What do my chances at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy look like?

<p>I am currently a sophomore at a top college preparatory school in my area. In my freshman year, I took two honors classes, Chemistry Honors, which is usually taken by strong juniors, and Geometry Honors, which is usually taken by strong freshman or sophomores. However, I didn't do so well in these two classes (around a C average for both Chemistry Honors and Geometry Honors). The English and History courses were the same for every freshman, but I believe I would have been in honors classes, if they were offered (around a B in English and around an A for History). I took the maximum number of courses available to a freshman, including two electives, Multimedia Design and Band. I had two unsuccessful campaigns for school vice president and school treasurer, but I was elected class representative for the ninth grade class. Over the course of my freshman year, I had over 50 community service hours, which earned me Community Service Honors. I was also a member of my church's youth group. I was cast in my school's spring drama production, and wrote and performed a play for a school drama festival. I did not participate in my school's athletic program in my freshman year, as I was focusing on my academics during the transition from a small Catholic middle school to a rigorous college preparatory school.</p>

<p>During the summer between my freshman and sophomore years was when I was inspired to attend the Academy. I don't remember what triggered this sudden desire to serving in the Coast Guard, but I felt that it was something I needed to do. Due to this increasing interest, I looked into the Coast Guard Academy. After doing some research, I realized that this is somewhere I want to attend, to better myself and my country.</p>

<p>In my sophomore year, I took three honors classes, Biology Honors, Spanish II Honors, and Algebra II Honors, and an Advanced Placement course, AP World History. I am taking the maximum number of courses available to a sophomore, including Intro to Computer Science and Band. I was elected a class representative for the tenth grade class, but later resigned that position, as I was elected school secretary, the highest school government official a sophomore could be elected. I also participated in the Model Congress, Model UN, and Euro Challenge teams at my school. Over the course of my sophomore year, I had over 50 community service hours, which earned me Community Service Honors. During the summer before my sophomore year, I volunteered at the hospital where my mother works five days out of most weeks during summer. I was also a member of my church's youth group. I was cast in my school's fall drama production, and wrote and performed a play for a school drama festival. I was a member of my school's Junior Varsity Basketball team and Junior Varsity Lacrosse team. For next year, I am considering joining the Cross Country team at my school. I am also considering the Naval Sea Cadet Corps for next year.</p>

<p>Looking at this, what would you say my chances at receiving a Congressional nomination and an offer of admission into the U.S. Coast Guard Academy?</p>

<p>You are doing all the right things, but the Academy is becoming more competitive every year. I’d suggest more math & science and a concentration on excelling in everything you do. C’s won’t work. You need a 3.5 or above, lots of high level courses and lots of leadership experience.<br>
No congressional nomination is required, so focus on tlaking challenging courses and doing very </p>

<p>Good luck! I’m sure others will weigh in.</p>

<p>You should also look at applying to the AIM program the summer of your junior going to senior year. I plan on applying to cga, and I got accepted into AIM. it really gives you a look at cadet life at the academy</p>

<p>Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G using CC App</p>

<p>I agree with Lancer on AIM for the summer of your junior year.</p>

<p>All the academies will evaluate you on:</p>

<p>1) Demonstrated Leadership + potential for leadership
2) Academic strength, with math/science having more importance
3) Physical Fitness
4) Well thought out and articulated reason to join a service branch</p>

<p>It looks like area 2) could use a lot of help, and you haven’t really explained 4) either so I cannot comment on that aspect of your future file. “to better myself and my country” is a pretty vague phrase. There are many ways to better yourself, and many ways to serve your country. Why the Coast Guard, in particular?</p>

<p>Understand there will be thousands of files from which a few hundred will be chosen. You need to make a positive impression on the Board in all four areas.</p>