USCGA Interviews

[Pigphantom]

So exactly how should we prepare for interviews? I was scheduled to take one really soon and I want to be sure I'm ready. Like, are there any questions I should be prepared to answer? And should I aim for a more professional approach or seem more friendly?

 

[datemplet011]

I found this link on the Academy's website that looks like the form the interviewer will be filling out about you.
https://uscga.edu/admissions/interviewform/

It says they're interviewing you to gain more insight into character, motivation, leadership philosophy, and intended major choice. Since they've already seen your essays and application, I'd personally just make sure I really know why I want to go to the Academy. From what I've heard on this forum earlier, they've chosen to have an interview with you because they want to know more about you and ensure that you are a good fit at the Academy, so congrats! Applicants who don't get an interview were either rejected or accepted already; they have the interview to make up their mind, so just show them that you mean business! Again, I've just heard this on the forum, so don't take it as authoritative info, but it seems pretty reasonable.

 

[ProudMom7]

The point of the interview is to get a better idea of who you are as a person. What are your passions? Why do you want to attend USCGA? What makes you unique? Why would you be a good cadet? Would you be a good shipmate? Does it seem like USCGA would be a good fit for you? The interviewers have not seen any part of your application. They know nothing about you other than what you tell them in the interview. There are required questions that all interviewers must ask all applicants, but interviewers can ask other questions as well. Feel free to go off on tangents, so that the interviewer learns more about you. You obviously want to give the best impression of you possible. They will be providing their evaluation based solely on the interview, so if you want them to know something, you need to tell them.

 

[T-37IP]

So exactly how should we prepare for interviews? I was scheduled to take one really soon and I want to be sure I'm ready. Like, are there any questions I should be prepared to answer? And should I aim for a more professional approach or seem more friendly?

Professional and friendly. It isn't an either/or proposition.

 

[Don't Give Up the Ship]

There are many videos on Service Academy Interviews on you tube. The interviews often vary widely depending on who is the interviewer.

Expect questions about:

-Leadership
-Mentorship
-Role models
-What makes you a better candidate than someone else
-Strengths and weakness of your application package
-Where you see yourself five years from now
-Physical fitness
-What you have learned on a sports team
-Mission and key roles of the USCG
-USCG billets and officer jobs

Have a couple questions for the interviewer.

Bring a copy of your essay's and resume

Eye contact, firm handshake, dress like its an important job interview-it is.

"Yes sir / Mam" not "Ok, yep, yeah"

Arrive early.

 

[datemplet011]

The point of the interview is to get a better idea of who you are as a person. What are your passions? Why do you want to attend USCGA? What makes you unique? Why would you be a good cadet? Would you be a good shipmate? Does it seem like USCGA would be a good fit for you? The interviewers have not seen any part of your application. They know nothing about you other than what you tell them in the interview. There are required questions that all interviewers must ask all applicants, but interviewers can ask other questions as well. Feel free to go off on tangents, so that the interviewer learns more about you. You obviously want to give the best impression of you possible. They will be providing their evaluation based solely on the interview, so if you want them to know something, you need to tell them.

Interesting. I did not know that interviewers hadn't looked at applications at all.

 

[ProudMom7]

Interesting. I did not know that interviewers hadn't looked at applications at all

I'm an Admissions Partner, so one of the things that I do is interview applicants. The applicants are welcome to give us their resume or transcript, but they don't have to. I always start out interviews by telling the applicant that I haven't seen their application and that the only thing I know about them is their name and hometown. I also always tell applicants what the purpose of the interview is. I encourage them to be thorough in their answers and to feel free to talk about their passions and to lead the interview off on a tangent if it naturally goes that way. Although there are required questions (plus additional ones that I consistently ask), I'm always happy when the interview turns into more of a conversation about topics of interest to the applicant. The interview also gives another opportunity for the applicant to ask questions about the application process or about life at USCGA.

On a separate note, interviews can be either in person or virtual. Either is fine. But if the applicant choices a virtual interview, they should make sure they are in a room without distractions so that the applicant can focus on the interview and so there is no background noise making it difficult to hear.