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What NRC considers competitive

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PortSide729

New Member
Hello all,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I've been coming close to getting in for a few years now but the timing never seemed quite right. Now, I'm in the throes of planning my next career move and just can't shake the Navy bug. It'll still be 12-18 months before I apply, so I may be jumping the gun a little bit but, eh, I'm a planner. I'd like to use my long lead time to my advantage and save money, pay down on student loans, and address weaknesses (fitness is admittedly not a strong point for me, so I'm mostly working to correct that).

Planning to apply for Intel:
  • 25, female, volunteer experience, VP of a student organization during grad school, Graduate Student Congress representative
  • B.A. International Relations (Middle East area focus) & Political Science (dual major with minor in International Business, 2015) 3.51 GPA
  • M.A. Criminology (2017), 4.0 GPA
  • Experience: Assistant Director of a research center (supervise personnel and day-to-days of an office of 10-15 people depending on how many interns we have, manage a large database, mentor/train graduate students, etc.) at an R1 university and an Intro to Criminal Justice course instructor (classes of 50 students, one class per semester)
  • Haven't taken the ASTB yet - I generally test well and plan to use the resources here to study before and I generally score between the 90-95th percentile on standardized tests, but not sure how good of an indicator that is for score potential. Anyway, for reference: SAT (way back in the day before the recent score change) 2010; ACT 31; GRE 165 verbal, 155 quantitative - any advice/direction to info on how these scores may or may not translate would be much appreciated. I'll take anything I can get to guide where I should be putting the bulk of my studying efforts.

I also plan to finish off a Criminology B.A. within the next couple of semesters (mostly for S&Gs, faculty/staff get classes for relatively cheap at my University, so I figure why not?) I feel like I'm a fairly strong candidate, but I know intel is a long shot for most applicants. Is there anything else that I should prioritize doing with a year to prepare? I've also thought about taking some technology-based classes in the meantime - I know that won't have the impact that a degree would but maybe it'd help?
 
S

schmoo13

Pogi
New kid on the block here. It is really good to see forums like this as I have learned a lot since I signed up. I am currently creating my OCS package and just want to know where I stand. I have a foreign degree which was evaluated through ECE (Educational Credentials Evaluation) with low GPA and was wondering how would that affect my chances? According to the PAs, I think my only option is SWO since their minimum GPA is 2.0 for prior service. Just took the OAR today and I will post some of the questions I remember on the other thread for OAR to help those who are still needing to take/retake it. Thanks for the help guys!

Active Duty: MM1 (SW), 8 years
Evals (oldest - most current): MP (Periodic), EP (Periodic), EP #10 of 139 (Transfer)
Undergrad: 2.53 GPA Bachelors in Computer Engineering (Foreign Degree)
Graduate: 3.9 GPA Masters in Information Technology (Information Assurance and Security)
OAR: 51
Age: 30
LORs: 0-6 (retired, former CO), O-3, O-3
Applying for: SWO, SWO-IP, IP
 
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L

LnkyA

New Member
RUFiO181 said:
He's too old for other programs with higher selection rates (SWO, Pilot, etc.)...
Click to expand...

Thanks for your insight. I am going to accept the spot and complete the CS degree and go from there. Even if I don’t make it in as an officer, at least I have a nice fallback option for a career.
 
RatherbeSWO15

RatherbeSWO15

New Member
So first post, just took the OAR monday. General stats below
Prior Service, 5 years active in USMC, no derogatory paperwork
B.A. History
B.S. Aeronautics (in progress)
Cumulative GPA 2.7 (Not stellar, I know)
OAR: 57
LORs: O-6 (current DESRON Commodore) O-5, O-4 (x3), O-3 (x2)
Going for SWO for the February board.
Volunteer at USS Missouri, primarily curatorial organizing records
 
FormerRecruitingGuru

FormerRecruitingGuru

Making Recruiting Great Again
RatherbeSWO15 said:
So first post, just took the OAR monday. General stats below
Prior Service, 5 years active in USMC, no derogatory paperwork
B.A. History
B.S. Aeronautics (in progress)
Cumulative GPA 2.7 (Not stellar, I know)
OAR: 57
LORs: O-6 (current DESRON Commodore) O-5, O-4 (x3), O-3 (x2)
Going for SWO for the February board.
Volunteer at USS Missouri, primarily curatorial organizing records
Click to expand...

