Advice for Candidate

[retired31E]

I'm helping my son get his packet together for EA. Here's where he's at.

3.91 GPA
Top 14% of Class
1110 SAT, re-take in October
Took IB Courses Junior Year, passed on IB Exam (Psychology)
3 Years Tennis, last 2 varsity
Girls Tennis Team Manager
4 Years Health Club (HOSA), VP Junior year, President Senior Year
Deacon at Church and part of A/V Team
Part-time job at Athletic Facility
10 years of Piano/performing arts
No PFE yet, but from some practice we've done, I'd go around a 215-230 currently.
Both parents Veterans.

Other than the SAT, any other areas to beef up or some other advice? We have a mentor who graduated the Academy, looking at his essay/question prompts.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ProudMom7]

It sounds like he has a good amount of leadership, but he will need to emphasize what he has done in those leadership positions.
And it sounds like his athletics are fairly good, although if he can bump the PFE even higher that would be great. Has he reached out to the tennis coach at CGA? If not, he should since the coach can help advocate for him during the admissions process.

He definitely wants to improve the SAT if possible, but he can always submit higher scores after submitting his application.
Other than IB Psychology, you don't mention how many STEM courses he has taken and at what level. CGA wants to see good grades in Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics. If those are at the IB/AP level then that would be better.

He should also spend time on his essays. Those seem to be an often overlooked area, but those essays are a way to stand out and to talk about what makes you unique.

 

[retired31E]

It sounds like he has a good amount of leadership, but he will need to emphasize what he has done in those leadership positions.
And it sounds like his athletics are fairly good, although if he can bump the PFE even higher that would be great. Has he reached out to the tennis coach at CGA? If not, he should since the coach can help advocate for him during the admissions process.

He definitely wants to improve the SAT if possible, but he can always submit higher scores after submitting his application.
Other than IB Psychology, you don't mention how many STEM courses he has taken and at what level. CGA wants to see good grades in Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics. If those are at the IB/AP level then that would be better.

He should also spend time on his essays. Those seem to be an often overlooked area, but those essays are a way to stand out and to talk about what makes you unique.

Thank you for replying, he has taken IB SL Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science, Intro to Sports Medicine, Advanced Sports Med, Geometry and Algebra 2. This year he is taking Statistics and Probability, Organic Chem, Anatomy & Physiology 1 and 2 and Pre-Calc. He is doing a program through the local college due to his schedule, but how I understood, the USCGA will accept college credits and there is no limit.

 

[Northwoods]

Improving SAT will be vital. 1260 is what I consider the practical minimum if you want a reasonable chance to get in. 1350+ will improve his odds dramatically. Do kids with am 1110 get in? There probably are a few but they have to be otherwise particularly exceptional candidates. 1160 is supposedly a 25th percentile score. 1266 is mean, 1365 is 75th percentile.

For PFE scores, get a coach or military member to proctor it. The average in swab summer last few years has been 210-220ish. As with everything, being above average is better than below average.

Successful candidates will obviously be below average in some categories and above in others. Candidates who are below average in too many categories wind up being unsuccessful.

 

[ProudMom7]

Thank you for replying, he has taken IB SL Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science, Intro to Sports Medicine, Advanced Sports Med, Geometry and Algebra 2. This year he is taking Statistics and Probability, Organic Chem, Anatomy & Physiology 1 and 2 and Pre-Calc. He is doing a program through the local college due to his schedule, but how I understood, the USCGA will accept college credits and there is no limit.

The USCGA does not accept college credits at all. However, during swab summer, the swabs will take placement exams in certain subjects. If they score well, they can place out of a couple classes if they choose to (but don't have to skip them). There are a handful of other courses that cadets might be able to skip depending on their AP score in that class.

 

[retired31E]

The USCGA does not accept college credits at all. However, during swab summer, the swabs will take placement exams in certain subjects. If they score well, they can place out of a couple classes if they choose to (but don't have to skip them). There are a handful of other courses that cadets might be able to skip depending on their AP score in that class.

This is from the admissions website, speaking about transfer cadets.
Although students who transfer credit will not enter with advanced academic standing, credit earned elsewhere will be evaluated by academic departments and may be accepted to satisfy core requirements.

As a result, you may be able to validate some core courses, freeing up time for more electives or even a double major.

 

[Northwoods]

This is from the admissions website, speaking about transfer cadets.
Although students who transfer credit will not enter with advanced academic standing, credit earned elsewhere will be evaluated by academic departments and may be accepted to satisfy core requirements.

As a result, you may be able to validate some core courses, freeing up time for more electives or even a double major.

In practice they only let cadets validate a small handful of classes. And generally it will fairly basic classes like calculus, or maybe an English composition class. It's very rare to get more than 3 courses total validated from everything my son and I were told on a visit last February.

It's frankly unlikely they'll let someone with an 1110 SAT validate much regardless of them taking college level courses (assuming they get appointed). A 1350+ will probably expand those options.

Not trying to discourage, just keep expectations realistic.

 

[27BearDad]

I always recommend kids try the ACT as well as the SAT. My daughter was mediocre on the SAT, but liked th me ACT better and had some burner scores. May be too late to get registered for that now in time for EA, but you can submit scores after the EA deadline to be considered.

I’m less familiar with IB, but they do take certain (STEM) AP scores if you score a 5.

I’m a huge believer in the personal statements. Put max effort in those. Having a mentor (particularly with academy experience) involved in those is great! Tell a story, differentiate and explain your why. Proof read and proof read again. Follow instructions to the letter.

For sure fill out the recruiting questionnaire and contact the tennis coach. Coaches can’t get you in, but each sports recruit receives a score which can help your application.

Also remember, even if it says optional, nothing is really optional!

Best of luck!

 

[Iblameej]

Is your child taking AP Calculus and Physics? Those are basically required. I would have them focus on getting their SAT Score up and working on essays. Best of luck.

 

[27BearDad]

Is your child taking AP Calculus and Physics? Those are basically required. I would have them focus on getting their SAT Score up and working on essays. Best of luck.

Good catch. They’re on an IB track so similar to AP. If I recall, physics and chemistry are required. Didn’t see physics listed in their post, so that may be a thing.

Pre-calculus is the minimum, but Calculus is preferred. AP/IB or honors aren’t mandatory, but look good assuming grades are high.

 

[FutureAcademyDad?]

Also be sure that your son lets his admissions officer know that CGA is his first choice and that if he receives an early admissions offer he will definitely accept.

 

[JAH2002]

This is from the admissions website, speaking about transfer cadets.
Although students who transfer credit will not enter with advanced academic standing, credit earned elsewhere will be evaluated by academic departments and may be accepted to satisfy core requirements.

As a result, you may be able to validate some core courses, freeing up time for more electives or even a double major.

As a current senior, I would definitely encourage your student to validate as much as possible, but not with the intention of double-majoring. The physical and military demands don’t leave a lot of time for much else. I would recommend getting more involved with clubs. They will create unique social and professional development opportunities. The academy isn’t easy. Do everything you can to make it more fun.