How competitive? Does AIM Help?

grevar

CGA Admissions Partner
5-Year Member
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I know this question has been asked in previous years, and I know that summer programs may differ from academy to academy, but I am writing to ask those that know if acceptance to AIM is more than just a selection of the geographically underrepresented. Does attendance at AIM increase your chances of acceptance at all? Obviously if you go and make a good impression, I understand that can help, and visa versa if you make a bad impression.

DS is applying to three of the five service academies (USCGA, USNA and USMMA). Those were selected simply because he loves the ocean and wants to serve as an officer in our armed forces. (Don't flame me USMMA folks....Commissioning is still is advertised as an option for USMMA grads). I am sure once there he would be open to a career in the Merchant Marine. Also, back up commissioning plan is VMI on a NROTC Scholarship if he gets it.

His stats are 3.9 GPA (Unweighted), 4.7 (Weighted), top 5% of his class of 540, All AP, Honors and IB classes when available. Taking AP Calc his Senior along with IB Math. ACT is 28 Composite (28 Math / 27 English), Senior Class Representative, Captain of Varsity Lacrosse team, Lacrosse MVP for last two years, also All Region Lacrosse, multiple service clubs, high-school Advanced Choir, Church musician and Choir. He would love to play varsity lacrosse in college, but that isn't the priority as he knows there is always Club Lacrosse at any of the schools. Not that is should matter, but he is of mixed Caucasian/Asian heritage, but looks asian.

He attended NASS at the Naval Academy and loved it. AIM is coming up in a couple of weeks and knowing him, he will also love it. He has been on top of all of his applications, etc. All three congressional packets are in, BGO interview is next week, NROTC application has been in since May, USMMA Application is complete. Only waiting on the Coast Guard and VMI to open in September. CFA was done at NASS and he nearly maxed all categories.

I know at NASS they say that attendance has little bearing on admission later on. Wondering if USCGA is the same? Seems like NASS has far more kids than they do at USCGA. Also seems like the programs are very different. (Summer Campish vs. a taste of Swab Summer)

Anyhow, any input, guidance, ideas, etc would be appreciated. It has been fun watching him go through the process and we often read these boards together. It is the experience walking with him through this that I will always cherish.
 
I'm pretty sure AIM has no bearing on admission, just like NASS. His application looks great, the only weaknesses are those ACT scores. I would say at least get a 30 in Math and English, otherwise he is a super candidate.
 
Attending AIM demonstrates interest, and demonstrating interest can help you.

But not attending AIM does not hurt you, as only 33% of the Class of 2016 attended AIM.

However, as CGA is the only academy that has offered an applicant an LOA based in part on their summer program (AIM) performance, I would take it seriously while attending.
 
Thanks Luigi. I am sure he will do just that!
 
I was an AIM cadre last year and I can tell you that AIM can have some weight in terms of acceptance. Each Aimster is evaluated on their performance in multiple areas such as physical fitness, attitude, communication, etc. At the end of the evaluation is an area where the cadre can highly recommend for acceptance or not recommend. If an applicant attends AIM, their documentation from AIM is reviewed by the Admissions Board.

Last year, I had approximately 70 Aimsters over the course of three weeks. Five of them were given direct appointments and one was offered prep school, which she accepted.

If you have any questions about the AIM program, I'd be happy to answer them. However, I will not answer specific questions about the plan for each day or the week as I believe that the surprise is necessary as its important that we see how the Aimsters react to stress.
 
I was an AIM cadre last year and I can tell you that AIM can have some weight in terms of acceptance. Each Aimster is evaluated on their performance in multiple areas such as physical fitness, attitude, communication, etc. At the end of the evaluation is an area where the cadre can highly recommend for acceptance or not recommend. If an applicant attends AIM, their documentation from AIM is reviewed by the Admissions Board.

Last year, I had approximately 70 Aimsters over the course of three weeks. Five of them were given direct appointments and one was offered prep school, which she accepted.

If you have any questions about the AIM program, I'd be happy to answer them. However, I will not answer specific questions about the plan for each day or the week as I believe that the surprise is necessary as its important that we see how the Aimsters react to stress.

Do the AIMsters get to see the evaluation at the end of the week?

thanks,
 
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