What makes one competitive for Army OCS?

With this low of a GPA, probably not very good. If you aren't too old you will have better luck enlisting and then applying when you have some more achievements on your resume

I commissioned ROTC, but my GPA was a 2.8 and I got my first choice of branch and competent. That may be a route for you if you decide to get another degree. You only need 2 years of ROTC.

Not sure if this answer helps or not...but I just completed traditional State OCS with the New York Army National Guard. I had a 2.3 GPA before I left college. That was in 2003 & I've since enlisted (2011) with 6 years in the Army Reserve (and made E-5 before adding 2 years in the Air National Guard). I've had some jumping around lol.

My point is....it isn't impossible. You might have to go another route....but I think you can do it.

Maybe go Guard? *wink wink*

How many years do you have left in school?
ROTC will be your best bet to get a commission. The local staff have the ability to take factors other than grades into account. Talk to them.

Best of luck

After graduation, enlist in the NG in a related MOS, complete basic/AIT, and then get a second similar or at least a degree that opens you up to more job opportunities after service at a different school that allows credit transfers with your current school. If accepted, enroll in ROTC immediately. Many state’s have state GI Bills that can assist with the new tuition costs. You might even be able to apply your NG years to your active pay scale like I did.

ROTC accessions, at least in 1998, will use the new school’s GPA in your current degree program as the basis of what choices and duty stations you get preference for.

I did almost exactly what I explained, and it helped me immensely. I graduated second in my class as a Distinguished Military Graduate, got my first pick for my branch (MOS), and my first pick at duty location, after my lackluster performance at my first school.

Otherwise, enlisting and rolling your dice for OCS is an option, but there’s a lot of factors for getting accepted. ROTC is a lot easier to get in, but it will add years to your schooling. Take it from me, anything that can give you a leg up in promotion boards, or potential civilian employers, is worth it. I was medically discharged 6 years into my career, so a second degree would help in promotions or civilian opportunities.