Coast Guard Class of 2019 chances

aidanf20

New Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2014
Messages
3
I've been reading the posts on this forum for quite a while now and finally decided to become a member. I applied Early Action for the Academy and was pretty confident with my application. Now as December 24th is coming nearer I'm getting really nervous and starting to doubt my chances. I know the Coast Guard Academy is where I'm supposed to be so I'm not going to give up. I'm looking into a self prep year and Marion Military Institute as well.
Here are the things I put on my app:
SAT- Math 660, Reading 620
GPA Weighted- 93.4 (not sure what that would be on 4.0 scale)
Took 5 out of 6 AP classes offered in my school
59 out of 425 class rank
Track team Captain Junior and Senior Year
Part of 2 relay records(4x1 and 4×4)
300 m hurdle junior and school record holder
12 years of Tang Soo Do training (Martial Arts)
Second Degree Black belt and 2 time national champion in age group.
I also run Cross country in the fall to stay in shape.
Amercian Legion Boys State Delegate
Did a Law and Leadership Academy at my school that has been the mold for other summer programs around the country.
Worked at a country club over the summer and during the fall.
I did Community Service at a local hospital and tutored for National Honor Society, though I did over the minimum requirements.
That's all I can remember off the top of my head, but I was wondering what my chances look like because I truly have a desire to serve my country and attend the Coast Guard Academy.
Thanks for the help,
aidanf20
 
Aidanf20,
Deep breath. It's still early, and good news could be on the way. :smile:

That said, good for you for looking ahead and making plans beyond this next year. I'll share this with you...my oldest was a 2 time applicant. CGA was the only place he saw himself, and as such he did not apply anywhere else. When he was waitlisted, we were hopeful, but alas he was turned down in June of that year. He chose to go to the local CC, do well, re-take (and improve) the SAT, and continue with his community service. He also did take up a new sport, and his school competed against many 4 year schools, and did quite well. He graduated in 2013 and is loving his career and life.

So, that said, being a self prep isn't the only path. CC, or 4year college, with a solid 4/c course load, will be just fine too. Just work on all aspects, show improvement, and you will do well wherever you end up.

Good luck!
 
Aidanf20,
Deep breath. It's still early, and good news could be on the way. :smile:

That said, good for you for looking ahead and making plans beyond this next year. I'll share this with you...my oldest was a 2 time applicant. CGA was the only place he saw himself, and as such he did not apply anywhere else. When he was waitlisted, we were hopeful, but alas he was turned down in June of that year. He chose to go to the local CC, do well, re-take (and improve) the SAT, and continue with his community service. He also did take up a new sport, and his school competed against many 4 year schools, and did quite well. He graduated in 2013 and is loving his career and life.

So, that said, being a self prep isn't the only path. CC, or 4year college, with a solid 4/c course load, will be just fine too. Just work on all aspects, show improvement, and you will do well wherever you end up.

Good luck!
Thank you for replying so quickly! I've been looking into the merchant marine academt and nrotc but the Coast Guard seems like the best fit for me since it has the military aspect and law enforcement too. My Dad is a Police Officer and looked into the Coast Guard when he was younger. But whatever the outcome is with the academy I know I'm not going to give up. I'm going to improve myself in all aspects and keep on working hard. Thank you again!
 
But whatever the outcome is with the academy I know I'm not going to give up. I'm going to improve myself in all aspects and keep on working hard. Thank you again!

Yeah mate! That's a great attitude! That's the way you do it! You play the guitar on the... nevermind. :shake:

But on a serious note that is a really good way of looking at it. From the perspective of the academy, I think I'm an applicant very much like you, and am in the same position as you (waitin till the 24th).

If you wanna chat hmu with a pm.

I with you nothing but the best. GOOD LUCK!!!
 
Your stats look solid. Have you been in touch with the CGA track coach? If not, you should make contact ASAP so that he is aware of of application.
 
What about also the boxing coach?

