Can I join as an officer with a low GPA?

SPC Kaitlyn Adair — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 15:20:33 -0400

I'm interested in joining the army as an officer and I have a bachelor's in business administration, but my GPA was quite low at 2.6. I understand that is not considered competitive, but I would simply like to know my odds of getting in with that GPA. My GPA declined my last year in college and this was due in part to working full time, participating in pitch competitions, and being in an on campus organization. I'm not excusing it, but trying to provide some background info. I am currently working in a field related to my degree and major as a project manager at a market research firm. I know that I would have to score extremely well with my PT score and I'm working with a trainer to improve that and I would also have to do well on the ASVAB. I normally test well and I'm also studying to prepare for that. I currently have four letters of recommendation: 2 from former employers, 1 from a former E9 in the navy, and 1 from a former O5 in the army. I'm also planning on getting one from the CEO/President of my current company. I know that my GPA works against me, but I would simply like some up to date odds on the likelihood of being able to join as an officer.

***UPDATE, 11/9/17: I requested information from all branches about joining as an officer and I've got serious interest from a Navy recruiter despite my GPA. He's pushing me to take the ASTB/OAR and get started on a packet. I will continue to update as this progresses.***

***UPDATE 5/11/18: I was waiting on my medical records to get info regarding an accident I had been in and I guess it took too long because now my recruiter won't answer my messages. I've reached out to the Navy for another recruiter. Hopefully I won't have to redo all the paperwork I've already done. I was told I wouldn't be forwarded to another recruiter until there was no contact for 6 months, but I'd rather not wait that long.***

***UPDATE 2/05/20: I decided to enlist as 35M and gain experience as enlisted before attempting to go Green to Gold later on. I'm currently attending language training.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2017 3:42 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 15:42:19 -0400

Your GPA is not that big of a deal. You need a degree, that's about it. Now your PT score on the other hand is a big deal. That needs to be good. The ASVAB is important also. But no need to worry about your GPA.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2017 3:45 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 15:45:32 -0400

SPC Kaitlyn Adair I would talk to an Army Recruiter for the best information. Working with a trainer to improve your fitness level is good. Best wishes, and keep us posted on your status.

http://army.com/forum/what-required-gpa-become-army-officer

What is the required GPA to become an Army Officer? | Army.com

I recently graduated from College Fall of 2010 and i was interested in joining the military as an officer. However I've read on other forums and google searches that you need to have a specific GPA or higher to become an officer. I was hoping I could get a definite answer on this site. My GPA now is 2.4 would that be good enough to qualify for OCS?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2017 5:25 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 17:25:02 -0400

Two thoughts which depend on how you want to serve, the Army Reserve is almost always willing to take any new 2lt's with a pulse, if you are interested in commissioning and staying at Fort Carson at your current job the reserves or National Guard can get you a commission without any issues. If you are only considering active duty (Reserves are great by the way) OCS or ROTC (masters degree) are the only real options for you. You can talk to a recruiter to see if you meet the OCS eligibility requirements, you'll go to basic then to an Officer Candidate School (OCS) and commission as a 2LT within a few months. If you are not eligible for ROTC or unable to do ROTC as part of a masters degree you may enlist as a SPC for a few years then submit an OCS packet and commission. My recommendation is to talk to all three recruiters (Active, Reserve and National Guard) and see what options you currently have.

Or you could always commission in the reserves and submit a packet for the Call to Active Duty program that they've had for the last year or two and take your chances.

Best of luck and thank you for your willingness to serve.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Oct 12 at 2017 8:08 PM

SN Greg Wright — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 20:08:38 -0400

Pretty sure OCS doesn't give a damn about your gpa. Just that you have the degree.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Oct 12 at 2017 8:15 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 20:15:08 -0400

SPC Kaitlyn Adair Don't Ever Let Anyone Tell You NO! If You Want to There is Always a Way. The Army Turned Me down as a Chinook Electrician, I'm a Retired Navy Spook!

