Admissions Officer Communication

S

S0ftball

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Joined
Nov 15, 2022
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I only somewhat recently became interested/learned about USCGA in the last couple months. I got to meet my admissions officer in person at the Cadet for a Day event in October. I have emailed before and since then with no response. I am sure AOs get tons of emails every day, but I want to know, should I keep emailing for the sake of being in touch? That is something they stress. I have had some specific questions in the emails that I think only an AO could answer. If I keep getting no response, would calling their cell number on the website be acceptable?
 
I'm guessing this depends on the AO. My daughter sent a few emails through the application process with no answer as well. I was hesitant to direct her to contact via the cell phone listed on the page too.
 
Who is your AO? On the website they list AOs and their preferred methods of communication. I know some list phone communication as their preferred outlet. I'd check that online.
 
T-37IP said:
Is your application complete? PFE?
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Not yet, I have everything except my best PFE score I scored a 253 on my PFE on my latest test with my PE teacher. But once that score is uploaded, then yes. Since my GPA and SAT were slightly lower than average, I wanted to ensure I put together my best resume, essays, PFE score, etc.
 
S0ftball said:
Not yet, I have everything except my best PFE score I scored a 253 on my PFE on my latest test with my PE teacher. But once that score is uploaded, then yes. Since my GPA and SAT were slightly lower than average, I wanted to ensure I put together my best resume, essays, PFE score, etc.
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That's a really good PFE score! We've found it's all about the total package, so play to your strengths! Spend a lot of time on your essays and make sure they're where you want them, perfect grammar, punctuation, completely answer the question, etc. Get a person or two you trust are skilled writers and have them proofread. It's amazing the little things other people may catch.

Are you looking to play a varsity sport? Be sure to connect with a coach. They can't just get you in, but if you are someone they'd like to have on the team, they can certainly advocate for you. The more they feel you can help the team, the higher they will rate you for admissions which will help your application.
 
At some point after several unanswered emails, especially with a deadline looming, I think it is certainly acceptable to call admissions and get your questions resolved.

The USCGA is very small, in fact smaller than many High Schools, and consequently they have a small rather overworked staff. The AOs are good, but very busy. Give them a call, don't get into your emails not being answered, just ask your questions and get the answers you need.
 
Hope2BeA27BearDad said:
That's a really good PFE score! We've found it's all about the total package, so play to your strengths! Spend a lot of time on your essays and make sure they're where you want them, perfect grammar, punctuation, completely answer the question, etc. Get a person or two you trust are skilled writers and have them proofread. It's amazing the little things other people may catch.

Are you looking to play a varsity sport? Be sure to connect with a coach. They can't just get you in, but if you are someone they'd like to have on the team, they can certainly advocate for you. The more they feel you can help the team, the higher they will rate you for admissions which will help your application.
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I am looking to play softball. Since my visit, I have been in somewhat frequent contact with the coach. I had no idea they could give a push in the admissions process like that. That is definitely a relief. I think my essays are well written and interesting, but they may be different from many because I do not come from a military family and are more based on other experiences. A lot of "bean sprouts" (what we were called on my visit) were writing about their experience in AIM, military family, etc. so I was kinda worried that mine didn't fit the popular format. I am hoping that may be in my advantage, having different experiences than many.
 
S0ftball said:
I am looking to play softball. Since my visit, I have been in somewhat frequent contact with the coach. I had no idea they could give a push in the admissions process like that. That is definitely a relief. I think my essays are well written and interesting, but they may be different from many because I do not come from a military family and are more based on other experiences. A lot of "bean sprouts" (what we were called on my visit) were writing about their experience in AIM, military family, etc. so I was kinda worried that mine didn't fit the popular format. I am hoping that may be in my advantage, having different experiences than many.
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That's great! Everyone has their own story. Nothing wrong with being unique! It can help you stand out. My daughter kept the coach in the loop as she moved through the application process....like when she got updated test scores she sent to him and he gave her feedback like, those are good...please submit, they will help you! On the application he told her, email me as soon as you submit and said he'd send a letter to admissions advocating for her. Did the same for her AIM application back in the spring. I'm sure all coaches have a different process, but every little bit helps.
 
S0ftball said:
I am looking to play softball. Since my visit, I have been in somewhat frequent contact with the coach. I had no idea they could give a push in the admissions process like that. That is definitely a relief. I think my essays are well written and interesting, but they may be different from many because I do not come from a military family and are more based on other experiences. A lot of "bean sprouts" (what we were called on my visit) were writing about their experience in AIM, military family, etc. so I was kinda worried that mine didn't fit the popular format. I am hoping that may be in my advantage, having different experiences than many.
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I'm not an expert either, but on the tour we took not everyone comes from a military family. The tour guides did not. All of these SAs advertise, so they are looking for dedicated young people to come into military service. Not everyone already has that in their background. Including my family.

I do recall on the webinars that they said keep in touch with your AO. I know as a busy person, I get a ton of email. Some I respond to, some I file, but I know it came in. My son sent his first quarter report card and, separately, a video of him playing sports. Don't know if it will make the difference, but they seemed to really hit on the point that they wanted to know you're interested in the USCGA. Visits, contact, etc makes that difference.

Best of luck.
 
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