Hey guys, I've been reading through most of the posts on here about PLC and most of it applies to people already done with high school. I just had some questions on what I can do as a high school Junior. I just want to ask some questions about the program and what I can do right now to make myself a stronger and better candidate in the future. 1. When should I first talk to an OSO? 2. What should I do besides volunteering, being in clubs, sports and other extra curricular activities? 3. What classes and/or programs should I take in high school that will help me be more successful in OCS and the Marines in general? 4. Does it matter what college I go to, will a private university look better on an application than a community college? (I've heard they don't discriminate but I'd just like to see what others think) I appreciate any responses, Jake
Jake, 1. I called an OSO in September of my Freshman (college) year. 2. Stay out of trouble, date hot chicks. 3. Sports will better prepare you for OCS than any high school class can. Challenge yourself. Set goals. 4. I know of one guy in my platoon at OCS three years ago who was in a community college program. That's the only case I've ever seen.
Pretty much what matt said. 1. Freshman year at the earliest. 2. Do what you are interested in doing. 3. Just do well and get into the school you want. 4. Go to the best school you can afford. It can be Havard or Northcentralwestern State Tech. You need a degree from a real college to commission.
Thanks guys, appreciate the help. Here's a question, would you have done anything differently in high school that would have helped you in the Marines?
I wish I had started working out in high school. I'm not telling you to go to the weight room every day, but try to run a couple times a week and work on pullups. Google "armstrong pullup program".
Thanks for the tips. I have been working out as much as I can and I am in a weights class in school so I am in the weights room everyday. Do you guys think it is important to go find a college near an OSO? I've found a school that I like but the nearest OSO is over 5 hours away, maybe I should find a different one. Thanks, Jake
Jake, 1. Don't do drugs. 2. Don't get a DUI. 3. Get in shape. It sounds pretty basic, but you'd be surprised how many people punt those three simple things into the stands (especially the first two), and spend years trying to dig themselves out of the holes they've buried themselves in. Not a month goes by on this board where we don't read a tale of someone who got a DUI, smoked weed, etc. in high school or college, and is surprised when the OSO tells them "Too bad, so sad." This site is full of good gouge; search around, and feel free to ask quality questions if you've got 'em.
I know several guys who had to drive hours to meet with their OSO. It would suck, but then again I would not let that keep you from going to the school you want to attend. Just plan on keeping in touch with your OSO via phone a lot. When I was in college, my school's OSO would drive to other universities in our region to administer PFT's and meet with the candidates. I don't if this would be the case at your school, but it is something to look into.
If it's a decent sized school, that OSO probably has enough contacts there to warrant a trip or two every month.
Hey guys, I just had a quick question for you all. I was wondering how many candidates get sent home from OCS? I know about a third don't make it through in total but that's including the people who drop out as well. Thanks, Jake
Since I passed my PFT two years ago I've seen my OSO in person about 5 times and I will be commissioning in May. Almost everything can be done via fax/e-mail/telephone so choose a school that you will enjoy going to which has a major you will enjoy studying. Live it up, but don't get arrested.
Hey guys I was wondering if you think getting into PLC will be a lot more difficult with the plans to reduce the military after we leave Afghanistan and all of the DoD defense cuts. Do you think a lot of these cuts will actually go through? Thanks, Jake
Go over to marineocs.com, join and read there. The answer to your question is yes- and the Marine Corps is already getting smaller.
The answer to all of your questions is up to you. Will you fail out/attrite from OCS? Will you be a strong enough candidate to be selected for an officer program in the Marine Corps with a dwindling defense budget? It doesn't matter what happened to someone else, it just matters that you 1) want it, and 2) give it 100%. You'd be surprised how many things in life work out when you do both those things.
Yes PLC has gotten much more difficult than even a couple years ago. Yes the military is/will be drawing down (USMC certainly included). However, that doesn't discount the fact that the USMC will ALWAYS need officers no matter how bad the cuts get. In addition to everything the others have said, I will reiterate: get that PFT as close to 300 as possible. That means get on a pullup program NOW (if not already) and start running NOW (consistently). Good grades/involvement is a given, however an excellent PFT score is something that bites a lot of people in the ass come package time. and... Don't quit. You will run into hiccups along the way and doors will be slammed flat in your face at times. Get right up and don't stop till you achieve what you want. "Go confidently into the direction of your dreams! Live the life you always imagined". - Thoreau gig em'
I was accepted into OCS while still at a community college. I obviously had to transfer to a 4 year institution but it's not impossible. That was also in 2003: good job market and we were about to invade Iraq. Your mileage may vary.
Thanks guys for all your feedback! This site has been super helpful for me and full of good information and I really appreciate all your help. Thanks, Jake
