Rejected USCGA Class of 2025

[SF_DAD]

Do you have inside knowledge of what the other criteria are looked at? My son, with a 4.8 HS weighted GPA, 1420 SAT, 2 years of varsity CC/T&F, PFE score 241, a long history of time on the water sailing and navigating etc. , good to excellent interview skills, no family in the USCG, Engineering degree focused, 7 years of Civil Air Patrol with 2 years as squadron commander and finished up at Captain rank, did not receive an appointment yesterday. So now the question is, probably a question for many here, do we try again next year or just move on? Any help in this regard would be appreciated.

Great resume, he should give the other SA’s a shot. Really not sure what USCGA is focusing on for selection criteria other than a hard push toward diversity (which is fine). My DS received an appointment to both USMA and USAFA, however, he was turned down by USCGA during EA. Everything happens for a reason.

 

[running lights]

I hope a young man like that has considered or will consider other armed services as well. There's obviously a place for him.

Thank you. Yes, we like him too . And yes he is in the running for the Naval and Air Force Academies as well as an ROTC scholarship. All should be render decisions in the next two to three weeks. With that said, from discussions with him, he would have loved to fly for the CG ...

 

[running lights]

^This.

@running lights: You can post on here all day long with conjecture, supposition and claims of a failure of transparency but that will get you nowhere.

Have you taken the advice of @CkzErz yet to contact your son's AO or Captain Fredie @ USCGA?

Relax TheRightStuff. No sour grapes here, just logic. Understanding process and transparency are generally thought of by most as good things --and from my experience, they do lead to "somewhere".

 

[MSUSA]

Agreed. More transparency the better for all --for the institution as well as for current and future applicants. We were just discussing the process here at home and it clearly would be a big challenge putting together a fair and effective system of weighted criteria to measure applicants by. But at the same same time, it is not a new process. The Academy has been going through this process for 145 years now so I would think they have an optimized way to select the best candidates that will go on to graduate and fulfill the CG's mission. From what we can tell, target stats of GPA, SAT, etc., and check box criteria like a varsity sport, AP classes, writing skills, etc., must have factored in less than we thought going into this. Again having a better understanding of all of the other measurable criteria (and maybe understanding more about all the subjective factors involved as well) would help in my son deciding whether he should try again in 2022.

I would encourage you (and any other rejected applicants) to post your data in the same format as mine and I will add it to the table. It's not a complete picture, but it's better than what those who were successful have posted, which is nothing.

 

[TheRightStuff]

Relax TheRightStuff. No sour grapes here, just logic. Understanding process and transparency are generally thought of by most as good things --and from my experience, they do lead to "somewhere".

Nobody is anything but relaxed. I'll ask you again: has your son contacted his AO or Captain Fredie yet for advice?

 

[running lights]

I would encourage you (and any other rejected applicants) to post your data in the same format as mine and I will add it to the table. It's not a complete picture, but it's better than what those who were successful have posted, which is nothing.

Much thanks MSUSA --here you go ...

Running Lights ME/Civil 1420 3.84 241 No No n/a XC/TF USNA/USAFA n/a

Also in case you want to add to your data, weighted GPA 4.8 (as you know it is an indirect measure of how many AP classes were taken which I think would be important)

 

[2025 hopeful]

Great resume, he should give the other SA’s a shot. Really not sure what USCGA is focusing on for selection criteria other than a hard push toward diversity (which is fine). My DS received an appointment to both USMA and USAFA, however, he was turned down by USCGA during EA. Everything happens for a reason.

One thing to keep in mind is that USCGA is so small, it is one reason why DS or DD can get accepted to USMA and USAFA, but turned down to USCGA. Another point to consider is that other service academies automatically have some diversity built into their application process because of the nomination process. While the nomination process is tedious, it does automatically ensure that there are candidates being accepted from varying regions of the United States, something that the CG tries to do as well. I would agree to take advantage of the offer to speak with Captain Fredie, he was a co-worker of my spouse and is just an all around great person.

 

[sanman]

I would encourage you (and any other rejected applicants) to post your data in the same format as mine and I will add it to the table. It's not a complete picture, but it's better than what those who were successful have posted, which is nothing.

And there leads the path to madness. Honestly it doesn’t help. Every year someone starts a similar thread. This year it is obvious your intent is honorable; last year someone started a similar thread which many of us thought was going to be used as the basis for litigation.

Essays, recommendations and interviews are also used as part of the selection process but many seem to be happy to skip over the importance these play in the selection process.

Remember USCGA received thousands of applications from the best and brightest. They have an embarrassment of riches to choose from. The best people to ask regarding appointment decisions are the AOs and Capt Fredie.

