If you want it- Ask for it. This applies for anything, in any service, at any time.
I know an O-6 who put on his FIRST assignment wish list that he wanted to be the CO of USCGC EAGLE (An O6 job...Not an O1 job). It took 26 or so years-but he got it- because he wanted it so bad he could taste it.
If you want to be a SEAL officer- Apply for OCS and try to get a BUDs contract. Don't get it- Enlist and try to get a BUDs slot.
Always make sure you get good info (from a SEAL program manager or someone else in a job like that) and always do what you can to make yourself more competive for the program.
Good luck in which ever path you choose!!
I don't think the purpose of the post was whether he could get to BUD/S through OCS, but rather how difficult is the route. It's a huge gamble when you're off the street competeing for an officer slot at BUD/S with the academy grads, world class swimmers, etc. First and foremeost you've got to decide if you really want to be a SEAL. If the answer is yes, then what do you gain by being an officer (except a cooler uniform?) The point is if you can't get to BUD/S through OCS, than enlisting may be the correct answer. If you really want to be a SEAL than altering your immediate goals from officer to enlisted will be but a small detour in your plans. Mustang SEAL officers are looked upon with great reverence in the Teams. By the way, don't ever tell anyone what a great leader you are, wait for them to tell you.
Mike-