Response by LTC John Shaw made Oct 12 at 2017 9:41 PM

LTC John Shaw — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 21:41:26 -0400

You have the main officer qualification behind you: you have your bachelor degree. Congrats!
Stop beating yourself up over the 2.6 and don't bring up the GPA unless someone specifically asks about it. After you complete your Basic course or your Masters, no one will likely ever ask what your BSBA GPA was again in your life unless it is on a government form.
So, let's have some confidence that you can get this done and you just need to find the path.
Can you join the Army as an Officer with a low GPA 2.6? Yes. It happens every year, not very much on active duty but in the National Guard and the Army Reserve.
If you competed for active duty, 1) you likely would not be selected due to GPA, 2) not get branch of any choice.
What is the benefit of joining in the Guard or Army Reserve? If you join Guard or Reserve unit and they agree to accept you, they will fund your Army branch school. If you do well, you may be offered active duty coming out of the class.
(I was a Reservist attending Active duty Signal school Oct 1990 - Mar1991 and came in top 10% of my class, they offered me to be retained on active duty and to attend Air Assault school.)
After you complete your basic branch training qualification you have a number of paths to get to active duty: 1) request a call to Active Duty, 2) request for mobilization, 3) mobilize with a unit, 4) apply for AGR, Apply for military tech (if in the national guard system)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2017 10:15 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 22:15:22 -0400

My GPA was just like yours. In high school, my highest GPA was 3.27. I had three semesters of 3.0 GPA in my last year of college but I had an overall GPA of 2.62. I joined the Army National Guard as an enlisted man at age 31 and I went through OCS and I passed with flying colors at age 33 years 9 months with an age waiver. I could run a 12-minute 2-mile and I could do over 80 push-ups and 80 sit-ups and I was the second fastest person in my OCS class. I have survived over 20 years of commissioned service and I have completed my intermediate level education with about a 92% average and I still have a 298 PT score at 54 years old. I hope to be selected for lieutenant colonel next summer. You don't have to be the smartest officer of the bunch but you have to be the most dedicated. I fly in from Canada since I moved up here in 2006 and I even deployed to Afghanistan in 2008-2009. I am not sure about active duty, but I can tell you for the National Guard and the Army Reserve ,which has the same standards as active duty by the way, just a little older allowance 32.5 years for the Army Reserve and 34 years 364 days for the Army National Guard to get your commissioning. I believe we are about to expand our military after 8 years of sequestration so this would be a great time to join. I have been mobilized three times as a guard and Reserve Citizen Soldier. We are an operational Force now. Back in the 90s, we were not really used much. I'm sure you will do fine and just have more attention to detail and others will be able to help you and you will be able to help others. Everybody has strengths and weaknesses and the model I'm sure is still 'cooperate and graduate'.

Response by CPT Wayne Brownfield made Oct 12 at 2017 10:46 PM

CPT Wayne Brownfield — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 22:46:57 -0400

Sounds like you have a plan, go for it. Always strive to do your best, I am sure you will be great at whatever you choose. Good luck with your military career.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Oct 12 at 2017 10:47 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 22:47:42 -0400

I noted you talked with a "recruiter" who said your GPA would be a problem. Not demeaning recruiters, but ask the Marine Corps recruiter to put you in touch with the Marine Officer Selection Officer (OSO) and talk with him. Even if you are set on the Army, an OSO will know the requirements for all the services. Be careful though, they are good at what they do and might convince you of the error in your thinking which wouldn't be all bad since the Marine Corps has better looking uniforms and they don't change as often. (By the way, I was put out of college on academic probation and ended up going to OCS, then Navy Flight training where I was competing with mostly college grads from any university/college you could think of; you can get whatever you shoot for)

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Oct 13 at 2017 7:45 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 07:45:18 -0400

