How Can I Improve My Standing?

I

ironlunged

New Member
Joined
Feb 24, 2017
Messages
2
Hi everyone,

I am a junior in high school just recently interested in applying for USCGA in the fall. I am very hooked largely by the fact (naive, I know) that, well, I hadn't known that military academies for college were an option, let alone an academy for coast guard cadets. More importantly, I've always wanted to be a coast guard---the humanitarian aspects of it, being part of the military, the academics, and saving lives are the biggest draws for me.

My main concern is with my resume/grades and how oriented they may be towards what the coast guard academy would like. I also would like to know ways I could improve my standing and get more connected with USCGA.

Below are some things about me:

GPA: (Currently) 5.48 (a 6.0 scale) My freshman year grades aren't stellar, but I have improved greatly.
SAT: 730 reading+grammar/english, 630 math (haven't taken the writing/essay portion yet), 1360 total
ACT: 31 reading, 34 writing, 26 math, 24 science (definitely have started improving on math and science), 29 composite

Classwork:
I've taken 7 APs so far. The rest of my courses have been honors classes, but recently I have taken 2 on-level math courses (math is not my strongest suit; another thing I am aware I need to work on.) I plan to take 4-5 more next year; I anticipate AP calculus AB and AP chemistry will be my toughest classes.

Qualities/extracurriculars:
- Competitive fencer for 5 years; qualified twice for junior olympics, coached under the Chinese olympic gold medalist, and nationally ranked---I'm very involved in the sport.
- Chief editor of a writing magazine, won 6 awards for an annual writing competition consecutively, president/founder of the creative writing club
- Officer of philosophy club
- Member of NHS
- Experience in marketing/design; sold over 200$ worth of my t-shirt design to for my fencing club's funds/a tournament shirt, nominated for several art competitions, and designed an official fencing institution's logo
- Won 1st place in my high school's science fair for mathematical sciences, qualified for regionals 2 times (won second place, another time honorable mention), qualified for state once

I'm not sure how much USCGA values diversity (I am assuming they will, like most other academies and colleges), but I am an asian female, if that helps.

My strengths are in the arts and english/writing, science (to an extent), but mathematics? Not so much. I do not plan to major in engineering. Any input about what I should do to make myself a better applicant for USCGA would be greatly appreciated.

Edit: I am also considering applying for AIM.
 
Others here will be more qualified to assess than me, as I am more familiar with the other academies, but you sure look competitive from my perspective. I would strongly encourage you to take the ACT/SAT as often as you can, and take advantage of superscoring. Those tests scores are something you can improve on quickly, and are probably the single most important of all the factors assessed by academies.

My son is at West Point, and loves it, but recently confessed to me that he should have applied to and considered USCGA. We visited, but he was more driven to the other academies. Students from all of the academies attend each of the other schools, and my son enjoyed spending time with many of them last semester. He has been impressed in general with all of them, and realizes that he should have been more open minded. He has no regrets, and says he is glad he is at West Point, but the coast guard is something he really feels he would have liked. He had his choice of appointments to USMA, USNA, and USAFA, and he would have had a good shot at USCGA too. I would encourage you to also consider applying to other academies. Stay open minded. If I was young again I would pursue uscga.

You have a lot of time to still work up your application. Go at it hard, and take those tests as often as you can. Looking good, but can still get better.
 
ironlunged said:
Hi everyone,

I am a junior in high school just recently interested in applying for USCGA in the fall. I am very hooked largely by the fact (naive, I know) that, well, I hadn't known that military academies for college were an option, let alone an academy for coast guard cadets. More importantly, I've always wanted to be a coast guard---the humanitarian aspects of it, being part of the military, the academics, and saving lives are the biggest draws for me.

My main concern is with my resume/grades and how oriented they may be towards what the coast guard academy would like. I also would like to know ways I could improve my standing and get more connected with USCGA.

