What is the AIM summer program at the Coast Guard Academy?

I'm curious about the AIM summer program offered by the Coast Guard Academy. What kind of experiences does it provide for high school students interested in joining the Coast Guard? Has anyone attended and can share some insights?

The Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) is the United States Coast Guard Academy's selective summer program. AIM is essentially a one-week summer program, spanning six days, designed to give high school students a taste of the rigorous academic, military, and physical lifestyle that cadets lead at the academy.

During the week, you'll live in the cadet dorms, have meals in the cadet wardroom, and engage in exploratory experiences that showcase the academic programs available at the academy. Additionally, you can expect a solid introduction to navigating vessels, practicing military drills, and even completing physical fitness activities such as endurance and obstacle courses.

Though it's a brief period of time, the AIM program is designed to be intense and immersive, mirroring the academy's 'swab summer' for first-year cadets. Moreover, high school students who complete the AIM program tend to have a higher acceptance rate into the academy as compared to students who don't participate in the program.

As for personal experiences, securing detailed accounts can be quite tricky due to individual variances. However, I've heard from many students who say the AIM program really helped them confirm their decision to join a service academy and that it improved their confidence in coping with the physical and academic demands presented in such a setting.

Hope this brings some clarity to your question!