I feel that one of the Maritime Academies can offer me exactly that while aiding me in pursuing my dreams of working on a ship.

Ultimately my question is: How strict are the schools when it comes to GPA. For example when I look at SUNY Maritime, or Cal Maritime they have these minimum GPA requirements that I do not meet. Does that mean that they will not accept me no matter my extra curricular/leadership experience, or the rigor of my secondary school record?

I figured no one can give answers best then alumni and representatives from the Academies whom I assume peek around these parts.

Thanks for reading!

2

You will never know until you apply. How far below their standards are you?

3

The state academies accept just about everyone (50% to 88% acceptance rates). Just work hard this year while taking real math and science classes and show them improving grades.

4

Also try to do well on the ACT test and SAT’s the better the score the better your chances as well.

5

Right now I sit on a 2.6 with a composite score of 21 on my ACT

6

Check out other academies other than Suny or Cal…
You just need to get into a school, the rest of your career is up to you

7

Are there other academies that will take me with such stats? I like to think that my resume holds me above water, however from what I have read about admissions to most of the academies, my resume probably will not cut it.

8

[QUOTE=Skoidat69;79513]Check out other academies other than Suny or Cal…[/QUOTE]

Absolutely.

[QUOTE=Skoidat69;79513]You just need to get into a school, the rest of your career is up to you[/QUOTE]

Excellent advise

If you were my grandson (I’m a 1962 KP graduate and spent my working life in the US Merchant Marine) I’d strongly advise you to go “Deck” and attend Maine Maritime Academy. I was an engineer but the ships I sailed were mostly steam (my preference) and long gone today. By virtue of your question I see a strong desire to go to sea, I like that, a lot. MMA is the perfect place for you.
I wish you the best of luck.

1 Like
9

[QUOTE=Sweat-n-Grease;79517]Absolutely.

Excellent advise

If you were my grandson (I’m a 1962 KP graduate and spent my working life in the US Merchant Marine) I’d strongly advise you to go “Deck” and attend Maine Maritime Academy. I was an engineer but the ships I sailed were mostly steam (my preference) and long gone today. By virtue of your question I see a strong desire to go to sea, I like that, a lot. MMA is the perfect place for you.
I wish you the best of luck.[/QUOTE]
So because there are as many steam ships anymore you recommend going deck? Come on man. Whole point of being and engineer is being able to adapt with the latest technology…lol

To the OP you wont know until you apply. I went to CA at age 25 and they did not care about my previous grades or SAT scores. Nowadays CA has exploded tremendously and have started turning people away but that does not mean that they wont accept your GPA. CA was a place where people went who could not get into Berkley. I recommend applying everywhere including GLMA and Texas. Like already said just get into school and get the license. We all have gone to different schools but once you graduate they dont care where you came from as long as you hold the license. Also go deck or engine depending on what you like to do.

10

[QUOTE=brjones;79534]So because there are as many steam ships anymore you recommend going deck? Come on man. Whole point of being and engineer is being able to adapt with the latest technology…lol [/QUOTE]

Now you tell me.
The whole point is I sailed both steam and diesels, from 3rd to Chief, You think I may know a little more than you.
You forgot your “not” …

11

I got into Maine with less than stellar grades a 1720 on my SAT’s, the key there is a good interview. I would apply to all the academies and attend whichever you are most interested in, that also accepts you.

12

JSHRZ,

First - congratulations on your selection into the USNA’s Summer Seminar. That is a very selective program - and shows that you have academic achievements & career interests beyond your peers.

My background; I was an admissions officer at one of the state maritime colleges and am now a professional college counselor that assists students/families through the college search process. In both of these capacities - I encourage you to not worry about admission into any of the state maritime colleges - they would all love to have you apply!

As a counselor - I encourage you to understand that while some would say it is “easy” to get into a state maritime college - it can be a different story to actually graduate from one. Please be sure to take - and do as well as you can in - the most challenging math course you can your senior year. The more practice you can get at doing challenging math - the better prepared you will to succeed in college.

If you have yet to do so - be sure to request info from all of the state maritime colleges - if you need a list of them - please let me know. Keep in mind that info from admission offices are designed to try to “sell” you on their particular college. More importantly - by requesting info - you alert those colleges of your interest - and they may have special info to share with you that they only send to strong candidates.

Coming from Ohio - it may be difficult for you to actually visit all of the colleges - but - that is not an excuse to not “see” them. Google search images of all the colleges. Additionally, search social media outlets - Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter for images.

This forum, as you already have found out, is a GREAT source of info. Keep logging on and read the posts (I need to follow my own advice on that!!)

Feel free to reply on this thread and/or direct message me with questions. I do have info/advice to share with you to strengthen your application to these colleges - but - will only share if interested.

One way or another - if you do not contact back - please try to take the time to post on this thread the results of your college search. I have no doubt there are many here that would like to know what you decide - and many here, like me, who wish you the very best!

Fuji

13

p.s. Do not email my work address - my bosses will then charge you for the info/advice I share!

