I'm currently a junior and wondering how my GPA stacks up for the United States Coast Guard Academy. What is considered a competitive GPA for applicants? Any other academic factors I should be aware of?
The United States Coast Guard Academy values strong academic performance and typically admits students with a high school GPA of around 3.8. That being said, it's important to note that the Academy practices a holistic admissions process that takes several factors into account – not just your GPA.
While the overall average GPA of accepted students is high, they also consider the rigor of your curriculum. If you have taken AP courses or have been in a challenging stream in school, admissions officers will take the difficulty of these courses into account.
Besides GPA, standardized test scores are also considered important. The average SAT scores at the academy are around 1260 for Math and Reading combined. The ACT composite score usually falls between 26-31 for admitted students.
Additionally, the Academy also considers the leadership experience that applicants have shown in their extra-curricular activities. This can include roles in school clubs, athletic teams, community service, or work experience. Demonstrated leadership is especially valued due to the armed services nature of the Coast Guard Academy.
Lastly, all applicants must pass a physical fitness exam and medical examination. This includes tests of endurance, strength, and agility.
Therefore, while aiming for a high GPA is definitely beneficial for a competitive application, it's important to remember that they will also be looking at these additional project areas.
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