Coast Guard Academy

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT is, in a word, rigorous. It is one of four service academies run by the U.S. Military to train young men and women for careers as officers in the armed forces. These academies are designed to not only improve one's mind, but also one's physical constitution, character, and leadership potential. Almost every hour of every day is mapped out for students.

For the sacrifices students make, however, they get plenty in return. Tuition, room, board, books and both medical and dental care are fully paid for during all four years. Academy students also get a monthly stipend for their services. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as a junior officer in the military. With a deal like this, competition for admission is as stiff as it gets for any college or university. Last year, only about seven percent of applicants were accepted to the Coast Guard Academy.

Cadets at the CGA take on prescribed roles within the student body depending on their class year. First-year students take on the role of followers, second-years are observers and mentors, third-years are trainers, and fourth-years are leaders. Fourth-years who excel have the opportunity to assume prestigious positions within the student body such as Company Commander. All years, however, must follow cadet regulations, an example of which is keeping all doors open at a 90-degree angle from 0600 to 2200 hours.

Should you decide to attend the Coast Guard Academy, be aware that your Coast Guard experience will begin before your first class and end considerably after your last one. In early July before your first year, there are six weeks of physical, nautical and military training that leads up to the start of classes. Once you graduate from the Academy there is a 5-year commitment to serve as a commissioned Coast Guard officer.

The academic curriculum requirements are extensive and encompass specific courses rather than subject areas. The courses are: Chemistry I and II, Physics I and II, Calculus I and II, Introduction to Engineering and Design, Introduction to Electrical Engineering, Nautical Science I, II, III, and IV, Economics, American Government, English Composition and Speech, Criminal Justice, Maritime Law Enforcement, Leaders in U.S. History, Morals and Ethics, Literature of Leadership, Organizational Behavior and Leadership, Oceanography, Leadership and Organizational Development, and Probability and Statistics. Non-academic requirements include Physical Education every semester and participation in athletics in two out of three athletic seasons. Athletics may be waved, however, in lieu of an Academy-sanctioned extracurricular activity.

To apply to the Coast Guard Academy, you must be a U.S. citizen, unmarried, have no dependents, between 17 and 22 years of age, and pass a military medical exam. Academic requirements include scores from either the SAT I or ACT timed test, a high school diploma, and 4 units each of high school math and English. Several high school science courses are encouraged. Unlike other service academies, the CGA does not require a congressional nomination. Online applications are available.