14

[QUOTE=Sweat-n-Grease;79558]
The whole point is I sailed both steam and diesels, from 3rd to Chief, You think I may know a little more than you.
.[/QUOTE]
Well I can respect that Chief, but you should know more than me that there are a lot of idiots who have went from 3rd to Chief out here today. The talent pool is pretty low. Nowadays most companies start and end the interview with “Do you have a license?” I am not saying that is you, but I have sailed with 30 year veterans who really dont know as much as one would expect. My father was a Calhoon grad in the late 60’s and he went to Chief steam and then in the mid 80"s moved up to Chiefs diesel. Now that man knew a hell of a lot more than me.
And your right, I meant to say not as many steam ships

15

Trust me and apply to all the maritime academies… All schools teach you the same stuff but it what you do with it makes the difference…
I got kicked out of SUNY and sailed in the SIU. While sailing as an OS and AB, I sailed with some great officers from TMA. So I applied there and the rest is history…
Hit the books a little more than the booze and you’ll do fine… Ask questions here and people will help you (granted you use the search function and don’t ask something that was just asked)

16

[QUOTE=brjones;79580]Well I can respect that Chief, but you should know more than me that there are a lot of idiots who have went from 3rd to Chief out here today. The talent pool is pretty low. Nowadays most companies start and end the interview with “Do you have a license?” I am not saying that is you, but I have sailed with 30 year veterans who really dont know as much as one would expect. My father was a Calhoon grad in the late 60’s and he went to Chief steam and then in the mid 80"s moved up to Chiefs diesel. Now that man knew a hell of a lot more than me.
And your right, I meant to say not as many steam ships[/QUOTE]

I posted those words in humor. Should have added a smiley. Your Dad and I might know each other, we followed the same paths. I found the Diesel Course at Calhoon excellent, perhaps you, like your Dad and me, also attended. Your Dad may have mentioned, there has been a profound change in the US Merchant Marine, or what’s left of it. Back in my day and, yes, in your father’s, it was more of a family aboard ship. Most were permanent, we knew each other, we had cook-offs on the fan tail on all returning legs of foreign voyages, beer was allowed, we enjoyed our work and our ship mates (yes, there was always a pain in the ass in the crew but not that many), and our time off in ports were a delight. All that is gone. It will not be long before ships with unattended engine rooms have only two or three engineers whose only duty is to clean filters, fuel-n-water separators, and such stuff. Therefore, if I was an 18 year old today and I really wanted a life at sea I would go Deck. There is no going back to what it once was. Yes, the steamers are gone and so are the engineers who worked them. As I look back I’m pleased and proud I was one. I can perceive you are also proud of your work or you would have not advanced to First (we use to call each other by out positions: third, second, first, chief). You’ll be Chief shortly, I am happy to communicate with a working marine engineer. My very best to you, now meet me down at the Saloon, I’ve got some sea stories to tell ya.

17

[QUOTE=Fuji;79567]JSHRZ,

First - congratulations on your selection into the USNA’s Summer Seminar. That is a very selective program - and shows that you have academic achievements & career interests beyond your peers.

My background; I was an admissions officer at one of the state maritime colleges and am now a professional college counselor that assists students/families through the college search process. In both of these capacities - I encourage you to not worry about admission into any of the state maritime colleges - they would all love to have you apply!

As a counselor - I encourage you to understand that while some would say it is “easy” to get into a state maritime college - it can be a different story to actually graduate from one. Please be sure to take - and do as well as you can in - the most challenging math course you can your senior year. The more practice you can get at doing challenging math - the better prepared you will to succeed in college.

If you have yet to do so - be sure to request info from all of the state maritime colleges - if you need a list of them - please let me know. Keep in mind that info from admission offices are designed to try to “sell” you on their particular college. More importantly - by requesting info - you alert those colleges of your interest - and they may have special info to share with you that they only send to strong candidates.

Coming from Ohio - it may be difficult for you to actually visit all of the colleges - but - that is not an excuse to not “see” them. Google search images of all the colleges. Additionally, search social media outlets - Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter for images.

This forum, as you already have found out, is a GREAT source of info. Keep logging on and read the posts (I need to follow my own advice on that!!)

Feel free to reply on this thread and/or direct message me with questions. I do have info/advice to share with you to strengthen your application to these colleges - but - will only share if interested.

One way or another - if you do not contact back - please try to take the time to post on this thread the results of your college search. I have no doubt there are many here that would like to know what you decide - and many here, like me, who wish you the very best!

Fuji[/QUOTE]

Thank you for the detailed responses!

[QUOTE=Sweat-n-Grease;79517]Absolutely.

Excellent advise

If you were my grandson (I’m a 1962 KP graduate and spent my working life in the US Merchant Marine) I’d strongly advise you to go “Deck” and attend Maine Maritime Academy. I was an engineer but the ships I sailed were mostly steam (my preference) and long gone today. By virtue of your question I see a strong desire to go to sea, I like that, a lot. MMA is the perfect place for you.
I wish you the best of luck.[/QUOTE]

Thank you for the advice! Maine Maritime is something I definitely will look at, thusfar it looks like a very good school with an extremely nice campus. However the applications dont open for 2 months! Wow! I am suppose to have decisions by then haha.

