USCGA vs. USNA

USNA21hopeful

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I have been dead set on attending the naval academy since freshman year, but now as I look into the other academies, I am less sure. I have been looking into the coast guard academy, and it has sparked my desire to attend there as well. what are the pros and cons of usna and uscga, in your opinions?????
 
I have been dead set on attending the naval academy since freshman year, but now as I look into the other academies, I am less sure. I have been looking into the coast guard academy, and it has sparked my desire to attend there as well. what are the pros and cons of usna and uscga, in your opinions?????

Start with the missions and career options in each service - different - and work backwards. Shop amongst Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, and think about what you could see yourself doing. Once you sort that out, the Academy falls into place too.

CG is a significantly smaller service, hence smaller Academy, leading to an officer corps that is tightly knit across the class and up or down a few class years on either side. Both are very good at what they do.

Browse each school's forum and soak up the comments to pick up some impressions.

Are students from your high school attending either SA? Talk to them if you can.

Best of all, if you can, visit.
 
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Like Capt MJ says, the mission is paramount. Bear in mind that CGA is smaller, so has a more limited number of majors. There is a separate thread on this forum about some of the differences. If you haven't read it, it might answer some of your questions.
 
Ditto with what Captain MJ said about visiting. I was the exact same way. I had been dead set on USNA ever since I was little kid but then I became really interested in USCGA once I started seriously looking my junior year. It was the visits and events like NASS and CVW that really set USNA apart for me. Now, that choice could be completely different for you, they are both phenomenal places, I just say it to emphasize for you to visit them both. Its one of the best ways to get a taste of both academies.
 
Agreed! Visit.

I found USNA to be far more engaging that USCGA or USMMA, during the application process.

It wasn't until I spoke to cadets/midshipmen, did a little more digging and finally visited the academies that I made my decision. Those visits sealed the deal for me. It will help you decide what feels like the best fit for you. And of course, remember that the service you'll be entering should be part of that decision process.
 
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