Many kids this age will opt not to do anything virtual, mine included. He lets places know from the get he's not interested & I don't question or fault him for that, given the last few years. Some kids were virtual and isolated for much longer than others. They should be reminded this is their journey, and they get to decide 'yes or no' to whatever is offered without concern for what 'admissions' will think about those choices.
AIM Selections?
- Thread starter NavyUMO
- Start date
Thank you for recognizing this. Some people fought to get kids back in school for almost a year and recoil against anything virtual.
castlema924
Member
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2022
- Messages
- 40
I don't mean to give anyone false hope or anything, but I was in the same boat last year. I got rejected from the AIM program and it ate me up. I started considering not even applying to USCGA once applications opened up even though it had been my dream since 8th grade. Two weeks before session 1 of AIM I was pulled off of the waiting list and we changed plans at the last minute to get me to USCGA in time. I'll be joining the class of 2027 at USCGA this year. I'm sure it's rare, but people do get pulled off of the waiting list.
Bayou Sailor
Member
- Joined
- May 5, 2023
- Messages
- 12
My DS was invited to Virtual. He also took it as a rejection. We initially assumed that all applicants that were not chosen for in person were invited to virtual. DS is a year round swimmer that qualified for state each year since a freshman, an Eagle scout, a member of the Junior Sail team, 3.8 GPA and a 30 ACT. He thought he was a shoe in. I have been preaching to him that life is about competition. To take a line from Top Gun, he has to be the "Best of the Best" I think he finally gets it! He was not planning on retaking the ACT, but now he feels that is his weak point. I'm glad we joined this forum, it's great information. Thanks to all of the "experienced" folks on the site.
Mamahopeful
Member
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2022
- Messages
- 25
My dd attended the virtual session in 2021 and was admitted to the USCGA in 2022. Getting the 1:1interview was well worth attending the virtual session for her. She just arrived at her first duty station in NY Harbor
Everyone should keep in mind that AIM, while an outstanding program, is not a necessary first step to admission to the academy. @castlema924’s response above is concerning to me. The thought that someone who wants to attend the CGA would consider not even applying due to an AIM rejection is misguided. My son (CGA ‘25) didn’t even apply to AIM. But the Academy was what he wanted and he worked hard in high school, applied to the CGA, and received his appointment during the EA cycle for his year. AIM is a wonderful way for folks to see the Academy and get a glimpse of what swab summer looks like, and it can also give candidates an opportunity to be “known” before applying, but there are people who will receive appointments who were not accepted for AIM, as well as people who do not receive appointments who were accepted to AIM. And, like my son, there will be people who receive appointments who were never even considered for AIM since they didn’t apply for the program.
These comments are all good perspectives. DS did not get a spot at AIM. I think I am more disappointed than he is. I am proud of his resilience. He is still going to apply to enter the Academy for the class of 2028. I do wish there were some feedback as to why, so he could incorporate any deficiencies into his application.
It might be as little of a thing as geography.
Wow, that’s shocking.
Mamahopeful
Member
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2022
- Messages
- 25
My dd was not admitted into the Naval Academy Summer Seminar, but was appointed to the USNA class of 2026. She chose USCGA, but just know the summer opportunities do not make or break you.
Reach out to his AO. My son was in communication with and had sent over his resume, standardized test scores, etc. before applying to get any feedback they might have had. Tell your son to take his essays very seriously when it’s time to apply. And do the optional essay. In addition to the required letters, my son also had an optional recommendation letter from his science teacher submitted to help give more STEM perspective on his application.
VAcadetmom
Member
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2020
- Messages
- 202
AIM is a great opportunity if you are offered a spot and you can participate, but it is definitely not a make or break event. My cadet was waitlisted to AIM, but was then offered an opportunity to participate in the cadet for a day program in the fall. AIM does give a good feel for what Swab Summer will be like (and I think there are participants that decide they absolutely do not want to go to a service academy from that experience just as there are some who realize that they can get through the process, and want to continue). But, the cadet for a day program gives a good feel for what life for the rest of the 4 years will be like. So, if it is an option, would highly recommend participating in an overnight program in the fall if you are unable to do AIM.
Virtual AIM could be helpful for those who are not super familiar with the Academy, it doesn't require travel, and it is free to participate. Not preferred, but does give an option to learn more about the academy and meet the admissions office reps without having to travel. I do know several students that were initially offered virtual AIM, and then given the opportunity to participate in person at a later date.
Side note: If a student is applying to the Academy and would like an interview, they can always request one via the admissions office. If admissions does not conduct the interview, they will refer the applicant to their state Admissions Partner coordinator, who will arrange for a local partner to conduct the interview.
Virtual AIM could be helpful for those who are not super familiar with the Academy, it doesn't require travel, and it is free to participate. Not preferred, but does give an option to learn more about the academy and meet the admissions office reps without having to travel. I do know several students that were initially offered virtual AIM, and then given the opportunity to participate in person at a later date.
Side note: If a student is applying to the Academy and would like an interview, they can always request one via the admissions office. If admissions does not conduct the interview, they will refer the applicant to their state Admissions Partner coordinator, who will arrange for a local partner to conduct the interview.
