USCGA 2020 appointments

Mascara_Mon, I can understand your frustrations. I think AlexT post sums it up. At the end of the day, the USCGA is a very small school, and the majority of their students MUST be part of some sports or arts program. That is why the CCEB is made up of both coaches and staff. When my DS attended AIM last summer, they specifically told him not to apply during EA, as although he had a high GPA and was in the top 11% of his class, since he was not currently active in any sports programs, he would not get an acceptance during the EA process. So in my DS case, he waited until RA to apply. The other frustration is a case in point from the aChipmunk "How does CGA compare to other engineering programs?" Where he applied on a whim, didn't know his AO, didn't attend AIM, and didn't make any efforts to appropriately think through the lifestyle adaptations of what it means to serve, however he received an appointment. The frustration here is not intended on aChipmunk at all, but the clear reality the CCEB cannot properly vet every candidate in a manner that allows them to understand and appropriately weigh the candidates overall character, skills, and school ranking / grades. Although I am happy for all of the Class of 2020 appointees, I cannot help but think that there are a percentage of rejected candidates that more appropriately align as a USCGA cadet and future leader, but the current process is inhibits the ability to properly vet them out.
I hear you. I imagine that young man regretted using the word "whim," and in further posts it seemed that he had indeed done more research about the CG that his original post implied. It took me several hours to distance myself to be able to counsel him from my training rather than my emotions.

I have hesitated to throw this out there, but IMHO, the nomination process (or some other arduous process) would greatly minimize people applying to the USCGA impulsively. The USCGA process "feels" more like a regular college process (with a physical fitness test thrown in for "fun"), so applicants perhaps don't realize the difference between going to a good engineering school and signing up for military service with educational and employment privileges and guarantees. At minimum, it would seem the interview should be mandatory rather than optional.

I know the current nomination system is fraught with frustrations and imperfections, but I know for our DD, it was a hugely beneficial experience. Even though her process did not lead to an appointment with the Navy, her research led her to discover the Coast Guard, which in so many ways is a wonderful fit. If being waitlisted does not yield an appointment for the class of 2020, she is definitely applying again next year.
 
I don't think anyone will fully understand what holistic criteria is used to select appointees. I do know that I have heard from several people that it definitely is not all about the grades and they want to see a well-rounded candidate. They want to see sports, leadership, volunteering and etc. I honestly do not think there is a cut and dried formula of how they make the decisions. My heart goes out to those that did not get chosen. Please apply next year. There are several academy cadets that did not get in on their first application. Congrats to all who received appointments. I will be hoping and praying for all the waitlisters that good things come your way.

I'm not complaining but I don't see a "holistic criteria" for the USCGA. It's a great place and program but I'm still not getting it.
 
I'm not complaining but I don't see a "holistic criteria" for the USCGA. It's a great place and program but I'm still not getting it.
Some colleges use that criteria to grade papers and assignments. Also the SAT writing portion is graded on a holistic scoring platform. If you google holistic criteria, I think it would make sense that maybe the USCGA uses more like a points scale (holistic grading/scoring) to come to the conclusion with their appointees. Meaning not a cut and dried kind of thing. That is what I see anyway. Just my observations but nothing scientific. LOL!!
 
I have to admit, I would be peaking and if it were good news would be picking her up. If not I'd just wait. :-/
 
In my attempts to validate her independence, I did not view her essays (she is a writer with an ACT English score of 34) or even get the password to her portal. Now I can't peek.
I am swilling coffee and trying to focus on my paperwork and chores.
Poor younger brother will be pestered to death to get his homework done today.

Side note: we are all attending the SA info session tonight in Fort Collins, CO.
15 year old brother is Cadet Commander of the Civil Air Patrol squadron, was on CyberPatriot team for 3 years, two with older sister, and is our next SA applicant, although he loves to fly winged craft and work on computers.
 
