Do I stand a chance

[w4r4y]

Hey everyone, I'm making this post to get some potential insight on my situation. I'm 24, with a business degree (2.8 GPA) bad I know; I struggled with online school during covid and my gpa slipped. I started considering applying for SNA early last year. However, I have had some unfortunate issues pop up during my preparation for taking the ASTB-E. I injured my right knee while training and had to have a scope done (Chondroplasty of the patella) and about a month after my surgery, I ended up in the ER with intense side pain. After a host of tests and scans, it was discovered that I had a congenital UPJ (Ureteropelvic junction) obstruction, causing mild hydronephrosis (which is disqualifying). I had to go to a Urologist, who placed a stent to allow regular flow for the meantime, I had issues with the stent and landed in the ER a couple more times. The Urologist had the stent removed to see if it "fixed the problem"... it did not. I landed in the hospital overnight and had to have an emergency stent placed. I was sent for surgery a month later, where I had a laproscopic pyeloplasty. They did renal scans post-surgery and I no longer have hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney w/ water) and I now have normal 100% renal function. Because of the specific condition, I was only able to find one other guy with the same condition in the forums; long story short he was DQ'd multiple times due to his history of hydronephrosis; but after a lot of attempts he was able to get a waiver. He didn't mention any other issues or having a shitty GPA like mine though.
Now, my question is (which is probably stupid) does the combination of these issues completely ruin my chances? I was studying, training and doing all the preparation prior to the 5+ months of health crisis. But at this point, I am pretty much a bottom of the barrel candidate in every way on paper and wondering if it is even worth trying to continue on this path. I lost my job due to the longevity of the kidney process so I was gonna spend the time studying/prepping again, but I think the smart thing is to abandon the dream and move on, try to get a new job and put it behind me. I appreciate any insight.

 

[Griz882]

Others with more contemporary information will know better…but be prepared for a disappointment. You could possibly try for an Army warrant officer slot to fly helicopters (something you might end up doing in the navy in any case.

But, the bottom line is that your gpa and health issues make you a meh candidate…and I assume you haven’t even tried the necessary exams. You’d need to ace those to make your application suitable.

 

[jgeraghty]

If you are able to attain a waiver for your medical issues, then they won't be an issue for selection. OCS boards just know that you're medically cleared, and they won't penalize you for having a medical waiver. I would try to go to MEPS soon and get a waiver if needed.

Your GPA isn't great, but it isn't horrible. If you can score well on the ASTB, that will outweigh your GPA. You might be disappointed in the end, but you'll likely regret it if you self-eliminate prematurely.

 

[GoBoilers25]

I will say this. While you definitely do have challenges in front of you, don't let yourself be sitting on your couch when you are older thinking "what if I tried?". If you go through the process and are ultimately medically disqualified, at least you will have the closure that you gave it a shot. While your GPA isn't the best, the ASTB is the most important factor for SNA, particularly your PFAR score. My advice is give it a shot; make them tell you no before you stop trying. The two best things you can do for yourself is try to get a waiver, and absolutely blow the ASTB out of the water.

 

[NKMess]

I will say this. While you definitely do have challenges in front of you, don't let yourself be sitting on your couch when you are older thinking "what if I tried?". If you go through the process and are ultimately medically disqualified, at least you will have the closure that you gave it a shot. While your GPA isn't the best, the ASTB is the most important factor for SNA, particularly your PFAR score. My advice is give it a shot; make them tell you no before you stop trying. The two best things you can do for yourself is try to get a waiver, and absolutely blow the ASTB out of the water.

"What if I tried" is an excellent point. I always wanted to be an aviator, but ultimately ended up enlisting as it seemed like the more achievable option (I was a poor student in HS, and was diagnosed with ADHD as a young kid). A couple of years ago that idea drove me nuts, so I gave it my best effort for selection. So glad I did. Pretty much anything worth achieving is worth the risk that comes with it, and in this case this risk to apply is quite low. Just a bit of time and effort to get your foot in the door.

 

[csandor]

If you never go through the process, then you will never know, and always regret not knowing. Find your motivation, because you really have to want to go through the process, and find someone willing to mentor you through the paperwork. Keep going until they tell you absolutely not. Good luck!

 

[Bill427]

I have no kidney issues like yours but my body is more machine than man and I had your exact same GPA, and despite this I'm still in the helo pipeline loving life, in my lane, moisturized, thriving ✨

They give you two kidneys for a reason, if you lose one that'll just help with your power calcs. But for real I know a guy who had kidney issues and he's still flying.

There's a waiver for almost everything. Just study your ass off for the ASTB and smash some high scores and the rest is out of your hands. Make yourself as valuable as possible, and own any past shortcomings (GPA) in your personal statement on the application.

Ask for the waivers and take the leap my guy.