CGAS school options

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Northwoods

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I asked this question in another thread but got no response so figured I'd post a new thread and hopefully it will get noticed.

Someone mentioned MMI as a recommended option for CGAS. I am curious what the pros and cons of each of the 4 (5??) CGAS options. And how much, if any, weight is given to the student's preferences?

My DS is still a junior so we're not in the application process yet. This is more curiosity on my part than anything else.
 
If given the CGAS option they have asked cadets a preference in the past, but like all things in academy/military life it may or may not be taken in to account. I think sports plays a factor at times, some of the newer prep programs I think are somewhat major specific too I believe. There’s a lot of variables a lot of which us civilians may not be aware of.

If choosing a place to self prep I think each school has its own strengths and weaknesses so like other college decisions you have to weigh what would serve your student the best.

Our DD (now class of 2026) had MMI as her plan B but only after visiting and just feeling like it was the right fit for her. We also visited almost every civilian option for her desired major (Naval Architecture) and had plans to visit several of the prep junior colleges other than MMI and she didn’t want to bother seeing the others because she was that comfortable that MMI would be the right first year if she didn’t get her top choice of the Coast Guard Academy.
 
Let me summarize the CGAS Prep schools (I'm an instructor at MMI)

First, all students take courses prescribed by the academy. Each takes Math (often through Calculus), Composition, Chemistry, and Physics. CGAS can take validation exams to transfer credit into the academy.

MMI: Two-year military junior college, credits transfer. All students members of a Corps of Cadets. Varsity sports of Track, Cross-Country, Tennis, Men's Basketball, Baseball, Softball. Tuition paid by the academy with MMI financial aid. CG pay and allowances go to room, board, and uniforms, but often with cash left over.

GMC (Georgia Military College): Two year military junior college with a high school/prep component. College credit does transfer. CGAS are members of the corps of cadets, but many students are not members (Think Texas A&M). Varsity sports available, including Baseball, Softball, Cross-country, and Football (See GMC website for full list). Tuition paid by the academy with GMC financial aid. Like MMI, CG pay and allowances go to room, board, and uniforms, with cash left over.

NAPS (Naval Academy Prep School): US Navy school to provide a prep year, primarily for prior enlisted Sailors and Marines to get up to speed for university level courses. All students are active duty and subject to US Navy regulations. Courses are not accredited and do not transfer college credit. CGAS receive base pay only as meals and housing are provided by the US Government. Varsity sports available in all DI sports that USNA participates in.

UMass-Boston: Accredited University. CGAS are paid full benefits but do not wear uniforms. Specifically for students majoring in engineering. College credit does transfer.

UConn-Avery Pt: Accredited University. CGAS paid, but housing is provided at CGA. CGAS wear uniforms on campus (both at UConn and CGA) but are NOT members of the Corps of Cadets at CGA. Primarily for students in management majors.

If you're selected for CGAS, you can put in for the school you desire, but will be assigned by the academy. I do not know what criteria are used for the selection. As any veteran will tell you, your desires are listened to but the needs of the service take priority.

If you go as a self prep, you cannot apply to NAPS. NAPS is for sponsored students only. GMC and MMI both have interaction with CGA admissions and have programs to help candidates become more competitive.

UMass and UConn are relatively new to CGAS, so I'm not as familiar with their programs as with the others.
 
Physicsguru said:
Let me summarize the CGAS Prep schools (I'm an instructor at MMI)

First, all students take courses prescribed by the academy. Each takes Math (often through Calculus), Composition, Chemistry, and Physics. CGAS can take validation exams to transfer credit into the academy.

MMI: Two-year military junior college, credits transfer. All students members of a Corps of Cadets. Varsity sports of Track, Cross-Country, Tennis, Men's Basketball, Baseball, Softball. Tuition paid by the academy with MMI financial aid. CG pay and allowances go to room, board, and uniforms, but often with cash left over.