I commented below that in my experience the Army is much more concerned about your AFQT and GT score as long as you have that piece of paper. I agree that you may want to ask to speak with someone that deals with Officer Selection since the cynical part of me says that recruiters are looking to fill those tough slots that require a high ASVAB score and may not want to lose you to OCS. OTOH, if you find it impossible to go directly from BCT to OCS, go my route. I didn't enlist with a OCS option, took the extra rank (E-3 at the time) , picked up a primary MOS and worked hard on getting good evals, then I applied to OCS. In my case, the command element solicited qualified candidates to apply. I feel it's an advantage for an Officer to experience the enlisted side of thing BTW.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2017 10:20 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 10:20:18 -0400

I went the BCT/OCS route, so I can only speak that experience. I graduated college as a depressed, non-motivated, 300lb. man with a 2.16 GPA. I entered the workforce for six (6) years where I was able to grow up and find a sense of purpose.

I was 27 when I joined. My GPA was irrelevant; MEPS saw that I had a BA and I enlisted as a 09S (Officer Candidate). I had to board to get into OCS where I explained where I was then, where I am now, and how I got there. They let me in and I graduated as 1 of 13 in a class of 91 candidates and the top of my class in SBOLC.

I'm now finishing my MA summa cum laude. You can do it!

Response by PFC Eric Parrish made Oct 16 at 2017 11:54 AM

PFC Eric Parrish — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 11:54:11 -0400

I am sure from what you said, that you meet the minimum requirements. You may want to contact your local representative and get a recommendation from him/her as well. It may not help but it wont hurt.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Oct 16 at 2017 1:59 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 13:59:34 -0400

I think you will do just fine. Judging from some of the Officers I served with you are so far ahead of them already. The APFT is important because if you can't pass that you won't be allowed any further. The ASVAB is a basic knowledge test and not very hard to pass with a high rating. The very best of luck to you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2017 5:37 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 05:37:12 -0400

You know what they call a doctor that got a C?

"Doctor."

The Army doesn't care about your GPA - granted - you won't be getting into West Point or the Citadel or whatever... but OCS probably doesn't care about your GPA so long as you have a degree.

Go for it.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2017 7:38 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 19:38:33 -0400

It depends on your flexibility I guess. I can't imagine that degree is a direct commission so you'd have to go through a commissioning program like come in as an E4 and go to OCS. Your GPA would be huge for certain commissioning routes and not important for others. If anything it would probably just hurt your OML score so you might be less likely to get the branch or component you want after OCS or whatever route you use. If you choose your component, that also affects how much your GPA will play into it. If in the national guard, and your state is over strength on officers, it'll hurt you. If your state is under strength and looking for officers, a low GPA won't hurt you.

Response by Caleb I made Oct 17 at 2017 7:52 PM

Caleb I — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 19:52:05 -0400

Its possible. I am a little too pressed for time to go into detail but I am at OCS right now and I got in with a 2.63 GPA. If you are below a 285 pt score though, you are going to struggle and may not get the branch that you want. If your pt is below 250, get ready to be force branched into FA.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2017 11:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 23:46:51 -0400

Current Army Recruiter. I'll just start by saying you meet the basic qualifications to apply for OCS. Your next step should be to go to the local recruiting center, and ask to talk to the Recruiter who has done the most OCS packets. He/she will be able to walk you through the finer details.

While a 2.6 is not super competitive it is just 1 piece of the packet. If you have good letters of recommendation, a good essay, and good PT score; and your board appearance goes well, you should get selected. It shoulds like the LoR are good, and I'm sure you can write an essay. Working in business you also are likely to present well to a board. If you have further questions please feel free to tag me and ask me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2017 11:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 23:57:29 -0400

SPC Kaitlyn Adair See my post below, I forgot to tag you and can't edit on mobile.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2017 9:33 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 09:33:40 -0400

I had a lower GPA as well (not much higher than yours) but it's your overall qualities they look at. The letters of recommendation, leadership experience, things done outside of school, PT score, how you present yourself during the selection board, etc. It's the overall picture, GPA is just one part of that. Esentialy, you're building your resume for them. OCS is no joke though, make sure you want to be there and are prepared physically and mentally!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 20 at 2017 11:01 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 11:01:33 -0400

So the consensus is GPA isn't a killer. Time to look at now what? By that I mean if you actually do the pathway and are a 1stLT, where do you go from there? Just remember at some point a graduate degree is a pedigree thing. Doing the business degree is one thing, being successful in a master's program is different. Just remember you'll always being going to school in one form or another your entire career. You don't want to make a habit out of 2.6 level effectiveness as you progress forward because you won't progress.

