Chances for Appointment?

Usnavy2019

10-Year Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2013
Messages
862
I really want to attend the USCGA. My username contradicts this becuase I made my account before I found out what the USCG offers.

School is a competitive private college prep school. You have to apply and be accepted to the school and you have to take an entrance exam. I was the minority in this process because I came from a public school where the majority of applicants coming from Catholic schools. I have just finished sophomore year. I am 16 years old and a white male from CA.

Weighted GPA: 3.18 (4.0 scale)

Class Rank* 100 out of 250 (Approximate) (Top 40%)
* School does not rank students, ranking based off test
scores

Pre ACT: 21 (Composite, Scale out of 32) (Top 16% in the nation for Sophomores sitting for exam)

Pre ACT to ACT: 26 (Composite)

Will take both ACT and SAT Next Year

Starting SAT and ACT Prep Class in Fall

On Honor Roll for each semester attended
Clubs:
Aviation Club Instructor (Officer)

Sports:
Freshman Year: Frosh/Soph Men's Volleyball, Scholar Athlete, played Libero and Defensive Specialist

Sophomore Year: Junior Varsity Men's Volleyball, 2nd Runner-Up for Most Improved, played Libero and occasionally Defensive Specialist

Extra-Curricular Activities:
Boy Scouts (2008-Present)
Eagle Scout (Earned February 2013)

Eagle Project was building dog agility equipment for the local SPCA shelter.

Earned 25 Merit Badges

Graduated from National Youth Leadership Training (February 2010)

Staffed National Youth Leadership Training (February 2011)
Senior Patrol Leader (Highest Youth Leader in Troop, Led around 40 boys, Responsible for conducting troop meetings, planning troop meetings, leading the leadership team, working with the Scoutmaster on running the troop, planning outings, and instructing the new people in leadership positions on how to do their job )

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (Assisted Senior Patrol Leader, Second Highest Youth Leader)

Patrol Leader (Led 6 boys and reported to SPL)
Den Chief (mentored Cub Scouts through the process of becoming a Boy Scout)

Librarian (Maintained Troop's Merit Badge Book Library)

Will become Junior Assistant Scoutmaster in December 2013 (JASM is like an Assistant Scoutmaster, just you are not 18 yet.)

Trail Maintenance Crew

Led Color Guard for past 4 years at 4th of July Parade

Helped Build Storage Boxes for Local High School Music Teacher
Helped Build planter boxes for local Middle School Science Teacher

Built Shed for an Abused Women Shelter

Order of the Arrow (Boy Scout's National Honor Society) (2011-Present)

Elected into the Order in March 2011

Passed Ordeal in August 2011 (Ordeal is physical labor that lasts all day. Scant food is provided and you must stay silent the entire day.)
Staffed 3 subsequent ordeals as Taskmaster (Taskmaster assigns and oversees tasks to be done by the candidates. They are also in charge of communications for the weekend.)

Became a Brotherhood Honor Member in June 2012 (Brotherhood is the second-highest honor one can earn.)

Chapter Vice Chief (Second in Command of all OA activities for four cities.)

Lodge Trading Post Manager (Responsible for selling patches and apparel and managed inventory for the three counties the Lodge covers.)
Assistant CVC for Administration for Section Meeting. (Second in Command of Administration Staff for event that hosted OA members from all of Northern California and Northwestern Nevada.)

Assistant to the Western Region Chief at Section Meeting (Responsible for managing the youth in charge of all Order of the Arrow activities of the entire Western Region*.)

*Western Region Includes: All U.S. Pacific Territories, Councils in Asia (Military children), Hawaii, Alaska, West Texas, West South Dakota, West Nebraska, Colorado, and All States West of the above named states.
Sea Scouts (Nautical Branch of Boy Scouts) (2010-Present)
Unit is the 2013 National Flagship (Unit is the best in the nation, ranking is based on youth members' accomplishments)

Selected to sail aboard the USCGC Barque Eagle this summer (National Competition based on merit. Merit decided upon academic, scouting, extra-curricular, and community service activities and accomplishments. The best 6 applications are selected.)
Apprentice (1st rank, requires basic seamanship skills)

Ordinary (2nd Rank, regarded as the hardest rank to earn, although not the highest. Regarded as the hardest because you have to learn a plethora of new skills and use them competently. Advanced Seamanship is needed for this rank.)

Working towards Able (Third rank, refining skills learned into an art. A small increase of seamanship is needed)
Quartermaster should be completed by Senior Year or by the end of Freshman Year (Quartermaster is the highest rank achievable. Only those who show expert seamanship and leadership are given the award. The award is equivalent to Eagle Scout. The final requirement for the rank is to become the CO of your unit's vessel for 48 hours and serve as the CO underway.)

Yeoman (Administration and Logistics Officer)

Crew Leader (Leads crew of 6-7 crewmen)
Unit Award for Heroism (Saved woman from being crushed by her boat after she fell overboard. Two crewman and I pulled her out of the water, pushed the boat away, alerted the operator to cut the engines, and then treated her for hypothermia. She fully recovered.)