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Not sure what their definition of "well rounded" is honestly.
My DS has thrived in music since he was in the 5th grade. Many awards, leadership as a captain, wind ensemble, marched for 4 yrs. High in the fine arts dept. and shown commitment and had a 2 yr leadership role.
Physically he has lettered 4 yrs in track and field, several metals and awards for the 800m, participated and won 2nd in age group in a triathlon, bmx racer for 6 yrs, ranked 20th in the nation, 2nd in state, swim team--shown commitment and is VERY physically fit.
Academically- 2 AP classes, 4 college classes (13 credits) , 3.8-3.9 gpa maintained for years., appointed to the National Honor Society and BETA Club--totally completed Chemistry, AP Physics and Calculus with A's---so pretty smart I think :)
Volunteers with special needs kids at school, swim coach for special Olympics state champs, church, Senate Page at the Atlanta Capital, assistant coordinator for the kids youth triathlon,-- has a heart and gives back to the community.
Meanwhile, held a part time job for 2 years as a life guard.
Again ACT scores were not the greatest though. What's stated online as the low score to apply, he did meet that though.
He attended AIM in 2014 at the age of 16 going into his jr. year of high school (oops)- So he has sat on this for two years and knew this is what he wanted to do. Apparently attending AIM is not weighted as much as one would think. (he showed leadership of his unit quite a bit on the eng. competition)
What he got out of AIM it was also suggested not to apply EA-- keep up your grades, involve yourself in sports--- but show commitment to what ever you do. Become a Leader, Captain, Co-Captain of something you are involved in. They wanted "well rounded". He did all that.
We were told that CGA preferred the candidate to walk in with Calculus completed, so he pushed, talked to his school and enrolled in college (duel enrollment) to graduate with what was stated. This is what he focused on after AIM.

If it's not in the cards, it's not in the cards..........yes, we are walking away scratching our heads though.........:scratch: as I am sure many do if they don't get an appointment.

He will not re-apply- "their loss" he said. I think because he has NO idea what they are looking for (and you receive no feedback) and he made sure he positioned himself accordingly. He just wants to move on, hit college and military reserves now.

Posting this all as I know "I" went back to posts years prior to look at lists of potential candidates credentials and see how DS compared. So maybe this will help a potential candidate or his/her parents of c/o 2021 onward :rockon:-----------:sadwavey: Good Luck everyone!
 
In my attempts to validate her independence, I did not view her essays (she is a writer with an ACT English score of 34) or even get the password to her portal. Now I can't peek.
I am swilling coffee and trying to focus on my paperwork and chores.
Poor younger brother will be pestered to death to get his homework done today.

Side note: we are all attending the SA info session tonight in Fort Collins, CO.
15 year old brother is Cadet Commander of the Civil Air Patrol squadron, was on CyberPatriot team for 3 years, two with older sister, and is our next SA applicant, although he loves to fly winged craft and work on computers.

I get that (validate) my daughter brought me in on most of her essays, I sat at Starbucks across from her and did of my own stuff, then she would read to me and ask for my opinion; also gave me access to her portal. However I would never tell her if I did see it first, I would just ask her if she had checked it, so she has that blessing of the good news. (thinking positive here) Anyway, hope your day goes fast and hope at the end it is the news you want to hear.
 
Not sure what their definition of "well rounded" is honestly.
My DS has thrived in music since he was in the 5th grade. Many awards, leadership as a captain, wind ensemble, marched for 4 yrs. High in the fine arts dept. and shown commitment and had a 2 yr leadership role.
Physically he has lettered 4 yrs in track and field, several metals and awards for the 800m, participated and won 2nd in age group in a triathlon, bmx racer for 6 yrs, ranked 20th in the nation, 2nd in state, swim team--shown commitment and is VERY physically fit.
Academically- 2 AP classes, 4 college classes (13 credits) , 3.8-3.9 gpa maintained for years., appointed to the National Honor Society and BETA Club--totally completed Chemistry, AP Physics and Calculus with A's---so pretty smart I think :)
Volunteers with special needs kids at school, swim coach for special Olympics state champs, church, Senate Page at the Atlanta Capital, assistant coordinator for the kids youth triathlon,-- has a heart and gives back to the community.
Meanwhile, held a part time job for 2 years as a life guard.
Again ACT scores were not the greatest though. What's stated online as the low score to apply, he did meet that though.
He attended AIM in 2014 at the age of 16 going into his jr. year of high school (oops)- So he has sat on this for two years and knew this is what he wanted to do. Apparently attending AIM is not weighted as much as one would think. (he showed leadership of his unit quite a bit on the eng. competition)
What he got out of AIM it was also suggested not to apply EA-- keep up your grades, involve yourself in sports--- but show commitment to what ever you do. Become a Leader, Captain, Co-Captain of something you are involved in. They wanted "well rounded". He did all that.
We were told that CGA preferred the candidate to walk in with Calculus completed, so he pushed, talked to his school and enrolled in college (duel enrollment) to graduate with what was stated. This is what he focused on after AIM.

