How to Decide Whether to Attend the Coast Guard Academy

The United States Coast Guard Academy, located in New London, Connecticut, develops officers for the United States Coast Guard. The smallest of the five service academies, it provides all cadets a free four-year education in exchange for at least five years of service in the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard Academy has many unique challenges ranging from summer training programs to physical fitness tests. Although an excellent education, the Coast Guard Academy is not for everyone.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection
• Running shoes
• Computer

1. Think about serving as an officer in the United States Coast Guard.

2. Decide if you want to attend a small school. Only 200 cadets graduate with each class allowing for a great deal of personalized attention.

3. Visit New London and the Coast Guard Academy. Find out what cadets do with their free time. See for yourself what cadet daily life is really like.

4. Decide if the academic education is for you. The classes offer low student to teacher ratios. Math and science is emphasized since they are preparing cadets for the technical world of the Coast Guard.

5. Get in shape physically. In addition to regular fitness tests, the Coast Guard Academy has one of the largest varsity athletic programs in the nation for a school of its size.

6. Talk to current cadets. Ask them as many questions as possible about life at the Coast Guard Academy.

7. Be ready for rules. The Coast Guard Academy is a regimented life style.

Tips & Warnings

• The Coast Guard Academy is a challenge from day one, but for the right person it can be the opportunity of a lifetime.

• Do not attend the Coast Guard Academy solely for a free education.