WVmountainMomma
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My DS received an email from CGA for Interview to be part of the application- has anyone ever gone through this process?
Interview Request
- Thread starter WVmountainMomma
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hopefulmominla
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Our DD was interviewed as part of virtual AIM . It’s a great opportunity to have some face time and have someone from the academy add in another positive piece of data to your file! What a great opportunity
CGA tries to interview as many applicants as possible, but cannot interview everyone. Since there are only a few Admissions Officers, the interviews are usually conducted by Academy Admissions Partners. They will write up a summary of the interview and their impressions and that will be added to the candidate's application package.
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The interviews are not meant to filter people out, they're supposed to be an opportunity to get a better understanding of the candidate than what the numbers on the transcripts show. There are a number of questions that everyone is supposed to answer and the Partner can also mix in a bunch of their own. We don't get any information about you, so we won't be comparing grades to test scores or digging into your scouting record. The length of time can vary based on the partner or the applicant, but I tend to go 40-60 mins (depending on how the conversation is going) and then close my notebook and take some Q&A to fill in any blanks about the service, academy or app process.
Groom and dress like you know how to take care of yourself. You're not getting married or going to a softball game, so split the difference and look neat and prepared. Don't be in a hurry to answer, it's not Quiz Bowl so there's no wrong answer and there's no prize for first. If you want to prepare, think about why you want to do this, the people and experiences that have put you here, and how you might handle situations commonly found in interview questions. It's not very exotic, so don't over-think things. Re-read your essays for content rather than specific words or phrases, think about your life and particular events that illustrate how you've acted in various situations in the past, and be aware of what is being asked so you can answer that question. Partners can't get you in or keep you out, more or less. This is just to get to know you, not trip you up, so look at it as another opportunity where you can tell your story.
Groom and dress like you know how to take care of yourself. You're not getting married or going to a softball game, so split the difference and look neat and prepared. Don't be in a hurry to answer, it's not Quiz Bowl so there's no wrong answer and there's no prize for first. If you want to prepare, think about why you want to do this, the people and experiences that have put you here, and how you might handle situations commonly found in interview questions. It's not very exotic, so don't over-think things. Re-read your essays for content rather than specific words or phrases, think about your life and particular events that illustrate how you've acted in various situations in the past, and be aware of what is being asked so you can answer that question. Partners can't get you in or keep you out, more or less. This is just to get to know you, not trip you up, so look at it as another opportunity where you can tell your story.
serviceacademylover1
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Wondering... what drives admissions to interview some applicants and not others?
CGA would love to interview all applicants, but usually that isn't possible. If, after a first pass through the application, CGA does not think the candidate meets the initial bar for continuing in the process, then there is no reason for an interview. On the other hand, if a candidate is one of the very best all-around candidates, then CGA will likely offer them an appointment without needing an interview. That leaves a large number of highly qualified candidates who CGA feels are all very good. The interview can help distinguish those candidates. The interview gives a chance for the applicant to show their passion for the Coast Guard and for any other areas. It gives them a chance to show that they can communicate well and that they are well-spoken. It allows them to ask questions and to talk about anything that they didn't have space for in their application.
CGA interviews applicants at AIM and other cadet for a day programs. If the applicant didn’t attend any of those then they should seek an interview.
My DD attended AIM and was just asked to do an interview in January after they moved her from EA to RA.
Do it! Will help put a face to her name. Best of luck!
She is! Already scheduled. Fingers crossed it helps! She cannot really improve a 4.25 GPA or her D2 swim times so hopefully the interview and follow up essay will help.
She should also keep her AO informed of her continued good work in areas to show she isn't slacking in senior year. First semester grades, improved PFE, improved test scores, selected as captain of her team, selected to attend a big leadership conference, significant work in the community, etc.... Anything that is significant which could possibly strengthen her application. This shows she is still working hard and updating her AO shows she is still very much interested in CGA.
Has she been in touch with a coach? I know that is what helped my son. Best of luck to her!