Response by MG Stephen Hogan made Oct 20 at 2017 1:19 PM

MG Stephen Hogan — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 13:19:59 -0400

Your GPA is higher than mine.

Response by SPC Kaitlyn Adair made Nov 16 at 2017 5:24 PM

SPC Kaitlyn Adair — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 17:24:35 -0500

***UPDATE, 11/9/17: I requested information from all branches about joining as an officer and I've got serious interest from a Navy recruiter despite my GPA. He's pushing me to take the ASTB/OAR and get started on a packet. I will continue to update as this progresses.***

Response by SPC David Willis made Nov 16 at 2017 5:29 PM

SPC David Willis — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 17:29:58 -0500

What do you call an officer who got Ds in school? Sir or Maam.

Response by MSgt Neil Greenfield made Nov 16 at 2017 9:37 PM

MSgt Neil Greenfield — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 21:37:56 -0500

One other Army option - if youre interested in flying - Warrant Officer Candidate School, or WOCS for short. There may be other branches where you can be commissioned as a Warrant Officer, you’d have to research that, but being a Warrant Officer is one excellent way to go.

Response by MSgt Neil Greenfield made Nov 16 at 2017 10:00 PM

MSgt Neil Greenfield — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 22:00:40 -0500

Maybe not relevant today, and if memory serves me correctly, the cadet at the bottom of his class at West Point in 1909 went on to do grand things. Who? George S. Patton, Jr.

Response by SPC Kaitlyn Adair made Dec 13 at 2017 3:46 PM

SPC Kaitlyn Adair — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 15:46:57 -0500

Update 12/13/17: I am now scheduled to take the ASTB/OAR in January.

Response by Gabe Malinis made Mar 29 at 2018 3:27 PM

Gabe Malinis — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 15:27:03 -0400

Any updates, Kaitlyn? I'm trying to join as an officer despite my college 2.98 GPA.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 29 at 2018 4:48 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 16:48:10 -0400

You can't fool me, you were a party girl. :) JK!

Response by SPC Kaitlyn Adair made May 11 at 2018 12:33 PM

SPC Kaitlyn Adair — Fri, 11 May 2018 12:33:35 -0400

UPDATE 5/11/18: I was waiting on my medical records to get info regarding an accident I had been in and I guess it took too long because now my recruiter won't answer my messages. I've reached out to the Navy for another recruiter. Hopefully I won't have to redo all the paperwork I've already done.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 11 at 2018 7:08 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 11 May 2018 19:08:09 -0400

Lady, you won't know till you try- see a recruiter- things change all the time.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2019 11:01 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 11:01:24 -0500

Really depends on the OCS board, iv heard some pick on applicants about their transcript. Im a 09S(commissioned officer candidate) with Army the board didn’t ask me anything about my academic records they were interested in who i was. It mostly about your ASVAB Score and PT scores. If you have any questions reach out to me i can at least tell you my experience with the army side of things.

Response by PO3 Nicholas Bennett made Feb 5 at 2020 3:51 PM

PO3 Nicholas Bennett — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 15:51:25 -0500

Wishing you the best of luck out there. The field is ever changing and I worry about the future of our new people joining the military.

