I have some final questions before making my decision.

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Maverick33334

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First of all I am honored to have recived an appointment to the coast guard academy to has been a dream of mine for sometime, but when faced with the actual decision I am wavering. I have talked to many graduates and attended the AEP, but still have one question that I guess I was to afraid to ask. Before I ask I just want to clarify that I am still committed to attending the academy, but I still have to ask what happens if I go there and make it through swab summer and realize that maybe my path is not with the coast guard? Truth is life is not clear cut no one knows what they are supposed to do while on this earth. I felt that I was called to join the coast guard and really help people in need and take preventive majors, which will prevent future incidents from occurring, but ultimately if I realize that this is not my path I would like to know what the repercussion for leaving is. Will I ough time back to the coast guard or have to pay back tuition? Again I just want to let you know that I ask these questions because I want to make sure I have all the knowledge necessary before I make my decision. Thank you
 
No you won't have to pay anything back or owe any time. I believe it's only after your second year at the academy that you may have some financial commitment to them if you leave.
 
I'll give you the same advice I gave my son when he left for BCT as USAFA.

If you accept, you owe it to yourself to go all in and complete your first year. You worked so hard just to earn this appointment and you owe it to yourself to give it a shot. No matter how hard it is, you need to give it your all. If after your first year you decide that this path is not for you, that's OK. You're are 18 and I didn't REALLY know what I wanted to do at 18 either. At that point, you transfer with a full year under your belt to Big State U and continue with your life with one free year of education.

First year at USAFA was tough and I know there were many times during first semester DS thought about leaving (as all Doolies do at some point). After he settled in late first semester, everything clicked and now he wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

If USCGA is like USAFA you can leave after your second year and not have to pay anything back. Once you start your third year you are committed to service or payback.
 
TL;DR - It is no risk, no commitment for the first two years.

What has been stated above is correct. During your 2/c summer (so between sophomore and junior year) you have a re-commitment ceremony where you will sign a paper officially committing you to finishing the Academy program and 5 years of service thereafter. After that, if you fail to complete it you owe either money back or time in service enlisted, at the Academy's option. Normally the exception to this is medical - you don't get penalized for what isn't in your control. I also strongly agree with @BBQ-Devil. Finish swab summer and 4/c year and then go to Eagle and your summer unit during 3/c summer and I promise it will all be worth it. If at that point you really still aren't feeling it, then yeah, maybe the Coast Guard isn't for you.
 
Maverick33334 said:
First of all I am honored to have recived an appointment to the coast guard academy to has been a dream of mine for sometime, but when faced with the actual decision I am wavering. I have talked to many graduates and attended the AEP, but still have one question that I guess I was to afraid to ask. Before I ask I just want to clarify that I am still committed to attending the academy, but I still have to ask what happens if I go there and make it through swab summer and realize that maybe my path is not with the coast guard? Truth is life is not clear cut no one knows what they are supposed to do while on this earth. I felt that I was called to join the coast guard and really help people in need and take preventive majors, which will prevent future incidents from occurring, but ultimately if I realize that this is not my path I would like to know what the repercussion for leaving is. Will I ough time back to the coast guard or have to pay back tuition? Again I just want to let you know that I ask these questions because I want to make sure I have all the knowledge necessary before I make my decision. Thank you
Click to expand...
The first two years are free. Before your 2/C year you sign your "2 for 5" - two more years at the academy and the obligatory 5 years of service. After that point, if you leave, you owe.

You should be committed to your path before showing up or you are going to have a miserable experience.
 
One thing to think about is whether this is your decision or someone else's. For example, are you fulfilling a dream of your parents' instead of yours? Did you always say, from the time you were a little kid, that you were going to join the Coast Guard, but maybe realized recently that perhaps you want something else after all? Are you worried about missing on a more regular college experience?

Or are you worried about whether you have what it takes to get through swab summer? If it's the former, yes, think hard. If it's the latter, you have what it takes. It's gonna suck, but that's the point.

FWIW, a friend of mine (in her 40s), dropped out of USMA after one year. She realized that first year that she'd gone because of her parents' dream, not hers. It just wasn't a good fit. She stayed the whole year, though, and when it came time, talked with advisors on campus who agreed with her decision. They didn't want her leading soldiers if her heart wasn't in it. It still was a time of life she cherishes, and she's still close with the friends she made that first year. They respected her decision.

I know it's almost May 1, but if you haven't had the chance to talk with your admissions counselor, and perhaps see if they can put you in touch with a cadet or a graduate to talk more about campus and about their careers, you might reach out. They could answer specific questions for you.

And you know what? If you're committed now, and you do the academy and five years with the Coast Guard, you still have a whole long life to do other things. This isn't setting your life in stone. Good luck!
 
