AIM Questions

USAFAUSMA

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AIM is coming up, and I have a few questions for anyone who may have been there in the past.

1) I've read that a sizable number of attendees drop out. I by no means plan to give into whatever pressure may make people to do so, but I was wondering why exactly so many people cannot make it through.

2) Is there a CFA at AIM, and if so is it usable for SA applications (as in, is it like USAFA SS's CFA where it's just "practice" and cannot count on an SA application, or like USMA SLE's CFA where it does count)?

3) How important is swimming ability? I obviously know how to swim, but can't say I've ever really practiced it seriously.

4) Is there anything else I should know before I commit to going?

Thanks!
 
AIM is coming up, and I have a few questions for anyone who may have been there in the past.

1) I've read that a sizable number of attendees drop out. I by no means plan to give into whatever pressure may make people to do so, but I was wondering why exactly so many people cannot make it through.

2) Is there a CFA at AIM, and if so is it usable for SA applications (as in, is it like USAFA SS's CFA where it's just "practice" and cannot count on an SA application, or like USMA SLE's CFA where it does count)?

3) How important is swimming ability? I obviously know how to swim, but can't say I've ever really practiced it seriously.

4) Is there anything else I should know before I commit to going?

Thanks!

I attended AIM last year and completed the week on very good standing. There were about 8 people who dropped out of my platoon of 30. The week is very rigorous but if you put forth maximum effort and are a team player, then you leave USCGA more mature and accomplished. AIMsters dropped out because of the stress level and the unwillingness to work with others and just didn't want to be there (forced by parents). The physical exam that takes place consist of push-ups, curl-ups, and a run. Therefor, it does not fulfill the CFA for the other SA's, but counts for the USCGA application. No swimming occurs during AIM. There is sailing(AIMsters are on board with an upperclassmen and do one small job on the boat), organized sports(towards the end), along with a brief military drill component to practice for graduation.
 
I was an AIM cadre last summer so I can provide a bit of perspective

1. The biggest reason why people dropped out of AIM is simple: They were not prepared for the experience. Unlike the other programs, it is physically and mentally intense. It isn't treated like a summer camp but as an introduction to swab summer. Another big reason: People had parents who made them attend AIM. I can't stress this enough: If you have a parent or ARE a parent who is trying to convince DS/DD (someone who really does not want to go) to attend: don't push the issue. All it does is stress out DS/DD at AIM, stress out the cadre, and it removes a slot for someone who truly wants to attend AIM.

2. Same as the above answer. The PFE (Physical Fitness Exam) that you take during AIM will count for your application to CGA. However, you can take it again on your own if you want to improve the score. If is is below 200, I recommend retaking it. Strive for the 230 range to be more competitive.

3. You don't swim during AIM. When I attended AIM, we participated in a Damage Control simulation but that is no longer part of the program.

If you have anymore questions, please don't hesitate to ask!
 
1. I went last year, and people dropped out for a number of reasons. Our company was fortunate to not lose anyone due to dropping out (although we did lose two people to medical issues). I completely agree with trackandfield. The majority of the people who dropped out weren't ready for the experience. Some were pushed into it by their parents. Some thought they wanted to go to CGA but realized halfway through the week that they'd be happier elsewhere and that another college might be a better fit for them. AIM was designed to help you decide whether or not CGA is where you want to be, so that you hopefully don't make that discovery during the middle of Swab Summer. The cadre are very professional, and it is their job to challenge you. If you're motivated, you'll be okay!!
2. I agree with trackandfield! If you don't like your results and think you can do better, it serves as good motivation!
3. We didn't need our swimsuits at all for AIM, even though they were on the packing list. I think they were intended to be used in the showers, but you don't exactly have much time to shower...
4. Feel free to PM me with any other questions!! AIM is a good way to find out a lot about CGA and to ask tons of questions. In the beginning of the week, you won't have too much opportunity to talk to your cadre, but towards the end, they're really helpful and knowledgeable. Also, throughout the week, you are able to talk with people who have many different jobs in the Coast Guard. We were able to speak with a helo flight crew, the crew from a buoy tender, etc. Make the most of it and good luck!!
 
