Scholars?

educ8 · Sep 28, 2011

What is the profile of an applicant who would be chosen to receive an appointment to the scholars program (prep school with admission to the cga the following year)?

Luigi59 · Sep 28, 2011

The typical CGAS appointee is one who excels in athletics, leadership, and character, but needs a little extra time to sharpen their academic and/or study skills. Most often, it's a lack of exposure to calculus in high school, or a combination of good grades/lower SAT scores. In other words, to give the applicant a better foundation of solid academic skills in preparation for the rigors of academy life.

educ8 · Sep 28, 2011

Are they chosen on the same point system as others who receive an offer of a nomination during EA and RA? The reason I ask is that one of my sons sort of fits the bill...we are trying to determine a viable plan B and C. Could I assume that these Scholars would have a max score on their CFA? Can I also assume that there is no way to tell admissions that he would be giddy to be offered a scholar spot?

Luigi59 · Sep 28, 2011

educ8 said:
Are they chosen on the same point system as others who receive an offer of a nomination during EA and RA?

All candidates apply to the academy and are screened/judged/scored by the same panel, the Cadet Candidate Evaluation Board (CCEB).

The reason I ask is that one of my sons sort of fits the bill...we are trying to determine a viable plan B and C.

Always a good idea until the appointment is safely in your hands.

Could I assume that these Scholars would have a max score on their CFA?

I would never assume that, as a perfect 300 on the PFE is extremely difficult. A male candidate needs to do 60 cadence push-ups in 2 minutes, 100 curl-ups (sit-ups) in 2 minutes, and run 1.5 miles in under 8 minutes to "max" the PFE.

Can I also assume that there is no way to tell admissions that he would be giddy to be offered a scholar spot?

It is a subject that you can certainly bring up in your admissions interview, one of your essays, or in conversation with your Admissions Officer.

USNA1982BGO · Sep 28, 2011

^^^I have also know of CGAS who are the opposite to what you state, stellar grades and ok EC's, but were not athletes in high school and needed an opportunity to improve on the CFA, so they are given the year to get up to speed. One of these guys (MMI) graduated in the class of '09, brilliant guy, not an athlete at CGA, did fantastic on Pistol/Rifle team and ended up graduating at the top of the class

CGA gave them the chance in CGAS because they saw promise in them becoming a great asset to the Coast Guard. PS: There are quite a few cadets that I know of who didn't even score near 200 on their application CFA and are currently excelling academically and militarily at CGA and have become great athletes

educ8 · Sep 28, 2011

Thanks for the responses. It sounds like there is much more to it than a simple formula...something of an art concerning a candidate that seems "right" for the CGAS? It almost sounds like CGAS could be an real advantage for success later at the Academy.

runninbob · Sep 29, 2011

During our application process I thought that DS could possibly get a CGAS appointment, but lo and behold he was accepted into the academy.
Don't sell your self short. Shoot for the stars. Best of luck to you.

Luigi59 · Sep 29, 2011

USNA1982BGO said:
^^^I have also know of CGAS who are the opposite to what you state, stellar grades and ok EC's, but were not athletes in high school and needed an opportunity to improve on the CFA, so they are given the year to get up to speed. One of these guys (MMI) graduated in the class of '09, brilliant guy, not an athlete at CGA, did fantastic on Pistol/Rifle team and ended up graduating at the top of the class CGA gave them the chance in CGAS because they saw promise in them becoming a great asset to the Coast Guard. PS: There are quite a few cadets that I know of who didn't even score near 200 on their application CFA and are currently excelling academically and militarily at CGA and have become great athletes

Of course it's true that a "prepster" can be sent to MMI or GMC for any "deficiency" in their application, to better prepare them for the rigors of academy life. Physical fitness included.

But I would venture an educated guess that 95% of all CGAS appointments are for academic prep, not physical fitness. If giving a "what is the typical reason for CGAS appointment" answer, a low PFE score would be the exception, not the rule.

PS - Even though you posted "CFA" twice in your response, I'm certain you know they don't use the CFA. Although the CFA is acceptable at USCGA, it is not recommended. They use the Physical Fitness Exam (PFE).

USNA1982BGO · Sep 29, 2011

Luigi, let's not split hairs over acronyms. USCGA will accept any of the physical fitness exams, from any of the service academies. CGA Admissions has a conversion chart, though yes, they do like the PFE, it is not necessary to repeat the test for the sake of taking the PFE. (Per Admission's).

Luigi59 · Sep 29, 2011

USNA1982BGO said:
Luigi, let's not split hairs over acronyms.

Sorry, I don't see accuracy in a response (especially coming from a moderator) as "splitting hairs." There are two completely different physical fitness tests used by the academies, and they each have a specific name/acronym.

USNA1982BGO said:
USCGA will accept any of the physical fitness exams, from any of the service academies. CGA Admissions has a conversion chart, though yes, they do like the PFE, it is not necessary to repeat the test for the sake of taking the PFE. (Per Admission's).

Which I stated above. Yes, the CFA is acceptable, although it is preferred that every applicant take the PFE. (per Admissions)

I would always counsel an applicant to do what is "preferred," rather than what is simply "acceptable." As well as the simple explanation that the PFE is the standard to which they'll be judged in the beginning of Swab Summer and throughout their time at the academy.

But we're getting way off topic now.

educ8 · Sep 29, 2011

Thanks for the correction...my son is in fact taking the PFE this afternoon!

MDtrack · Sep 29, 2011

educ8 said:
It almost sounds like CGAS could be an real advantage for success later at the Academy.

Definitely! I was at NMMI last year and now during my first semester here as a 4/c all the classes I took last year are virtually the same here, so my stress level is a lot lower than a lot of my classmates as well as I was also able to validate Calc 1 and 2.