Can I get into Coast Guard Academy?

Getting into the United States Coast Guard Academy is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 15%. The average accepted student maintains a GPA of 3.8 or higher and demonstrates strong leadership abilities through extracurricular activities. Unlike other service academies, the Coast Guard Academy doesn't require a congressional nomination, which can make the application process more straightforward.

The Coast Guard Academy carefully evaluates your academic performance, focusing on core subjects like mathematics, sciences, and English. They look for students who have challenged themselves with Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses when available. Your SAT or ACT scores also play a crucial role, with successful candidates typically scoring above 1200 on the SAT or 25 on the ACT.

Physical fitness is another essential component of your application. You'll need to pass the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), which includes push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, a basketball throw, shuttle run, and one-mile run. Starting to prepare for these physical requirements early can significantly improve your chances of acceptance.

Beyond academics and physical fitness, the Coast Guard Academy values leadership experience and community involvement. Participation in student government, sports teams, volunteer work, or other leadership roles can strengthen your application. They're particularly interested in activities that demonstrate your commitment to service and ability to work as part of a team.

To maximize your chances of acceptance, start preparing early in your high school career. Focus on maintaining strong grades, particularly in STEM subjects, while developing your leadership skills through extracurricular activities. Consider attending the Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) summer program, which provides firsthand experience of cadet life and can demonstrate your serious interest in attending the Academy.