How Many Times Did You Have to Apply Until Admitted?

[OHunts]

Greetings,
My son just applied RA for the first time. He did not attend AIM. Knowing that this process is competitive, I wondered how many times a candidate needs to apply before being accepted (assuming they are a competitive candidate, passed medical, etc). If he does not get admitted this next round....I wanted to give him accurate information to keep his spirits up in case he would need to re-apply next year.

I applied in EA and was accepted that December. Most of my classmates were accepted first try, with maybe 4 to 5 in each company (per grade) having been Prep School. So, probably 50 in a class of 260 having been prep and 1 prior enlisted (sometimes more are prior). You can find more accurate information online; I’m just guessing. That said, I only know of three that applied, were rejected, and applied again. Some went to college and applied to USCGA after the fact, but did not necessarily apply to USCGA the first time ‘round.

There probably were more, but that’s not really something I’ve talked about with my classmates. I’d expect most to apply once and be accepted. If it’s really his dream, then he should keep trying. AIM isn’t really make or break it for acceptance. It’s more of a recruiting tool or for people to see if the academy/CG/military is for them. It couldn’t hurt to have gone to AIM, but it won’t ruin his application to have not gone.

 

[FriendlyPerspective]

In my personal experience as a MMI grad and recent CGA grad, reapplying to CGA does send a strong message indicating your desire to attend. I cannot stress enough that it must be accompanied by growth from the previous application. I would definitely advise any reapplicant to work with your admissions officers and determine areas of improvement in your application. A big green flag is to demonstrate your future success by enrolling and doing well in a typical 4/c year course load. The major reasons cadets are forced to leave the academy are academics and conduct. That is not to say that physical fitness is not important as all cadets are required to achieve a 200 PFE or else they will be put on a remedial status. Managing a heavy course-load on top of other military obligations is challenging for even the most put-together people. It is important to consider that civilian college offers far less structure and it will be up to the reapplicant to remain disciplined in pursuing an appointment. This may mean staying behind to study when their new friends go out to party. With such large amounts of freedom and anonymity provided at civilian colleges, it is easy to veer offtrack and it ultimately depends on the resolve and discipline of the reapplicant. As far as attending prep schools like MMI, they offer a military structure and an academic curriculum viewed by the Academies as an adequate representation of the core courses taken by 4/c. As a sponsored cadet at MMI, I was required to take Physics, English Composition, Chemistry, Pre-Calculus, and SAT prep classes. Each month, the representatives of CGA would visit MMI to check in with the Scholars and run a PT test. This is an amazing opportunity for those seeking an appointment to keep in touch with CGA. In addition, one of the staff members of MMI is a former long-standing CGA admissions member. However, this is entirely dependent on the reapplicant’s resolve to attend CGA. It is entirely on them to reach out. I met my fair share of self-prep cadets that never interacted with CGA representatives, failed to take the SAT again, never showed up to PT, and didn’t prioritize their grades. It is safe to say that they did not receive an appointment. It is important to note that MMI and CGA are small schools and your reputation follows you. Many of the teachers work with the Academies (CGA and MMI have a long-standing relationship with the CGAS program) and provide feedback on the Scholars and the self-prep cadets. Some of my strongest relationships were made at MMI with self-prep cadets and other sponsored cadets from other Academies!

 

[laforge]

I applied in EA and was accepted that December. Most of my classmates were accepted first try, with maybe 4 to 5 in each company (per grade) having been Prep School. So, probably 50 in a class of 260 having been prep and 1 prior enlisted (sometimes more are prior). You can find more accurate information online; I’m just guessing. That said, I only know of three that applied, were rejected, and applied again. Some went to college and applied to USCGA after the fact, but did not necessarily apply to USCGA the first time ‘round.

There probably were more, but that’s not really something I’ve talked about with my classmates. I’d expect most to apply once and be accepted. If it’s really his dream, then he should keep trying. AIM isn’t really make or break it for acceptance. It’s more of a recruiting tool or for people to see if the academy/CG/military is for them. It couldn’t hurt to have gone to AIM, but it won’t ruin his application to have not gone.

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. It is extremely helpful. Blessings to you on your journey!

 

[laforge]

In my personal experience as a MMI grad and recent CGA grad, reapplying to CGA does send a strong message indicating your desire to attend. I cannot stress enough that it must be accompanied by growth from the previous application. I would definitely advise any reapplicant to work with your admissions officers and determine areas of improvement in your application. A big green flag is to demonstrate your future success by enrolling and doing well in a typical 4/c year course load. The major reasons cadets are forced to leave the academy are academics and conduct. That is not to say that physical fitness is not important as all cadets are required to achieve a 200 PFE or else they will be put on a remedial status. Managing a heavy course-load on top of other military obligations is challenging for even the most put-together people. It is important to consider that civilian college offers far less structure and it will be up to the reapplicant to remain disciplined in pursuing an appointment. This may mean staying behind to study when their new friends go out to party. With such large amounts of freedom and anonymity provided at civilian colleges, it is easy to veer offtrack and it ultimately depends on the resolve and discipline of the reapplicant. As far as attending prep schools like MMI, they offer a military structure and an academic curriculum viewed by the Academies as an adequate representation of the core courses taken by 4/c. As a sponsored cadet at MMI, I was required to take Physics, English Composition, Chemistry, Pre-Calculus, and SAT prep classes. Each month, the representatives of CGA would visit MMI to check in with the Scholars and run a PT test. This is an amazing opportunity for those seeking an appointment to keep in touch with CGA. In addition, one of the staff members of MMI is a former long-standing CGA admissions member. However, this is entirely dependent on the reapplicant’s resolve to attend CGA. It is entirely on them to reach out. I met my fair share of self-prep cadets that never interacted with CGA representatives, failed to take the SAT again, never showed up to PT, and didn’t prioritize their grades. It is safe to say that they did not receive an appointment. It is important to note that MMI and CGA are small schools and your reputation follows you. Many of the teachers work with the Academies (CGA and MMI have a long-standing relationship with the CGAS program) and provide feedback on the Scholars and the self-prep cadets. Some of my strongest relationships were made at MMI with self-prep cadets and other sponsored cadets from other Academies!

Amazing feedback. You addressed some of my concerns for civilian school. Your post solidified our Plan B FOR SURE. Thank you beyond words for taking time to post this response. I know it will help many of us going through thsi process. God Bless You!