GMC (Georgia Military College): Two year military junior college with a high school/prep component. College credit does transfer. CGAS are members of the corps of cadets, but many students are not members (Think Texas A&M). Varsity sports available, including Baseball, Softball, Cross-country, and Football (See GMC website for full list). Tuition paid by the academy with GMC financial aid. Like MMI, CG pay and allowances go to room, board, and uniforms, with cash left over.

NAPS (Naval Academy Prep School): US Navy school to provide a prep year, primarily for prior enlisted Sailors and Marines to get up to speed for university level courses. All students are active duty and subject to US Navy regulations. Courses are not accredited and do not transfer college credit. CGAS receive base pay only as meals and housing are provided by the US Government. Varsity sports available in all DI sports that USNA participates in.

UMass-Boston: Accredited University. CGAS are paid full benefits but do not wear uniforms. Specifically for students majoring in engineering. College credit does transfer.

UConn-Avery Pt: Accredited University. CGAS paid, but housing is provided at CGA. CGAS wear uniforms on campus (both at UConn and CGA) but are NOT members of the Corps of Cadets at CGA. Primarily for students in management majors.

If you're selected for CGAS, you can put in for the school you desire, but will be assigned by the academy. I do not know what criteria are used for the selection. As any veteran will tell you, your desires are listened to but the needs of the service take priority.

If you go as a self prep, you cannot apply to NAPS. NAPS is for sponsored students only. GMC and MMI both have interaction with CGA admissions and have programs to help candidates become more competitive.

UMass and UConn are relatively new to CGAS, so I'm not as familiar with their programs as with the others.
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Fantastic summary! Thank you.

Follow-up question. My DS is a cross country/long distance track runner, and a pole vaulter (in beginning stages of recruitment to the CGA). His currently intended major would be NA&ME. Sounds like UMass would be preferable for academics, MMI or GMC for athletics. Would the choice (such as there may be on his end) come down to whether it was academic or athletic preparation he is more in need of, or are there other factors?
 
Northwoods said:
Fantastic summary! Thank you.

Follow-up question. My DS is a cross country/long distance track runner, and a pole vaulter (in beginning stages of recruitment to the CGA). His currently intended major would be NA&ME. Sounds like UMass would be preferable for academics, MMI or GMC for athletics. Would the choice (such as there may be on his end) come down to whether it was academic or athletic preparation he is more in need of, or are there other factors?
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If a student is selected for CGAS, it is almost always for academic preparation (not athletic). Although those students can participate in their sport if it is available at the prep school they are sent to. There are also far fewer spots at UMass and UConn, so not all engineering majors selected for CGAS will be able to attend UMass.
 
Northwoods said:
Fantastic summary! Thank you.

Follow-up question. My DS is a cross country/long distance track runner, and a pole vaulter (in beginning stages of recruitment to the CGA). His currently intended major would be NA&ME. Sounds like UMass would be preferable for academics, MMI or GMC for athletics. Would the choice (such as there may be on his end) come down to whether it was academic or athletic preparation he is more in need of, or are there other factors?
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Obviously if he got a CGAS offer the academy will pick… but if he needed to self prep I CAN NOT say enough good things about the track and cross country coach at MMI. Such a good program! (Also he could potentially get some scholarships for self prep which is always a positive)
 
Northwoods said:
I asked this question in another thread but got no response so figured I'd post a new thread and hopefully it will get noticed.

Someone mentioned MMI as a recommended option for CGAS. I am curious what the pros and cons of each of the 4 (5??) CGAS options. And how much, if any, weight is given to the student's preferences?

My DS is still a junior so we're not in the application process yet. This is more curiosity on my part than anything else.
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Hello! I am a CGAS student currently at NAPS. I was recruited for the USCGA as an XC/track recruit. I can speak on behalf of NAPS and my experience with CGAS. Following the acceptance into the CGAS program, we were given a google form to request our top three prep school choices. NAPS was my top choice. All of the Coasties at NAPS are recruited athletes (22 males and 4 girls). NAPS is the most "military" in the terms of regimental schedule and limited free time compared to the other prep schools. If you have any questions about CGAS and/or NAPS please feel free to reach out!
 
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