You are only allowed to apply EA to USCGA if you are in high school, first time applicant in college or active military.
I don't think that is true. I'm a USCGA Admissions Partner, and I don't remember hearing that in any of our briefs. He should apply EA if he feels that his application is very strong right now. Applicants need to be aware that there are multiple possible outcomes when they apply EA:
There is no excuse for applying without test scores at this point, even coming from New York. Whether or not it is a a strict requirement, it will raise eyebrows and questions, which is not what you want in EA. Only the most highly qualified and clearly admissible are admitted EA.
We are getting mixed signals, a coach advised us to not submit scores
I always thought this too, but at the last training meeting I attended for Admissions Partners, the Admissions Officers talked about how they recognize that some kids have a much greater opportunity for test prep and for taking the tests multiple times. Others do not have the time or money to do that. Those are some of the reasons they decided to keep the application as test optional, even though tests are no longer being cancelled due to covid.
Did you share your son's scores with the coach? If so, they might have a good idea of whether the scores would help the application or not.
We did, and he's sitting at around a 1240, not horrible. The coach said his transcript is stronger than his scores so let it stand alone.
My son is a young, 16-year-old senior will graduate at age 17. Would actually prefer a year of prep.
The CGA is test optional throughout their admissions process. I am sure this has to do with what ProudMom7 mentioned regarding access to prep materials and the ability to retake tests because I am aware that they do not require congressional nominations because they want to avoid any preferential treatment that process may instill in their application process. What I gathered from my time at AIM this summer during application seminars is that electing to submit a score will simply reinforce what the CCEB is seeing in the applicant's transcript. On the CGA's website under the application requirements page and the SAT/ACT heading it says "standardized test scores are optional but encouraged". Electing not to submit a score shouldn't disqualify an applicant from early action. I would imagine that it would be an uphill battle applying EA without test scores however as the majority of EA applicants will be submitting high scores.
My DD submitted her completed application (including DodMERB) for EA and “respectfully asked that her application be reviewed without test (SAT/ACT) scores” on the recommendation of her AO. She received an EARLY LOA back in September for CGAS before the board even started meeting and is having her application looked at at both EA and RA. I know the EA deadline has passed, but in regards to test scores and with everything else, I would have your son discuss with his AO what they recommend for him to submit the strongest possible application package. Hope this helps.