Success at applying again?

S

SoccerGeek

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My DS got his worst news today - rejected from EA. He called his AO but they won't give reasons until after the admissions decisions are finalized. He's not a slouch, Eagle Scout, Captain of sports team (4 years on Varsity), 1400 SAT, 3.7 GPA. Attended CFAD and every local event in our state.

This leaves him wondering about his best Plan B, and if that should include re-applying next year. I just wonder what he could do to enhance his application in the year. He could re-take SAT/ACT, his grades won't move much. He would love to spend a semester at NOLS getting a Wilderness EMT and swift water rescue credentials. Or just go to college.

Anyone have successful stories of re-applying and what they did to enhance their application? I read a few on the forum, most just went to a community college to enhance their scores and GPA.

thanks!
 
SoccerGeek said:
My DS got his worst news today - rejected from EA. He called his AO but they won't give reasons until after the admissions decisions are finalized. He's not a slouch, Eagle Scout, Captain of sports team (4 years on Varsity), 1400 SAT, 3.7 GPA. Attended CFAD and every local event in our state.

This leaves him wondering about his best Plan B, and if that should include re-applying next year. I just wonder what he could do to enhance his application in the year. He could re-take SAT/ACT, his grades won't move much. He would love to spend a semester at NOLS getting a Wilderness EMT and swift water rescue credentials. Or just go to college.

Anyone have successful stories of re-applying and what they did to enhance their application? I read a few on the forum, most just went to a community college to enhance their scores and GPA.

thanks!
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Sorry to hear about your DS. Did he get a call? As far as reapplying, I spoke fairly extensively with my AO about it while I was visiting campus. Her advice for reapplying was just this: Go to a four year college, do pre-requisite classes for the major you intend on doing at the CGA, and get high grades in those classes.
 
I'm a third-time applicant, so I guess I'm not a "success story," but I have managed to get waitlisted every time so far. I've heard from successful second-year applicants last year that did similar things as me but ended up luckier.

College is the most recommended path coming straight out of high school if your DS plans to re-apply according to my previous AOs. This way they can see if he can handle college coursework well without the stress and rigor of cadet life. In terms of other things, he should try to look for ways to continue building the application. Continuing with sports, holding a leadership position, being involved in the community, meeting personal goals, hitting 300 on the PFE, etc. Bottom line, stay well-rounded. Also, your DS should prepare to take the SAT again after a few college courses.

If your DS can do his rescue certifications over the summer and start college right after in the fall then it would be a good start to his second try. Especially if that's something he's passionate about. I wouldn't say it's a magic bullet, just a show of personal accomplishment. If he's really dedicated to his sport as well he could get in contact with the CGA coach if he hasn't already. He might not get recruited, but getting his name out there helps.

Stay in contact with the AO with questions/concerns about the application process and your DS should do his best to get that feedback!

Hope this helps! :)
 
SoccerGeek said:
My DS got his worst news today - rejected from EA. He called his AO but they won't give reasons until after the admissions decisions are finalized. He's not a slouch, Eagle Scout, Captain of sports team (4 years on Varsity), 1400 SAT, 3.7 GPA. Attended CFAD and every local event in our state.

This leaves him wondering about his best Plan B, and if that should include re-applying next year. I just wonder what he could do to enhance his application in the year. He could re-take SAT/ACT, his grades won't move much. He would love to spend a semester at NOLS getting a Wilderness EMT and swift water rescue credentials. Or just go to college.

Anyone have successful stories of re-applying and what they did to enhance their application? I read a few on the forum, most just went to a community college to enhance their scores and GPA.

thanks!
Click to expand...
There are many stories of cadets getting in on second and third tries even. A year of self prep at a military prep school or a rigorous freshman course at a college is usually what you hear accompanying a successful reapplication.
 
Although the Coast Guard Academy does not have nominations, they still attempt to get a good cross section of the country into the school. Therefore popular areas (Northern Virginia for instance) can be very competitive. My DS went to Community College, took Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, History, Computer Programming, and English (GPA 3.6). He also improved his ACTs (Math 27 to 32). Another factor that MAY have been in play though, is we come from a part of the country where the Coast Guard Academy is not that well known. Out of the ~300 who entered last summer, only about 5 were from our state. Our state is in the top ten in population and it is pretty competitive in terms of getting into the other academies.
 
Thanks all. DS got a nice email from his AO saying he was a strong candidate but it is a very competitive year.
He's considering applying to the Corps of Cadets at VT. If cant get to USCGA next year then he can go direct commission via DCSS.
 
SoccerGeek said:
Thanks all. DS got a nice email from his AO saying he was a strong candidate but it is a very competitive year.
He's considering applying to the Corps of Cadets at VT. If cant get to USCGA next year then he can go direct commission via DCSS.
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We know exactly how you feel. My DS didn’t get in for EA either and he’s no slouch. CGA was his #1 choice so need,ex’s to say Thanksgiving wasn’t our best holiday. But he has a lot of grit and determination and is planning on applying again next year. But plans on going to a regular 4 year college for freshman year,
 
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