AIM ESSAY: TIPS

Not to say you shouldn't take it seriously and write the best essay you can, but bear in mind that acceptance or rejection for AIM says absolutely nothing about whether you are more or less likely to be offered an appointment when you apply for admission.
 
As additional 'information' (as I advise my students) for the 2nd essay provide some examples of your leadership across different activities, then add your résumé to the final portion of this portion of the application. Best of luck!
 
Great advice posted so far. I'd also add, try to invoke some passion toward not only attending the academy, but also serving in the Coast Guard. Try to tie it in to your ultimate goals and values. Paint a picture. If you apply to the academy, there are plenty more essays to write, so get used to putting it all out there.

Some nuts and bolts type advice for AIM application and beyond...

Follow directions, if it says to put your name on it and state the question, be sure to do it. If it says 500 words, keep it to 500 words.

That said, 500 words really isn't much, so make sure your words count. No fluff. Be concise and avoid unnecessary words. Example, people often use the word 'that' more than they need to. Most of the time it can be removed and it won't change what you're trying to say.

You won't have time to procrastinate at the Academy, so try to avoid doing it now! Seriously though, get it done sooner than later to allow time to proofread. When I'm writing something important, I get it to where I think I want it, then step away from it for a few days and don't even look at it. Then I'll read through it. Often it's fine as is, but sometimes you instantly see something in the flow where moving just a few things around will make it better. You don't want any grammatical or spelling errors. None. Zero. Once you think it's perfect, find someone you trust to proof read as well. When I say trust, I mean someone you feel has solid writing and grammar skills. Maybe it's your parents, maybe it's a teacher or college counselor. A different set of eyes will inevitably find something you missed.

If it says "optional", it's not really optional. Do the work and don't skimp out. In this case, for personal statement 2, they suggest attaching a résumé. Be sure to do that. Down the road with a few updates, it'll serve you well when applying to the Academy. As with the essays, spend some time making sure your résumé is legit with no spelling or grammar errors.

When creating a résumé, in my opinion, the visual of it is nearly as important as the content. What I mean is, it doesn't have to be fancy, but make sure it's organized and easy to read. It should be aesthetically pleasing. Consistent format and spacing is important. Clear simple bullet points of your activities and accomplishments. I've reviewed tons of them over the years and sometimes just the sight is enough to give me a headache and not even want to read it...just a jumbled up mess with paragraphs crammed with words. (some of you are probably thinking, yeah, like your posts on this forum. lol)

Finally, someone on this forum once said "sometimes you need to quit polishing the cannon, and let the cannonballs fly!". That's also very true.

Good luck on your journey!
 
27BearDad said:
Great advice posted so far. I'd also add, try to invoke some passion toward not only attending the academy, but also serving in the Coast Guard. Try to tie it in to your ultimate goals and values. Paint a picture. If you apply to the academy, there are plenty more essays to write, so get used to putting it all out there.

Some nuts and bolts type advice for AIM application and beyond...

Follow directions, if it says to put your name on it and state the question, be sure to do it. If it says 500 words, keep it to 500 words.

That said, 500 words really isn't much, so make sure your words count. No fluff. Be concise and avoid unnecessary words. Example, people often use the word 'that' more than they need to. Most of the time it can be removed and it won't change what you're trying to say.

You won't have time to procrastinate at the Academy, so try to avoid doing it now! Seriously though, get it done sooner than later to allow time to proofread. When I'm writing something important, I get it to where I think I want it, then step away from it for a few days and don't even look at it. Then I'll read through it. Often it's fine as is, but sometimes you instantly see something in the flow where moving just a few things around will make it better. You don't want any grammatical or spelling errors. None. Zero. Once you think it's perfect, find someone you trust to proof read as well. When I say trust, I mean someone you feel has solid writing and grammar skills. Maybe it's your parents, maybe it's a teacher or college counselor. A different set of eyes will inevitably find something you missed.

If it says "optional", it's not really optional. Do the work and don't skimp out. In this case, for personal statement 2, they suggest attaching a résumé. Be sure to do that. Down the road with a few updates, it'll serve you well when applying to the Academy. As with the essays, spend some time making sure your résumé is legit with no spelling or grammar errors.

When creating a résumé, in my opinion, the visual of it is nearly as important as the content. What I mean is, it doesn't have to be fancy, but make sure it's organized and easy to read. It should be aesthetically pleasing. Consistent format and spacing is important. Clear simple bullet points of your activities and accomplishments. I've reviewed tons of them over the years and sometimes just the sight is enough to give me a headache and not even want to read it...just a jumbled up mess with paragraphs crammed with words. (some of you are probably thinking, yeah, like your posts on this forum. lol)

Finally, someone on this forum once said "sometimes you need to quit polishing the cannon, and let the cannonballs fly!". That's also very true.

Good luck on your journey!
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Appreciate it. Got it Done!
 
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