Concerning personal statements...

[erinbynight]

I noticed that a lot of people were referencing personal statements as being one of the defining lines between being accepted to BDCP and not. For those of you who have been pro-recd or accepted, do you think your personal statement had a lot to do with it? What advice can you give about writing these recommendations?

 

[Godspeed]

A few good things to possibly include in a motivational statement:
-why do you want to become an officer of the navy
-what makes you qualified to meet the demanding role of a naval officer
-any leadership experience you've had and how you can contribute it to the navy
-how being an officer in the navy will influence your life and help you in the future
-if you want to be a pilot, don't just focus on the "i want to fly" aspect, spend a considerable portion (if not most) of your essay to solely talk about your aspirations to just become a naval officer.

A few things to not include in a motivational statement.
-your desires to get a sex change
-how your only interest is to bomb people in an F-18
-ranting and raving about how you only want to fly fighter planes because you saw top gun and wanted to be like maverick, etc----

All of this is just my opinion. Other people on this forum probably have their own ideas about what should be included or not, but these were the first that came to my mind. Hope it helps!

 

[VetteMuscle427]

A few things to not include in a motivational statement.
-your desires to get a sex change
-how your only interest is to bomb people in an F-18
-ranting and raving about how you only want to fly fighter planes because you saw top gun and wanted to be like maverick, etc----

LOL


10 char

 

[jg5343]

I didn't really put much thought into mine and put the usual BS about wanting to fly my entire life. I am prior service so I mentioned that I know what to expect. I don't think it was a deciding factor for me, but I certainly wouldn't slack off on it if the rest of your package is weak.

 

[Kycntryboy]

Just remember to say the keywords in there... "patriot", "team player", "commited", officer first; pilot (if applicable) second. I agree with Godspeed, the board usually frowns on sex changes, and Maverick. BUT an ICEMAN reference and your in like Flynn.

 

[wink]

In today's environment, they are looking for reasons to non-select people. Give them a weak statement and you have given them a reason. Godspeed provided a reasonable outline.

 

[metro]

Forget Iceman and Maverick. Jester's the guy.

 

[erinbynight]

LOL. So the next question is, how decisive of a factor was Top Gun? J/k. Thanks for all your help