Academy Admissions
The Coast Guard Academy admits candidates based solely on merit - no congressional nomination is required. The Academy seeks well-rounded individuals with strong academic records, leadership potential, and physical fitness.
Class Profile (Typical)
- Applications: ~2,500
- Accepted: ~400
- Class Size: ~250
- Average GPA: 3.8+
- Average SAT: 1300+
- Average ACT: 28+
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. citizen (or able to obtain citizenship by graduation)
- Between 17-22 years old on July 1 of entry year
- Unmarried with no dependents
- High school graduate or equivalent
- Medically qualified
- Good moral character
Application Components
- Online Application - Complete through Academy portal
- Transcripts - Official high school transcripts
- Test Scores - SAT or ACT (superscoring accepted)
- Recommendations - Math teacher, English teacher, counselor
- Essays - Personal statement and short answers
- Physical Fitness Assessment - Push-ups, sit-ups, run
- Medical Examination - DoDMERB physical
- Interview - With Coast Guard officer (AIM program)
Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA)
| Event | Male Average | Female Average |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball Throw | 70+ ft | 45+ ft |
| Pull-ups (or Flexed-Arm Hang) | 10+ | 3+ (or 30+ sec) |
| Shuttle Run | <9.0 sec | <10.0 sec |
| Sit-ups (2 min) | 80+ | 70+ |
| Push-ups (2 min) | 60+ | 40+ |
| 1-Mile Run | <6:30 | <7:30 |
AIM Program
Academy Introduction Mission
AIM is a one-week summer program for high school juniors to experience cadet life. Participants live in the barracks, attend classes, participate in physical training, and sail aboard the Eagle. AIM is highly recommended but not required for admission.
Timeline
- Junior Year: Begin preparation, take SAT/ACT, apply for AIM
- June-August: Attend AIM (if selected), start application
- November 1: Early Action deadline
- January 15: Regular Decision deadline
- February-March: Decisions released
- May 1: Commitment deadline
- Late June: Reporting Day (R-Day)