I'm new to this site and wanting to join the navy. I want to get in to OCS to become a pilot. A little background on me 2.521 GPA bachelors in management. I've been in the private sector for about 5 months now and can not stand the 9-5 cubicle work. I'm 23 and I really want to pursue becoming a pilot and am currently studying for the ASTB and getting my packet ready. I've been reading a considerable amount of the posts on here and have gotten a lot of good information. Any tips or advice that you guys have to throw out there for somebody new at this would be great. I've never had any family in the military so this is all very new to me. That being said I am highly motivated to get this done.
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Tips on getting in to OCS?
- Thread starter SnovTra
- Start date
Your best bet is to contact the local OFFICER recruiter (it sounds as if you've done that). He'll give you all the details about the application process that you'll need to know. My advice would be to put your best foot forward. Treat EVERY part of this application as if it makes the difference in your future career (a lot of it does). STUDY for the ASTB, find some good references for LORs (ones that know you, not just ranks or titles that look good). Get in the absolute best shape possible before OCS; this will save you. Most of all be forthcoming with all information and don't lie on your application (as a lot of people have) and BE PERSISTENT. Many people I've met havd had to apply multiple times to get accepted. Rejection isn't the worst thing in the world. Your GPA isn't great but if the rest of your package looks great, it will make up for it. Bottom line is make your package look the best it can and be persistent.
Best of luck.
Best of luck.
McCPilot
SNA Final Select
I have a 2.59 gpa, got selected as an SNA and I'm headed to RI for OCS in less than three weeks.
BogeySpotter is right on, persistence is key, don't give up. Keep re-applying even if they reject your packet. It took me three boards before I was accepted. After the second board I was even told "there is no way you will be considered for a SNA slot, you have too low a GPA." What'a ya know, next board I got my pro-rec and was good to go.
I got lucky, as some applicants wait over a year for their slot. Just study hard, do your research and be prepared to do whatever your recruiter asks of you. Show him you're dedicated and he'll be more willing to help you out.
Good luck!
BogeySpotter is right on, persistence is key, don't give up. Keep re-applying even if they reject your packet. It took me three boards before I was accepted. After the second board I was even told "there is no way you will be considered for a SNA slot, you have too low a GPA." What'a ya know, next board I got my pro-rec and was good to go.
I got lucky, as some applicants wait over a year for their slot. Just study hard, do your research and be prepared to do whatever your recruiter asks of you. Show him you're dedicated and he'll be more willing to help you out.
Good luck!
Ouch, I think the cutoff for pilot is 2.522.
Haha, in all seriousness, it sounds like you are on the right track. Listen to what these other guys posted because they went through the process pretty recently.
I would also spend some time on AW searching through the posts, you can find all kinds of tidbits that will be useful in this process. After you have searched for awhile feel free to ask some questions if you couldn't find the answers.
Also important is to keep the process moving, you are 23 so you have less time to get everything squared away than someone straight out of college. Good luck!
Maybe if you're trying to get a pilot slot through NROTC, but not for regular OCS.
For SWO it says you need a year of Calc and Physics based Calc. I dont have it but got accepted. Needs of the Navy it seems...
sesty
Registered User
Just to let you guys know I got Pro'Rec for SNA with a 2.13 GPA. The minumun is 2.0. You can check out this link http://www.cnrc.navy.mil/noru/orojt/generalofficer.htm to see for yourself. It's all about the NEEDS OF THE NAVY and you showing that you are a leader.
Keep in mind that the minmums listed there are far from reflecting what's competitive, which has more likely than not earned pro'recs. Having applied twice and being well over the minimums both times, that site did me no favors.
sesty
Registered User
Tiz84, here is a little secret I recieved from the big guys at CNRC in why a lot of guys don't get selected for SNA or any other officer position in the Navy for that matter. I cannot emphasize the next bit of advice enough. Go through your package with a fine-tooth comb. If even one word is misspelled they will view this as your inability to pay attention to detail. Have at least five people read your essays regarding what makes you think you'd be a good officer. It is amazing what other perspectives will catch that your own mind views as acceptable. Take the time to pain-stakingly go through every single block and every piece of paper in your package. Attention to detail is crucial. A lot of applications been rejected just from the Program Manager looking at it before it even reach the Selection Board. Make sure you show improvement since you last submission; transcripts, interviews, higher ASTB scores, flight hours is favorable, and leadership in various activities. After doing all this you should be fine.
I am
:thumbup_1. But then I wasn't. Considering my second app was 100% identical to the first one with improvements to my GPA (3.3 to 3.6), an OAR of 50, and letters, I think I had my bases covered last year in terms of crossing T's and dotting I's. The thing is what do you do after you've done all those things to set yourself apart for round two vs. other decent apps? Part of why mine was practically identical and was selected had alot to do with my reconsideration letter as well as my ability to sell those competitve qualities I felt were overlooked. On my second attempt, I had to shoot big and aim high and I couldn't do that with minimums from that site was my point. It got very very frustrating having good stats and still getting turned away.Now in the case of the topic creator I'm confident that if he does well on the ASTB (50 or greater is a solid first try), gets some decent letters, and shows the board his leadership qualities elsewhere, he'll offset that GPA. Again topic creator, shoot for the stars and you'll be fine.
