How to Prepare for the Coast Guard Academy

The United States Coast Guard Academy, located in New London, Connecticut, is designed to develop cadets to become leaders in the United States Coast Guard. The education extends beyond academics to include physical fitness, character development and leadership as well. As a result of its mission, the Coast Guard Academy is very different from a civilian college. Any student entering the Coast Guard Academy should be prepared for its unique challenges.

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection
• Running shoes
• Computer

Instructions

1. Take college-prep classes throughout high school. Take four years of English as well as advanced math and science classes. Admission to the Coast Guard Academy is competitive, and the other cadets are bright. Class size is small for plenty of personalized attention.

2. Be ready for science and math. Today's Coast Guard is very technical, and the Coast Guard Academy needs to ensure all graduates (not just the engineering majors) can work in a technical environment. Everyone graduates with a Bachelor of Science Degree.

3. Get in shape physically. Prepare with conditioning exercises such as sit-ups, pull-ups and push-ups as well as running. Cadets are expected to be in shape when they arrive. Approximately 70 percent of the cadets play a varsity sport.

4. Stay active in extracurricular activities. Time-management skills are vital at the Coast Guard Academy. The more practice you get in high school, the better.

5. Take on leadership roles at work, school or on teams. Learn how to deal with problems that arise in these roles. The Coast Guard Academy exists to educate leaders. All cadets take on leadership roles during their time there.

6. Visit the Coast Guard Academy if possible. Nothing provides a better idea of what the experience is like than seeing it first hand. Talk to recent graduates and read about the Academy, as well.

7. Learn about the Coast Guard. The more you know about ships, aircraft and career opportunities, the less foreign everything will seem. Summers are spent training with operational Coast Guard units.

Tips & Warnings

• Be ready for rules and regulations. The Coast Guard Academy is very structured.

• Coast Guard Academy cadets take their Honor Code very seriously.