If it's not in the cards, it's not in the cards..........yes, we are walking away scratching our heads though.........:scratch: as I am sure many do if they don't get an appointment.

He will not re-apply- "their loss" he said. I think because he has NO idea what they are looking for (and you receive no feedback) and he made sure he positioned himself accordingly. He just wants to move on, hit college and military reserves now.

Posting this all as I know "I" went back to posts years prior to look at lists of potential candidates credentials and see how DS compared. So maybe this will help a potential candidate or his/her parents of c/o 2021 onward :rockon:-----------:sadwavey: Good Luck everyone!
 
Mascara mom, he sounds like a great kid, if he decides to reapply, urge him to take an SAT/ACT prep course. The difference between these kids accepted and rejected can be whisker small. But, if his national test scores are low, that is the whisker that kept him from getting an appointment. Some people just can't perform when it comes time to testing, and those prep courses really help you with test taking strategies. So sad for you guys, but I would wager that is the weak link that kept him from an appointment.
 
That's a tough one for sure... He seems to have a great attitude to be something great somewhere else... He is very well rounded, had all the bases covered, so there is something better for him, something that though not clear at this point will be soon. Crazy to me :-(
 
I get that (validate) my daughter brought me in on most of her essays, I sat at Starbucks across from her and did of my own stuff, then she would read to me and ask for my opinion; also gave me access to her portal. However I would never tell her if I did see it first, I would just ask her if she had checked it, so she has that blessing of the good news. (thinking positive here) Anyway, hope your day goes fast and hope at the end it is the news you want to hear.
I would have been glad to help her (English major myself) but I understand she wanted it to be "her" best effort.
She is a programmer and writer with at least a dozen online accounts, so I am used to not seeing things until she pushes a laptop in front of my face.
 
So sorry to hear of the rejections. So happy for the one's with the appointments.

My DS received a rejection this morning. Much to the same situation for my DS as @mascara_mom DS had experienced. Skipped many parties and nights out, being careful to keep his nose clean and filling his time with productivity instead. Kids and adults alike have respect for him and arrogance is not part of his character. 3.9GPA, 8 classes a semester all 4 yrs., lifeguard, varsity swim captain, volunteer work, blah blah blah... He's got a great attitude about it, determined to keep going and re-applying with more credentials under his belt for 2021. College, swim team, Flotillia, lifeguard, swim teacher and keep being a role model for his little brother. "Those are his goals for the next 365 days" he says. "Even if you work hard and do the right things, I guess life will throw curve balls, just have to learn to hit 'em". None the less, it's a crappy day here for us, but we won't set up camp in sadville. I'm frustrated as a Mom, but it sounds like there are some amazing kids appointed or not who applied. We were prepared for this possibility of taking a different path - semper paratus...right!?! Just remember everyone, it doesn't matter how we get there - keep your eye on the end goal and keep moving forward!
 
So sorry to hear of the rejections. So happy for the one's with the appointments.

