5boys

My S is a sophmore in HS and has sights set on CGA. Do you think it is the right college for someone who wants to go to medical school. He isn't interested in engineering. He loves politics, international relations and government though. Do most cadets go on to grad school after they serve their required commitment? My S is a pretty good student and a great leader. He is an Eagle Scout, heavily involved in OA( community service offshoot of scouts), a beach lifeguard, swimmer, and volunteer fireman. Already has 550 community service hours. I think the CGA is perfect for him and he would thrive in the structured environment. Example; he is the only OA member that comes to meetings in a fully starched uniform. ) He is planning on applying for AIM next summer. I know he REALLY wants to be a trauma surgeon, has since he was 2. Just wondering if CGA would be right for him in that aspect. Thanks!!

propeller

If he wants to go to medical school? definitely not. If he is into politics and international relations then yes, as international relations is one of two tracks for the government major. I think the current stats is that about approx. 80% of academy grads go on to grad school, however that is during their commitment, paid for completely by the coast guard (usually) and then of course your commitment is extended. However the cg doesnt have any medical school grad programs that they will put you through... i was at a lecture a couple months back when a LTJG in charge of the application for grad school process showed us the list of grad school opp's and med school wasnt included. The other big point is that the coast guard doesnt have its own doctors we have HS staff (health services/specialists) for enlisted, however we use public health service officers for doctors. If he wants to be a doctor outside of the cg i still wouldnt recommend him coming here as you have to be pretty motivated to be a cg officer to make it through. While there are some people that are here just for the free education and they "5 and dive" i wouldn't recommend that path because its not worth it (ie. i doubt you'd make it through the summer, let alone the first year with that mentality as you will always be questioning why you decided to come here). So, i really wouldn't recommend it if what he really wants to do is be a doctor. If he really wants to pursue the government track then i would say definitely go for it. i hope that doesnt sound negative, but thats the reality.

bearbit

Sorry, but the Coast Guard doesn't have physicians, they utilize Public Health Service Officers from the USPHS or sometimes Naval Medical facilities when close.

From what I read before, USNA has only a few medical field slots for those graduating. Most recommend going NROTC if pursuing the medical field in the Navy.

There is a moderator over at the United States Service Academy forum that graduated from the US Merchant Marine Academy and is now a navy physician, maybe he answer some of your questions; his handle is KP2001. United States of America Service Academy Forums - Powered by vBulletin

5boys

Thanks Propeller for the quick response and great info. I knew that the CGA would not pay for medical school. My feeling is that my S would get in there and fall in love with the CGA and would find another passion that he could commit to. , i.e.; search and rescue. I think the summer AIM, if he gets in, would be great way for him to help make a decision, because I totally agree with you that you really have to be 100% on board to make it through. He would never base his decision on the money aspect of it. He truly wants to lead and serve others. He just wants to weigh all of his options and find out what is more important to him, to have an amazing opportunity to help others and be a leader at the CGA, or go to another top school that is civilian, but won't have the same opportunities for leadership. He know will have many choices based on his academic record, EC's and leadership. I believe though. that the CGA is a place that he would excel the most.