AIM program or USAFA Summer Seminar?

usafafam

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I was just wondering, if accepted, whether I should take the AIM program over the Summer Seminar? I'm on the fence between wanting to go to CGA or AFA more, but right now I'm leaning more heavily towards CGA. Any tips? Which one is better (for those who have gone or heard about it)
 
Summer

I was just wondering, if accepted, whether I should take the AIM program over the Summer Seminar? I'm on the fence between wanting to go to CGA or AFA more, but right now I'm leaning more heavily towards CGA. Any tips? Which one is better (for those who have gone or heard about it)

They don't overlap in terms of dates. If you can swing it financially, maybe try and go to both? One young man told us he got a part time spring job to cover costs and went to 3 different summer seminars at the service academies. He said it was worth every penny.
We have 'heard' that the CGA is more physical and active overall than AFA. For our child, AFA SS is on the radar because it is just so far from us geographically that it may be the only time she gets to visit the AFA.

S
 
I went to AIM and absolutely loved it. Its different than the other summer programs (I attended Summer Seminar for USNA too) and they were completely different. In my opinion, AIM was a lot more challenging (both mentally and physically) and I think it gave a better indication of what life might actually be like during swab summer. They didn't try to sugar coat everything, but I'm sure its still nothing compared to swab summer. Summer Seminar was like a glorified week long campus tour - which was really fun too.

And if financially able, I would say to definitely do both. I worked two jobs and saved up to pay for both programs and the transportation to and from the academy. If one thing is for sure, you'll definitely enjoy it more if you pay for it!
 
I agree with Savannahk based on what my DS has said. Try to do both if possible.

Last summer he did AIM and USMA SLS (invited to USNA SLS but it overlapped Boys State). He said AIM was much more grueling and a more realistic look at academy life. In comparison SLS was "fun." At the close out ceremony at AIM, the commander stated that everyone who got through AIM could make it through SWAB summer. I think both perspectives are important if considering any of the academies.
 
Another important point to consider -- USCGA has been known to offer LOA's based (in part) on performance at AIM.
 
I've been to both summer programs and got accepted into both academies. If you can go to both, go to both, but if you have to choose between one or the other, I suggest AIM. AIM is much more closer to what the actual basic training experience is like. About half your time spent at AIM is Swab Summer-ish as opposed to just one day at Summer Seminar (and the intensity's not even turned up all the day). The purposes of both summer programs are slightly different but I feel like you can make the best decision about whether or not a service academy (USCGA or not) is right for you.
 
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