Things to improve on for my Application to USCGA

<p>Hi there,
1. Academics: so I'm not a genius, but I'm certainly not dumb. I have a 4.9 weighted GPA. I am more of a logic, common sense, down-to-earth type of person; meaning that if you gave me a real life problem to solve, I'd be better at it than if I had to do a worksheet. My SATs score were not fantastic, a 1520, but that was without studying or any preparation whatsoever. So I am going to improve, my goal is at least a 1800. I take a lot of honors classes, but my strong points are definitely the liberal arts (if I were to go to the Academy I would major in Government with an emphasis in Intelligence), but I have taken honors math and science courses. I went to summer school at Georgetown through Jr. State of America (it's a political club) where I took a Government class and was a part of other programs.
2. Athletics: Inside of school I have participated in the following; 3 seasons of soccer, 1 season of basketball, 1 season of swimming, two seasons of lacrosse, and now my first season of track. Outside of school I play on a club soccer team year round and I've played on two indoor soccer teams in the winter. Generally speaking, I'm athletic, able to hold my ground against pretty much anybody. I haven't tested for the PFE yet, but will have a test run this summer. My logic is to always try new things and to smile through everything I do.
3. Leadership: I am a leader during the summer at different camps for my church, I teach 40 K-2nd graders during the year with other leaders under me, I am Dir. of Community Service for my JSA (Jr. State of America) club where I have planned a boatload of service events. I applied for NHS officer and I will be running for VP of my JSA club for next year. I will also be applying to serve on the JSA New Jersey Region Vice Mayoral Cabinet for next year. I am also going to be a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Officers next year.
4. Extracurricular Activities/Randomness: I was a part of World Affairs Council last year, I am a very avid member of my JSA club, I was 1st chair saxophone in Concert band freshman year, I also played the piano since I was six, I have been a part of FCA since freshman year (I'm a junior).
5. Community Service: If I were to document everything I did, I would have roughly a little more than 215 hours of community service per year, but I document everything up to 150/year. This is through JSA, Church, NHS and random things.
6. Character: Pretty much everybody at my school who knows me, (the school police officer, the principal, my coaches, etc.) can say I am honest, caring, compassionate, devoted, trustworthy, responsible and a positive leader. You don't know me so it's a little bit of a challenge to help you understand me in that area, but I guess you'll just have to take my word for it.
7. Passion: this is another thing you'll just have to take my word for- there is nothing else in the world I'd rather do than help somebody. They don't ever have to know my name, just that somebody cared. I want to adopt a kid from every continent, I want to change and save lives for a living, I want to help people know that they are important. And I want to be challenged when doing this. That's why I've chosen USCGA, because they train you to be compassionate, professional leaders by challenging you. I don't want things handed to me, I want to earn the right to be proud. It's through hard things that I have become better.</p>

<pre><code> So....this was a tad bit long, but if there is anything, anything at all, that you see that I could improve on I would be very grateful. I think I touched a little bit on everything they look for at the Academy, anywho thanks!
</code></pre>

<p>Other than your SAT score, you look pretty good to go. But 75% of students who attend the Coast Guard Academy have SAT scores above 1690. You really need to crank it way up in order to be competitive. Even 1800 might not make it. Take the ACT too. Some people score better on the ACT than the SAT.</p>

<p>Also, try to do even more swimming. That really is important to the Coast Guard. If water polo is an option (even as a club sport), give it a try. Coast Guard loves swimmers.</p>

<p>Remember, getting into the USCGA is a 100% competative process. Your congressman or senator cannot help. It is also the most physically demanding of the academies, with no medical waivers.</p>

<p>If you want it, you need to apply. But have a good backup plan. One possibility is going to the Merchant Marine Academy, which is the easiest academy to gain admission to AND can get you a commission as a Coast Guard officer (or Navy, or any other military branch). Your SAT score is close to average for USMMA. So, definitely explore that alternative.</p>

<p>Seriously, for people who are not quite good enough for the other service academies, the USMMA is an excellent option, especially for anybody who wants to go Coast Guard. Indeed, USMMA graduation includes an Unlimited US Coast Guard License as a Merchant Marine Officer.</p>

<p>Another possibility is to get a Navy ROTC scholarship, attend a good state university, become a naval officer for five years and then seek to transfer to the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard will probably take you. Of course this is a very round about path, but sometimes when you want something you have to do whatever it takes.</p>

<p>great, thanks for the help NROTCgrad!</p>