Applying to OCS with a 3.11 GPA — looking for advice

[Apin0531]

Hello everyone, there’s something that’s been worrying me for a while and I hope you guys can help me with it.

I’m currently applying to OCS and feeling a bit anxious about my GPA. My cumulative is a 3.11 — not the worst, but definitely not the strongest either. My first 2-3 semesters were rough, but I’ve had over a 3.0 every semester since. Still, my overall GPA didn’t move much.

For anyone who got selected with a lower GPA:
• What did your academic record look like overall?
• What did you score on the OAR?
• What do you think helped your application the most?

I’d really appreciate hearing from others who’ve been in a similar spot. Did your GPA end up being a deciding factor? Or did strong scores and experience make up for it? Just trying to gauge where I stand and learn from others who’ve been through it. Any advice or input would mean a lot. Thank you.

 

[GimmeBats]

I recently got accepted for an SNA slot, going to OCS on October 5th.

My academic record was not the best, had a good number of withdrawals my first couple of years. Pulled my GPA back up to a 3.1 over the past 2 years though.
I scored a 56 on the OAR, a 6/8/7 on the ASTB.
I think my scores on the OAR and the ASTB helped the most, and I think as long as you hit the GPA requirement for whatever designator you're applying to then it is fine. From what I've heard they just glance over the transcript.

The most important thing is scoring well on the testing, and after putting together a good package together and you'll be alright. A strong personal statement (there is a whole thread on here that helps people write them) and some LORs will provide some support. Goodluck!

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Hello everyone, there’s something that’s been worrying me for a while and I hope you guys can help me with it.

I’m currently applying to OCS and feeling a bit anxious about my GPA. My cumulative is a 3.11 — not the worst, but definitely not the strongest either. My first 2-3 semesters were rough, but I’ve had over a 3.0 every semester since. Still, my overall GPA didn’t move much.

For anyone who got selected with a lower GPA:
• What did your academic record look like overall?
• What did you score on the OAR?
• What do you think helped your application the most?

I’d really appreciate hearing from others who’ve been in a similar spot. Did your GPA end up being a deciding factor? Or did strong scores and experience make up for it? Just trying to gauge where I stand and learn from others who’ve been through it. Any advice or input would mean a lot. Thank you.

First and foremost, welcome to the forum. Second, the "new guy/gal" posts are discouraged since there's already a ton of information at your disposal. Please take the time to browse around the forums, there's specific OCS board threads (Pilot/NFO, SWO, Supply, etc.) where you can see where you stack against others.

Similarly, for any follow on questions, discussion, etc. please use the search function first.

Good luck!

 

[elariosa95]

Hello everyone, there’s something that’s been worrying me for a while and I hope you guys can help me with it.

I’m currently applying to OCS and feeling a bit anxious about my GPA. My cumulative is a 3.11 — not the worst, but definitely not the strongest either. My first 2-3 semesters were rough, but I’ve had over a 3.0 every semester since. Still, my overall GPA didn’t move much.

For anyone who got selected with a lower GPA:
• What did your academic record look like overall?
• What did you score on the OAR?
• What do you think helped your application the most?

I’d really appreciate hearing from others who’ve been in a similar spot. Did your GPA end up being a deciding factor? Or did strong scores and experience make up for it? Just trying to gauge where I stand and learn from others who’ve been through it. Any advice or input would mean a lot. Thank you.

Like mentioned above, there are plenty of posts on the website that can help with your question. Try searching the 1001 Questions about the ASTB thread

In the interest of helping tho, I'll go ahead and answer:

• I had a 3.069 GPA with a BS in Mechanical Engineering
• My third (and final) ASTB attempt was 73/9/7/7
• The most conclusive gouge points to the PFAR/FOFAR being the most important factors in getting selected for what you're applying for (SNA or SNFO).
  • In general, "OAR gets you to the board, PFAR and FOFAR get you to OCS"