As for everyone else thank you for taking the time to add your input. After putting a call into the Cal Maritime Admissions office they asked if I could send my 4 year transcript so that they could better determine my eligibility.

18

Trust me … complete your application for Maine Maritime Academy … send it to them - tell them you want to sail as a life long merchant seamen (do you?) - go Deck.
You are welcome.

19

From US News and World Report college rankings (I Googled maritime academy acceptance rates):

MMA accepts 82%. That’s just about everyone.

Maine Maritime Academy

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Quick Stats

Pleasant Street
Castine, ME 04420-001
    [map] 

Phone: (207) 326-4311

2011-2012 Tuition

    $15,301
        in-state

    $20,799
        out-of-state

Students

    933
        enrolled

    84%
        male / 

    16%
        female

Admissions

    May 31
        application deadline 

    82.0%
        accepted

More Information

#10 Regional Colleges (North)
Summary

Maine Maritime Academy is a public institution that was founded in 1941. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 933, its setting is rural, and the campus size is 30 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Maine Maritime Academy’s ranking in the 2012 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Colleges (North), 10. Its in-state tuition and fees are $15,301 (2011-12); out-of-state tuition and fees are $20,799 (2011-12).

Located in the village of Castine, Maine, overlooking the Castine Harbor, sits the Maine Maritime Academy. Students admitted to the academy can choose to enroll in either traditional regimented or nonregimented degrees or programs. Students that enroll in the regimented program are considered midshipmen and train on the ship, State of Maine. Students that do not enroll in a regimented program follow a schedule and lifestyle similar to students at other colleges. After graduation, students are not obligated to go to sea or into the military, and only about 5 percent of graduating students take a commission in the military. Student activities and athletics are very popular at Maine Maritime Academy, and more than 80 percent of the student body participates in an activity. Known as the Mariners, the academy is a member of the Eastern Conference Athletic Conference, North Atlantic Conference, and New England Football Conference in the NCAA Division III.

More than 50 percent of the student body at Maine Maritime Academy participates in the regiment program. Some students, based on their major, are required to complete Academy Training Courses, which involve spending 60 days working on the academy’s training ship. A minimum of four ports per cruise are visited, with three days spent at each port. Each student that enters the academy is required to own a laptop and printer.
School mission and unique qualities (as provided by the school):

Maine Maritime Academy is a career oriented college focusing primarily on marine related programs and prepares graduates for lifelong learning and leadership…
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General Information
School type public, coed college
Year founded 1941
Religious affiliation N/A
Academic calendar semester
Setting rural
2010 Endowment $12,136,494
Applying

When applying to Maine Maritime Academy, it’s important to note the application deadline is May 31, and the early decision deadline is December 20. Scores for either the ACT or SAT test are due May 31. The application fee at Maine Maritime Academy is $15. It is selective, with an acceptance rate of 82.0 percent.

For more information about the tests, essays, interviews, and admissions process, visit the Applying to College knowledge center.
Selectivity selective
Fall 2010 acceptance rate 82%
Application deadline May 31
SAT/ACT scores must be received by May 31

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Academic Life

The student-faculty ratio at Maine Maritime Academy is 13:1, and the school has 50.0 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at Maine Maritime Academy include: Engineering Technologies and Engineering-Related Fields, Other; Marine Science/Merchant Marine Officer; International Business/Trade/Commerce; Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering; and Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 81.0 percent.
Class sizes
Class sizes
Student-faculty ratio 13:1
4-year graduation rate 52% - Medium
Five most popular majors for 2010 graduates
Engineering Technologies and Engineering-Related Fields, Other 46%
Marine Science/Merchant Marine Officer 28%
International Business/Trade/Commerce 12%
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 8%
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other 6%

More About Academic Life
Student Life

Maine Maritime Academy has a total undergraduate enrollment of 933, with a gender distribution of 83.7 percent male students and 16.3 percent female students. 68.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 32.0 percent of students live off campus. Maine Maritime Academy is part of the NCAA III athletic conference.
Total enrollment 949
Student gender distribution
Student gender distribution
Undergraduate men who are members of a fraternity
Undergraduate men who are members of a fraternity
Undergraduate women who are members of a sorority
Undergraduate women who are members of a sorority
Collegiate athletic association NCAA III

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Campus Info & Services

Maine Maritime Academy offers a number of student services including placement service, health service, and health insurance. Maine Maritime Academy also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late night transport/escort service, lighted pathways/sidewalks, and controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc). Of the students at Maine Maritime Academy, 73 percent have cars on campus. Alcohol is permitted for students of legal age at Maine Maritime Academy.
Students who have cars on campus 73% - Medium
Health insurance offered Yes
Students required to own/lease a computer Yes

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Paying for School

At Maine Maritime Academy, 84.9 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $6,606.

Paying for college doesn’t have to be difficult or devastating. Go to the Paying for College knowledge center to get advice on raising cash and reducing costs.
In-state tuition and fees $15,301 (2011-12)
Out-of-state tuition and fees $20,799 (2011-12)
Room and board $9,330 (2011-12) - Medium
Financial aid statistics
Financial aid statistics

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  • Overview details based on 2010 data

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20

SUNY accepts 45%