What are my chances of being accepted into Army OCS with a low GPA?

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 04:47:24 -0400

I am currently an E-4 with a Bachelor's of Science in Community and Regional Development (basically a social science). I graduated almost 3 years ago with an embarrasingly low GPA, 2.67. Honestly, college was a different time for me, but I know that is of no importance when it comes to reviewers on the board checking my packet.

I am aware that there is a 2.0-2.5 minimum GPA needed to apply for OCS. However, it seems that the majority of answers I "Googled" said it was nearly impossible to get in with a low GPA. Most times, candidates are competitive with a 3.7+ GPA. These answers were from back in 2009-2012.

I would like an up-to-date response if possible. I am very good at my MOS (68W-Healthcare Specialist), highly involved, highly motivated, PT score of 336 (100 push-ups, 90 sit-ups, 12:47 two-mile run), and have greatly matured since college. I have been hesitant to even apply for OCS because of my low GPA. What are my chances of actually getting accepted?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2014 8:45 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 08:45:33 -0400

The only way to know is to submit your packet.

Yes, your GPA is low, but your service records may help you overcome it. You may get a chance to address a low GPA during your board.

Another good idea would be to work on a Masters degree. If you can get a few hours under your belt with a 3.5 or higher, you will show that you have moved on from your undergraduate years. There are many schools out there that you could work on a degree using TA and never touch your GI Bill. The University of the Incarnate Word is a school that comes to mind. TA will cover tuition, fees, and books. They are extremely military friendly.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 16 at 2014 4:47 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 16:47:55 -0400

At least you don't have any tattoos, right......? ;o)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2014 7:36 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 07:36:25 -0400

Your chances of actually getting accepted are infinitely zero for as long as you don't even try to submit request.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2014 10:59 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 10:59:41 -0400

All they can tell you is no. And if they do.....submit again. If they deny you again, keep submitting until they say yes. Grades are not everything. Your attitude and perseverance will go a long way because you are over the minimum requirements. Many times these selection boards are looking to see if you're committed to the cause. Good Luck.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 2:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2015 14:53:05 -0400

I was selected last month to attend OCS this summer. I graduated with a degree in history with a GPA of 2.67 as well. PT score is 300+. For in service candidates your recommendations are most important if you make it past your local board. If you have the support of your COC and stay compose and professional during your board then you will be fine. Feel free if you have any questions.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 12:31 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 00:31:22 -0400

If you were coming in right off the street your GPA would be more of a factor (I'm not saying it's no longer a factor, as you can tell by my rank, I also am about to fire off a packet in the near future). Since you've been in for a while, they've got ASVAB, AIT scores, and all manner of other stuff to judge you by, my understanding is your college GPA will become just one of the things they judge you by. Fire off the packet, bro. Let us know how it turns out.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 16 at 2015 12:37 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 16 May 2015 00:37:13 -0400

With that high APFT score you should be able to get a field commission before I am submit this comment. Seriously though, just apply and reapply. A grade point average is a mere number like a APFT score. It sounds like you have developed good work ethics. You should shine on your strengths.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 26 at 2015 6:25 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 18:25:52 -0400

Did you go to college during your army tenure? You need to continue walking on water for the process to work.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2015 10:56 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 22:56:57 -0500

You'd get selected. As an S1 who talks to people who administer these boards for my own knowledge... and who has a OCS packet myself up with HRC for review. I know the avg PT for in service selectees is about 285 gpa 3.3 gt 117. They say the selection rate is fifty percent, yes and no. Its about fifty percent for all of submissions... however a good portion of packets have errors with medical docs or pt test dates... or basic fill in this box not that box kindof errors. Correct packets are selected with a rate well over fifty percent... seventy to eighty percent dep on the board. Nobody with a maxed pt score was not selected. Put in a packet already... you actually have a better chance than you give yourself credit for. Btw I saw a guy with a 2.6 get selected last year... he wasn't as good a candidate as you sound like.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2016 12:12 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 12:12:14 -0400

Hello,
I encourage you to go back and study and pull up your GPA. Read more on the vlaues and ethics of an officer in the military. Leadership and your potential. Commanders or a commander who believe in you and your abilities, drive and determination in the face of obstacles can land you as a military leader. Overcome and drive on!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2016 12:17 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 12:17:50 -0400

I encourage you and others seeking with low GPA's to go back and study. No need to do the "chance." You already have the answers, your mature now, experience, value the quality of your studies. The military needs these qualities you understand. Go sign up for a Masters degree with this understanding. You will need it for your career in the Best Military in the world. Drive on!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2016 8:48 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 20:48:57 -0400

Have you done your SSD?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2016 9:08 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 21:08:42 -0400

I was told by my recruiter back when I enlisted that because I already graduated college before enlisting (E4) that I could take a few college courses while AD to raise my GPA to apply for OCS. But I wasn't sure what that meant, I already have a set GPA that I graduated with and if I take college courses while AD than chances are it won't be the college I graduated from. So what does my recruiter mean exactly?

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 11 at 2016 9:11 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 21:11:42 -0400

I wouldn't worry, some of the officers I've seen couldn't have had a very high GPA or IQ (No personal offense intended).

Being serious: You don't ask - you don't get!! Go for it unless you are stopping you!!