Application Process:

Application to the Academy is free, online, and completely secure. The application is normally available in early September with an application deadline of February 1 of the year of entry.

Eligibility:

You are eligible to apply for the Coast Guard Academy if you are:

• A U.S. citizen of sound moral character
• Unmarried with no dependents or financial debt
• 17-22 years of age on July 1 of the year of entry
• A high school graduate or GED recipient (or will be prior to entry)

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may want to consider applying to be an International Cadet.

Application Requirements:

Unlike the other federal service academies, the Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination. To be considered for admission, you must submit all required application material by February 1 of the year of entrance (October 15 or November 1 of the year prior to entrance for Early Action consideration). This includes:

Online Application - the initial application data that allows us to start a file on you.

Essays - available online after you've completed the online application.

Supplemental Forms* - available online after you've completed the online application.

• High School Transcript(s)
• Math Instructor Evaluation
• English Instructor Evaluation
• Coach/PE Instructor Evaluation
• Commanding Officer Recommendation (if currently serving in the military)
• College Transcript(s) (if you are or were in college)
• Physical Fitness Examination (PFE)

Official SAT Reasoning or ACT with Writing Test Scores:

Also, though not required for review of your application, a qualifying DoDMERB Medical Exam must be on file before an appointment to the Academy can be offered. * Please note that supplemental information may be returned to you if received before the online application is submitted. 

Standardized Tests:

As part of your application to the Coast Guard Academy, you must submit at least one set of SAT Reasoning or ACT with Writing Test exam scores. There is no minimum test score requirement for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Successful candidates usually score at least 1100 combined Critical Reading (Verbal) and Math on the SAT, or have an ACT Composite of at least 24. To send your scores from the testing agency, contact SAT or ACT, or list our code when you take the test. Our SAT code is 5807 and our ACT code is 0600.

Early Action and Regular Admission:

Early Action: If you are applying as a high school senior or as an active duty member of the military, you are eligible to apply under our Early Action Program. Basically, if you complete your application by October 15, you will receive our admissions decision no later than December 24. Alternatively, if you complete your application by November 1, you will receive our admissions decision no later than January 15. Early Action is non-binding; you are not obligated to accept an appointment, if offered, and you have until May 1 to decide. You may also apply to any other schools you wish.

Regular Admission: Files for applicants who are not eligible for Early Action are reviewed under the Regular Admission process that begins in January and ends in April. You must complete your application, in its entirety, by February 1 in order to be considered for an appointment by the Cadet Candidate Evaluation Board (CCEB). All Regular Admission applicants will be notified of their selection status no later than April 15. If you receive an appointment, you must accept or decline by May 1 or within two weeks of our offer, whichever is later.

 

Key dates and deadlines during the application process:

• October 15: Deadline to submit all application material for review under Early Action, Group One.
• November 1: Deadline to submit all application material for review under Early Action, Group Two.
• December 11: Last eligible testing date for the ACT with Writing Test.
• By December 24: Early Action, Group One, decisions received by applicants.
• By January 15: Early Action, Group Two, decisions received by applicants.
• January 22: Last eligible testing date for the SAT Reasoning exam.
• February 1: Deadline to submit all application material for review under Regular Admission.
• April 15: Deadline for completing the DoDMERB medical examination.
• By April 15: Regular Admission decisions received by applicants.
• May 1: Deadline to accept or decline all appointment offers tendered before April 16th.
• June 1: Deadline for receiving DoDMERB medical qualification or Coast Guard Academy medical waiver.
• June 27: Reporting-In Day for the Class of 2015.