I’m looking into OCS

Civilian here putting together my 09S OCS packet and looking for advice from anyone who’s been through the process.

About me:

∙	26 years old, no prior service

∙	B.S. Finance & Economics from Canisius College — 2.55 GPA. I know it’s low. Went back and completed my MBA in Business Analytics at the same school, finished with a 3.24. Hoping the upward trend and the graduate degree do some work at the board level

∙	5 years in finance and banking — started in credit risk at Citi, moved into treasury and commercial portfolio risk at M&T Bank, currently working as a deposit product analyst

∙	2nd degree black belt in Taekwondo

∙	Competitive rower from 2013–2018 through high school and one year of college, then coached for three years after

∙	ASVAB GT score of 115

∙	Crushed the PT test — fitness isn’t a concern

∙	Branch preference: Infantry. Long-term goal is Ranger School

What I’m looking for:

∙	How much does a low undergrad GPA realistically hurt at the board?

∙	Tips on the personal statement — what actually stands out vs. what sounds like everyone else?

∙	What did your board interview look like — how long, how hard did they push, what caught you off guard?

∙	Anything you wish you knew before you started the packet?

∙	Am I competitive with this profile?

Appreciate any insight.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​