Is a Nomination Required for the Coast Guard Academy?

I've heard some military academies require a nomination for admission. Does the Coast Guard Academy have the same requirement? What would the nomination process entail if it's needed?

No, a nomination from a member of Congress or the Vice President is not required for the U.S Coast Guard Academy. This is unlike other service academies, such as the U.S. Military Academy (West Point) or the U.S. Naval Academy, where a nomination forms part of the application process.

The admission process for the Coast Guard Academy is more similar to civilian colleges in terms of what they look at. The selection committee at the academy evaluates applicants based on a whole-person concept, looking at academic performance (your high school classes, GPA, and SAT or ACT scores), physical fitness, and leadership potential (extracurricular activities, community service, and employment). They also consider an applicant’s character and motivation to decide if they would be a good fit for the service academy and a career in the Coast Guard.

It's also worth noting that all accepted students at the academy get a full scholarship. It covers not just tuition, but also room and board, books, and uniforms, so it's quite a comprehensive package. In return, graduates are required to serve in the Coast Guard for at least five years after graduation.