MMI!!! DS was third time applicant to SAs this year. After unsuccessfully self-preping elsewhere at a diff SA Prep school last year. (I'll provide you more info/guidance on that if you PM me). Yes, he was seemingly well qualified. 3.88 GPA from a super highly ranked HS. 100% of his class of 69 kids were accepted at colleges. Some years, a kid or 2 even get SA appointments.
One of the reasons MMI is likely a good place for you to self-prep for USCGA is because MMI is approved school by USCGA for sponsored prep students, (that they have given scholarships to for extra year of readiness).That means they have a prep program already in place specifically for their Academy. USCGA sponsors a surprising large # of kids ea year to MMI considering they only appoint 300ish/yr. (to be fair I think they use GMC as well, and maybe others???).
Point is that you could be grouped with the Coastie kids, and get to meet representatives from the Academy in group settings and possibly informally one on one. This was the case for my son. By the nature of their relationship MMI knows who USCGA is looking for.
USCGA is super competitive in it's own right. Unlike the other SAs , there is no congressional nomination to deal with to gain appointment. That makes it easier to apply. I believe, more kids apply, than otherwise would. And I firmly believe that there is, at least unofficially, a hidden geographical piece at play. Or at least a desire to have the entire country represented in the student body, at least somewhat equally. This is purely speculation, but given the size of Kansas, they may have only appointed 4-5 kids??? Maybe some were 2nd or 3rd yr applicants as well??? You're gonna have to do what I told my son: OUTWORK THE ODDS!
If you attend MMI, they will also give you guidance on CSPI as a plan B after next year. CSPI is a CG commisioning program, similar, but different than, ROTC.
A huge # of Universities qualify for CSPI students. You can get the last two years of college paid for, while drawing a CG salary, and then they send you to officer canidate school at the...guess where...USCGA!
Since USCGA competes at NCAA div 3 level, if you had softball recruitment going on, that should encourage you greatly, either direction. Apply one more time to USCGA, after playing softball at MMI. If you are non-selected once again, do NOT give up on your dream to serve in the Coast Guard! Either try a third time at MMI for yr two of college credit, or go civilian for CSPI.
Hello, I thought I would share that I was rejected and offered to apply next year. I had a PFE of 230, passed DOMBERG end of Feb., Varsity Swim 4 years, Varsity Softball 4 years, all city honors, Kay Club, NHS, ACT score was 21. my class rank was 135 with a 4.0 GPA because my school is one of two schools in the state to offer IB program. I’m terrible at testing, I have major test anxiety. The ACT score of 21 for my state is considered to be in the 70% percentile for Kansas. I’m disappointed I’m sad I’m confused because all the qualifications they look for I felt I had a good shot. Good luck.
Like all the Service Academies, USCGA Loves kids that are willing to work at getting better, and are willing to go through the difficult process Again.
MMI is an excellent path for USCGA appointments. As is CSPI for plan B on Coast Guard commisioning through many civilian colleges. Sent you P.M. for more advice...