Did you have evals from the USMC? If not you might not be eligible for the prior service waiver...
 
zoeth

zoeth

Over 9000
RatherbeSWO15

RatherbeSWO15

New Member
zoeth said:
I had to submit my latest evals with my packet to get the prior service age waiver. You will need some type of documentation showing your prior service quality to get a waiver for your GPA (2.7, since 2.8 is minimum)

This is the latest PA for SWO.
http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-n...rs/Documents/PA-100_SWO_Training_Sep-2017.pdf
Click to expand...

Were you USMC as well? Anyways, I'll be going in to talk to my old shop to see what records they actually retain, because i guess I need it for both age and GPA. Additionally, does an officer appraisal from a DESRON Commodore carry any weight? Lastly, and I hope this is a simple yes or no answer, but wouldn't I just require one outstanding end of service eval to satisfy the requirement for the prior service GPA/age waiver? That seems logical to me, but then again... this is the Department of the Navy we're talking about.
 
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jbs2010

jbs2010

Member
Hello all, just beginning the process of putting together my OCS application. I'm applying for Intel (what I wanted but also apparently the only option for me at my age).

-37 years old
-OAR: 59
-BA in Anthropology, 3.57 GPA
-MA in Archaeology, approx. 3.3 GPA (from foreign university so GPA estimated)
-Relevant work experience as an analyst in the public sector, several years of leadership/management experience
-Working on LORs and motivational statement; LORs will probably be from previous managers and professors from my Master's program. I unfortunately don't have anyone in my life from the Navy or currently in active duty who knows me well enough to use as a reference. I assume they don't want family members as a reference. My parents were both military intelligence, so I grew up in a military environment and plan to highlight that as part of why I want to join, even if it's at this later stage in life.

I know my application may not be as competitive as some, but I'm hoping my relevant work and life experience may help tip the scales a bit. My recruiter told me the next Intel board is 22 October.
 
tstudly21

tstudly21

Member
I posted this in a different section but just figured i would add an update about my application for some input. My kit is submitted for the supply board this August. You were right RUFiO181 about the time in service, but because i have 7 years of experience in contracting/supply, CDR Klem who i believe is in charge of the entire OCS board process gave me waivers directly for the age, and the time in service. That is what i figured would happen since the board has the ability to pretty much waive anything they want depending on the applicant. Really nervous for the board results which convenes on the 20th, but i believe i have a really good shot.

So i guess i am curious to see what you guys think of my chances. Here are the specifics to my package

OAR: 51

Prior Service: 7 years time in service in the Air Force, All in contracting/supply

LOR: O9 Admiral (commander of the 7th fleet), O7 Air Force General, Senator of Alaska, O5 Air Force Lt. Colonel (Contracting/Supply), Contracting/supply E-7(Retired)

GPA: 3.5 (Criminal Justice)

Masters GPA: 4.0 (Currently 3 classes left), Masters in business

Age: 32

Current position: E-5 USAF

Leadership Experience: College basketball/Europe professional basketball team captain. Organized Pro basketball camp in Abu Dhabi/Dubai for youth to improve intercultural relations. Organized military group to promote leadership through mentorship for enlisted....(Other examples but too much to type)

Let me know what you guys think.
 
B

bcekli

New Member
Hello Everyone,

First post on here and I am seeking some advice.

I am 27 years old yet was asked to take the whole ASTB at least my first time around even though I am too old to be a pilot which was fine by me. I ran into some technical difficulties where the system crashed twice. I was able to finish after restarts but was left a little flustered. I ended up scoring 53 6/6/6. I was wondering if its worth studying extra and retaking since my main goal was information professional. The issue at hand is my low GPA of 2.9. I worked full time all through college running marinas for a yacht management company so I would only go take the tests for the basic courses. But I attended all my tech courses actually in person and earned A's on those. But nevertheless I feel my GPA leaves me without a shot at IP. I plan to have SWO as backup and test into intel later on if I can.