Received Small Boat Handler Award (Given to those who can competently operate and command a small vessel. Assessment included an oral review and an underway exam.)

Crew Leader's Course Graduate (One Course)

Crew Leader's Course Instructor (Three Courses)
Boatswain's* Course Graduate

* Boatswain is similar to SPL (described above)

Venturing Bronze Award for Sea Scouting (Venturing is the High-Adventure branch of Boy Scouts. Earned for achieving Ordinary.)

On the Unit's Unarmed USMC Regulation Drill Team for past two years (Being on the drill team is a coveted position in the unit. The 9 most elite crewmen are selected each year. The unit has 20 crewmen in it. I would like to participate on the Drill Team at USCGA)
On Ceremonial Color Guard for Unit

Long Cruise Badge (Given to crewmen who show competency underway for 14 days of more)

Coastal Clean-Up for Local Marina

Refurbished Docks and Gangways at Regional Park's lagoon

Park Clean Up at Regional Park

Pressure Washing Docks at Local Marina (every 3 months)

Helped replant Local Marina's garden
Placed flags along parade route for 4th of July Parade.

Coxswained Scuttlebutt event during this year's competition season. (Scuttlebutt is an event at Sea Scout competitions where you hoist a 55 gallon metal barrel with the top open. You hoist the barrel up 3 feet. You use three spars, a line to tie a knot around the barrel, and blocks and tackle to hoist the barrel. You put the spars in a tripod and bring the tripod up. You hoist the barrel and then bring down the tripod. The barrel is filled with water 3 inches from the top. Nothing can touch the water and no water can be spilled. You cannot talk in this event except for the Coxswain, which is me. I give all the commands and make sure everything is going fast as possible and that everything is safe. I led the team to a new record of 45 seconds. 2 minutes is a good times and a great time is 1:30.)

Community Service:
Altar Server for past 5 years

Lead Altar Server for 2.5 years (Leads Alta Serving Crew on altar and conducts Altar Server training.)
Part of Catholic Teens in Action (Youth Group that meets monthly and performs monthly service projects around the community)

Served Meals at St. Anthony's Dining Room to the less fortunate in the Tenderloin (poorest) District of San Francisco.

Publicity Assistant Chair for School's Cereal Drive

Collected Donations for the Get on the Bus Program (Get on the Bus Program allows kids to visit their parents in prison. Donations were for entertainment devices for the kids so they can have something to do during the long bus ride.)

Why I want to go to USCGA: I have always wanted to do something near the water. I never went boating but ships and the ocean fascinated me. When I joined Sea Scouts, it was the perfect program for me. It combines what I want to do, which is boating, with the military. Sea Scouts teaches you things such as drill and military bearing. You learn the customs of the seagoing services and even wear U.S. Navy uniforms and you are expected to keep them up to military standards. Sea Scouts as well as Boy Scouts has taught me a few crucial qualities. They are professionalism, confidence, passion, empathy, and attention to detail. I believe I will serve the Coast Guard and the nation best in an officer position.
So why the USCGA? I earned my Eagle Scout in February 2013. I as well as any others, view obtaining this rank a great achievement since between 2%-5% of all Boy Scouts earn the rank. I know having Eagle Scout allows the adults for my Boy Scout Troop and Sea Scout Unit to trust in my leadership abilities and support my decisions. This allows me to lead how I want to lead and leading how I like to lead makes me be a confident and effective leader. I also was thinking about being an Eagle Scout during one of my friend’s Eagle Court of Honor. And I came to this realization; I was put on this Earth to help people.Another thing I was thinking was that I am a go-getter. I went through the long, hard, and toilsome journey. It started in first grade and I completed the journey during sophomore year. I have a lot of perseverance. I will do whatever it takes to achieve my goal. I believe the Coast Guard is the best service for me because I love the sea and being on the water, I love to help people, and my perseverance will allow me to go out in the worst situations and weather. Those qualities will fulfill my life’s purpose of helping others in their time of need. This is why I want to be in the Coast Guard and participate in Search and Rescue. I want to be the person people count on. This is why I want to be an officer in the United States Coast Guard Officer.

Also: I said above that I sailed on the USCGC Eagle. I was treated as a 3/c cadet and I was held to the same stanards they were. I stood wathces, attended trainings, participated in evolutions, and worked with a division. I received a letter of recommendation from my Division Officer who is a 1/c and will be on the Regimental staff at the Academy this coming year. I also was apporached by the Eagle's XO, a LCDR, saying that she would love to write a recommendation for me. I also know a Chief Petty Officer that also might be willing to write one. For my teacher recommendations, I have a math teacher that I was a student of for two years and she knows me well. I also have m Bio teacher who really liked me. I am alos applying for AIM and I am planning on doing Cadet for a Day.
 
