AIM notification

I made it!!! I will be attending Session 1. Please reply to me and I will PM you if you are also attending session 1.

I have been blessed this summer. I have NASS 1st week of June, AIM Session 1 and Marines SLCDA 2 days after AIM ends. Going to be busy but I am very excited.
 
I made it!!! I will be attending Session 1. Please reply to me and I will PM you if you are also attending session 1.

I have been blessed this summer. I have NASS 1st week of June, AIM Session 1 and Marines SLCDA 2 days after AIM ends. Going to be busy but I am very excited.

Congrats!! I'm at NASS 1st week also. I was denied AIM, but still hopeful for an opening.
 
Did anyone receive a flat out no? I'm wondering if instead of being denied, everyone was just put on the wait list instead

Until someone definitively posts that they got a flat out rejection to AIM, I am going to assume it was either acceptance or wait list for all applicants. From a rational perspective, sending AIM rejections makes no sense for the USCGA. Why dissuade an applicant at this early stage over a summer program? A larger applicant pool for the fall only benefits them. DD got wait list today. Trying hard not to be soured by it.
 
Until someone definitively posts that they got a flat out rejection to AIM, I am going to assume it was either acceptance or wait list for all applicants. From a rational perspective, sending AIM rejections makes no sense for the USCGA. Why dissuade an applicant at this early stage over a summer program? A larger applicant pool for the fall only benefits them. DD got wait list today. Trying hard not to be soured by it.

I am doing the exact same thing. It's hard not be pessimistic, I felt like every part of my app was strong... It's discouraging because I really don't know what I need to improve upon or work on except maybe training to be recruited for my sport.
 
I am doing the exact same thing. It's hard not be pessimistic, I felt like every part of my app was strong... It's discouraging because I really don't know what I need to improve upon or work on except maybe training to be recruited for my sport.

I agree. I also cannot view my letters of recommendation. Do you think if I emailed the admissions they would give me access? Could just be my part that it isnt working. And I completely agree. Its hard when you think its gold and don't get it
 
I agree. I also cannot view my letters of recommendation. Do you think if I emailed the admissions they would give me access? Could just be my part that it isnt working. And I completely agree. Its hard when you think its gold and don't get it
Honestly with so few spots and so many qualified applicants it becomes a bit of a lottery. Don't beat yourself up I can confirm that several other highly qualified candidates were waitlisted. Don't view this as any sort of failure ...take the opportunity to do cadet for a day if offered and keep your chin up. That's what I told my daughter ;).
 
Sadly my son didn't make it in. I am not sure if we played the acceptance game wrong or if, I duuno, just the what-if's.... Disappointed for my son. Oh well, moving on!
 
Did anyone receive a flat out no? I'm wondering if instead of being denied, everyone was just put on the wait list instead

I am not sure, but I think we got a flat-out no. The letter doesn't say anything about a waitlist. Hopefully this doesn't mean my kid is a total loser *weak smile*
 
I am not sure, but I think we got a flat-out no. The letter doesn't say anything about a waitlist. Hopefully this doesn't mean my kid is a total loser *weak smile*

Our reply:

Thank you for applying to the Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) Program at the United States Coast Guard Academy. This year’s applicant pool was among the most competitive in program history. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer you a spot in the 2017 AIM Program.

The number of qualified applicants for the AIM program greatly surpassed the resources we have available during the summer. As such, be aware that our inability to offer you an appointment to AIM does NOT reflect on your qualifications as a candidate, nor is it indicative of your capability to succeed at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Your application for the CGA Class of 2022 will not be impacted by your inability to attend AIM 2017.

AIM is not the only program that can give you an insight into life as a cadet. You are encouraged to take advantage of the Academy’s other campus programs to learn more about CGA and the opportunities available to you. These programs include:

  • Cadet for a Day (Overnight)
  • Genesis Invitational
  • Bears Day
  • Admissions Briefing and Campus Tour (Mondays, Fridays, & Saturdays)
More details about each program can be found here.

Specific program dates have yet to be finalized, so please continue to monitor our campus programs calendar. Events will be posted around 90 days prior to their start; the first overnight programs will begin in September.

If you have not already done so, you are also encouraged to contact your Admissions Officer to introduce yourself and make preparations for the Class of 2022 application.

Please know you are an outstanding candidate and not attending AIM in no way affects your application to the CGA Class of 2022. We look forward to working with you in the future. Please contact your Admissions Officer to discuss your options in preparation for the Class of 2022 application.

Sincerely,
Robert E. McKenna '89
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
 
My son got the same letter. No wait list at all. He's so bummed. I'm just really surprised. Everything looked really good on his end. A coach even short listed him. And nothing. We did see that of his 2 recommendation letters- only 1 was submitted. Do you think that could have been the issue?
 
Peppypea, that is a different letter than my DS's. His said he was waitlisted and would be notified of acceptance by June 5. Not holding my breath, to be honest.

I think your kid's was a flat-out no, which sucks. That's what my DS got from NASS and USAFASS, no wait-list, so I know the temptation to think there's no chance at admission to the actual school. The way I'm looking at it, DS is going to keep doing what he's always been doing, which is to work hard, improve himself to the best of his ability, and try to enjoy the summer and senior year. I think it's realistic to view any service academy as a "reach" school, frankly, and so we're focusing on helping him find safeties and matches. If the stars align and he's ultimately accepted to one of the academies, terrific! But I don't want him to think either 1) he's a for-sure candidate or 2) that's the only way to commission and achieve his goals. There are too many weird factors that go into the admissions process at an SA, and ours is not to reason why, I suppose.
 