Reposting my numbers to have clear list to see my chances.

Age: 27

GPA: 2.9 BBA in Management Information Systems from FAU

OAR: 53 6/6/6

I have been Captains in sports such as water polo, was competitive swimmer as well as a soccer background. Have built numerous servers and firewalls. I have great recommendations from prior officers and current Navy officers as well as from my work history. My work history is big on management in the marine industry and I have spent a lot of time on the water.

My main question is it worth retaking the OAR given my low gpa as I feel I can score closer to 60. But i feel it still might not be enough for IP? I am submitting in October so I have time.

Thanks for the time.
 
FormerRecruitingGuru

FormerRecruitingGuru

Making Recruiting Great Again
bcekli said:
Hello Everyone,

First post on here and I am seeking some advice.

I am 27 years old yet was asked to take the whole ASTB at least my first time around even though I am too old to be a pilot which was fine by me. I ran into some technical difficulties where the system crashed twice. I was able to finish after restarts but was left a little flustered. I ended up scoring 53 6/6/6. I was wondering if its worth studying extra and retaking since my main goal was information professional. The issue at hand is my low GPA of 2.9. I worked full time all through college running marinas for a yacht management company so I would only go take the tests for the basic courses. But I attended all my tech courses actually in person and earned A's on those. But nevertheless I feel my GPA leaves me without a shot at IP. I plan to have SWO as backup and test into intel later on if I can.

Reposting my numbers to have clear list to see my chances.

Age: 27

GPA: 2.9 BBA in Management Information Systems from FAU

OAR: 53 6/6/6

I have been Captains in sports such as water polo, was competitive swimmer as well as a soccer background. Have built numerous servers and firewalls. I have great recommendations from prior officers and current Navy officers as well as from my work history. My work history is big on management in the marine industry and I have spent a lot of time on the water.

My main question is it worth retaking the OAR given my low gpa as I feel I can score closer to 60. But i feel it still might not be enough for IP? I am submitting in October so I have time.

Thanks for the time.
Click to expand...

Are you prior enlisted?
 
robav8r

robav8r

Well-Known Member
None
Contributor
bcekli said:
Hello Everyone,

First post on here and I am seeking some advice.

I am 27 years old yet was asked to take the whole ASTB at least my first time around even though I am too old to be a pilot which was fine by me. I ran into some technical difficulties where the system crashed twice. I was able to finish after restarts but was left a little flustered. I ended up scoring 53 6/6/6. I was wondering if its worth studying extra and retaking since my main goal was information professional. The issue at hand is my low GPA of 2.9. I worked full time all through college running marinas for a yacht management company so I would only go take the tests for the basic courses. But I attended all my tech courses actually in person and earned A's on those. But nevertheless I feel my GPA leaves me without a shot at IP. I plan to have SWO as backup and test into intel later on if I can.

Reposting my numbers to have clear list to see my chances.

Age: 27

GPA: 2.9 BBA in Management Information Systems from FAU

OAR: 53 6/6/6

I have been Captains in sports such as water polo, was competitive swimmer as well as a soccer background. Have built numerous servers and firewalls. I have great recommendations from prior officers and current Navy officers as well as from my work history. My work history is big on management in the marine industry and I have spent a lot of time on the water.

My main question is it worth retaking the OAR given my low gpa as I feel I can score closer to 60. But i feel it still might not be enough for IP? I am submitting in October so I have time.

Thanks for the time.
Click to expand...
You probably have a 42% chance of making it, just my .02c of course . . . .
 
FormerRecruitingGuru

FormerRecruitingGuru

Making Recruiting Great Again
bcekli said:
No I am not. Would be coming in as a civilian. Thank you for the response.
Click to expand...

Weird they had you take the ASTB when you’re too old. Only options now are going to be supply and swo, both of which the odds are against you because of the low GPA.

You can give those two a shot, OR, start and complete a masters program - ideally STEM focused.
 
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