Michiganparent

Can anyone describe the differences in the two academies, USCG and USNA? I guess what I am asking is- are they comparable academically? Also, do most people who get accepted easier in one over the other?
Any feedback is appreciated.

Bossf51

There are a number of significant differences between the two academies, the most obvious being size. The entire corps of cadets at the CGA is smaller than one class at USNA. Physically the CGA campus is also much smaller. These two factors appeal to some candidates. The CGA is more of a family atmosphere as a result.
The down side is there are a limited number of academic majors...only eight in all. The USNA offers a much larger variety.
The academics themselves are comparable. All the academies are rigorous in their academic and physical requirements. It is hard to say which is harder.
Are far as getting in, again it is tough to say which is more difficult to get in to. The Naval Academy of course requires a congressional appointment, which the CGA does not. Both are considered highly selective.
The appeal of the Coast Guard includes the fact that it is a humanitarian, rather than warrior, service. Generally speaking you are not at sea for as long a period as in the Navy.
Both have much to offer. I would suggest a visit to both schools to get a feel for what they are all about.

emm89

Have you ever heard of anyone going to one academy one year and transferring to another academy the following?

Bossf51

No...you can't actually "transfer" to an academy. You have to go through the same admissions and appointment process as everybody else. You start at square one basically. What do you have in mind?

Lukester

I have a friend who badly wanted in the AFA but was accepted at the CGA. He reapplied each year to the AFA. He left the CGA after two ful years and entered the AFA as a freshman. 6 years total of military academy experience.

Bossf51

A true glutton for punishment...ha ha

Hardball0101

The biggest difference I've seen and why I chose the CGA is simply as stated before, its a humanitarian mission. I feel the mission of the coast guard is something I am able to buy into more than the other branches. it also seems to have a more direct effect on the people around me often times. When my father was in while I was younger it was always amazing to me the amount of respect people had for someone in the coast guard.

hpflrent

Just to chime in here. When applying to the CGA, you have to realize that you are going to graduate with a BS degree because regardless of what your major is (8 total, 6 engineering/1 government/1 management), you are still going to graduate with a BS. You have to have a very strong math and science background because a large percentage of your classes through the four years is going to be math/science/engineering/physics even if you go for the government or management degree. I cannot speak to the Naval Academy because I am not familiar with their curriculum or degrees/majors, but I would not suggest trying to enter or succeed at the CGA if you have weak math or science abilities. I would encourage anyone applying to any service academy to take that fourth year of math even though it is probably not a requirement for graduation from pretty much any high school now.

JTRW3990

I am intereste din the CG and the other services. I like the CG a lot because it seems that there is a constant mission. From what I've learned, in the CG there will always be a job to do. Is this the same in the Navy...very broad question I know, I can clarify if you need it. Thanks-John