I know it's not the same but martial arts and boxing might be close enough that the boxing coach might be a good contact?

Howard
 
Chances? It Depends

aidanf20,

Congrats on completing an EA application. I had a few questions for you.

What state are you from? That's a solid application from Montana or North Dakota, but may be less competitive in say Virginia or Maryland.

What 5 AP's did you take and how did you fair? AP Psych, APUSH and AP Euro are not exactly on par with AP Chem, AP Physics and AP Calc AB/BC.

Did you attend AIM? If not, why? Have you visited the academy? Have you had an interview? Do you have regular dialog with your AO regarding your chances vs the other applicants from your area?

What is your motivation to serve and particularly to serve in the US Coast Guard?

These questions are rhetorical and are intended to give you things to consider and not necessarily to reply here. Even with all this additional information it would be difficult for folks here to give you an answer to your often asked "what are my chances"?

Most of us have done it at one time or another, especially early in the process. I posted a lengthy resume of my son's accomplishments and accolades seeking feedback. What I quickly learned is that there are many here willing to help and many more willing to share their own experiences.

I was shocked at the outstanding SAT/ACT scores, GPA's, extra curricular, leadership, etc... of some of the applicants that were not initially offered acceptance. It was humbling and served to heighten the awareness of the challenges that awaited everyone and anyone that was a "big fish" in a small pond making the leap to a pond with pretty much all big fish.

My son is currently a 4C and doing well by most measures, but it is certainly no picnic. The academy is difficult and challenging and believe me and/or others when they tell you that application/acceptance process is just the beginning of a long hard journey.

I wish you and all the other potential cadets the best of luck with your applications to the USCGA. Continue to be mindful of what you are preparing to undertake.

Semper paratus
 
aidanf20,

Congrats on completing an EA application. I had a few questions for you.

What state are you from? That's a solid application from Montana or North Dakota, but may be less competitive in say Virginia or Maryland.

What 5 AP's did you take and how did you fair? AP Psych, APUSH and AP Euro are not exactly on par with AP Chem, AP Physics and AP Calc AB/BC.

Did you attend AIM? If not, why? Have you visited the academy? Have you had an interview? Do you have regular dialog with your AO regarding your chances vs the other applicants from your area?

What is your motivation to serve and particularly to serve in the US Coast Guard?

These questions are rhetorical and are intended to give you things to consider and not necessarily to reply here. Even with all this additional information it would be difficult for folks here to give you an answer to your often asked "what are my chances"?

Most of us have done it at one time or another, especially early in the process. I posted a lengthy resume of my son's accomplishments and accolades seeking feedback. What I quickly learned is that there are many here willing to help and many more willing to share their own experiences.

I was shocked at the outstanding SAT/ACT scores, GPA's, extra curricular, leadership, etc... of some of the applicants that were not initially offered acceptance. It was humbling and served to heighten the awareness of the challenges that awaited everyone and anyone that was a "big fish" in a small pond making the leap to a pond with pretty much all big fish.

My son is currently a 4C and doing well by most measures, but it is certainly no picnic. The academy is difficult and challenging and believe me and/or others when they tell you that application/acceptance process is just the beginning of a long hard journey.

I wish you and all the other potential cadets the best of luck with your applications to the USCGA. Continue to be mindful of what you are preparing to undertake.

Semper paratus
Thank you for replying! I'm from New York, which I'm guessing is a pretty competitive state though I don't know anybody else personally that is applying to the academy. Last year I took AP English and APUSH and got mid 90s in both. This year I am taking AP English AP Gov and AP Bio. Gov is the easiest and the other two have been challenging for me, but I'm still doing well. I was rejected from AIM but improved my sat score a lot. I went to an admissions briefing and attended Cadet for a Day. I also have a huge desire to serve in the Coast Guard. If I was given an opportunity at all of the academies but offered CGAS for coast guard, I would choose that. I couldn't see my self doing anything besides serving my country and I believe the Coast Guard would be the best fit for me.
-aidanf20
 
Congrats on raising your SAT scores and letting an AIM rejection motivate, rather than discourage you. That ethic and perseverance will serve you well.