My DS received a rejection this morning. Much to the same situation for my DS as @mascara_mom DS had experienced. Skipped many parties and nights out, being careful to keep his nose clean and filling his time with productivity instead. Kids and adults alike have respect for him and arrogance is not part of his character. 3.9GPA, 8 classes a semester all 4 yrs., lifeguard, varsity swim captain, volunteer work, blah blah blah... He's got a great attitude about it, determined to keep going and re-applying with more credentials under his belt for 2021. College, swim team, Flotillia, lifeguard, swim teacher and keep being a role model for his little brother. "Those are his goals for the next 365 days" he says. "Even if you work hard and do the right things, I guess life will throw curve balls, just have to learn to hit 'em". None the less, it's a crappy day here for us, but we won't set up camp in sadville. I'm frustrated as a Mom, but it sounds like there are some amazing kids appointed or not who applied. We were prepared for this possibility of taking a different path - semper paratus...right!?! Just remember everyone, it doesn't matter how we get there - keep your eye on the end goal and keep moving forward!
Great kid with great attitude. He will go far in life!
 
Great kid with great attitude. He will go far in life!
WOW, I am AFA waiting but reading and following you all, as a mom, running errands today I was down, asking myself why, then I knew it was from seeing these great kids receive this disappointing news, knowing they have done everything they could, to be all that was expected of them and yet they fell short. Its to bad that there isn't enough room for all of them. Still they will go and do great things!
 
I hear you. I imagine that young man regretted using the word "whim," and in further posts it seemed that he had indeed done more research about the CG that his original post implied. It took me several hours to distance myself to be able to counsel him from my training rather than my emotions.

I have hesitated to throw this out there, but IMHO, the nomination process (or some other arduous process) would greatly minimize people applying to the USCGA impulsively. The USCGA process "feels" more like a regular college process (with a physical fitness test thrown in for "fun"), so applicants perhaps don't realize the difference between going to a good engineering school and signing up for military service with educational and employment privileges and guarantees. At minimum, it would seem the interview should be mandatory rather than optional.

I know the current nomination system is fraught with frustrations and imperfections, but I know for our DD, it was a hugely beneficial experience. Even though her process did not lead to an appointment with the Navy, her research led her to discover the Coast Guard, which in so many ways is a wonderful fit. If being waitlisted does not yield an appointment for the class of 2020, she is definitely applying again next year.

I also share the scripture, the steps of a righteous man are ordered of the Lord, "you will be where God wants you"
 
WOW, I am AFA waiting but reading and following you all, as a mom, running errands today I was down, asking myself why, then I knew it was from seeing these great kids receive this disappointing news, knowing they have done everything they could, to be all that was expected of them and yet they fell short. Its to bad that there isn't enough room for all of them. Still they will go and do great things!
Thanks so much for your kind words.
Daughter checked the portal as soon as she got in today: over 2,200 students applied for the 290 positions.
She did not get in, but they directed her to other paths, including CSPI. She said" So I can still go to Adams State? Cool."
She is now happily hiking to the library. Husband and I are so proud she gave it everything she had and she is taking it in stride.
It looks like the summer archeology dig is next on her list of fun stuff to do.
Good luck, y'all!
 
I have hesitated to throw this out there, but IMHO, the nomination process (or some other arduous process) would greatly minimize people applying to the USCGA impulsively. The USCGA process "feels" more like a regular college process (with a physical fitness test thrown in for "fun"), so applicants perhaps don't realize the difference between going to a good engineering school and signing up for military service with educational and employment privileges and guarantees. At minimum, it would seem the interview should be mandatory rather than optional.

I know the current nomination system is fraught with frustrations and imperfections, but I know for our DD, it was a hugely beneficial experience. Even though her process did not lead to an appointment with the Navy, her research led her to discover the Coast Guard, which in so many ways is a wonderful fit. If being waitlisted does not yield an appointment for the class of 2020, she is definitely applying again next year.

"Unlike the other service academies, admission to the USCGA does not require a congressional nomination. This is due to the fervent objections of Captain John A. Henriques, the first Superintendent of the Revenue Cutter School of Instruction (later the Revenue Cutter Academy). His objection stemmed from years of poor political appointments in the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service's bureaucracy."

I happen to agree with CAPT Henriques. IMHO, the USCGA process is better off without Nominations. Having been through the nomination process (USNA) in a large city, we much preferred the USCGA application process. Doesn't the nomination process also exclude worthy candidates? Although the USCGA desires geographic diversity, it is not hand-cuffed to each congressional district. DS agrees with your comment regarding the interview process. It would help provide insight into the motivation of each candidate.
 
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