How competitive am I for Army OCS?

2020-06-04T21:55:10-04:00

I apologize if you guys get this question a lot but would appreciate your thoughts and feedback. I'm currently a rising senior at one of the better large state schools majoring in Political Science. As of a few weeks ago I have a 3.35 GPA but will likely be a 3.4+ by the time I graduate (planning on retaking a couple of courses I did poorly on freshman and sophomore year). I haven't taken the ASVAB yet but anticipate doing well - I took a full practice test from Kaplan and only got 2 questions wrong on the GT sections collectively. EC-wise I am involved in the student government, am the president of a club, and am a former AmeriCorps member.

Last week, my recruiter had me speak to another recruiter who was more familiar with the OCS application process. She told me that I would not be competitive candidate unless I got my GPA to 3.5 or above and started playing a sport. She also suggested that I consider the enlisted to officer route.

If anyone is able to offer a second opinion based on their experience/knowledge of the process and give me general feedback on what I can do to build a stronger application, it would be much appreciated.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2020 10:05 PM

2020-06-04T22:05:48-04:00

Your GPA is fine, comprehensively you sound like a competitive candidate on paper. I got accepted with a 3.8, and my buddy with a managerial background got accepted with a sub 3.0. It’s about much more than just GPA. How you present yourself to the board will be far more important. As for the enlisted to officer route, that’s what I did. I certainly don’t regret it; however, if you want to be an officer - be an officer. Recruiters will attempt to steer you toward the enlisted route because it’s much simpler for them to do so. Again, I did that route. I spent 4 1/2 years enlisted. There are pros and cons with either way you choose. Just look at your long term goals and see how it will help you achieve those. Best wishes.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2020 1:55 AM

2020-06-05T01:55:56-04:00

Thats a load of shit.
Doing well in OCS is what you need to do. They don't want to do the paperwork and might lose you as a number.
I am a recruiter.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2020 10:20 PM

2020-06-22T22:20:32-04:00

I went through OCS in 2018-2019. I don't think that your GPA is going to be the thing that holds you back from getting through the board. I would worry more about PT and getting that score up as high as possible before you have to explain to a group of Captains and Majors why you can't get higher than a 250. Worry about PT and think about things that set you apart, your GPA is just a small piece of the puzzle.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2020 11:05 AM

2020-09-01T11:05:34-04:00

1. Go buy the ultimate officer candidate school guide book written by Captain Ryan Pierce and get prepared for OCS
2. Look at the ACFT and start exercising, make sure you can do at minimum 70% in each category, I am planning to max it out before going personally, why not
3. Contact another recruiter, until you find one that's not wasting your time like your current one

Good luck!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2020 10:00 PM

2020-10-06T22:00:49-04:00

It’s impossible to get selected if you don’t apply.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2020 12:06 AM

2020-10-07T00:06:29-04:00

Stuart Allen … You need to get the "OCS Option" in your contract. If it's not in there, then don't sign. All the recruiters want you to go Enlisted & then apply for OCS later. They may not get credit for you as an OCS student. It's not a clear cut or easy process to apply for OCS once you're in the regular Army.

If you get the OCS Option, then you'll do Basic Training (If you haven't been in the Army within 3 years- Check with the recruiter on the details) and then report to the Officer Candidate School after Basic.

Good Luck to you!