Just realized I didn't answer the first half of your question. Basically I submitted everything 27 September, I followed up a few times to see if I would be up for consideration for the 04 Nov pro board. Two weeks later I was given a POC for a Chief in NRC who had asked me if I wanted to apply via I-SEL since I qualified (I thought it was an automatic thing), after resubmitting with the updated package for I-SEL, my application was briefed to the OCM on the 21st who gave me a quota and I found out the same day via my command deck. Ultimately I received my acceptance letter on the 1st of November and my orders on the 6th. As far as selecting designators, I only applied for SNA, and I'd recommend only applying for one, especially if you feel you're a competitive applicant.
I didn’t do I-Sel because I was cool with my package going to board and I was hoping to have some time in between applying and selection to work on somethings (quals, certification etc.) but I was told I was competitive for multiple designators- so I applied for the three I wanted. I didn’t want all my eggs in one basket. So I applied to SWO, supply and IP.
Here’s my stats:
22 years old
F
52 OAR
3.7 GPA in BGS management information systems
3 years TIS (IT2)
I have a few IT certifications
I applied to SWO because I wanted to be out to sea as much as possible.
Supply was my second- I met the PA and my degree gave me a little background in business- so I put it down.
I put IP last because of my background- ironically my OCS coordinator said that was probably my best bet with my certifications and background. I am not as passionate about IP as SWO or supply…
I’m hoping I pick up for SWO- I’m hoping I didn’t shoot myself in the foot by applying for multiple designators