How to Get Into the Coast Guard Academy?

I'm considering applying to the Coast Guard Academy, but I'm not sure what the admission requirements are. What are the main criteria they focus on? Any tips on making my application stand out?

Admission to the Coast Guard Academy (CGA) is quite competitive, and they look at various factors in deciding who to accept.

1. Academics: Similar to most colleges, CGA considers your high school transcript, including coursework rigor, grade trend, and GPA. They focus mainly on coursework in math, English, lab science, foreign language, and social sciences.

2. Standardized Test Scores: The CGA requires the SAT or ACT. While they do not have minimum score requirements, the middle 50% score range for admitted students in recent classes has been around 1270-1400 on the SAT and 27-33 on the ACT. Remember that these scores are averages, admission may be possible with scores outside this range.

3. Extracurricular Involvement: Extracurricular activities demonstrating leadership, team experience, and a commitment to service can make your application stand out. They're interested in seeing any roles you played or successes you had in athletics, community service, or clubs, for example.

4. Physical Fitness Exam: Applicants are required to take the Physical Fitness Examination, which includes push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile run. They want to see that you're physically fit and capable of rigorous training.

5. Character & Motivation: Your character and motivation are demonstrated through your essays, recommendations, and an interview. These give the admissions committee insight into your values, ambitions, and suitability for the service academy lifestyle.

To make your application stand out, strive for a strong academic performance—but don't neglect other areas. Participate in and lead extracurricular activities, particularly those which align with the values of the Coast Guard: honor, respect, and devotion to duty.

Strengthen your physical fitness so you can excel in their fitness exam. When it comes to your character and motivation, these should come across in your essays, recommendations, and interview. Highlight aspects of the Coast Guard's mission that you’re passionate about, and share examples of how you've shown resilience and leadership.

Remember that unlike other educational institutions, attending a service academy such as CGA comes with an obligation to serve in the Coast Guard for a certain period after graduation too. Ensure that you're ready to do this, as the academy will look for candidates demonstrating a genuine commitment to service.