What are the academic requirements for the Coast Guard Academy?

I'm thinking about applying to the Coast Guard Academy and I'd like to know more about the academic requirements for admission. What do they look for in terms of grades and coursework?

Being accepted into the Coast Guard Academy is a significant accomplishment given its competitiveness. When it comes to academic credentials, the academy places substantial weight on high school performance. Specifically, the academy looks for students who have excelled in challenging high school coursework.

It is highly recommended that your academic coursework have a strong focus on math and science. This might include courses such as Calculus, Physics, and Chemistry. These subjects align with the coursework you'll be undertaking at the academy, and a strong foundation in these areas demonstrates preparedness for rigorous academy studies.

With regards to grades, although there isn’t a specific GPA requirement, selection for the academy is competitive, so a strong GPA is beneficial. Successful applicants typically fall within the top 20% of their graduating class.

Standardized test scores also play a role in the admission decision. The Coast Guard Academy accepts both SAT and ACT scores. Though there are no minimum score requirements, most successful applicants typically have competitive scores. As of the 2024-2025 application year, median SAT scores for admitted students were in the range of 1300-1400, and median ACT scores were 28-31. Keep in mind that these are averages, and scores above or below these ranges are also considered.

In sum, while the Coast Guard Academy doesn't have explicit minimum academic requirements, its selective nature means that strong performance in rigorous coursework, especially in math and science, a high GPA, and competitive standardized test scores are key components to a successful application.