Average GPA to branch Infantry

Cadet35

Cadet35

Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2019
Messages
458
Finished this semester with around a 3.4 but looking to improve to be able to have my first branch choice. Tough semester with online classes and all, and a 4 credit calculus class really brought down my high gpa:/. Anyways... what GPA is typically average for say an engineer major to branch infantry?
 
You are asking a question that can’t possibly be answered here. You may get some anecdotes but they’ll lack any statistical significance. And there are many factors beyond GPA that affect MOS. Suggest you not waste your time fishing for an answer that doesn’t really exist. Instead, spend your time figuring out what you can do differently moving forward to raise your GPA.
 
MidCakePa said:
You are asking a question that can’t possibly be answered here. You may get some anecdotes but they’ll lack any statistical significance. And there are many factors beyond GPA that affect MOS. Suggest you not waste your time fishing for an answer that doesn’t really exist. Instead, spend your time figuring out what you can do differently moving forward to raise your GPA.
Click to expand...

Agreed. Basically what I am asking is should I be alarmed at having a 3.4 GPA first semester as an engineering major and wanting to branch infantry or should I not stress about it and keep working..?
 
Cadet35 said:
Agreed. Basically what I am asking is should I be alarmed at having a 3.4 GPA first semester as an engineering major and wanting to branch infantry or should I not stress about it and keep working..?
Click to expand...
I say the below in jest.. or do I? 😃

Switch majors from whatever type of engineering and switch to Underwater Basket Weaving. The UBW major will allow you to boost the GPA and you can then branch Infantry or whatever your MOS of choice.

You get a few more points for a STEM major (depending on the major) but it's going to be much harder to have a high GPA obviously. In my experience the cadets with the easier majors led to the top of the OML. The Army says they want officers with STEM majors but they are giving no incentives. Whether this changes or not while you progress through ROTC is anyone’s guess. If you are determined to make the Army your career, go the easy route. If not, or you're not sure, take the major that interests you the most.

Insert mandatory cliche:

Take the major that interests you the most, regardless if it's STEM or not. My suggestion is to do what interests you and enjoy college and your major.

So...

Study more,

do more PT

AND...

get a job; volunteer; earn community/ organizational awards; play in intramural/organizational sports; obtain class/school/community leadership positions; peer tutor; Ranger Challenge; drill team; color guard; take some Farsi, Mandarin or Korean, etc.
 
You have a solid GPA for an Engineering student. Remember, it's your overall OML, as pointed out above, and there are many ways to improve this.

However, the only things to better your chances for getting your #1 choice of Branches, whether it's Infantry or something else, is to first, show a true interest in the Branch, get "Most Preferred", and finally Bradso for that Branch. Getting a solid recommendation from your PMS on your evaluation will help, too.

There are cadets from all across the OML scores that received their #1 picks. They did the above.

On the flip side, there are cadets who simply felt they had a strong enough OML (Top 20%) who did not Bradso and were upset they did not get their #1.

When it's your time to pick your Branch choices, don't expect to get your #1 pick without doing the above, no matter what your GPA is.
 
SoFloDad said:
You have a solid GPA for an Engineering student. Remember, it's your overall OML, as pointed out above, and there are many ways to improve this.

However, the only things to better your chances for getting your #1 choice of Branches, whether it's Infantry or something else, is to first, show a true interest in the Branch, get "Most Preferred", and finally Bradso for that Branch. Getting a solid recommendation from your PMS on your evaluation will help, too.

There are cadets from all across the OML scores that received their #1 picks. They did the above.

On the flip side, there are cadets who simply felt they had a strong enough OML (Top 20%) who did not Bradso and were upset they did not get their #1.

When it's your time to pick your Branch choices, don't expect to get your #1 pick without doing the above, no matter what your GPA is.
Click to expand...

What does BRADSO mean?
 
Cadet35 said:
What does BRADSO mean?
Click to expand...

BRADSO is essentially agreeing to serve additional years on your contract in order to secure your branch of preference.

See the Acronym list:
Branch of Choice Program, adding years to ADSO in exchange for branch (Army)
ADSO= Additional Service Obligation.
 
Last edited:
Concur with @Miami Redskin and Devil Doc 101%. But will also add a more serious datapoint. GPA aside, many applicants, regardless of their GPA and OML standing, prioritize Infantry and combat arms in general, due to the numbers of promotion opportunities vs the smaller numbers by year groups/branches. The "shelf-life" of GPA and West Point class standing is pretty perishable in real life. PERFORMANCE and RESULTS are the real delineator.

(Gen Creighton) Abrams graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1936 (ranked 185th of 276 in the class):wiggle:
 
AROTC-dad said:
BRADSO is essentially agreeing to serve additional years on your contract in order to secure your branch of preference.

See the Acronym list:
Branch of Choice Program, adding years to ADSO in exchange for branch (Army)
ADSO= Additional Service Obligation.
Click to expand...
Small correction:
ADSO Active Duty Service Obligation
BRADSO additional ADSO required by a specific branch
For new readers, AD generally means “active duty” here on SAF.
 
I read a comment from a family member of General Patton. Paraphrased they said it was ironic the general’s statue at WP was placed in proximity to the library because that’s the last place he would be found.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top