poppygaichik

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As I write my admissions essays, I have a few questions regarding some of the content.

For the first question, Why might a person wish to join the Coast Guard Academy? Besides the standard generalizations of free education, and a great career, I feel as if I can't give a lot of reasoning as to why a person might want to attend.

If I join the military/USCG, I will be the first in my family to do so since WWII. Will this work for, or against me? I want to be a pilot, and I want to do it through the Coast Guard Academy. I've know that I want to do this for awhile, but I am having a hard time articulating any of this. I do not even know if these are legitimate reasons for wanting to attend. I also want to be a good leader, and I know I would thrive in an environment evenly disbursed between academics, athletics, and leadership skills. Is this enough?

Any advice on what or how I should articulate things would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
Those reasons you stated above are perfectly fine. Just speak from the heart and make sure you really believe what you’re putting on the paper.

As for prior military family history, I’d say that has no effect on you and your application, so no need to worry about that.

Just FYI: Don’t expect to go straight into aviation after USCGA. Only a small handful is selected to go to flight school directly after graduation. A vast majority of each class serves their first service assignment on a cutter or boat. Most who want to fly apply to flight school a little ways after actually serving in the Coast Guard.
 
Those reasons you stated above are perfectly fine. Just speak from the heart and make sure you really believe what you’re putting on the paper.

As for prior military family history, I’d say that has no effect on you and your application, so no need to worry about that.

Just FYI: Don’t expect to go straight into aviation after USCGA. Only a small handful is selected to go to flight school directly after graduation. A vast majority of each class serves their first service assignment on a cutter or boat. Most who want to fly apply to flight school a little ways after actually serving in the Coast Guard.
I understand, thank you. That's why I'm not sure if that was good to put in the essay.
 
Besides the standard generalizations of free education, and a great career, I feel as if I can't give a lot of reasoning as to why a person might want to attend.

I've know that I want to do this for awhile, but I am having a hard time articulating any of this.

Personally I would not highlight a free education - there are many ways to get a "free" education, but why the USCGA? What are your career aspirations? How would your four years at the USCGA help you achieve these goals? Show the selection committee that you have passion for service in the Coast Guard.

BTW, I don't consider a SA education as free, payment comes through service instead of cash.
 
always rely on the mission of the service in your essay
 
As I write my admissions essays, I have a few questions regarding some of the content.

For the first question, Why might a person wish to join the Coast Guard Academy? Besides the standard generalizations of free education, and a great career, I feel as if I can't give a lot of reasoning as to why a person might want to attend.

If I join the military/USCG, I will be the first in my family to do so since WWII. Will this work for, or against me? I want to be a pilot, and I want to do it through the Coast Guard Academy. I've know that I want to do this for awhile, but I am having a hard time articulating any of this. I do not even know if these are legitimate reasons for wanting to attend. I also want to be a good leader, and I know I would thrive in an environment evenly disbursed between academics, athletics, and leadership skills. Is this enough?

Any advice on what or how I should articulate things would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Great reasons! These are your reasons and should be articulated. They’re not looking for a specific answer.
 
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