(Repost...I have no idea where my original post when about this) Preparatory Schools, my current dilemma, and USCGA

[MrFiggs]

Before I begin I just want to preface with my current circumstance:
I recently received a TWE from USMA and it is likely I will receive one from USCGA as well. I have been told that I was rejected due to both the competitiveness of my district and my lack of STEM courses in my schedule (no physics, no advanced chem, no engineering, no AP calc) even though I currently hold a 3.87(Unweighted) and a 4.227 (weighted) with a 1240 SAT. I don't have any medical or physical fitness issues, it only seems that it was my academics that were lacking. I also have had no JROTC or tangible military exposure, which likely also hindered my application.

With that being said... I wish to apply next year with USCGA being my top choice. I have scrolled through a few threads under this discussion and, from what I have read, prep schools do not exactly mean a guaranteed appointment if the applicant is self-sponsored. Given my current circumstance, does a prep school seem right for me?

I have recently applied to MMI, as I have been told good things about preparing applicants for the Service Academies. Which prep school has the best track record with the Coast Guard Academy? And finally and most importantly, if I don't get into an SA after the prep, where do I go from there? I don't want to simply waste a year of my academic career on a mere a junior college if it isn't right for me.

I apologize if these are obvious questions...I'm relatively new to the concept of prep academies.

 

[Capt MJ]

It seems as if you are ruling out attending a 4-year college and taking a SA-like class schedule as a freshman, packed with all the things you did not get in HS? Prove yourself with excellent grades in college. There are many college re-applicants at all the SAs. You will also have not lost a step in your college career if you re-apply and are again not offered an appointment.

If you do any type of ROTC, that can bolster military aptitude on your application, and can be a nom source for the corresponding SA. Again, you will be on track and moving directly toward a commission, no matter your success in getting an offer from a SA.

If your ultimate goal is service as a CG officer, have you researched:

Direct Commission Selected School (DCSS) Program | GoCoastGuard.com

College graduates and college seniors who have proven their character and leadership through a reserve officer training corps (ROTC) program, corps of cadets membership, or attendance at one of the federal military academies may apply to receive a direct commission as a leader in the Coast Guard.

www.gocoastguard.com

The SA prep schools and sponsored prep scholarships are generally considered Golden tickets. Self-sponsored prep is more of a gamble, but it seems to work for some. I know there is at least one which offers college credit.

 

[MrFiggs]

It seems as if you are ruling out attending a 4-year college and taking a SA-like class schedule as a freshman, packed with all the things you did not get in HS? Prove yourself with excellent grades in college. There are many college re-applicants at all the SAs. You will also have not lost a step in your college career if you re-apply and are again not offered an appointment.

If you do any type of ROTC, that can bolster military aptitude on your application, and can be a nom source for the corresponding SA. Again, you will be on track and moving directly toward a commission, no matter your success in getting an offer from a SA.

If your ultimate goal is service as a CG officer, have you researched:

Direct Commission Selected School (DCSS) Program | GoCoastGuard.com

College graduates and college seniors who have proven their character and leadership through a reserve officer training corps (ROTC) program, corps of cadets membership, or attendance at one of the federal military academies may apply to receive a direct commission as a leader in the Coast Guard.

www.gocoastguard.com

The SA prep schools and sponsored prep scholarships are generally considered Golden tickets. Self-sponsored prep is more of a gamble, but it seems to work for some. I know there is at least one which offers college credit.

I haven't seen the DCSS program before...thanks for bringing it up! I have looked into the Coast Guard's CSPI program which is also a route I am considering. At this point, I amjust hoping to branch out on the opportunities available and any information is super helpful. I just thought of the prep academies because my West Point FFR recommended MMI but after doing some soul searching, I've come to realize I want to further pursue the Coast Guard instead of Army.

 

[BunkerDog1]

MMI has a large Coastie presence. I would make sure to have a conversation with LTC Bowen, head of the program, to get you comfortable whether you believe MMI can get you in the best place for reapplication. From a high level, I would recommend looking to get your SAT score above 1300, and preferably closer to 1400. You don't mention your ACT, which composite should be 30 or above. MMI has specific classes to improve those scores. MMI also can get you the math, physics and chemistry courses you need. To me the difference between 4 year college and MMI (or similar school) is the focus on re-application. A 4 year won't provide you the support and focus on re-application but will certainly provide you the academic opportunities to improve. At MMI, you will be surrounded by re-applicants who are in the same situation as you, some who are sponsored and some who are not. You have to decide, based on your situation, which is best for you to get you in the best position as a re-applicant. There is no one size fits all answer.

 

[MrFiggs]

I actually just got off the phone with him and we talked about my situation. After talking to him, I think this is probably the best route forward for an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy for me. Thanks for the help!