High School Academic Standards

To be competitive for admission, applicants should take a challenging curriculum (Honors, AP, IB, or Dual-Enrollment) and ideally rank in the top 20% of their graduating class.

Minimum Required High School Credits (15 Total):

• English: 3 units
• Mathematics: 3 units (must include algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. *Note: Pre-calculus or calculus satisfies the trigonometry requirement.*)
• Science: 1 unit of Physics or Chemistry (must include a lab).

Highly Recommended Courses:

While the above are the bare minimums, the Academy strongly recommends taking four years of math (including Calculus), taking both Physics and Chemistry, and exploring technical courses like mechanical drawing or machine shop.

Requirements for Homeschoolers 

Homeschooled students must meet the same standards as students attending traditional schools. Homeschooled students will be asked to provide course descriptions with their home school transcript. Additionally, the required teacher evaluations must come from someone other than a parent.

Requirements for College Students (Post-High School)

If you have already graduated high school and are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program, you must meet additional criteria to prove you can handle USMMA's rigorous technical coursework:

• Academic Standing: Maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and take a full course load (at least 12 credits per term, excluding summers).
• Highly Recommended College Courses: You must successfully complete Math (Pre-Calculus or Calculus), Science (Chemistry or Physics with a lab), and English (Composition preferred). Focus on STEM and business courses (Engineering, Economics, Statistics). The selection committee strongly advises against filling your schedule with non-technical, liberal arts courses.
• Letters of Recommendation: You must provide at least two letters of recommendation from current or past college instructors.

Important Academic Deadlines

• You must submit evidence of completing these academic requirements with your official application by the annual deadline. 
• All required coursework must be officially finished by your high school graduation date or by June 15th at the latest. The Academy does not grant time extensions for this requirement.