 

[RJB1690]

And yes he is in the running for the Naval and Air Force Academies as well as an ROTC scholarship. All should be render decisions in the next two to three weeks.

Not suggesting that it matters, but just curious since it seems like he hasn't gotten a lot of academy/ROTC responses to his yet - did he get all his applications in on the late side? Did he apply EA or RA for CGA? Good luck with the the rest of the applications in the pipeline! Sounds like he'll land squarely on his feet whatever happens.

 

[MSUSA]

Much thanks MSUSA --here you go ...

Running Lights ME/Civil 1420 3.84 241 No No n/a XC/TF USNA/USAFA n/a

Also in case you want to add to your data, weighted GPA 4.8 (as you know it is an indirect measure of how many AP classes were taken which I think would be important)

Thanks Running Lights!

Applicant	Major/2nd Choice	ACT/SAT Composite	GPA	PFE Score	Class of 2024 Waitlist?	Reapplicant?	AIM Year?	Varsity Sport(s) and/or Performing Arts	List other SA applications	Veteran parent (officer or enlisted)
MSUSA	ME/Gov	1350	3.76/4.2	229	Yes	Yes	2019	Band	None	Officer
Running Lights	ME/Civil	1420	3.84/4.8	241	No	No	N/A	XC/T&F	USNA/USAFA	N/A

 

[hopefulmom182]

Don't forget, CGA has to fill a variety of majors and it has to be declared in application. I don't think Mechanical Engineering is going up against the Govt candidate. I think those who intend the same majors are competing with each other. Finally, with such a small school, they have to fill out all of the div 3 sports teams. I really do think recruited athletes have a leg up. I know how you all feel. My DS applied EA last year. He was deferred to RA, and then waitlisted. Of course, his top choice was another SA that he got into, so all was well. He had a 3.94 unweighted, 34 ACT, 3 years varsity football, 4 years varsity lacrosse-- team captain on both-- etc.

 

[running lights]

Not suggesting that it matters, but just curious since it seems like he hasn't gotten a lot of academy/ROTC responses to his yet - did he get all his applications in on the late side? Did he apply EA or RA for CGA? Good luck with the the rest of the applications in the pipeline! Sounds like he'll land squarely on his feet whatever happens.

Application to USAFA was submitted last October after receiving a congressional nomination, and USNA in January (was trying to up his CFA score before finalizing, which he did). It is our understanding they are just late in getting the selection done this year (we assume due to covid) --not for the small group ultimate candidates, of course. Those I would assume have been notified long ago.

 

[running lights]

Don't forget, CGA has to fill a variety of majors and it has to be declared in application. I don't think Mechanical Engineering is going up against the Govt candidate. I think those who intend the same majors are competing with each other. Finally, with such a small school, they have to fill out all of the div 3 sports teams. I really do think recruited athletes have a leg up. I know how you all feel. My DS applied EA last year. He was deferred to RA, and then waitlisted. Of course, his top choice was another SA that he got into, so all was well. He had a 3.94 unweighted, 34 ACT, 3 years varsity football, 4 years varsity lacrosse-- team captain on both-- etc.

Sounds like a great kid that deserved the appointment. Yes, I agree with you. Having the level of talent to play a sport would be a clear advantage in the selection process. Unfortunately for our DS, speed wasn't quite there to run div3 competitively so that was a no-go. But we knew that going in and took the shot anyway since all the other "dials" were turned up.

 

[rjb]

This is an analogy I've posted before, but you have to think of admissions as being one big puzzle. There are around 400 appointments given for a class of 295. So you start out with around 400 pieces (appointments), you lose maybe 1/4 of the pieces (declines, medical DQs, etc.), but you have a box of "extra pieces" (waitlist). Admissions is in charge of making all the pieces fit to make the puzzle work (athletes, musicians, diversity, etc.). When they've used all their direct appointment "pieces", they look to their waitlist "pieces". They have to find who fits into the puzzle. That's why Physicsguru's comment is true...waitlist is a pool. Those that make it off the waitlist, fit somewhere in Admission's puzzle. With having such a small corp, every cadet must fill multiple roles at CGA. Good luck to those waiting!

It is quite futile to look for an equation regarding acceptance and rejection criteria. The fact is there are far more qualified candidates than there are spaces available.

 

[CkzErz]

Don't forget, CGA has to fill a variety of majors and it has to be declared in application. I don't think Mechanical Engineering is going up against the Govt candidate. I think those who intend the same majors are competing with each other. Finally, with such a small school, they have to fill out all of the div 3 sports teams. I really do think recruited athletes have a leg up. I know how you all feel. My DS applied EA last year. He was deferred to RA, and then waitlisted. Of course, his top choice was another SA that he got into, so all was well. He had a 3.94 unweighted, 34 ACT, 3 years varsity football, 4 years varsity lacrosse-- team captain on both-- etc.

