Two responses that allow you up to 1000 words to 'poeticize' -- not bad!
Only one of the two smaller US service academies runs a summer program for students. It is the US Coast Guard Academy and the program is called the Academy Introduction Mission, or AIM. Unlike, USCGA, the Merchant Marine Academy does not host a similar summer program. But, let's explore AIM, and specifically, the two 500-word essays that are required for the application.
The AIM essays for 2025 (and over the last few years) are:
Why do you want to attend the AIM Program and what are your expectations for the program?
This is an opportunity to provide any additional information, such as a resume.
However, before you start your essays, I recommend reviewing the details on the USCGA website. You should especially review the AIM information, including the blogs written and provided on the site from AIM attendees. I think you will find them insightful, plus they offer some ideas that you may use in your AIM essays. After completing this review, you should start drafting your statements.
First, consider your motivations, your expectations and your pertinent experiences that you would like to share. Take the time to draft two good responses, and revisit each one a few times to tighten up the grammar and to make your sentences concise. I also suggest drafting your essays 'outside' the application using a word processor, like Google Docs or Microsoft Word. Both include a word count tool to ensure you do not exceed 500 words for each response.
For the first essay, with the prompts of "why" and "what," let's discuss your approach.
For most students, you are applying to the AIM program because you are interested in attending the Coast Guard Academy and serving in the US Coast Guard. I recommend noting this fact in your essay along with your motivations to follow this career path. You may wish to share details of how these interests formed along with the advantages you believe are realized by attending AIM. With your response to the 'why' portion of the essay completed, you should move to the next portion of your statement.
I believe that with your previous USCGA research, you will be able to articulate 'what' the program will offer for you. This approach will allow you to respond uniquely instead of repeating other's ideas (including mine!). So, what are your expectations?
Your expectations for the program may cover the gamut of areas, including exploring the school campus, learning about the Coast Guard, meeting cadets, learning about the lifestyle, meeting instructors, hearing answers to questions, experiencing military standards, sleeping in the dormitories, eating the meals in the dining hall, feeling the pressures of Swab Summer training, and the list goes on. As I noted earlier, you may want to revisit the essay a few times as your review your AIM 'objectives.'
For the second essay, which is essentially sharing anything you would like to share, let's look at some of the approaches you may want to use.
Here is a list of items you might include in writing this particular response:
A résumé, as suggested by the prompt.
Stories of your successes in difference activities and sports that you have not shared in the application. Ideally, you might share the 'impacts' you have made within clubs, teams, and other groups.
A challenge or adverse situation that you have overcome or addressed.
Uniques talents or life experiences that you bring to AIM.
Other experiences, such as you work to earn an award, like the Mitchell Award in Civil Air Patrol, or the Eagle rank in Scouting.
With 500 words, you may find enough space to include several of these ideas. The items you might include are varied, just like the different individuals applying to AIM.
The AIM program is fun and tough! I have had a number of my students participate in AIM, and all enjoyed it. Your application and the associated essays are the start. I recommend reviewing AIM details on the USCGA website, start your drafts, respond to each of the prompts, and be sure to include some unique details about you in each of the responses. And, be sure to have everything completed and submitted well before April 1!
Good luck and happy writing!
[ I would welcome a chance to discuss details with you. I offer coaching services to pace and prepare you (and your parents!) for the entire Academy application process -- including assisting students with their AIM essays! Contact me at chris@cbbrechin.com, 503.515.7406 or complete my contact form on the home page. ]
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