Admissions counselors

Hello all,
What are your best tips for a junior communicating with an admissions counselor? My DC recently sent an introductory email, informed their counselor that they'd be going to an upcoming Bears Day, expressed interest in meeting in person, and asked two or three questions. The reply was a basic form letter saying essentially: good luck, applications to the academy open in August and be sure to take high-level math and science senior year.
DC was a little disappointed, as we'd heard that counselors can be very helpful and that expression of interest matters. USCGA is their top choice. Is there a better way to communicate? Thank you for the advice.

mamabear2023 said:

Hello all,
What are your best tips for a junior communicating with an admissions counselor? My DC recently sent an introductory email, informed their counselor that they'd be going to an upcoming Bears Day, expressed interest in meeting in person, and asked two or three questions. The reply was a basic form letter saying essentially: good luck, applications to the academy open in August and be sure to take high-level math and science senior year.
DC was a little disappointed, as we'd heard that counselors can be very helpful and that expression of interest matters. USCGA is their top choice. Is there a better way to communicate? Thank you for the advice.

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JMPO, but the counselors are probably focused on the applicants for the Class of 2023 at the moment. After this class is selected, they will have more time available to get to know the HS juniors which will be applying to the Class of 2024. Good luck to your child.

The admissions officers are very personable at AIM. They will answer any questions you have, and you really get to know them. Definitely made me feel more confident and excited about the application process.

I think @FMHS-79 has probably hit the proverbial "nail on the head' as they have to be in their crazy season with no rolling admissions getting all the prospective cadet's packages together and reviewed to have decisions ready in 6 weeks.

You can also contact your admissions partners in your state. You can call the admissions office and they can give you the state coordinators' name and contact info. Then you will have someone in your state that can answer questions etc.

Thanks for this insight. Good point about this being a busy time. DC reached out to the admissions counselor assigned to our state among others, but I didn't realize we had an additional one living in-state. Thank you! Hopefully we'll get a better understanding of everything at Bears Day.

The admission partners can be parents of cadets, auxilarists or just any volunteer with Coast Guard experience. They are not admissions officers!
What state do you live in?

@mamabear2023 He did the right thing contacting his Admissions Officer. They are his ultimate resource and liason to the Review Board. If he has follow up questions, it's ok to email again, but as others have pointed out, there are likely volunteer CGA Admissions representatives in your area. If you want to message me privately, I'd be happy to help. What Bear's Day is he attending?

mamabear2023 said:

Hello all,
What are your best tips for a junior communicating with an admissions counselor? My DC recently sent an introductory email, informed their counselor that they'd be going to an upcoming Bears Day, expressed interest in meeting in person, and asked two or three questions. The reply was a basic form letter saying essentially: good luck, applications to the academy open in August and be sure to take high-level math and science senior year.
DC was a little disappointed, as we'd heard that counselors can be very helpful and that expression of interest matters. USCGA is their top choice. Is there a better way to communicate? Thank you for the advice.

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High school juniors interested in CGA should apply to AIM. Not only does it show interest in CGA, but applying will give CGA all the relevant contact information to send notifications regarding recruiting opportunities in your area. Remember that CGA has a VERY small admissions staff, and each Admissions Officer is tasked with a large geographical area. This is a very busy time for Admissions as they work on the Class of 2023. There is plenty of time for a prospective applicant to make contact with their Admissions Officer. Also, another reason not to be too concerned this early is that many times Admissions Officers will change over the summer months, as some move on to other billets, and some change areas of responsibility. In the meantime, it is a good idea for prospective applicants to contact athletic coaches, or performing arts directors, to express interest (if applicable). Athletic recruitment forms can be found on the CGA athletics site http://uscgasports.com/landing/index .

As others have stated, there are volunteers across the country that serve as Admissions Partners who are able to answer many questions you may have. Good luck as your family begins this journey!

IMHO Bears Day is nice....but structured. Our DS applied for AIM but was not admitted, so during the summer of his junior/senior year we took a road trip to visit. Ended up spending two days there meeting Admissions staff, Sports Coaches, The Head or Engineering and the Chief Instructor for his particular engineering major. It was well worth the time as he got to see everything, and had whatever time he wanted to meet and speak with the instructors and upperclassmen in his major. Plus he was able to leisurely walk the campus and talk to Officers and cadets alike at will. It solidified his choice of schools, he was also looking at USMMA and USNA, but the CGA is much more intimate and personal an experience. Plus I am just a little biased....

A number of applicants not selected for AIM will be extended an invitation to attend Cadet For A Day in the fall. These invitations and available dates are limited. The CFAD program allows applicants to shadow a current cadet for 24 hours, including attending classes, meals, athletic activities and staying overnight in Chase Hall. Definitely a great opportunity.

Thanks again for these details. DC definitely plans to apply for AIM. I hadn't thought about counselors changing assignments in the summer, but that makes sense as well.

mamabear2023 said:

, but I didn't realize we had an additional one living in-state. Thank you! Hopefully we'll get a better understanding of everything at Bears Day.

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Did you get a contact in your state? Any of us Admissions Partners can help you make that contact.