My personal expeirence with the Navy was that my recruiter, as kind as he was didn't tell me everything I needed to know about average life, which cemented the way I look at all recruiters, even though I know not all of them have bad habits or are bad. The fact is, he just didn't tell me everything. I've finished off my time since then and I graduate college this week actually, but sometimes I think back to that moment. I didn't really have a choice, I was going in reguardless if I liked it or not because I was homeless at the time, but I still wonder why he dis that.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made May 29 at 2020 5:58 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Fri, 29 May 2020 17:58:28 -0400

I thought it was just a degree required, they’re not going to check your grades. But you need to pass any physical tests they throw at you too. Where you end up with testing scores as an officer I’m not sure, but as enlisted I’d guarantee you score low on the ASVABS and you drive a truck or hump a ruck. As an officer low scores maybe Special Services or Supply. Don’t know. Infantry officers imo is a primo slot, and grunts are really smart, most want the challenge.

Response by Sgt J W made Jun 3 at 2020 5:15 AM

Sgt J W — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 05:15:04 -0400

Ahh so you're already in? 35M - although I don't have experience with this MOS i am merely posting for those who find this page from search or google. It looks like a good job to get into and something that you can use outside the military if you decide to change your mind on staying in, or just as a back up side. The military has a ton of benifits, but you have to know about them and use them. For the classes we get before getting out, thats required, they just talk about resumes and jobs, but nothing much more than that. No VA, no GI Bill etc. So educate yourself before making the decision to commit on getting out. Talk to people already out and talk to people that have reenlisted. You've already got a BA so, there isnt a need to do your time (after 4 years or however long you signed up for) and then follow your peers and "get out" because if they are younger they are going to get out and "go to school".

Defiantly pick a job you can use when you're out! Which as a 35M it looks like its good, and would probably be great for DOD or even DOS contracting so something to have in your back pocket. Because trust me, it's pretty helpful. I was in USMC as 0311 infantry, so you can imagine how many job opportunities I've got when I got out. Security. Physical security. It's been OK, but that/this isn't something I want to do in the civilian sector, forever. Standing outside all dear in a full kit, or being looked at like a mall cop, with no authority. Sure I can do other things like PO, but what I am trying to say is, security. I can't work an investigator, or have much CI skills etc. Infantry was fun, but now that, that's over. I wanted to do something else. I got out of the Marines after a single enlistment. Right after I got out I began doing school and also started to government contract which has been great. But, my ultimate goal was to always go back in but only after I get a degree. I was on google looking at my GPA and just searching if there were any requirement to join, and some how ran into your post. I hope that you will be able to get an officer spot because I'm going to tell you from first hand, for long term officer is the route to go. And you get treated better.

Here is what I was told in my life - which I didn't listen to prior, but now I offer the same advice.

Do you want to be told to pick up that cigarette bud? OR do you want to TELL someone to pick up that cigarette bud.

Think about it.

Thanks for updating your post, its easy for people to say they will be back and they are never back but you kept it updated for 4 years, which I thought was pretty cool. Most people dont do that, but its helpful for other out there in the world who might be looking for information - and that is one of the main reasons why I made my post today.

Good luck on your career!

Response by Sgt J W made Jun 3 at 2020 5:15 AM

Sgt J W — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 05:15:25 -0400

Response by MSgt Michael Lane made May 28 at 2022 11:20 AM

MSgt Michael Lane — Sat, 28 May 2022 11:20:39 -0400

Go Army aviation, at minimum you would be a Warrant Officer. The Army has a huge pilot shortage.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 28 at 2022 1:20 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 28 May 2022 13:20:27 -0400

Kaitlyn, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Signed, Year Group 94 Officer, 2.55GPA.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made May 28 at 2022 2:24 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sat, 28 May 2022 14:24:27 -0400

You have a degree, what would they care about a 2.6? You need a 2.0 to graduate, so your a C+ student. There’s a lot of other variables I’d imagine as well, so excel at everything else that goes into the equation.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made May 28 at 2022 8:58 PM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Sat, 28 May 2022 20:58:00 -0400

Nah, Absolutely No Problem At All,
In Fact, If Your GPA Is Low Enough,
You May Become The Base Commander.

Response by COL David Turk made May 28 at 2022 9:30 PM

COL David Turk — Sat, 28 May 2022 21:30:24 -0400

Old thread, but curious. Did you commission? If yes, active, AR, or NG?