Recruited athlete may matter some but it’s not the be all, end all. My son was recruited and still received a rejection, despite a resume that would otherwise seem very competitive. I think they do “blue chip” a very select few (we heard that at an in person admissions event in New London) and for those applicants it does matter more.

 

[coasttocoast]

Major is definitely one of the more important aspects of the puzzle. When I spoke with CAPT Fredie, he said Mechanical Engineering was the most popular. So, while you have a stellar record, you’re competing against the top of the top for one of only a very select few seats. Someone else just had that little bit more (maybe a athletic or musical recruitment, all apart of that puzzle), that put them over the edge. I do not envy admissions, they have a very difficult job filtering through all very deserving applicants!

 

[MSUSA]

Major is definitely one of the more important aspects of the puzzle. When I spoke with CAPT Fredie, he said Mechanical Engineering was the most popular. So, while you have a stellar record, you’re competing against the top of the top for one of only a very select few seats. Someone else just had that little bit more (maybe a athletic or musical recruitment, all apart of that puzzle), that put them over the edge. I do not envy admissions, they have a very difficult job filtering through all very deserving applicants!

The class of 2024 might have been the first class to require a declared major. Before that, you chose after the first year, I believe. That's why they had so many Government majors for class of 2020...or maybe that was the last year that a major didn't have to be declared.

 

[Jjrrugg]

Don't forget, CGA has to fill a variety of majors and it has to be declared in application. I don't think Mechanical Engineering is going up against the Govt candidate. I think those who intend the same majors are competing with each other. Finally, with such a small school, they have to fill out all of the div 3 sports teams. I really do think recruited athletes have a leg up. I know how you all feel. My DS applied EA last year. He was deferred to RA, and then waitlisted. Of course, his top choice was another SA that he got into, so all was well. He had a 3.94 unweighted, 34 ACT, 3 years varsity football, 4 years varsity lacrosse-- team captain on both-- etc.

Think of being recruited as the thing that could get you up and over the hill. With that being said, you must get yourself near the top before they can give you the extra bump needed.

 

[alaska66]

The class of 2024 might have been the first class to require a declared major. Before that, you chose after the first year, I believe. That's why they had so many Government majors for class of 2020...or maybe that was the last year that a major didn't have to be declared.

A declaration of intended major has been a part of the CGA application for many years...10+ years that I am personally aware of. Cadets are allowed to change majors their first year, but it comes with some strict guidelines, as the non-stem majors are capped.

As for the discussion regarding rejections and the reasoning behind it (which happen every year), @rjb dug up an old post of mine and quoted it above. It is a puzzle, and I truly believe most people would be amazed to see the caliber of applicants that CGA considers. There are so many roles that cadets must fill, and Admissions truly considers the "whole" person, and what they bring to the table...what's their "hook". Years ago, during an Admissions Partner training, the head of admissions told us "Don't bring me all 4.0 perfect SAT candidates. We can't run this Academy if everyone sits in their room and studies." So while tangible scores are an easy comparison, the Admissions staff truly searches for those perfect puzzle pieces to make the CGA puzzle complete.
If CGA is your DD/DS's dream school, and they find they are rejected, reach out to CGA. Many re-applicants are successful.

 

[Korab]

The class of 2024 might have been the first class to require a declared major. Before that, you chose after the first year, I believe. That's why they had so many Government majors for class of 2020...or maybe that was the last year that a major didn't have to be declared.

This isn’t the slightest bit accurate. Where on earth did you come up with this?

A declaration of intended major has been a part of the CGA application for many years...10+ years that I am personally aware of. Cadets are allowed to change majors their first year, but it comes with some strict guidelines, as the non-stem majors are capped.

As for the discussion regarding rejections and the reasoning behind it (which happen every year), @rjb dug up an old post of mine and quoted it above. It is a puzzle, and I truly believe most people would be amazed to see the caliber of applicants that CGA considers. There are so many roles that cadets must fill, and Admissions truly considers the "whole" person, and what they bring to the table...what's their "hook". Years ago, during an Admissions Partner training, the head of admissions told us "Don't bring me all 4.0 perfect SAT candidates. We can't run this Academy if everyone sits in their room and studies." So while tangible scores are an easy comparison, the Admissions staff truly searches for those perfect puzzle pieces to make the CGA puzzle complete.
If CGA is your DD/DS's dream school, and they find they are rejected, reach out to CGA. Many re-applicants are successful.

Thank you.