Confused about Civil Prep

demosthenes
Sat, 31 Dec 2005 19:24:59 +0000

hey, seeing as how I’m currently in the civil prep program, maybe I can help.

I’m a sponsored West Point prep at NMMI (new mexico military institute). Sponsored meaning that the USMA Association of Graduates gave me a scholarship that helped me pay off the tuition fees for attending this program at NMMI.

Ok, its good that youre motivated to pursue civil prep. However, I never directly applied for that program. As is my understanding, the academy submits something like 400-500 names of qualified (physical, academic, nominated) candidates who just barely miss the cut for a straight appointment, and some board of some type chooses who will receive a scholarship. Now, the money isn’t whats most important about these scholarships, its the admittance into a special program. Essentially, every civil prep student has an appointment waiting for them, and if they hold up their end of the bargain (re-application, re-nomination, good grades) they will be given their appointment.

but moving on as I ramble. There are 3 schools to choose from if you are offered a spot. Marion Military Institute in Alabama, Wentworth military institute (or something like that) in …west virginia? And New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM, where I chose to go. It doesn’t matter which one you go to, as we are all in the same program, but I’ve been told NMMI has the best environment for preps.

The academics at school are not too hard, as long as you are motivated and stay on top of your studies. The classes are a step up from high school, at least for me, in terms of the demands for homework and exams. I was successful in my first semester because I studied and did my work. Other preps weren’t as motivated, and paid the price with extremely bad grades, which could mean not getting their appointment. I’m not sure, but I’ve been told by current and former preps that getting good grades in some classes (english, history, chemistry, etc.) can allow you to validate them for the Academy. I know some people who have done this, but I’m not completely certain as to how it works, so don’t quote me.

You don’t apply for a nomination to the civil prep program, like I said, its all decided by the admissions people at the academy. You must be nominated, and qualified, and they will recommend you for the prep program.

Its a pretty small program, there are only 20 West Point preps in the entire country; 12 of us are at NMMI. I’d like to say that we are a close group, and none of us have had any academic problems. We are a motivated group, yes. This program has so far been good for me. I’m in better physical shape, I did much better on my CFA this year than last. And its good to be in a military school, to see how things run and if you can operate within one.

Anyway, hopefully that can help you with what youre confused about. If not, ask away!