I'm glad that I challenged your desire and commitment. You seem to have given it a great deal of thought and also have some contingency plans.

I really hope you achieve your desired goals aidanf20. Good stuff... Keep up the hard work!
 
What state are you from? That's a solid application from Montana or North Dakota, but may be less competitive in say Virginia or Maryland.

You confuse me.

Geography is not really a part of CGA admissions critieria, right?

I thought their whole "nationwide merit-based competition" line was for real, are you saying they give more weight to higher scores in certain states?

That would be surprising given their multiple statements to the contrary.
 
You confuse me.

Geography is not really a part of CGA admissions critieria, right?

I thought their whole "nationwide merit-based competition" line was for real, are you saying they give more weight to higher scores in certain states?

That would be surprising given their multiple statements to the contrary.

You are correct. Admissions is based on "nationwide merit-based competition" as you say. There are no congressional nominations needed and that eliminates the geographic competition piece that often comes with appointments to other SA's.
 
I do wonder, though, all things being (somewhat) equal, if the candidate from a land locked state in the middle of the country might just get a little bump. For the sake of diversity...
 
You confuse me.

Geography is not really a part of CGA admissions critieria, right?

I thought their whole "nationwide merit-based competition" line was for real, are you saying they give more weight to higher scores in certain states?

That would be surprising given their multiple statements to the contrary.

I'm saying that competition is a part of the CGA admissions process. Vigorous competition is a part of all the SA's admission process.

The number and quality of applicants varies widely by state and some states are much more competitive than others.

My understanding was that the AO presents the candidate and makes their case to the board. If that still holds true... Then the AO would likely force rank their list from their state/region. Perhaps there are separate piles for URM, recruited athletes, etc...?

And I'm definitely not saying they give more weight to higher scores in certain states. I'm actually saying somewhat the opposite if you are from an under represented state.

Last time I sat at an admissions briefing in New London (4 times at least in the past 2 years) I believe the academy was represented by all but one state. The running joke was if you know anybody from BLANK please have them contact admissions. Also, the potential tuba player from Montana is also mentioned repeatedly.

Anyway, my most important point to the OP was to work with their AO to attempt to answer the question "what are my chances"? I'll leave it the AO to explain what it may or may not mean to be an applicant from New York which is lumped with New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.
 
The number and quality of applicants varies widely by state and some states are much more competitive than others.

Your answer is in direct contradiction to "grevar" and the post he made.

I think your statement is correct when it comes to the other academies, but not CGA (I think grevar is correct).

Wouldn't they take 20 from Virginia if those were the best candidates, instead of taking 19 and then taking one from Montana who was not as good as #20 from VA?
 
I will assume that all the jokes I heard at the academy about moving to less populated states such as North Dakota and Montana were likely related to oil or mineral rights and not improving chances of appointment to a SA (including USCGA).

Makes me wonder why do we even bother asking what state candidates are from? Apparently, it is of no consequence or consideration.

BTW, there are some fools that even think being a URM could help your chances. Somebody needs to tell them that this is a '"nationwide merit-based competition." To think, all this time I just thought that was a fancy way of saying that a congressional nomination was not required.

Sorry for the snarky response. Got a leak in a 12 year old roof and it's raining today.
 
What Grevar said is correct. However, there is a difference in quality of schools within and between states. I suspect that Admissions takes this into account, as in training as Admissions Partners we examine some of the studies which generate these data. It would be best if Objee would address this, rather than continue to speculate.
 
We know of an applicant that was told by their recruiter to check with their parents to see if they could check anything besides white on their application due to the commitment to diversity and the fact that he came from a diverse-rich state. He didn't get an appointment. I think there are a lot of factors considered and location seems to play into it to some degree.
 
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