It's 12:08 AM eastern time (my time too) on 12/23, decisions aren't out yet. Do they come out later? When?
I'm restless, CGA is my number one dream school. How do I deal with a denial?
You control how you feel about this journey and outcomes along the way. You will realize there is no use expending mental energy on things you don’t control.
It’s useful to walk through the worst possible case scenario and realize, in fact, you are not likely to die if you are not offered an appointment.
Instead, you will cheerfully and determinedly pivot to your well-planned alternate path, and assess along the way if you intend to reapply to USCGA, and while excelling in your alternate plan, you deftly execute your parallel re-application plan. If you re-apply, you will demonstrate proven ability to succeed in challenging college courses that mimic first year USCGA academics, improved essays that show continued personal growth and maturity, ongoing participation in athletic, personal physical fitness and leadership development. There, that’s done.
If offered a prep school appointment, grab it gleefully, because that means USCGA wants you, thinks you need some polishing and is saving a seat for you in 2028. That’s done.
Taken aback, a bit shocked or embarrassed you didn’t get in on first attempt? Admit you are human and allot yourself a 10-minute personal pity party, then move on as discussed above. That’s done.
Work your brain through it all, mentally role play each thoughtful reaction and response, and if USCGA is your interim goal to your dream of serving as a Coast Guard officer, you press on - over, around, under, every obstacle. I have seen it mentioned here on SAF many times that the Admissions Dept is willing to talk with candidates not offered an appintment this cycle and give them constructive feedback.
If you are offered an appointment, proceed forthwith to happy dance. If this is just the EA round, are you not then deferred to RA round, so you are still in play for this cycle?