You certainly have broad experiences, and community service is certainly important. The question, "How are my chances?", is frankly something I always have difficulty with. Your chances for appointment actually depend on the pool of students applying, and what each and every applicant can bring to the overall class.

In general, however, there are three things you have control over:
1) Leadership - The SMA's all are looking for leaders of the uniformed services, so you should have *demonstrated* leadership. Eagle scout is a perfect example, with the Eagle project being a leadership exercise. In addition, leadership positions in extracurricular activities are good to have.

2) Academics - Grades will not automatically get you in, but they certainly can keep you out. The SMA's want to make sure that their students can handle a challenging academic program. Therefore, take the most challenging classes available and do well in them. Lab sciences, proficiency in math, and an ability to communicate verbally and in writing are highly sought after. In addition, take the SAT early and often, at least through Sept of your Senior year, to build the best score you can.

3) Character - In addition to showing leadership, uniformed officers must be able to work as part of a team. That's where athletics, clubs, and recommendations come in. Build a reputation for finishing your tasks, as well as a strong moral character, and you'll go far.

I noticed in your earlier posts you were set on applying to USMMA, and your screen name indicates an interest in Navy. All the academies have great programs, and I'd recommend you apply to any and all that you have an interest in. One academy may decline you, while another might accept you with open arms.

If your goal is to serve, also look into other commissioning programs, including PLC (Marines), ECP (Army), N/A/AF ROTC programs. Google Military Officer Programs and you should find links to program coordinators. I'd also suggest contacting the Admissions Officers directly for the straight word.

Good luck to you.
 
You should apply to the places representing the service you want to serve in. If you don't want to serve in the Army, don't apply to AROTC or West Point. If you can't see yourself in the Air Force, don't apply to AFROTC or the Air Force Academy.

I understand having back up plans, but don't apply to commissioning programs just to commission... you should plan based on the service.
 
1) Leadership -

2) Academics -

3) Character -

I concur (although not necessarily in that order) that these 3 are THE most important factors.

  • Leadership - A few leadership positions is preferable over membership in many.

  • Academics - Excellence in rigorous courses. A+ in a basic course not as impressive as A's in IB or AP courses. Challenge yourself.

  • Character - How you behave/act/perform when no one is looking or no personal benefit is gained.

I would add:

4. Stay out of trouble - alcohol offenses are in most cases deal breakers.
5. Stay healthy - probably the one thing over which you have little control.
6. Show interest - clearly you are WAY ahead of your fellow future applicants.

:cool:
 
Thank you for the responses everyone. Do I seem competitive for an appointment? I think that was what I was trying to ask with the "how are my chances" question.
 
Advice for competitive edge

Just dropped off DS at USCGA on Monday after a year at MMI. You sound a lot like him in qualifications. My advice after living through the last 5 years of his prep for USCGA is to stop listing things about yourself and start listing things about the Coast Guard. Will you want the job after the 4 years of training? All applicants are pretty similar--Eagle Scout, sea scout, high grades, decent schools.... Yup, no one with a 1.8 and the goal of doing nothing in life applies to the academies. All applicants are probably near the top. BUT it's the kids who want to be officers in the coast guard more than they want to be anything else on the planet that have the edge. All that Boy Scout stuff and high school stuff means nothing once you do get in, you can't ride the reputation of what you already did. You have to DO the stuff the CG wants you to do. If you are not already eating sleeping breathing stuff to do with the Coast Guard and academy, consider your interest level. My DS was far more interested in reading/learning about what he WOULD DO IN THE CG than reiterating what he did in high school. He preped himself since 8th grade but USCGA still thought he needed MMI and CGAS. You have to show the application people why you want the CG so bad you can taste it, not come off like you a listing reasons why the CG would be glad to have you!
 
If you are not already eating sleeping breathing stuff to do with the Coast Guard and academy, consider your interest level. My DS was far more interested in reading/learning about what he WOULD DO IN THE CG than reiterating what he did in high school.

Live a little. The Coast Guard does some fun things, but you will not have real fun in swab summer, or really 4/c year. 3/c year is a little fun, and it gets better from there.

I understand the "live CG" mentality, but come on, people IN the Coast Guard NOW aren't "eating, sleeping, breathing Coast Guard."

Grades, scores, activities and athletics. Make THEM say no.

I think it's fine to list everything about yourself. Yes, you have to sell yourself, but the Coast Guard also has to sell itself. That's why it has recruiters (and a recruiting budget).

Yes, learn about the Coast Guard, and think about what you'd like to do in the Coast Guard, but now is not the time to square your meals, keep your eyes in the boat, or spew indoc. Now is the time to do well in school in enjoy the remaining days of little responsibility.
 
I understand the "live CG" mentality, but come on, people IN the Coast Guard NOW aren't "eating, sleeping, breathing Coast Guard."

I've "heard" that some JOs even take their golf clubs on the cutter when departing on a long patrol.
 
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