What are some things I can do to improve my application?

[Pin.Majik.Juan]

Hey guys, there's some really good info on this forum, so thanks to everyone that has shared.

I just started the application process to apply for OCS. If someone could give me some insight into what they think about my resume/chances it would really be appreciated. I'm also looking for ideas on how to make the positives work in my favor and the negatives stand out less.

Positives
*B.A. in Technical Communication from Wisconsin-Stout 3.5 GPA
Applied Field of Business & Management
*Paid my way through college
*Worked 2 jobs through college
*Held jobs for 5 years and 7 years
*Played 3 varsity sports in high school, lettered in 2
*Great physical condition, strong swimmer

Negatives
*Lack of honors/awards
*Lack of clubs/organizations
*No flight time
*2 tickets (both paid)
---underage possession of alcohol
---removal of property (my roommate stole a pizza I had ordered from my phone)
*use of marijuana (5 times total - over a year ago)

Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?

I'm currently studying for the ASTB, I'm guessing how well I do on that will go a long ways in determining how good my chances are. I'm also planning on doing some community service in the next couple months to help fill some of those voids.

Thanks,
Brandon

 

[kidday03]

If you have a 3.5, you should have received some Dean's letters or President's letters during some semesters. Those you can add in Section II, block 6. Also in your motivational statement you can explain how you have grown up and learned from your mistakes. Talk about how you worked your way through college and made good grades.

Try not to focus on the negatives at all. Definitely start doing some community service so that you can put that on your application.

If you were player of the month or MVP or anything while playing sports, make sure and put that in Section II, part 4.

If you have done any training, classes or anything that you think will benefit the Navy, make sure and put that on your app as well. That goes in Section II, part 8.

Not sure about the drug use, I know that you have to mention it, but only a little over a year ago really isn't that long. I'm not sure how old you are, but they want to see that you have changed and matured.

Think of everything possible that you can add to make yourself a stronger applicant.

 

[ChunksJR]

If someone could give me some insight into what they think about my resume/chances....

....determining how good my chances are.

There's blood in the water...

 

[ChunksJR]

Positives
*3.5 GPA
*Worked 2 jobs through college

Negatives
*Lack of honors/awards
*Lack of clubs/organizations
---underage possession of alcohol
*use of marijuana (5 times total - over a year ago)

There's your new list, unless things have changed. The Mary Jane and Underage charge will probably be the deal breaker. 5 times? Did you count? After the 4th time where you thinking about joining the military and hit it "just that last time?" I'd imagine that your application/interview will include "I've always wanted to do something better and serve my country..." which will probably be contradictory to hittin' the 'erb within the last year.

Good luck. And apply anyway. If the US Navy took me at 17, anyone has a chance and look at the fine specimen of an officer I turned out to be

 

[Pin.Majik.Juan]

If you have a 3.5, you should have received some Dean's letters or President's letters during some semesters. Those you can add in Section II, block 6. Also in your motivational statement you can explain how you have grown up and learned from your mistakes. Talk about how you worked your way through college and made good grades.

Try not to focus on the negatives at all. Definitely start doing some community service so that you can put that on your application.

If you were player of the month or MVP or anything while playing sports, make sure and put that in Section II, part 4.

If you have done any training, classes or anything that you think will benefit the Navy, make sure and put that on your app as well. That goes in Section II, part 8.

Not sure about the drug use, I know that you have to mention it, but only a little over a year ago really isn't that long. I'm not sure how old you are, but they want to see that you have changed and matured.

Think of everything possible that you can add to make yourself a stronger applicant.

Thanks for the help. I added in the Chancellor's List awards and some athletic achievements. I plan on starting community service next weekend. I feel my motivational statement is very strong. It should be since I'm a Tech Comm major.

Anyways, now I just need to make it through MEPS without getting DQ'd. I was diagnosed with a mild case of Scoiliosis when I was younger. Hopefully it isn't an issue.

 

[MasterBates]

The Scoliosis is going to depend on what your Cobb Angle is. When you were diagnosed that angle should be in your record somewhere. Up to a point, it's OK/Waiverable.

The MJ in the last year is going to be the show stopper I think.

 

[Pin.Majik.Juan]

There's your new list, unless things have changed. The Mary Jane and Underage charge will probably be the deal breaker. 5 times? Did you count? After the 4th time where you thinking about joining the military and hit it "just that last time?" I'd imagine that your application/interview will include "I've always wanted to do something better and serve my country..." which will probably be contradictory to hittin' the 'erb within the last year.

Good luck. And apply anyway. If the US Navy took me at 17, anyone has a chance and look at the fine specimen of an officer I turned out to be

Well, thanks for being honest. I realize I don't have the greatest chances, but hopefully I can score well on my ASTB. I know I can get some great LORs from employers/professors/ex & current military members. And to answer your question, it was around 5. I tried it, it wasn't for me.

 

[usmarinemike]

Have you done the mj 'over a year' or 'over a year ago'? Sounds to me like you've been clean for awhile?

 

[Pin.Majik.Juan]

Have you done the mj 'over a year' or 'over a year ago'? Sounds to me like you've been clean for awhile?

Yes, over a year ago....over the course of about a month. I've been clean for awhile.