I am competitive for the Coast Guard Academy?

Im am interested in the CGA obviously, haha, and was wondering how my stats stack up.

-My current unweighted GPA in a 3.4
-My ACT is a 28
-Varsity Track and Cross Country Captain(many hours of my life are occupied by running)
-Part Time Job
-Created and Manage a small lawn business
-Member of National Honors Society
-Was selected to be an intern for the county I go to school at to fix and maintain the computers/networks
-Involved in a local club that gets young kids interested in running and prepares them to run in middle and high school
-Both parents were members of Air Force if that counts for any thing (enlisted)

I know I am not the strongest candidate, XC and running takes up so much free time, but I love it. Please be honest with me, if I even have a chance and what I can do to help boost my chances, Thanks

You have sports and leadership, which are paramount. You have 30% of your WCS (leadership, athletics) guaranteed, ON MY OPINION.

10% comes from the CFA.

60% comes from your academic abilities. Are you taking the hardest/most advanced courses you can? Do you believe you can improve your ACT score? What is your class rank?


In my honest, IGNORANT opinion (I am a candidate to USMA), it seems like you are doing fine. See if you can improve your standardized test scores!

BillSL said:

You have sports and leadership, which are paramount. You have 30% of your WCS (leadership, athletics) guaranteed, ON MY OPINION.

10% comes from the CFA.

60% comes from your academic abilities. Are you taking the hardest/most advanced courses you can? Do you believe you can improve your ACT score? What is your class rank?


In my honest, IGNORANT opinion (I am a candidate to USMA), it seems like you are doing fine. See if you can improve your standardized test scores!

Click to expand...

There is no such thing as "WCS" at the USCGA.

There is no such thing as "CFA" at the USCGA.

And those percentages are not accurate.

You may want to read this:

Service Academy Forum Rules said:

This forum is intended for applicants and their parents to ask questions concerning the United States Coast Guard Academy. It is our desire that all information provided in response to those questions be accurate and that the threads not drift off-topic. As such, please reply only if you are certain of your answer.

Click to expand...

Therefore I apologize. Disregard my post.

Luigi, you seem to know a lot about the CGA academy, could you please give me some insight on how I stack up and what I can do to improve. I would really appreciate it!
I am 70/386...

• Continue taking the standardized tests until you feel you can go no higher. Strive for at least 31 ACT or 700/700 SAT (Math & Verbal).
  
• Take (and pass with an A) the highest level math courses your school offers. Calculus is a must.
  
• Take advantage of any and all leadership opportunities that arise. Team captain, Eagle scout, SGA officer, etc.
  
• Apply to Early Action.
  
• Nail the essays. Perfect grammar, spelling, etc.
  
• Try to achieve a PFE score of 220 or higher.
  
• Visit the academy. Meet the coach of your sport. If you are an "impact" player, the coach can submit a note to admissions in your favor.
  
• Schedule an admissions interview with a local AAP.
  
• Stay healthy.
  
• Stay out of trouble.

My son is leaving for AIM Sunday. He's been working hard on his PFE score and I think he has it floating aroung 200. Should he be worried if he's not at 220 or better at AIM? He doesn't read this forum (yet) and I don't intend on mentioning a particular score goal at this time because there's not much more he can do next week than do his best, but I'd sure like to know how much his AIM performance will affect his admission. Any thoughts? Thanks.

EmptySea said:

My son is leaving for AIM Sunday. He's been working hard on his PFE score and I think he has it floating aroung 200. Should he be worried if he's not at 220 or better at AIM? He doesn't read this forum (yet) and I don't intend on mentioning a particular score goal at this time because there's not much more he can do next week than do his best, but I'd sure like to know how much his AIM performance will affect his admission. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Click to expand...

Congratulations to your son, I'm sure he will find the experience unforgettable, and the week in New London will reinforce his desire to attend the USCGA.

Participation in AIM does not guarantee anything, just as not going to AIM does not disqualify. Typically, about half of the incoming class each year attended AIM.

However.......Last year, a few LOAs (Letters Of Assurance) were issued based in part on AIM performance (not solely the PFE, but all aspects, including data submitted during AIM application).

PS - The average applicant PFE for the Class of 2014 was 212, the average applicant PFE for the Class of 2015 was 214. I would always advise any and every applicant to do their best and try to exceed the average.