Application Process

ColbyBuss · 10-02-2006, 09:34 AM

Well, My name is Colby and I am starting the application process. I have various questions that I am hoping someone could shed some wisdom on.

I am 17, in my senior year at Chesapeake High School in Pasadena, MD. I am 50 in a class of 492 with a GPA of 3.7. My SAT scores arent too good being:
CR:520
M:560
W:560
I run Varsity indoor and outdoor track and will be the captain this year. I am also the main (male) anchor for our morning news program (we watch them on Tv)

Help on: the application process, SAT score cutoffs (like USNA), grades, and basically anything that will help me would be outstanding!

Thanks AgaiN!

Bossf51 · 10-02-2006, 10:06 AM

Welcome CB. You sound like a good candidate for the CGA. Leadership, GPA, and sports are good. SAT's a bit low. Not a killer but last couple years the average(old system) SAT's were about 1280 or so. Keep taking them. The application process is similar to the other academies except you don't have to worry about an appointment.

The word is that this year's class will be smaller than recent years; not sure why except that officers in the Coast Guard tend to stay in longer than other services so there aren't as many billets. Also there could be a spike in apps after "The Guardian."

Anyway good luck and stay in touch with us as well as your admissions officer. Keep sendimg the AO any news about your awards, accomplishments etc. Appointments are made deep into the year(some as late as May) so keep on plugging along.

ColbyBuss · 10-02-2006, 12:35 PM

how would I get in contact with my AO?

Bossf51 · 10-02-2006, 12:45 PM

Since I'm a nice guy here's the info:

MARYLAND:LTJG John Northrop Telephone : (860) 444-8505
Mobile : (860) 625-2578

email : jnorthrop@exmail.uscga.edu

Info from the CGA web site.

BTW a lot of cadets come from your state.

Good luck.

soccer1458 · 10-02-2006, 06:30 PM

I'm in the c/o 2010, so if you have any questions about admissions or life here, I can help you out.

ColbyBuss · 10-03-2006, 03:43 PM

Thanks Boss!

How heavy of a weight does the SAT command in overall acceptance?

Bossf51 · 10-03-2006, 03:49 PM

I can't put a number on it. They look at the whole person and the whole file. Sometimes if the SAT's aren't the best they offer you a spot at NAPS or in the CGRIT program(preps).

ColbyBuss · 10-03-2006, 03:51 PM

NAPS, isnt that for USNA?

Basically im asking, will I be a considered candidate from what you know at this point in time?

Bossf51 · 10-03-2006, 03:58 PM

Coast Guard sends about 25 kids a year there.

You are a strong candidate but I would try to improve the SAT's.

soccer1458 · 10-03-2006, 06:40 PM

Just try retaking them, it can't hurt. THey will take your best scores and not look at the bad ones.

ColbyBuss · 10-03-2006, 09:03 PM

That was my best after taking it 2 times.

I am taking them again in about 2 weeks, and should do considerably better.

Also, I just completed and sent in the online app, now am concentrating on essays and getting out teacher recs

ColbyBuss · 10-15-2006, 10:42 PM

Teacher Recs are coming in this week, as well as im finishing up my essays.

I am going to be practicing for the PFE getting ready to take it sometime late next week.

I also got my DODmerb stuff in the mail, those should be set up within the next few days. With all of my other things done, I should be good to send in for Early Action!