MMI Institute

[chris1987]

Hi,
I'm an Army soldier currently looking to attend MMI once i ETS (feb 2010).
I had a few questions about the school.
How long is the application/registration process using the GI Bill?
Has anyone applied using the post 9/11 GI Bill yet?

The classes, are they more hands on or more classroom book taught?
Does the class move along at a steady pase, or is it slower so that the not so inteligent students can keep up?(no offense to anyone)

These are more for a graduate.
Do you think you learned as much as you expected?
Were you able to accurately diagnose problems with a bike?
Or was it more of a this it how you take it apart and put it bake together kind of class?
Sorry for all the questions. I'm just trying to get a good feel for this school before i decide to attend.
Yes, I am aware that I will not make much money. Thats ok with me! If i want to be rich i'll go to a 4 year school for investment banking.lol
But i want to work on bikes. Hopefully open up a shop in the future, but thats a good 15year goal. haha for now i'm just interested to see if MMI will teach me everything i expect them to.

Thanks,
Chris

[Justicexhaze]

Its a catch 22...if you do not go then you are hanging in the breeze with no paper...you go...you spend alot of money and may only get 7 bucks an hour to start. I can see it from either side...if you are a parent then you are dishing out alot of bucks (just as you would for a 4 year college) and if you are married and doing it for yourself and family you are at two different points. As a parent (my son will be 17 this year) I want my son to be successful...he wants to go to college to be a minister...I know he will not make very much money...but I support his path. They say that the school puts out 150% of the working force each year. For every 100 that retire or are needed the school puts out 150....so yes it is tough....and if you get on the bad side of an instructor......lets just say its better to go with the system than fight it. Once a kid turns 18 the parent (even if your footing the bill) will have basically no....let me repeat...NO pull with the school. Think about it...your 18....your at boot camp and you call your parents to bail you out...the military, a school, a job, an ex-girlfriend will not be swayed by a mothers concerned call...its unfortunate because many parents pay...but "the kids" are legally adults...the schools stance is...this person is an adult and needs to handle their own buisness. It is tough for many....but if there is anything to be learned by any of this is go if you want, do not miss class, understand you may not come out and get a great job...that paper may get you in the door...but if you slack off you are out of there....some bike places will not hire MMI students because of a few bad apples...some dealerships will only hire certified tech's for insurance reasons. Also...you need to keep your driving record clean...I mean...do you think you can have some speeding tickets and get a job? NOPE...if the dealership cannot insure you because of your driving record then you will not get the job. There are so many ways to fail in this business. One instructor said he knows well over 2500 dealers (he is a tough instructor...but fair) so who do you think they call when you come knocking...yup... so you never know who knows who. When you go to MMI you need to grow up with in a year....at least in college you kind of get 4 years...not MMI...one year baby! Good luck.

[jennyrogers]

Did you apply for financial aid for your son or did he receive scholarships? My son wants to go next year and we are wondering how we can afford it.

[Justicexhaze]

Ok....great questions...as far as the GI bill.... you may have to speak with some people from the school 18003429253 (ask for John G-he was my recruiter and a ex student...he has taken every course available and is great...if he does not know the answer he will get it for you...it took me 6 months to decide and he was always there to answer questions). For the first 6 weeks you sit and go through 2 three week sessions of theory...which kind of sucks...but later on ends up being very benificial. After that classes are hands on...each class is 3 weeks. Usually 1st week is lecture...then second and third week is bust your A.. getting stuff done. Sometimes you finish up with time to spare...other classes you work up until the last hour of each day. They tell you....we are teaching you to be techs...not mechanics. Mechanics replace parts.... techs find out why the part failed and fix that also. You will learn that every motorcycle manual is your best tool...so yeah..there is book work stuff....and sometimes it seems slow...but again...it is going to be what you put into it...you get out of it....halfass it and thats the education you will get (and there are alot that do) work your ass off...ask questions...then you will do well. I can ask my GI friend about the bill...or if you send me your number I can have him call you (haze14@hotmail.com). Anything else give me a e-mail.
John C

[cafe]

any suggestion on housing - we need a 3 bedroom w/garage my sons will be attending Feb 2010-thru April 2011 at MMI Orlando any suggestions nice neigborhood plse.

[Justicexhaze]

Originally Posted by cafe

any suggestion on housing - we need a 3 bedroom w/garage my sons will be attending Feb 2010-thru April 2011 at MMI Orlando any suggestions nice neigborhood plse.

my suggestion is to try and rent a place just outside of Orlando (maybe 30 mins or so...by turnpike NOT I-4..I-4 turns into a parking lot everyday) Do they have bikes? Sportbikes? Probably one of the highest bike theft city's around. There have been only a few thefts at the school, the garage idea is highlllly recommended...locks dont mean sh*t. If your bike is not insured or lo-jacked you might as well put away another 8-10k for another bike If they stay close to school...honestly its crappy and congested..come visit and stay the night...drive up and down OBT (Orange Blossom Trail) you will see what I mean....just like any other major city. Even though travel time may suck...they will appreciate being away from it all...they can still visit with friends they will make but then go home to a nicer area. I would say Clermont. Clermont is right off the turn pike (intersects with rt 50) and maybe....mmm 15-20 miles north from school. Not sure what is for rent there but it will be worth it. Police...not sure where you are from but I have never seen so many. The fines are stiff and many times they may pull you just to make sure you have a license.....plus...if they are planning on working in this field what is the first thing you think an employer looks at? Thats right...your driving record...if they cannot insure you, all the education in the world will not matter...so start driving/ riding like you want the job now. Sorry...went on a tangent...hope this helps. Let me know of any other concerns or questions...I should graduate June 2010...but may go back and add Kawi...signed up for Harley...but figured it cannot hurt to add a metric.

[mmistudent]

I am a current student at MMI and this school is a joke. The information is very redundant and the first 30 weeks is all about getting your money with some mechanical basics that could be taught in 2 months instead of 6.

[Justicexhaze]

Originally Posted by mmistudent

I am a current student at MMI and this school is a joke. The information is very redundant and the first 30 weeks is all about getting your money with some mechanical basics that could be taught in 2 months instead of 6.

I can't disagree with this. People with any type of mechanical experience will be reallllyyy board getting through the basic coarses. If there would be one recommendation I would have it would be to have an advanced class for those who have worked in the industry. I personally thought for some reason having a 4 year degree would keep me employeed. It didnt. So after 18 years I am doing something I enjoy. Problem is I know how to ride em, gas em and change the oil...other than that I feel pretty slow next to those who have handled a wrench before. So they take the approach that you know nothing. Many don't have or ride bikes. If your thinking of getting into it for the money, think again. The school is not cheap. Upon exiting you better have your tools, that 99 dollar craftsman set might only hold up for so long...so think you can drop 2-6k (maybe more) on tools? Bottom line is they are a school but they are a business. They pack the classrooms. It does get better once you hit your elective. I have been on several medical loa's and the school has been very accommidating. I am in my elective and it is a whole different attitude. Most instructors are sharp but laid back. You ask a question they give you an answer not an attitude. Many many years of experience and these type of instructors make it fun.