Do you need a nomination to apply to the Coast Guard Academy?

I've seen some info about nominations for military academies and am wondering if I need one for the Coast Guard Academy. If so, how does the nomination process work?

The United States Coast Guard Academy is unique among the federal service academies because it does not require a Congressional nomination for admission. This differentiates it from the United States Military Academy (West Point), United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, and United States Merchant Marine Academy, all of which do require a nomination from a member of Congress or the Vice President of the United States.

Even without the need for a nomination, the Coast Guard Academy's admission process remains quite competitive. The academy's selections are based on the applicant's academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and demonstrated character and leadership potential. In particular, they look at the rigor of your high school coursework, your GPA, and your standardized test scores. The Academy places a heavy emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) subjects, so strong grades in these areas will be highly beneficial.

Physical fitness is another important component of the application. The Academy requires applicants to complete a Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), which consists of several physical tests, such as push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile run, among others. In addition, all applicants must also pass a medical exam.

Before you apply, I encourage you to ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements. This includes US citizenship, age limits (you must be 17 but not yet 23 as of July 1 of the year you would enter the academy), and having no dependents, among others.

It’s a good idea to start your application process early, as it can be quite thorough and time-consuming. Best of luck!