Tips for preparation

[Matt_M]

Hello,

I'm currently a senior in high school. I'm beginning the process of applying to various colleges. I plan to major in aeronautics. It is possible I will do a double major (business) just so I have something to fall back on. Throughout high school, I've been active both in school and in the community. I've participated in sports and completed many service hours. I don't want to come off as self-indulgent, I'm only looking for advice.

I'm wondering what I can do in college to prepare myself to apply for OCS. What are the main characteristics of those accepted? Other than keeping my grades up and remaining physically fit, how can I prepare for the future? My overall goal is to be selected as an SNA.

Thanks for the help, it means a lot to see some personalized advice.

 

[Uncle Fester]

Since you're not yet in college, any reason you're not looking into ROTC?

 

[Popo Jijo]

ROTC should be your first choice. If you already know that you want to go into the Navy, you should be looking at getting a ROTC scholarship. There is still time to find a recruiter and submit an application for a ROTC scholarship.

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Apply for the NROTC scholarship. Also, make sure whichever schools you're applying to have the NROTC program. RIGHT NOW is the time to apply, since there's still plenty of scholarships available.

 

[Matt_M]

Thanks for the replies! Yes, I have considered NROTC. It does not seem like the best option for me. The school that I was considering that offers NROTC does not have an aeronautical program. I feel safer graduating with a degree in aeronautics in case the navy does not work out. I have done extensive research and it seems that OCS is the way to go. I have also heard through this forum that those who participate in OCS can sign a "flight contract" before starting. Can you explain that for me?

 

[Uncle Fester]

It kind of sounds to me like you're artificially limiting your options. Unless you've got a full ride through other means, don't by any means underestimate the value of graduating without student debt. Not to mention a guaranteed job. There's nothing wrong with OCS - Mrs Fester got her commission that way - but at this stage in your life I think it's unwise to dismiss ROTC because of your planned major (if you're at all typical, you will probably change majors at school anyway). And if you're fixated on an Aero program as a path to a flying job, don't. You don't need to be an aero major to fly. I majored in history. Mrs Fester was a music major and minored in Hebraic Studies.

 

[Matt_M]

Okay good advice, one thing that worries me about NROTC is the whole idea that I could potentially be selected as a SWO. My number one goal in life is to fly. Whether it is in the Navy or an airline. I understand that my number one priority should be to serve my country. However, I feel that I can be more passionate in doing so in the sky.

 

[LET73]

Yep, that's the advantage to OCS (well, that and the greater flexibility you get in terms of college). Of course, plenty of my fellow intel officers started their careers in flight school and ended up redesignating for one reason or another, so there are never any real guarantees.

Aside from the standard advice of keeping your grades up, developing and maintaining good study habits, and staying in shape and out of trouble, I'd recommend picking one or two extracurriculars and sticking with it/them. Go for a leadership position. All of that will set you up well for your OCS application, but also for a fallback plan if you need one.

 

[Uncle Fester]

I can understand that; however, usually these days flight spots are generally plentiful enough. If you don't get one, it's probably it's either because there's a dearth of billets that year, or for a physical disqualification, in which case OCS or ROTC won't matter. You can go to OCS with a flight contract, but the trick is getting selected for a flight spot in the first place. See the OCS forums here to see how that goes. You do have the plus of being able to walk if you're DQ'ed for a flight billet in OCS (as opposed to ROTC where you're on the hook to the Navy for some length of time doing something depending on how much school they paid for), but overall I don't think that's enough reason to go that route.

So my advice is this: don't hold out for OCS thinking you have a better shot at getting a flight billet. Generally that's not true. At this stage in your life I think you're limiting your options based on what you're interested in right now. That's most likely going to change a lot. And besides, what you do in your college years and immediately afterward hardly determines your lifetime fate. Unless you get arrested or get a girl pregnant, so avoid those.

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Uncle Fester nailed it on the head, walking out of college debt-free is something very few graduates can say. As for aviation, chances for selection are just about the same if you were at the Naval Academy or applying as a college student for OCS. I'd say applying for aviation as a NROTC Midshipman puts you at an advantage because in the event you might not have the vision or any other condition that might hurt your chances, it gives you plenty of time to take care of it (LASIK, wisdom teeth removal, etc.).

I would also argue being in NROTC puts you in advantage. When I was a Midshipman we had group ASTB sessions to help prepare for the exam. Also, many of the supplemental questions that were asked in the exam I knew from my Naval Science classes.

Those are just my two cents...