Though USCGA says that an interview is "optional but highly recommended," is it truly optional? For many of the schools I'm applying to with optional interviews, having an interview can help your app but not having one won't hurt you. Is the same thing true for CGA or would admissions take a lack of interview as a negative? Thanks
Yes, they are optional, but recommended. Not interviewing is not seen as a negative.
There are some candidates that are getting appointments no matter if they interview or not - the 1500+ SAT, football captain, #2/400 class rank, SGA VP, Eagle scout - the ones deemed by Christcorp as "no brainers" as they would get in if they showed up to an interview wearing a Che Guevara t-shirt and Birkenstocks. They look so good on paper that an interview makes no difference.
Then there are those who, despite having an interview, have no chance. I wouldn't say that there are many in that category, but every year we hear stories about the candidate who is only there for his father (ex-Academy grad) or Cadet Kelly who really has no clue about the USCG (Really? It's in the military?) and does not have the stats to make it even if she did.
For those in the middle, or specifically those on the bubble, an interview can make a difference. Being able to talk at length about motivation and desire (among other things) allows you 1 more chance to speak to the CCEB through the report submitted by the AAP. There are some things that do not come across on paper, and having a friendly voice to advocate on your behalf can be very positive.
I recommend everyone who has not interviewed yet to contact their Admissions Officer as soon as possible so you can interview before the dealine of 1 February.
scdad said:
Son requested an interview and was even at the CGA for Cadet for a Day Program but was never granted one.
Not sure if your "sc" in your name refers to South Carolina, Southern California, or has nothing to do with your location, but there are enough AAPs in most of the country to accommodate all interview requests. And if there is no local AAP to do it, an Academy Admissions Officer can conduct a phone interview, which are not authorized for AAPs. Have your son call his AO again to follow up on his interview request.