I realize we can never figure the mystery behind the how and why's of who gets in...but, would anyone here, who did get in, be willing to share some of your stats? class rank, GPA, ACT etc.?
 
I realize we can never figure the mystery behind the how and why's of who gets in...but, would anyone here, who did get in, be willing to share some of your stats? class rank, GPA, ACT etc.?
Grades are one item. Geographic area, sports, volunteering, work history and diversity all play a part. Don't be discouraged if you didn't make it in. A large portion of incoming cadets didn't go to AIM. Try and make it to one of the other programs they offer.
 
Peppypea, that is a different letter than my DS's. His said he was waitlisted and would be notified of acceptance by June 5. Not holding my breath, to be honest.

I think your kid's was a flat-out no, which sucks. That's what my DS got from NASS and USAFASS, no wait-list, so I know the temptation to think there's no chance at admission to the actual school. The way I'm looking at it, DS is going to keep doing what he's always been doing, which is to work hard, improve himself to the best of his ability, and try to enjoy the summer and senior year. I think it's realistic to view any service academy as a "reach" school, frankly, and so we're focusing on helping him find safeties and matches. If the stars align and he's ultimately accepted to one of the academies, terrific! But I don't want him to think either 1) he's a for-sure candidate or 2) that's the only way to commission and achieve his goals. There are too many weird factors that go into the admissions process at an SA, and ours is not to reason why, I suppose.
Don't give up! A word of advice though....as a parent who has gone through this "meat grinder" of admissions processes with my DS applying and visiting various SA. His senior year was the final push and hard to enjoy, staying focused and taking tough classes while other students "enjoy" their senior year. I have to think he's prepared academically now! Receiving his CGAS appointment was a highlight and then the stress of waiting for DODMERB waiver..not for the faint of heart, it's a marathon.
 
Peppypea, that is a different letter than my DS's. His said he was waitlisted and would be notified of acceptance by June 5. Not holding my breath, to be honest.

I think your kid's was a flat-out no, which sucks. That's what my DS got from NASS and USAFASS, no wait-list, so I know the temptation to think there's no chance at admission to the actual school. The way I'm looking at it, DS is going to keep doing what he's always been doing, which is to work hard, improve himself to the best of his ability, and try to enjoy the summer and senior year. I think it's realistic to view any service academy as a "reach" school, frankly, and so we're focusing on helping him find safeties and matches. If the stars align and he's ultimately accepted to one of the academies, terrific! But I don't want him to think either 1) he's a for-sure candidate or 2) that's the only way to commission and achieve his goals. There are too many weird factors that go into the admissions process at an SA, and ours is not to reason why, I suppose.

Great outlook, Plan Ahead.

If your child is accepted into any summer program, it's a gift. Try not to overthink it, because it just gets more complicated from here.

My DD didn't even know what a Service Academy was until she got a flyer for the Naval Academy's summer session. (Her grandpa was 28 years in the Army, but we only knew about enlisting.) She applied, we felt she was a good candidate, she was flat out declined. She had not yet taken her SATs, and later we were told that the SAT is one of the initial screeners they use. No idea if that is true or not. Like some here, we figured if she didn't make it into the summer session, she would not stand a chance to make it into the academy. Lo and behold, shortly thereafter she received an email that welcomed her as a candidate for the USNA class of 2020, and the dream rekindled. They invited her for a candidate visit weekend, and she loved it. When she went before the interview panel for her congressional nomination, she was offered nominations for any of the service academies. She chose to take a look at the Air Force Academy and ended up applying to both, never even knowing there was a Coast Guard Academy until we discovered it through this forum. A few days before the deadline, she submitted an application to the Coast Guard Academy as well.

She was declined by the Naval Academy and DQed by the Air Force Academy (be aware, their weight standards are more stringent than some), and she was waitlisted to the Coast Guard Academy. She had never attended a summer session, and to this day she has still never even visited the Coast Guard Academy. She was not pulled from the waitlist last year, but after more research into all the branches, this year she reapplied only to the Coast Guard Academy. The size of the academy and its training activities coupled with the missions of the Coast Guard and the high rate of people who remain in the CG after their years of required service all helped her realize that the CG is the best "fit."

In college this year she kept her nose to the academic grindstone, she did a good job with her part-time jobs, ran college cross country as well as doing some triathlons, participated in community service, accepted every leadership position that came her way, and pretty much just enjoyed her life as a busy college student while keeping her eyes on the prize. We were emotionally prepared for her to be declined from the CGA and were completely shocked when her full appointment came through, just two days before the notification deadline day. Now we are pulling for dear friends we have made through this forum, fellow waitlisters from last year - already we are "family." As someone who went through the application process twice, she knows what a GIFT this appointment is. Many deserved, she is blessed to be one of the few chosen.

Buckle your seatbelts, folks. This process will change your lives and the lives of your DSs and DDs. Some will receive this rare gift their first time around and may not realize how fortunate they were. Some will torment themselves and come away from the experience with a bitter taste in their mouths. Some will have the patience and commitment to try a second time.

You can't make yourself crazy trying to figure things out. In the end, you already have/are amazing young people who have what it takes to make this world a better place. If you are fortunate enough to have a service academy be the avenue that gets you there, be grateful for the gift and never take it for granted. If not, don't let it shake your confidence. By committing to serve your country, you are already accomplishing something great.
 
My son got the same letter. No wait list at all. He's so bummed. I'm just really surprised. Everything looked really good on his end. A coach even short listed him. And nothing. We did see that of his 2 recommendation letters- only 1 was submitted. Do you think that could have been the issue?

Which one was submitted? The optional one or the required one from a school official? If it was the one from an official I would bet money that was a large part of it.
 
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