Maybe he can reach out to his admissions officer to review his application. I’m not sure who his AO is, but mine offered to review my application before submitting it. I’m sure his AO would review it and let him know his “weak” spots. Not getting into AIM isn’t a reflection of him at all. It could have been a number of things completely out of his control. I do however notice that many applicants focus on grades, GPA, scores, etc. Ofc this is super important but i’ve heard they look for humanitarian efforts as well. If he hasn’t gotten involved in his community already, I suggest volunteering at animal shelters or joining an explorers program. My AO said that being in a law enforcement explorers program is a big advantage. These programs normally give a bunch of community service hours as well. I hope all goes well and good luck to him for his academy application!!
Regardless of whether students attend AIM (in person or virtual), I highly recommend the Cadets for a Day (which @VAcadetmom mentioned) or Genesis Invitational. These overnight programs give students a peak at what life as a 4/c cadet would be like. You are generally paired with a student in your sport and in the major you are interested in. You will spend the night in Chase Hall, go to meals and class and practice with your host student, and will get a much better idea of general USCGA life.
Thanks for your reply. He has a ton of community service and is CO of his JROTC unit for next year. Hopefully all that leadership experience will bolster his application. Thanks again.
castlema924
Member
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2022
- Messages
- 40
I'm sorry if I gave anyone the wrong idea. My doubts about even applying to the Academy were definitely misguided. I was trying to say that it wasn't the end of the road because I wasn't accepted at first but I'm still going to the Academy, although I guess I didn't make that quite clear enough. Sorry for the confusion.
27BearDad
DD USCGA '27
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2022
- Messages
- 329
Virtual is certainly not a rejection! It’s just so tough to predict the methodology of admissions for either AIM or appointments. There are so many qualified kids who apply and often it may be small nuances that drive decisions.
That said, I think what you said of your son’s resume is awesome! For reference, my daughter was a recruited swimmer, went to AIM last summer and got her appointment. Her grades and test scores are very similar.
If he hasn’t been in touch with the swim coaches yet, I’d suggest that. They’re great about advocating for prospective swimmers for both AIM and Academy applications.
I’d suggest moving forward with virtual AIM. Who knows, maybe an in person slot will open up! If not, don’t worry. Will still be great exposure. I’d for sure check out other on campus programs such as Bears Day it Cadet for a Day. It’s great to see campus and it shows demonstrated interest.
Honestly, 30 is a great ACT score. My daughter took ACT 3 times, last of which she submitted scores after academy was already submitted. AO and coach were really happy with a 30. That said, there’s plenty of time, so certainly won’t hurt to take again and pad even more!
Be sure he really focuses on writing incredible essays. It’s challenging to be concise and truly convey what you’re trying to say with relatively small word limits. I think showing a true desire for the coast guard mission more than just wanting to go to the academy is important.
My usual disclaimer, I’m no expert, but having walked side by side with my daughter as she navigated this process this past year, it’s very fresh in my mind and these are simply some of my take always from the journey.
Best of luck to you!
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2017
- Messages
- 1,291
My 2025 DD had to take virtual back during covid days. It probably wasn't as great as live, but she met people she stayed in touch with, did an interview that was used for her application, got a good taste of the culture and had several chances at Q&A sessions, large and small, to have many subjects illuminated for her.
The virtual sessions allow USCGA to include far more attendees, so for anyone who can't afford the travel, or who has already been on campus, or who might only fit the session into their schedule if the travel days are lopped off the ends it is a great option. It was certainly worth her time, so sign up for virtual. But if you'd be willing to slide into a live session at the last second you might try to let admissions know in case a spot opens.
The virtual sessions allow USCGA to include far more attendees, so for anyone who can't afford the travel, or who has already been on campus, or who might only fit the session into their schedule if the travel days are lopped off the ends it is a great option. It was certainly worth her time, so sign up for virtual. But if you'd be willing to slide into a live session at the last second you might try to let admissions know in case a spot opens.
There is a lot of great information already but just to add 2 cents from our own experience during spring/summer of '21...Our DS was also offered virtual session even though he would strongly prefer to attend in-person. He was grateful for the opportunity, however, he decided to be a bit pro-active...That summer there was a Covid vaccination requirement in order to attend in-person and he scanned his Covid card and emailed to the admissions officer ahead of time while still being waitlisted for in-person. Nothing happened for many weeks after that. However, after 2 days into his assigned virtual session (on Tuesday?) he received a phone call from the academy inviting him to attend in-person starting that Saturday!! We didn't expect it at that point and were totally surprised! So he was pulled from the virtual and we drove him up in 3 days to attend in-person AIM! We still had to fill out urgently (with a doctor) an additional medical form!
One piece of advice, have all your ducks in a row ready to go. Get all the medical forms required for in-person session ready and maybe even share them with the admissions if possible. We are joking now that he has attended an AIM and a half!
Extra efforts attending everything possible and demonstrating a lot of interest is very worthwhile (our son has also attended Bears day and Cadet for a day as well)
Not surprising, he is a happy 4C (now 3C!) cadet posted to his first summer assignment at the Coast Guard station which will be followed by an Eagle trip from Europe across the Atlantic! Good luck to all of your students applying!
One piece of advice, have all your ducks in a row ready to go. Get all the medical forms required for in-person session ready and maybe even share them with the admissions if possible. We are joking now that he has attended an AIM and a half!
Extra efforts attending everything possible and demonstrating a lot of interest is very worthwhile (our son has also attended Bears day and Cadet for a day as well)Not surprising, he is a happy 4C (now 3C!) cadet posted to his first summer assignment at the Coast Guard station which will be followed by an Eagle trip from Europe across the Atlantic! Good luck to all of your students applying!