Find an officer in your area that has been through OCS and get friendly with them. That's the best thing to do. Are you SURE you meet all the pre-reqs? I only ask because it's better to be safe than sorry...
Originally posted by chefpena: I am just waiting to complete my four year mark. Would any one know anything about the PPEP program?
PPEP is a great program. They maintain ~10 ppl in the program from year to year, so depending on how many graduate this year will dictate how many new ppl they pic for next year. Some years. I've seen them pick 3 or 4 some years. If you fit all the pre-reqs I suggest you put in both a PPEP package and an OCS package (if you are an E-5) just to better your odds....
either way;
Start your package now, don't wait for the message to come out to put one together. Every board will be looking at different things but there are a few things that all will look at;
Your transcripts and SAT scores....should all be together including a statement from your school (if currently enrolled) saying it is possible for you to graduate within the allotted time.
Your marks.
Strong letters of recommendation.....make sure they're from ppl who actually know you and have dealt with or observed you.
Recommendation from your Command.....carries a lot of weight....boards can sniff out a half-hearted effort.
.....the letters should touch on your leadership ability, attention to detail, willingness to learn and the core values. I think it's a good idea to either supply the letter writers with either a list of bullets to include in their recommendations or draft a letter for them (some will use it, some won't). By supplying the letters, it's a way to make sure you've included everything you want the board to see.
Your interview......practice, practice, practice, think confidence and not cocky, if asked a question think before you speak and make no excuses......take resposibility for everything in your package.
(example)"why did you get a low grade in algebra during your freshman year"
bad answer; the teacher could hardly speak English and really gave unfair tests.
good answer; it was my freshman year, I was away from home for the first time and frankly didn't study as hard as I should have.....but if you look at the next semester you'll see that my calc grade was much higher and I've done well in math since......
One other thing, if you've not finshied your degree yet(I'm gessing you haven't), keep working on it! It's better to show initiative that you want to finish you degree on your own but wouldn't mind a little help.
