Cutter44

Hi, I got my CGA appointment in December and accepted it in mid-January. (Go Bears!)

Other than a "we got your acceptance" letter a few days later, I haven't gotten anything else.

That letter said that the "Acceptance Package containing the accession paperwork, the R-day instructions, and the Cadet Handbook," wasn't completed yet and would be sent in a few weeks (that was in January).

I'm worried that they may want a lot of stuff to get done (dental xrays, background checks, vaccines, etc) and I won't have enough time.

Has anyone else who accepted an appointment heard or received anything else yet?

tman135

I thought, that they do not send the additional required information until after May 1st. Maybe I am wrong. Check with your admissions officer.

Cutter44

I'm just going by the letter from LCDR McMunn (Associate Director for Processing) that says the package would completed "in a few weeks and we will mail it to you as soon as it becomes available."

I just don't want to find out in the middle of May that I have to get my wisdom teeth removed the night before the prom, or that I have to run all over the state trying to get a police record check finished when I could be at the beach for a final vacation. Those 2 weeks between HS graduation and R-day will go by very quickly.

Did your letter from the Academy say the information would come after May 1st?

When did you accept your appointment?

haroldg48

My suggestion is that you look at the Cadet Handbook, or Parent Handbook. They both have a list of things that need to be done (i.e., get a passport, dental exam, etc) which I'm sure doesn't change mush from year to year. I've included a link where you can find and print them:
U.S. Coast Guard Academy Parents Association - National Home Page

br2011

they came around may last year. dont worry though, theres not too much you have to do. at this point i would apply for a passport and if possible (and necessary) get your wisdom teeth taken out. i dont know if you guys will need a passport for eagle, but its good to have anyways and it takes a while to get it. having your wisdom teeth removed is also not required, but if you know that they will eventually have to come out recovering at home is a lot better than doing it here

zachogden

I actually went and applied for my passport a week or so ago. The process took about 30 minutes total and they said it would take a month or so to get to me. Don't forget to take a birth certificate, they require it as part of the application. I think Eagle is staying off the coast of California for 2012's Swab cruise though I may be wrong and things change so we'll see.

br2011

you'll be lucky to get a passport in a month. there's been a huge increase in applications because they require them to get into mexico/canada now. i applied for mine in april last year and it didnt come until the end of July

Cutter44

Passport is no problem, I just got my renewed one last year that is good for 10 years.

I know I should get dental x rays, and I'm pretty sure that my dentist said that I don't have any wisdom teeth issues, but I don't know what the specific rules for USCGA are.

I guess the three things that I'm worried about are:

• the shots/inoculations - what do I have to get so I won't have to get a lot on R-day? Is this part of the instructions that will be sent?
  
  
• the background check forms - can they simply be mailed or do they require an "in-person" visit to to places I have lived before?
  
  
• the award ceremony presentation - My high school has an awards night for the graduating seniors where academy appointments can be presented. The reps from the USNA and USAFA have already contacted the guidance office, and the counselors are asking me about my USCGA appointment. I don't know what to tell them as I don't have any information about it yet.

I'm sure there are other issues that I don't even know about, and that is the hardest part. My friends who got appointments to other academies have all received their reporting information, I have nothing yet.

br2011

a list of shots will come in the packet. if you're fairly updated on your shots you will probably only need a couple and if for some reason you cant get them before reporting they'll just give them to you here

as far as background checks you'll get instructions for an online security clearance for that is pretty long, but i dont remember having to visit any places to get things checked off

i would try contacting admissions about awards ceremonies. i think there was a sheet to request a rep in the admissions packet, but if you need it sooner admissions can probably help you out

zachogden

I got my passport in the mail today... took about two weeks. Looks pretty cool!

hpflrent

We had to supply panoramic x-rays, not bitewings, so you might want to check on that before you go. It would save you going twice. You don't have to do anything as far as obtaining a background check, they do that. They will just have you fill out a form with all your information and send it in. They take it from there.

bearbit

Cutter,
One of the shots required last year was the DPT vaccine. DPT is given in three separate doses about two months apart. So this shot would be one to get now if you don't want any inoculations on R-Day.

Also, the 2011 Cadet Handbook suggests getting a copy of the "Running Light" to become familiar with. Come April or May they sell out quick.

Cutter44

I'm pretty sure I've had DPT shots already, and I have set up an appointment for panagraphic dental xrays.

My doctor guesses they may also require the meningitis and hepatitis vaccines too, but he won't give them unless I am sure I have to have them per the academy requirements. Same with smallpox, which he thinks all military must get (not sure).

I'm gonna call the bookstore on Monday and order a copy of Running Lights, thanks for the heads up, bearbit. If you don't order one, I assume they give you one on R-day, right? Or do they sell them all and have to wait for more? I wouldn't want to show up and not have one at all.

And my school awards night is not until early June so I guess I'll have enough time to get an appointment presentation at the ceremony.

PS - I'm glad to see some activity in the Coastie section here at CC! Start posting your appointments when they come next week!

br2011

i wouldnt worry too much about getting a copy of running lights. they issue you one when you get here and it will be in front of your face for a majority of the summer. the only reason to get one early is to get ahead on learning indoc which really is not that important. enjoy the few months of normal life that you have left.

just wait on the shots list, you'll have plenty of time to get the ones you need before reporting

propeller

Well i hope if they let us know soon if we need shots, i leave for europe next week and wont be back until end of april....