AIM 2017

[AEB1968]

I have spent a lot of time reading through these forums, and I'd first like to say that I really appreciate all the wonderful advice offered by parents, cadets, prosepective cadets and admissions officers. This is a huge source of information for those of us new to the entire process, myself included.

From what I gather selection to the AIM program is primarily lottery based as most of the students are highly qualified and thus being denied to the summer program is not at all indicative of chances for an appointment to the USCGA. Is this essentially correct? My daughter's qualifications academically and otherwise are a good fit overall.. I am just desperately hoping she gets into AIM because I want her to be extremely aware of what life may be like in an academy so she can make the most informed decision IF she gets an appointment. If she does not get accepted to AIM, are there any other things you recommend for her to do to be mentally prepared for the experience? She will find out if she gets into the Governor's School for Engineering next Monday, but will turn it down awaiting AIM. She's awaiting news on Girls State, her interview is this Thursday. Beyond that, we will miss deadlines for other summer programs because she is absolutely dead set on USCGA. With that said, she has plan B and C and D for college but not sure what her plan B for summer programs should be. Thank you in advance.

 

[grevar]

You are essentially correct about AIM, and if she doesn't get in, it is not necessarily indicative of whether she gets an appointment. Many who do not get in to AIM are offered overnight visits in the Fall to help them decide. However, that experience is nothing like AIM. AIM (although had changed a bit over the last year) is still the most realistic summer experience out there. The other summer programs are very "summer camp-ish" while AIM is a more realistic experience to what they will experience during Swab Summer. Those who attend often report back that it was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences they've had.

Here is a great article for parents and prospective cadets alike:
http://militaryoneclick.com/kid-attending-service-academy/

Best of luck!

 

[Alaskan]

I have spent a lot of time reading through these forums, and I'd first like to say that I really appreciate all the wonderful advice offered by parents, cadets, prosepective cadets and admissions officers. This is a huge source of information for those of us new to the entire process, myself included.

From what I gather selection to the AIM program is primarily lottery based as most of the students are highly qualified and thus being denied to the summer program is not at all indicative of chances for an appointment to the USCGA. Is this essentially correct? My daughter's qualifications academically and otherwise are a good fit overall.. I am just desperately hoping she gets into AIM because I want her to be extremely aware of what life may be like in an academy so she can make the most informed decision IF she gets an appointment. If she does not get accepted to AIM, are there any other things you recommend for her to do to be mentally prepared for the experience? She will find out if she gets into the Governor's School for Engineering next Monday, but will turn it down awaiting AIM. She's awaiting news on Girls State, her interview is this Thursday. Beyond that, we will miss deadlines for other summer programs because she is absolutely dead set on USCGA. With that said, she has plan B and C and D for college but not sure what her plan B for summer programs should be. Thank you in advance.

My son was fortunate to get chosen for AIM last year and it galvanized USCGA for him. It was very "realistic" from what he said. He had gone to a program at USAFA, and he liked it, but AIM and the close knit, "small" feeling of USCGA really sold him. If by chance your DD isn't selected, take advantage of the other options they offer for visits. My DS was convinced enough that he took an offer for the prep program when offered to him EA last November and withdrew his name from USNA and USAFA.

 

[AEB1968]

Thank you both! I hope that she'll be offered Cadet for a Day and an opportunity to interview if she is not selected for AIM.

 

[Elmtwigs]

My daughter did a Bear's Day last March and fell in love. It's not invitation-only and offers a chance for them to attend a class.

 

[grevar]

Thank you both! I hope that she'll be offered Cadet for a Day and an opportunity to interview if she is not selected for AIM.

She will always have the opportunity to interview with her application. With CGA, an Interview is optional. It is entirely up to the applicant. I recommend it for those who are confident and well spoken. It would never count against them if they choose not to do the interview.