I'm a current freshman at my civilian school and looking to apply to USCGA next year. I noticed myself not enjoying my civilian school and wanted a more purposeful and structured way of life. I just have a couple of questions and if anyone could answer them, thank you so much in advance.
1. What is roughly the average score on the PFE? I know to aim for a 300 but was just curious as to what scores those that are accepted get.
2. Does anyone know how the transition is for those who transfer?
3. How difficult is it to be a recruit for a sport?
4. How is the Cyber Systems major?
Thanks again.
1. Make sure you read through the entire USCGA website - it has most, if not all, of the information you need. Typical Class Profile says that the average PFE score is a 225 (
https://www.uscga.edu/typical-class-profile/). Of course, as you said, shoot for much higher than that as it will only strengthen your application. MAKE SURE you practice the cadence push ups - it's very different from "doing as many as you can in 2 minutes." This link is the official recording used during the test despite it being on YouTube - CGA and OCS use the same recording:
1a. If you're more curious about the PFE, here's a link to the scoring and class standards:
https://www.uscgasports.com/general/2017-18/files/PFE_Class_Standards.pdf
2. What do you mean by transition? As others have stated, you would not be the first and you certainly would not be the last. I have a classmate who entered CGA in what would have been his senior year at a prestigious university. I had another who already had a bachelor's degree, he ended up being our Class President.
https://www.uscga.edu/transfer-students/
3. This is where I would day it depends on the sport and what each coach is looking for in order to build up their team. If you haven't yet, check out the recruiting page on USCGA Sports:
https://uscgasports.com/information/recruiting and contact the coach. The coaches are the best people to ask that question to, everyone on here is just speculating because everyone's experience is different.
4. It's new, so it's still developing, but it is a promising major that provides a lot of opportunity and the chance to go to a cyber billet immediately upon graduation if that is your interest. It's a good time to get into it as the Coast Guard is very heavily focused on developing its cyber capabilities. Make sure you check out the Cyber Systems page on the USCGA website.
Just to reiterate - this is the perfect time to stop, take a deep breath, and get involved in some heavy research on USCGA before application season begins. Go through the website link by link, the new look is only a year old and is a far cry better than what it used to be. Use the search function on this forum to see if what you're looking for has already been addressed. If not, then ask questions! The ability to research is an essential skill for cadets and officers. Also, reach out to your assigned Admissions Officer and introduce yourself so they get to know who you are.
