What are some Important things, clubs and positions that the USCG Academy looks for?

[The Diver]

Hey, I'm currently a junior in High School and over the course of this summer I became interested in the Coast Guard Academy. If any of y'all have any pointers that you could give me, I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

[davejean90]

Get an ACT score above 32, earn a varsity letter, be admitted to the National Honor Society, don't over-report medical issues on your DODMERB (if a doctor did not diagnose it, you don't have it), get on the student council or be a class officer, and get involved in a club. That will get you close.

 

[AuxNoob]

Don't look for a club or activity just to pad your resume. Join a club that does something you like. Do athletics. Get leadership positions in those areas, and do well at it. Be a team player. That is what will get the attention of Admissions. Particular scores on tests are not a limiting factor.

 

[davejean90]

You need a certain minimum ACT score to get into the game and unless you are an underrepresented minority or very talented athlete it probably should be in the 75th percentile of the last class average. Also, most candidates will have varsity letters, so if you don't have one you will stand out in a bad way unless you have extremely high test scores or some other outstanding attribute that can be expressed on paper. Although the academy does not use nominations, if you are from an area of the country which has been underrepresented in the past you may be able to get in with a weaker file. However if you are from a highly represented area, Northern Virginia for instance, the competition will be intense.

 

[The Diver]

Thank you so much Dave. I will keep that in mind.

 

[The Diver]

Don't look for a club or activity just to pad your resume. Join a club that does something you like. Do athletics. Get leadership positions in those areas, and do well at it. Be a team player. That is what will get the attention of Admissions. Particular scores on tests are not a limiting factor.

Thanks for your help AuxNoob.

 

[jbnll]

I would also say have teachers and coaches and a guidance counselor that knows you and can really go to bat for you for recommendations.

 

[Next Generation]

Don't forget community service and having longevity in your summer/part-time school-year jobs. Demonstrate that you care about others and that you are responsible in more than just an academic setting. Seek not just participation but leadership roles in both of these areas. You can then provide the academy with additional strong letters of recommendation from supervisors who can speak to your character as well as your ability to work hard and be resourceful, qualities highly valued in the Coast Guard.

 

[The Diver]

Don't forget community service and having longevity in your summer/part-time school-year jobs. Demonstrate that you care about others and that you are responsible in more than just an academic setting. Seek not just participation but leadership roles in both of these areas. You can then provide the academy with additional strong letters of recommendation from supervisors who can speak to your character as well as your ability to work hard and be resourceful, qualities highly valued in the Coast Guard.

Thank you Next Generation, I will do my best to achieve the steps you have stated above.

 

[YellowRoseofTexas]

Is an Amateur Radio license taken into account or is it not important?

 

[Next Generation]

Is an Amateur Radio license taken into account or is it not important?

Everything is important. Anything that shows a wide range of interests and activities helps a candidate stand out.

 

[YellowRoseofTexas]

Great! Thank you Next Generation!

 

[Wishful]

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