USCGA- Rising Senior, help requested.

H

highdee

5-Year Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2012
Messages
14
Hello everyone!

Academically I'm quite average, I take advanced classes such as Honors and APs to challenge myself as "regular" courses would be too easy but I don't receive the most spectacular grades in said courses, I'm becoming very worried about my chances of being a competitive applicant when applying to the Academy due to this though. I do realize that I need to get my grades. My question at this point is what else can help when it comes to applying, as I will be starting my Senior year this upcoming fall.

My ACT score was only a 28, my SAT was a 1690 total-neither up to where I wanted them and I plan on retaking them.

I applied for AIM but was waitlisted and then denied, I have been invited for CFAD and have registered for that.

Besides this I'm a competitive swimmer with little or no time for other extracurriculars, I've been part of my Class Council each year and I am a coach for Special Olympics swimming, I also have been in German Club and I am a past GirlScout. I lifeguard over the summer as well.

At this point I feel as if I only have athletics and the fact that I showed interest relatively early on (visited the Academy and spoke with the swim coach, summer before my Junior year), any tips would be much appreciated as the Academy is my number one choice for a school.

Thank you.
-H
 
highdee said:
Besides this I'm a competitive swimmer with little or no time for other extracurriculars, I've been part of my Class Council each year and I am a coach for Special Olympics swimming, I also have been in German Club and I am a past GirlScout. I lifeguard over the summer as well.
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Seems to me you contradicted yourself here regarding little or no time for extra-curriculars. I'd also play up the Special Olympics and the lifeguard, but don't stretch them either. Also, I assume you have some certification to lifeguard over the summer. Mention that certification too. I know it should be obvious but it can't hurt to specifically mention that. Lot's of kids who have the certification may not be working as a lifeguard over the summer, so point out the certification AND the experience. The Special Olympics coaching plays right into this and highlights a good use of your skills in my opinion. I would say keep doing what you're doing and continue to raise academic scores. If there are any leadership roles you can snag, try that too. Maybe President of German Club or something?
 
Your EC's don't look that bad. Here is a recent class profile that you may have already seen. http://www.cgaalumni.org/s/1043/images/editor_documents/Parents%20Association/pdfs/class_profile_2015_-_final.pdf

Work hard on trying to raise your SAT/ACT scores.

Try and set up a meeting with the swim coach at your CFAD. They seem to have some influence if they want you.

If your grades are just a bit low or your test scores are a bit low you may still be considered for a prep appointment, which is a very good deal.

Good Luck!
 
Prep school would be a great opportunity for you. When you go to CFAD, be sure to let anyone and everyone know you would be interested in prep!

highdee - I sent you a PM.

Nicole
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the responses everyone! Just to clarify, when I was saying my extracurriculars were lacking it's because some are just during the school year while others just over the summer, plus I saw other people list many more extracurricular activites than I listed so I thought I may just be lacking in that area.

Thanks again for all the help, more tips/help/advice is always appreciated!

-H

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