Apply to the Coast Guard Academy
Admission to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy is highly competitive and based on a holistic review of each applicant’s academic achievement, leadership potential, character, physical fitness, and commitment to service.
The application process at a federal service academy can be more complex and demanding than at a traditional civilian college. We strongly recommend starting as early as possible to ensure you meet all deadlines and submission requirements for consideration.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Application Deadlines
Keep these important dates in mind as you complete your application:
- July 15 – Class Application Opens
- October 15 – Early Action deadline
- By December 23 – Early Action decisions released
- January 15 – Regular Admission deadline
- By April 1 – Regular Admission decisions released
- May 1 – Appointment acceptance deadline
- June 1 – Enrollment paperwork due
- Last Monday in June – Swab Summer begins
Medical Qualification Deadlines
- July 13 – DoDMERB Medical process begins for next incoming class
- February 15 – Medical Examinations must be completed for Early Action Candidates
- April 1 – Medical Examinations must be complete for Regular Admission Candidates
- May 1 – Medical Qualification/Waiver Approval deadline
Steps to Apply
This is your hub for monitoring and completing your application. If you applied for and/or attended AIM, you can reuse your credentials and portal account by logging in here.
If you are applying to the Academy for the first time, you can create a portal account here. You can set up your portal anytime and begin your application when you are ready.
The main portion of your application consists of providing information about your personal and academic history. If you previously applied for admission, some of the information will be prepopulated based on what you already shared. You may update the information is you work through each section.
You will also need to identify your required recommenders and upload your personal statements and optional supporting documents.
Applicants are responsible for arranging and completing the PFE with a qualified adult administrator (a coach, PE teacher, JROTC instructor, etc.) After you submit your online application, the Academy will email instructions directly to the individual you designate to administer your exam.
Applicants to the Coast Guard Academy must complete the PFE; the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) cannot be substituted for this required application item.
If you attended AIM and would like to use your AIM PFE score for your application, list AIM PFE as the administrator and AIMPFE@uscga.edu as the email address.
Applicants must meet medical standards for appointment and future service as a Coast Guard officer. After submitting your application and some supporting documents, you will receive an invitation to begin the DoDMERB process which includes medical and optometric exams with a contracted provider.
It is extremely important to begin scheduling exams as quickly as possible. If you are medically disqualified and need a medical waiver, you will want to have ample time to provide additional documentation and complete additional testing if necessary.
Learn more about potential disqualifying conditions here.
Admissions may ask you to complete an interview to learn more about your preparation, goals, and interests. If so, a representative of Admissions will contact you directly. If selected for an interview, participation is required. The format of the interview – online, by phone, or face-to-face – will be based on the mutual consent of all parties.
You are responsible for ensuring that all parts of your application are complete and submitted in accordance with admissions deadlines. You can monitor the status of your application, medical status at CGA, and recommendations in your applicant portal.
We encourage you to check the portal regularly and follow up on any pending requirements. You can find a list of application requirements here.
What Makes a Strong Candidate
The Coast Guard Academy is ranked among the nation’s elite undergraduate colleges. This is reflected in our highly selective admission process. So, what distinguishes those who are accepted to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy?
- Proven academic accomplishment, particularly in math and the sciences
- Leadership skills
- An unwavering desire to serve the country and humanity
- Physical fitness and athleticism
- Well-rounded interests and experiences
- Commitment to achieve one’s full potential
Contact Information
Katy.A.Robbins@uscga.edu
Timothy.J.Devall@uscga.edu
Shannon.E.Castineira@uscga.edu