I also went last year (Seminar 3) and had a great time. I met a lot of wonderful people and really enjoyed myself. I went with a friend and she dropped out after 2 hours. She could not hack the stressful conditions. Believe me this is not a picnic!! The Cadre treat you just like you are entering for your first year. The Naval Academy (Seminar 1) is different, its more like a camp. Before you attend, try an learn the Coast Guard rank structure. Whatever you do, DON'T make a mistake like me and say, "Aye Aye Sir" when I should have said, "Aye Aye Ma'am"!!! Most importantly, have fun and make sure in YOUR heart this is want you want to do. I did not get accepted to the CGA, I got there Prep School, but chose my appointment to the Air Force Academy.
 
This question is for Anna2017
Do you know why you were accepted for CGA prep school? Did they give you a reason when they offered you the appointment to prep school?
 
I have been heavily recruited to play softball, but I wanted to attend a Military Academy instead of a regular college. The CGA softball coach got me into the AIM program. I have the grades, I am athletic, I came close to maxing out the fitness test. I have leadership qualities. The softball coach told me she would do everything she can to get me in, but they had budget cuts and less recruits for the coming year. I thought without a doubt I would get in. I had already committed to USAFA when the softball coach e-mailed me that I was getting accepted to the Prep school. So to answer your question, I truly believe the Softball coach had input in getting me into the Prep School
 
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Anna2017
Thanks so much ! Why prep school and not the Academy? I am trying to figure out how they decide who goes to the Prep School and who goes to the Academy?
 
I'm confused because DIII doesn't have athletic "recruits," certainly not ones that affect budgets (they bring in 300+ swabs... each spots costs the same amount of money).

Are you talking about AIM recruits? I may have misunderstood.
 
I was a swab summer squad leader almost a decade ago. I never attended AIM (or MITE...), but I was able to watch from "afar" (AIM and Swab Summer don't exactly mix, but the cadre run into each other now and then).... and I can tell you AIM, at least for part of the time, gives you a good feel for how unpleasant swab summer can be.

I won't get into too much detail, but I saw a group of AIM cadre remind an AIMster why "CGA is a joke" is not a good thought of the day.... and the little AIMster was balling his eyes out (I might have too).
 
I'm confused because DIII doesn't have athletic "recruits," certainly not ones that affect budgets (they bring in 300+ swabs... each spots costs the same amount of money).

Are you talking about AIM recruits? I may have misunderstood.
_______

LineInTheSand, are you talking about me with your Quote?
If so, I never mentioned anything about being recruited to play softball by the CGA. The softball coach did try and put in a good word on my behalf. DIII schools cannot offer scholarships.
 
I'm confused because DIII doesn't have athletic "recruits," certainly not ones that affect budgets (they bring in 300+ swabs... each spots costs the same amount of money).

The softball coach did try and put in a good word on my behalf. DIII schools cannot offer scholarships.

Rest assured the USCGA does recruit athletes for its sports teams, absolutely yes.

Just because they compete at the D3 level does not mean they don't target prospective cadets. Yes, the coaches do get some input into the admissions process.

With 23 IC sports teams to field, athletic talent may in some cases be an important factor in your appointment decision.
 
Whatever you do, DON'T make a mistake like me and say, "Aye Aye Sir" when I should have said, "Aye Aye Ma'am"!!!

I second that! I had to write a letter to one of the female cadre explaining her reasons for having a sex change surgery to her parents and why I had thought she was a guy. I then had to read the letter aloud to her friends. Funny later, but certainly not at the time!!:shake:
 
Rest assured the USCGA does recruit athletes for its sports teams, absolutely yes.

Just because they compete at the D3 level does not mean they don't target prospective cadets. Yes, the coaches do get some input into the admissions process.

With 23 IC sports teams to field, athletic talent may in some cases be an important factor in your appointment decision.

Your use of IC is going to confuse people.

Point is, targeting a student who is an athete is not the same as a recruited athele in a program that supports/funds it.

Being a "recruit" will not affect a bottom line budget item. Yes, it means they may say I'd really like that soccer player... but it won't change the bottom dollar.
 
Your use of IC is going to confuse people.

Point is, targeting a student who is an athete is not the same as a recruited athele in a program that supports/funds it.

Being a "recruit" will not affect a bottom line budget item. Yes, it means they may say I'd really like that soccer player... but it won't change the bottom dollar.
Luigi seemed pretty clear but now you have confused me a bit. Are you saying a recruit at say USNA has a dollar figure that is different from the non recruited USNA midshipmen?
 
I was referring to "The softball coach told me she would do everything she can to get me in, but they had budget cuts and less recruits for the coming year." That budget cuts should have no effect on this, but I may be confused on what she's talking about. I was trying to figure out if this is "recruits" at AIM or "recruits" for athletics...
 
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