How can I make myself more competitive as enlisted/college applicant?

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Spartan917

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Jan 24, 2017
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Interested mostly in what I can do to improve my package before putting in next year for C/O 2024.

For reference I’m currently a HS senior who was unable to get my nomination packet in due to some personal things. I’m looking to enlist as infantry in the national guard, attend OSUT next summer (hopefully before the extension from 14 to 22 weeks kicks in such that I don’t miss fall semester), and attend an instate college while I reapply.

I’m currently sitting fairly solid academically with a 1560 SAT and 3.7ish UW gpa. My ECs are decent with leadership in band and boys state, among other things. My athletics are lacking, having only started cross country my junior year; however, and I’d like advice as to whether I could/should round out my profile in that regard over the next year.

Should I just focus on knocking out the CFA next year? Not really sure what else I can do in regards to athletics with so little time left.

Thanks for any and all advice.
 
Stealth_81 said:
Why are you enlisting in the Guard if you want to go to USMA?
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Offers me an additional nomination source and in no way impairs my seeking a commission through ROTC should USMA fall through due to any unforeseen issues.

I’m also aware enlisted applicants are allotted a certain number of slots each year, and feel that among enlisted applicants my academic profile would help me stand out even further to admissions.
 
Take a plebe-like academic load as a college freshman, i.e. calculus, chemistry, English, history. Excel in these classes, to show that your solid high-school GPA and SAT score translate to college.

As for athletics, participate in intramurals and/or club sports in college. Train for, and then nail, the CFA. But know that high-school athletics isn't just about fitness or athleticism. It's about teamwork, leadership, persistence, discipline, grit. So use other parts of your application to demonstrate that you have these attributes.

Finally, while I don't know the ins-and-outs of going from National Guard to USMA, I do think you should consider enrolling in ROTC rather than enlisting. It's highly compatible with college, shows you're committed to becoming a commissioned officer, and keeps you on track to that goal in case USMA doesn't pan out.
 
I doubt you'll have sufficient time in service to get a nomination through the guard. They're going to want to see you in action for an extended period before they recommend you for a nomination. At least that's how it usually goes. I wouldn't claim to be an expert though, so the NG nomination process is something you should check out and understand.
 
Spartan917 said:
Stealth_81 said:
Why are you enlisting in the Guard if you want to go to USMA?
Click to expand...

Offers me an additional nomination source and in no way impairs my seeking a commission through ROTC should USMA fall through due to any unforeseen issues.

I’m also aware enlisted applicants are allotted a certain number of slots each year, and feel that among enlisted applicants my academic profile would help me stand out even further to admissions.
Click to expand...
Why do you feel your package would be better than other enlisted applicants?
 
Don't be dissuaded by naysayers. I think that's a solid plan. Even if you don't qualify for the enlisted nomination it will probably help your packet. If USMA doesn't work out you have still learned things that will help you as an officer. The key will be getting nominations.
Apply for nominations through normal sources as soon as they open. Get as much done before you ship off to basic training. Assume you will be out of contact during basic training at least through AIT phase.
Make sure you have a good POC (point of contact) while in basic/AIT who can forward anything important. Again, don't anticipate being able to act on anything at least until AIT when you may get more privileges. Make sure this person knows what to do with anything that needs to be done while you are gone and has access to your application portal.
As soon as possible, talk to your ROTC PMS about a nomination through that source when you arrive on campus. Same with your National Guard chain of command. As pointed out, you may not have time for the enlisted nomination. But who knows? Maybe you will. If not there is the following year if USMA is what you want.
I know a Cadet who was ROTC, really wanted USMA, and was accepted after his junior year. So he was 1 year away from being commissioned but turned it down for USMA. He is one of the happiest Cadets I know and is blowing it away academically.
Good luck.
 
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