Below are some things about me:

GPA: (Currently) 5.48 (a 6.0 scale) My freshman year grades aren't stellar, but I have improved greatly.
SAT: 730 reading+grammar/english, 630 math (haven't taken the writing/essay portion yet), 1360 total
ACT: 31 reading, 34 writing, 26 math, 24 science (definitely have started improving on math and science), 29 composite

Classwork:
I've taken 7 APs so far. The rest of my courses have been honors classes, but recently I have taken 2 on-level math courses (math is not my strongest suit; another thing I am aware I need to work on.) I plan to take 4-5 more next year; I anticipate AP calculus AB and AP chemistry will be my toughest classes.

Qualities/extracurriculars:
- Competitive fencer for 5 years; qualified twice for junior olympics, coached under the Chinese olympic gold medalist, and nationally ranked---I'm very involved in the sport.
- Chief editor of a writing magazine, won 6 awards for an annual writing competition consecutively, president/founder of the creative writing club
- Officer of philosophy club
- Member of NHS
- Experience in marketing/design; sold over 200$ worth of my t-shirt design to for my fencing club's funds/a tournament shirt, nominated for several art competitions, and designed an official fencing institution's logo
- Won 1st place in my high school's science fair for mathematical sciences, qualified for regionals 2 times (won second place, another time honorable mention), qualified for state once

I'm not sure how much USCGA values diversity (I am assuming they will, like most other academies and colleges), but I am an asian female, if that helps.

My strengths are in the arts and english/writing, science (to an extent), but mathematics? Not so much. I do not plan to major in engineering. Any input about what I should do to make myself a better applicant for USCGA would be greatly appreciated.

Edit: I am also considering applying for AIM.
Click to expand...
Stop considering and apply for AIM now. Applications close on April 1st.
 
@brovol: Thank you for the advice. It's reassuring to know that I seem to have an okay 'chance,' but, of course, I will definitely be taking those tests again! Thanks so much! The other academies in general also interest me... the opportunities offered and the type of experiences once can get are really alluring.

@Idzak: I've started the application process today! :) I'm very excited that we're being given this opportunity for AIM, but also rather nervous about getting in/not getting in. I've tried to do research, but ultimately I'm not sure how my 'stats' really line up against other AIM applicants. Thank you for the advice as well!

Also, is it true that those who are rejected from AIM are given a 'Cadet for A Day?' sort of invitation?
 
ironlunged said:
Hi everyone,

I am a junior in high school just recently interested in applying for USCGA in the fall. I am very hooked largely by the fact (naive, I know) that, well, I hadn't known that military academies for college were an option, let alone an academy for coast guard cadets. More importantly, I've always wanted to be a coast guard---the humanitarian aspects of it, being part of the military, the academics, and saving lives are the biggest draws for me.

My main concern is with my resume/grades and how oriented they may be towards what the coast guard academy would like. I also would like to know ways I could improve my standing and get more connected with USCGA.

Below are some things about me:

GPA: (Currently) 5.48 (a 6.0 scale) My freshman year grades aren't stellar, but I have improved greatly.
SAT: 730 reading+grammar/english, 630 math (haven't taken the writing/essay portion yet), 1360 total
ACT: 31 reading, 34 writing, 26 math, 24 science (definitely have started improving on math and science), 29 composite

Classwork:
I've taken 7 APs so far. The rest of my courses have been honors classes, but recently I have taken 2 on-level math courses (math is not my strongest suit; another thing I am aware I need to work on.) I plan to take 4-5 more next year; I anticipate AP calculus AB and AP chemistry will be my toughest classes.

Qualities/extracurriculars:
- Competitive fencer for 5 years; qualified twice for junior olympics, coached under the Chinese olympic gold medalist, and nationally ranked---I'm very involved in the sport.
- Chief editor of a writing magazine, won 6 awards for an annual writing competition consecutively, president/founder of the creative writing club
- Officer of philosophy club
- Member of NHS
- Experience in marketing/design; sold over 200$ worth of my t-shirt design to for my fencing club's funds/a tournament shirt, nominated for several art competitions, and designed an official fencing institution's logo
- Won 1st place in my high school's science fair for mathematical sciences, qualified for regionals 2 times (won second place, another time honorable mention), qualified for state once

I'm not sure how much USCGA values diversity (I am assuming they will, like most other academies and colleges), but I am an asian female, if that helps.