Maverick33334 said:
First of all I am honored to have recived an appointment to the coast guard academy to has been a dream of mine for sometime, but when faced with the actual decision I am wavering..... Again I just want to let you know that I ask these questions because I want to make sure I have all the knowledge necessary before I make my decision. Thank you
Click to expand...
@mamabear2023 is absolutely correct. You saw that USCGA is your dream but you need to ask yourself whether you are saying that to try and convince yourself. You are obviously having doubts about making this commitment and as people have stated you can drop out anytime before your third year without any commitments to USCG. However think about whether you really want this if there is any doubt then my advice would be to find an alternative path. There are many people who are waiting to take your place that are 100% committed.
 
@Maverick33334 having read your post history I am even more concerned about whether USCGA is the right choice for you. You stated in one of those posts that you had always been interested in attending USNA but only secured nominations for USAFA and USMMA. My advice is that you think very carefully about your future choice.
 
OP,

There is something important you need to know - you are not the first one to experience what you are feeling and you will not be the last. You are faced with what could possibly be the biggest decision of your life so far, it is normal and expected to question whether the SA path is the right path for you. It is also perfectly acceptable to ask your question, it is best that you have all the information you need to make the decision that is right for. YOU.

The others who have posted already have given you some solid advice. As @ekb1398 mentioned, you have the first two years to decide if the Coast Guard (not just the Coast Guard Academy) is right for you. I fully endorse his advice - if you decide to attend USCGA, wait until you experience 3/c summer and the REAL Coast Guard before you make a decision. CGA is a pressure cooker, it is not always fun, and there is always a challenge in your way - there are also restrictions that some people struggle to adjust to. Experiencing cadet summers is a perfect way to experience what your life as a Coast Guard officer could be, at least for your first tour after commissioning. My very first academic year roommate made the decision to leave at the end of our 2/c summer before entering our junior year. She was performing well and would have made a great officer, but she ultimately decided the Coast Guard is not for her and is very happy with her life now. There is a reason why the Coast Guard gives you those two years to figure it out - because they expect people to realize that it is not for them. You are 17/18 years old. What you want now may not be what you want later in life, and that is okay.

As others have said, take the time to think through why you are uneasy. Are you nervous of what swab summer will bring? Are you worried about the rigors of academics? Is it unsettling to leave everything you know behind and start anew? Are you afraid that you will struggle to adapt to the military lifestyle? You are NOT alone if the answer to any of those questions was yes!

I'll let you in on a little secret....if you decide to attend USCGA or USMMA, it will NOT be the last time you question your commitment or desire to be at CGA. I questioned mine multiple times over my time there, and have questioned my desire to remain in the Coast Guard more than once.

Now, I agree with the other posts that you absolutely NEED to make sure that your decision to attend a SA is yours alone. Do not let anyone influence you, whether it's your parents/guardians, a coach, a friend, girlfriend/boyfriend, guidance counselor, or even anyone on this forum! You are an adult for all intents and purposes, it is time for you to make an adult decision on your own.

There is one element in @sanman 's post that I disagree with - do not worry about the person who would be appointed if you declined or whether or not they are 100% committed. That has absolutely no bearing on your decision. It is your appointment that you have earned, not theirs. Yes, I'm sure there are people waiting to hear that are very much committed to the IDEA of attending CGA - but no one KNOWS that they are 100% committed until they begin their four-year experience when they step off the bus on Day One. I thought I was, my classmates thought they were, and I'm sure current cadets like @ekb1398 thought they were too - I'm even sure your fellow potential classmates think they are but only time will tell. Even AIMsters, CGAS prepsters, self-preps, and prior enlisted cadets will question their commitment as some point.

Take a deep breath, think it through, and ask yourself - on Day One of Swab Summer or Day One of Indoc at USMMA when they tell you to raise your right hand to swear an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States - do you see yourself rising to that challenge?

Best of luck! Feel free to PM me if you feel the need to ask any other questions privately.
 
Also realize that most young people at the end of senior year feel this way...did I pick the right school? Will I fit in? What will be like?
In addition, you have the additional anxiety of the coronavirus...Will we go on campus?
Since you have always wanted this, give yourself the opportunity to go. If you don't go, you will always wonder "what if".
If you go and give it an entire year (at least), then you know if this is for you. You have other options for other colleges if it turns out it isn't.
 
OP, I don't want to pressure you or out you, but if you're comfortable I'm curious whether you were able to come to a peaceful conclusion about what to do next. I know my DC had choices between USCGA and civilian schools, and it took a while to figure out the right fit. Even if you don't want to share, know that we're rooting for you whatever your next step is!
 
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