What Should I Expect at Bear's Day?

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MuniMan24

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Nov 6, 2018
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Hey all,

My dad and I have received the opportunity to visit the CGA this upcoming Bear's Day (Feb 11). Does anyone have advice regarding what to expect? I am specifically wondering about clothing: is it casual, formal, etc.?

I am an applicant for USCGA class of 2023, is there anything I can do there in regards to my application? I applied early action and therefore already have had an interview (although I wish I could re-do it, I feel like I did poorly!).

Thanks for any advice!
 
Make sure your dad attends the parent's lunch. The food was great and a member of the admissions staff will sit at his table to answer questions.
 
Congrats! It's a great way to visit CGA and the New London area. Dress comfortably for the weather since you'll be doing a good bit of walking outside. Shorts/sweats are too casual, but a jacket/tie is too much. A few tips:

1) Reach out to your Admissions Officer and personally let him/her know you're coming. If they are not travelling, they will likely try to meet you if time allows. Same goes for coaches, fine arts directors, etc.
2) Bring questions. You'll be paired with a Cadet who is likely either in your major or who plays your intended sport. So pick their brain. Ask those random burning questions - they probably had them too.
3) Experience campus. An appointment is an invitation, but the decision to accept is all up to you so allow time to learn all you can. Other than specific buildings, it's a fairly open campus and they are used to visitors. As you're walking around try to picture yourself there. Visit the exchange for some CGA swag. Check out the Dry Dock Cafe. Walk down to Jacob's Rock. Go see the Cadet chapel. Soak in the Cadet experience and you'll be better informed to make your decision.

You're welcome to DM me anytime. Keep pushing and good luck to you!!
 
Please please please ask questions! As cadets, when we host you, it's always frustrating and honestly annoying when you don't have anything to say or anything that you can clearly communicate what you want out of it. I signed up to be your host because I want to show you the Academy, but I can't do that if you don't say you want to go meet the soccer coach and see the gym and so on and so forth. If you don't want to do any of those things, wander around and talk to people or just sit and ask me questions. The possibilities are endless, but all too often I see people sit and spend the entire night on their phone in my room and it calls into question why they came to visit for me. When it comes time to write an evaluation on them for admissions, what do they really expect me to say?

Any questions or anything I can look into for you before you get here, let me know here or in the DM's.
 
My DS enjoyed all his visits to USCGA. He had a guide from a nearby town choose him so that gave them something to connect with from the start.

He wore khakis and a polo but went in April so it was warmer...
 
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