How competitive is the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Scholars Program?

I'm considering applying to the Scholars Program at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and I'm wondering how tough it is to get into. What are the benefits, and what qualifications do they typically look for?

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy Scholars Program is a challenging program with a competitive admissions process. It serves as a gateway to the academy, targeting students who are highly motivated and possess a strong desire to attend the Coast Guard Academy, but may need additional academic preparation before admission.

Qualifications for the Scholars Program are in line with those of the Academy itself, albeit with a wider range. While very competitive, the program is designed to identify candidates who have demonstrated the potential for strong leadership and noble character, but whose academic records might not fully reflect their capabilities. They typically consider your high school grades, standardized test scores (if provided), extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership roles. While a minimum GPA or test score isn't publicized, consider that the holistic admission process reviews all parts of your application.

A key benefit of being part of the Scholars Program is the opportunity to strengthen your academic credentials in a structured environment. The program grants provisional acceptance to the Coast Guard Academy, subject to successful completion. The Scholars Program takes place over an academic year, typically at the U.S. Coast Guard's Training Center in Petaluma, California, or Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama, where scholars attend college-level classes and engage in a military training environment.

Upon successful completion of the Scholars Program, scholars will report to New London as third-class cadets in the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. In this sense, the program serves as a steppingstone to a rewarding career in the Coast Guard.

Given the competitive nature of the program, applicants are encouraged to make sure all parts their application are strong and demonstrate their dedication to service, leadership skills, and resilience.