Commitment to CGAS - how binding?

SunnyDaze

New Member
Joined
Jan 17, 2020
Messages
5
DD was so very fortunate to receive an appointment to the CGAS program. She must accept or decline by Jan 31. She also received the principal nomination from her Senator for USNA - not sure how much weight that holds at USNA but feel they would honor. Believe she is 3Q’d but don’t know for sure. She is undecided still on which way to go. If she has not received an appointment from USNA by the end of the month, which will probably be the case, she will accept CGAS. But if USNA comes through at the end and she changes her mind, how binding is the commitment to CGAS?
 
Are you they wanted a Yes/No for attending or did they just want to know if you are still interested? When you get an appointment to USCGA, they ask if you are still interested before they send the acceptance packet. Even if you accept the acceptance packet, it still does not commit you until you fill out and return the paperwork. I think USCGA is asking if you are still interested in CGAS and I don't believe you will be committed until you fill out the paperwork from the packet and send it in.
 
Are you they wanted a Yes/No for attending or did they just want to know if you are still interested? When you get an appointment to USCGA, they ask if you are still interested before they send the acceptance packet. Even if you accept the acceptance packet, it still does not commit you until you fill out and return the paperwork. I think USCGA is asking if you are still interested in CGAS and I don't believe you will be committed until you fill out the paperwork from the packet and send it in.
No the question specifically asks whether you will accept or decline the appointment. Having said that I don't think there is anything legally binding until you return the paperwork. I think it is more of a case as to what your own standards are regarding honor if you say you will accept and then later decline.
 
No the question specifically asks whether you will accept or decline the appointment. Having said that I don't think there is anything legally binding until you return the paperwork. I think it is more of a case as to what your own standards are regarding honor if you say you will accept and then later decline.
Yes, that was my take too. She will have to figure out her true desire. Thanks for the reply.
 
My understanding (and this may not be entirely the case) is that if a candidate is offered a spot at CGAS, they have to accept or reject that offer by 1/31. If you fail to respond the offer is considered rejected, and the candidate goes back onto the RA pile, if you accept be careful because the American Academy of Accredited Colleges (or something like that) requires that once you accept an offer to a college (not sure if CGAS qualifies a such or not) you cannot keep any other applications open (meaning her USNA app would be closed). Something to check closely on. The other thing is CGAS completion virtually guarantees her a slot in the Class of 2025 at CGA. She may have a tough decision come 1/30, but be thinking about which Service she favors and if she is willing to wait one year. The Principle Nom (if 3Q) sounds like a winner, USNA normally adheres to the other academies practices regarding Principle Noms, but IS NOT bound by 10 USC like the AF and USMA.
 
My understanding (and this may not be entirely the case) is that if a candidate is offered a spot at CGAS, they have to accept or reject that offer by 1/31. If you fail to respond the offer is considered rejected, and the candidate goes back onto the RA pile, if you accept be careful because the American Academy of Accredited Colleges (or something like that) requires that once you accept an offer to a college (not sure if CGAS qualifies a such or not) you cannot keep any other applications open (meaning her USNA app would be closed). Something to check closely on. The other thing is CGAS completion virtually guarantees her a slot in the Class of 2025 at CGA. She may have a tough decision come 1/30, but be thinking about which Service she favors and if she is willing to wait one year. The Principle Nom (if 3Q) sounds like a winner, USNA normally adheres to the other academies practices regarding Principle Noms, but IS NOT bound by 10 USC like the AF and USMA.
Yes, thank you for your response. I was thinking she might have to close the USNA app if she decided to accept the appointment.
 
You can accept CGAS now. You can later decline I would advise as early as possible so others on a wait list can be offered the CGAS spot. A CGASer can be bumped to a direct opening. Many wont find out about ROTC type scholarships as late as April. Its not uncommon for appointees to not show up to Day 1 or CGAS Day 1. IMO by May you should know what you want to do. I met a young lady at a meet and greet sitting on 3 acceptance letters and had plenty of time to make a decision but never visited any of the academies. She wasnt sure what she wanted. That didnt sit well with me.
 
Yes, thank you for your response. I was thinking she might have to close the USNA app if she decided to accept the appointment.
You do not have to cancel your USNA application and you can decline SA after getting accepted anywhere else, or another SA. This has nothing to do with honor or ethics. There is really bad advice on this thread. Contact admissions at CGAS and explain the issue. DD went through this last year. She contacted admissions to explain she had an appt at one SA, but was still considering and waiting on another. The only request was, if and when you get the second appointment and accept, please go in and decline the first acceptance.
 
Last edited:
Accept you can decline anytime before you take the oath.
Correct - exactly what my son's USCGA Liaison officer told him (full admission to CGA). She actually recommended he accept ASAP and then firmly make up his mind (with the hope of accepting) anytime before Day 1. Obviously, he's had his mind made up for awhile now, but her point was they want to make sure that you are 100% committed when you show up.
 
DD was so very fortunate to receive an appointment to the CGAS program. She must accept or decline by Jan 31. She also received the principal nomination from her Senator for USNA - not sure how much weight that holds at USNA but feel they would honor. Believe she is 3Q’d but don’t know for sure. She is undecided still on which way to go. If she has not received an appointment from USNA by the end of the month, which will probably be the case, she will accept CGAS. But if USNA comes through at the end and she changes her mind, how binding is the commitment to CGAS?

You can accept your CGAS and wait for USNA. This is a common event, and one of the reasons CGA retains a waitlist until early June.

The appointment is not binding, as every year there are appointees who either fail to show up for Day 1, or leave on Day 1. CGA does not send someone out to round up these appointees and force them to attend. In reality, there will be some who leave during, and after, swab summer (Admissions knows this from historical data, and the class numbers expect this attrition). There will be cadets who don't return after Christmas 4/c year, or summer training.

In fact, the first two years at CGA are non-binding (refer to Statement of Acceptance and Obligation for 4/c and 3/c cadets):
  1. A cadet who accepted a cadet appointment without any prior obligation to the Armed Forces of the United States who either resigns or is dismissed will be discharged from active service with no military obligation and will be exempt from recoupment.
Those with prior military service will return to their prior status and complete their military obligation.

After completion of the 3/c year, the cadets will sign re-commitment documents which then become binding (payback or enlistment required) if the cadet chooses to leave, or is disenrolled. There are some cadets who complete their 3/c class year and then choose to leave just prior to re-commitment. It happens.

Beware of any advice given on this or any forum. Call CGA directly. Admissions is a small staff, and they are vested in their applicants. Explain your situation and ask your questions. They truly want what is best for all their applicants/appointees.
 
^^^^^ This. Excellent.

While anecdotal experiences can often add context and insight to these processes, many long-time posters consistently urge candidates to go to the primary sources, the SA.edu site, Admissions and field representatives, for accurate answers to specific questions.
 
Back
Top