College Life

[SteveE]

Hi,

I have applied to the Coast Guard Academy. Before applying, I tried to diligently do a ton of homework and ask as many questions as I could. I feel like I am well informed and I am hopeful that I will be accepted. I have a 3.76 GPA and a 3.82 GPA weighted (my high schools weighted calculation). I have taken two AP courses and a number of honors courses. I play varsity football and I ran track. I am very hopeful that I will be a strong candidate for admission; although I know there will be many applicants similar to me.

I am confident I have a good grasp on cadet life and what will be required of me. My question is, as a cadet will I also still get the college feel similar to what I would experience if I attended a traditional university. In addition to all of the responsibilities of a cadet will I have personal time, some nights and weekends to venture into town or attend activities of my choice as well as other activities that would be considered traditional college.

I hope I described my question correctly.

Thank you!

 

[LineInTheSand]

My question is, as a cadet will I also still get the college feel similar to what I would experience if I attended a traditional university.

No, your experience will not feel similar to a traditional university, because they are no where near the same…

That said, you will have SOME personal time, you will be able to go out SOME nights, and you will have SOME weekends relatively free. Your first year will not be that fun. As you go through your cadet career you'll get more time to yourself, more nights and more weekends to experience the community and cities around you.

 

[grevar]

LITS is spot on. Life as a freshman will suck overall. The difference between Freshman and Sophomore year is night and day. While there are still many obligations and activities not found in traditional colleges, you will enjoy life a lot more as a Sophomore. Liberty is granted most every weekend so that you can go into town, to the mall, to the movies, etc. Often cadets on long weekends venture up to Boston, or down to NYC.

With a 19+ credit hour course load your first two semesters, there is little time for anything but homework and studying. It's been said that things don't necessarily get easier, just different. And your mastery of time management is a bit more fine tuned.

Good luck!