Arrival

The Coast Guard Academy has a proud tradition as one of the most selective colleges in America. Students come to the Academy to be challenged academically, physically and professionally. By providing excellent academic programs, a structured military regimen and competitive athletics, the Academy graduates competent and professional military leaders who serve their country and humanity with honor as Coast Guard officers.

Academy Admissions
The Coast Guard Academy annually identifies the best candidates from a nationwide pool. Persons applying should be accomplished academically, particularly in math and the sciences, physically fit, posses a record of service to the community, motivated to embrace leadership development and strongly desire to serve their country and humanity.

Applications
Application to the Academy is free, online and completely secure; paper applications are no longer distributed or processed. The application is normally available in early September with an application deadline of Feb. 1 of the year of entry.

Eligibility
You are eligible to apply to the Coast Guard Academy if you are a U.S. citizen of sound moral character, unmarried with no dependents or financial debt, 17 to 22 years of age on July 1 of the year of entry and a high school graduate or GED recipient.

Requirements
Application requires submitting an online application, submitting an essay (which is available online after you’ve completed the application), official SAT Reasoning or ACT scores with Writing Test, and the below listed supplemental forms (available online after completing the 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) and Medical Exam
The Physical Fitness Exam (PFE) is a measure of your physical aptitude. It consists of three elements worth a maximum score of 100 points each and must be administered in the following sequence: push-ups, sit-ups, 1.5 mile run.

Selection
Each application is reviewed by the Cadet Candidate Evaluation Board, which conducts a thorough, holistic review. The board members pass their findings to the director of admissions, who makes an appointment recommendation to the superintendent. All offers of appointment must be approved by the superintendent.

Tuition
Cost
Tuition, room and board at the Coast Guard Academy are paid for by the government.

Pay
Cadet pay is furnished by the government for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and other expenses incidental to training. These funds cover all official expenses and each cadet receives a portion of his or her monthly pay for personal expenses. Any funds remaining in cadets’ accounts are given to them upon graduation or departure from the Academy.

Obligation
Upon graduation from the Coast Guard Academy, there is a five-year commitment to serve as a commissioned Coast Guard officer. Approximately 80 percent of Academy graduates go to sea after graduation, and the other 20 percent of Academy graduates go to sectors, ashore operations or flight training.

Directions
The Academy is an hour from Hartford and Worcester, and 2 ½ hours from Boston and New York City.

From Hartford
Take Route 2 South to Route 11 to the end. Turn left and go to Route 85 in Salem. Take Route 85 South to Interstate 95 North. Get on Interstate 95 for a very short ¼ mile distance. Exit on service road to Briggs Street and take a left at the top of the exit ramp. Continue on Briggs Street through three traffic lights. You will now be on Mohegan Avenue. The Academy Main Gate will be on your right immediately after the third traffic light.

From Norwich and Worcester
Take Interstate 395 South to Exit 78 (Route 32 South). Continue on Route 32 approximately three miles. Take the exit for Interstate 95 South to New Haven. Turn right onto Briggs Street at stop sign at top of exit ramp. Turn right on Williams Street at next stop sign. Cross bridge and turn left on Mohegan Avenue at first traffic light. The Academy Main Gate will be on your right.

From Providence and Boston
Take Interstate 95 South to Exit 83 (Frontage Road). Take Briggs Street exit off Frontage Road. Turn left on Briggs Street at the top of the exit ramp. Continue on Briggs Street through three traffic lights. You will now be on Mohegan Avenue. The Academy Main Gate will be on your right immediately after the second traffic light.

From New York, New Haven and Westward
Take Interstate 95 North to Exit 82A (Frontage Road). Take Briggs Street exit off Frontage Road. Turn left on Briggs Street at the traffic light at the top of the exit ramp. Continue on Briggs Street through three traffic lights. You will now be on Mohegan Avenue. The Academy Main Gate will be on your right immediately after the third traffic light.

Weather
Portions of Connecticut, like New London and Hartford, have a humid climate, tempered by proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

Winters are generally considered to be cold, with average temperatures ranging from 31°F (1°C) in the maritime influenced southeast to 23°F (5°C) in the Northwest in January. The average yearly snowfall is about 25–100” (64-254 cm) across the state, with higher totals in the Northwest. Spring has variable temperatures with frequent rainfall. Summer is hot and humid throughout the state, while Fall months are mild and bring colorful foliage across the state in October and November.

During hurricane season, tropical cyclones occasionally affect the region. Thunderstorms are most frequent during the summer, occurring on average 30 times annually. These storms can be severe and the state usually averages one tornado per year. Call the Academy Information Hotline at (860) 701-6110 for more information.