My strengths are in the arts and english/writing, science (to an extent), but mathematics? Not so much. I do not plan to major in engineering. Any input about what I should do to make myself a better applicant for USCGA would be greatly appreciated.

Edit: I am also considering applying for AIM.[/Q
Do apply for AIM! You are a very qualified young lady! My DS had the opportunity to attend AIM last year and he enjoyed it. It was challenging and gives you a taste of what your first year would be like. You would be a strong candidate if you choose to apply to the USCGA!
Click to expand...
 
ironlunged said:
@brovol: Thank you for the advice. It's reassuring to know that I seem to have an okay 'chance,' but, of course, I will definitely be taking those tests again! Thanks so much! The other academies in general also interest me... the opportunities offered and the type of experiences once can get are really alluring.

@Idzak: I've started the application process today! :) I'm very excited that we're being given this opportunity for AIM, but also rather nervous about getting in/not getting in. I've tried to do research, but ultimately I'm not sure how my 'stats' really line up against other AIM applicants. Thank you for the advice as well!

Also, is it true that those who are rejected from AIM are given a 'Cadet for A Day?' sort of invitation?
Click to expand...
Your test score look good! It's always good to keep trying to improve though. I think you would be a very strong candidate.
 
ironlunged said:
Hi everyone,

I am a junior in high school just recently interested in applying for USCGA in the fall. I am very hooked largely by the fact (naive, I know) that, well, I hadn't known that military academies for college were an option, let alone an academy for coast guard cadets. More importantly, I've always wanted to be a coast guard---the humanitarian aspects of it, being part of the military, the academics, and saving lives are the biggest draws for me.

My main concern is with my resume/grades and how oriented they may be towards what the coast guard academy would like. I also would like to know ways I could improve my standing and get more connected with USCGA.

Below are some things about me:

GPA: (Currently) 5.48 (a 6.0 scale) My freshman year grades aren't stellar, but I have improved greatly.
SAT: 730 reading+grammar/english, 630 math (haven't taken the writing/essay portion yet), 1360 total
ACT: 31 reading, 34 writing, 26 math, 24 science (definitely have started improving on math and science), 29 composite

Classwork:
I've taken 7 APs so far. The rest of my courses have been honors classes, but recently I have taken 2 on-level math courses (math is not my strongest suit; another thing I am aware I need to work on.) I plan to take 4-5 more next year; I anticipate AP calculus AB and AP chemistry will be my toughest classes.

Qualities/extracurriculars:
- Competitive fencer for 5 years; qualified twice for junior olympics, coached under the Chinese olympic gold medalist, and nationally ranked---I'm very involved in the sport.
- Chief editor of a writing magazine, won 6 awards for an annual writing competition consecutively, president/founder of the creative writing club
- Officer of philosophy club
- Member of NHS
- Experience in marketing/design; sold over 200$ worth of my t-shirt design to for my fencing club's funds/a tournament shirt, nominated for several art competitions, and designed an official fencing institution's logo
- Won 1st place in my high school's science fair for mathematical sciences, qualified for regionals 2 times (won second place, another time honorable mention), qualified for state once

I'm not sure how much USCGA values diversity (I am assuming they will, like most other academies and colleges), but I am an asian female, if that helps.

My strengths are in the arts and english/writing, science (to an extent), but mathematics? Not so much. I do not plan to major in engineering. Any input about what I should do to make myself a better applicant for USCGA would be greatly appreciated.

Edit: I am also considering applying for AIM.
Click to expand...

DO AIM!!!! It will give you best possible feel for the school
 
ironlunged said:
@brovol:

Also, is it true that those who are rejected from AIM are given a 'Cadet for A Day?' sort of invitation?
Click to expand...

That is true. That is what my son did. He is now a Firstie. Billet Night on Thursday....
He loved Cadet for a Day. AIM gives you a feel of Swab Summer. CFaD gives you a better feel of what day to day life is like for a cadet.
 
Yes. Go to AIM. Make sure you are physically fit and make a great impression. They take notes about you and size you up while you are there. I am sure it factors into whether they accept you or not. Good luck!
 
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