The USCGA looks very favorably upon second-year applicants who do well at college with a 4th class-esque schedule. Reapplying from college shows the Academy that you have serious drive to become a cadet since you will start over from scratch at the Academy as a 4/c.
I was a re-applicant last year after being waitlisted the previous year. I was accepted on conditional appointment, but was later medically disqualified for a false psychiatric diagnosis when I was 8-9 years old. Bummer, but I'm looking at Direct Commission programs now to see if there are alternative ways for me to be a CG officer.
Anyway, doing well in college for me comes in three tiers:
- Academics
- Athletics/Physical Fitness
- Leadership
Athletics: Get involved on a club-sports team on campus. I highly suggest Crew (or Rowing, schools call it one or the other), it will get you in the best shape of your life. It's going to be HARD, but it's going to be rewarding and require motivation, drive, and focus. The Academy will like that.
Academics: Do well, get into Honor Societies (ALD is a good one). However, also get to know your professors. Go to their office hours even if you don't really need to; ask for harder questions if you need them or help if you legitimately need it. You need recommendations from COLLEGE PROFESSORS. High school professors look good too, but without college professors to supplement their recommendations, the CCEB will be wondering what you're like in college, not high school.
Leadership: This can be hard as a Freshman, but it can also be easy. Join clubs and run for officer positions or you can make your own club. Less formally, you can also organize an unofficial group united by a common goal.
