BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Decide Whether to Attend the Merchant Marine Academy

By eHow Education Editor

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Kings Point, New York, is home to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. All mid-shipmen receive a tuition-free, four-year education in exchange for a commitment of service as an officer in the merchant marine fleet. With all mid-shipmen spending a year at sea, the Merchant Marine Academy is very different from most schools. For some students the free technical education and the chance to travel create the opportunity of a lifetime, but the academy is not for everyone.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Internet connection
Running shoes
Computer

Step1

Decide if you want to go to sea. In addition to having a commitment to go to sea following graduation, all mid-shipmen spend about 135 days at sea their sophomore year and 265 more their junior year.

Step2

Weigh the opportunity to visit far off lands against the reality that you will be far from family and friends for months at a time.

Step3

Think about the academic education you would like. All graduates receive a bachelor of science degree and a merchant marine license.

Step4

Visit Kings Point. See the lifestyle at the Merchant Marine Academy.

Step5

Get in shape physically. Mid-shipmen at the Merchant Marine Academy must be able to pass fitness tests. Physical activity is important in day-to-day life at the Academy with participation in intramural, club or varsity sports.

Step6

Talk to current mid-shipmen. Find out what type of leadership opportunities you can expect. Ask about the rigors of their fourth class or freshman year. Ask what they learned and where they went in their time at sea.

Step7

Be ready for rules. The Merchant Marine Academy is a regimented lifestyle.

Tips & Warnings

For someone excited about the opportunity to serve at sea, the Merchant Marine Academy can be the opportunity of a lifetime.
Do not attend the Merchant Marine Academy solely for a free education.