I am graduating from the University of Central Florida this August and my goal is to be a career officer in the Coast Guard.

I will be graduating with a 3.9 GPA in cultural anthropology. I was very active in on campus organizations and held executive positions there. I was in Air Force ROTC for one year as well. I did an internship with the DEA my junior year. I have lived foreign as part of the US diplomatic community and speak decent Spanish. I have been involved in many community service projects and belong to a few honor societies at UCF. I expect to have pretty good recommendation letters from a CG commander, DEA GS, and an Army colonel. My main concern is a lack of professional experience. I have been fortunate to not have to work during my college years and I fear that may be looked down upon. After graduation I plan on getting Lifeguard/EMT certified. I know it is extremely competitive to gain acceptance into OCS but I would like some outside advice from someone who knows the ropes. I would have no problem enlisting if I don't get in the 1st or 2nd time and then apply to OCS a year or two later, I just don't want to wait around to start my life.

Sounds pretty competitive to me. I would start the process with a recruiter within the next few months so that you have plenty of time to get your package together before the January deadline. Good luck!

I agree you sound pretty cool. Get a job right when you get out in case you are waiting around for a while. I think there are OCS panels once a year now.

Start digging into this manual:
www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/1000-1999/CIM_1000_3.pdf

it'll give you some clues on how to strengthen your package.

Also talk to that Commander, I bet you he has some buddies that have been on interview boards and give you some pointers.

"I would have no problem enlisting..." Behold the solution to your interim dilemma. Remember, ask yourself, "Do I want to lead because I feel I am entitled?" or "I want to serve our nation in any capacity as a member of the USCG?" I have found the latter to be a more stable road in bringing professional goals to fruition. You have a plan and planning is invaluable. When you execute the plan anticipate change and adjust accordingly. Moreover, while concurrenlty working toward your goal, remember to enjoy the journey. If you enlist, be the highest performing recruit that you can. While at "A" school be the absolute best student. On your first assignment be the very best shipmate and perform above and beyond expectations. And so on... Focus on the mission and performance, your plan will fall into place. 

Posted By ucfknights412 on 03 Jul 2012 06:26 PM
I just don't want to wait around to start my life.

You will only wait around if you allow yourself to wait around. If I've learned anything since graduating college it's that every little bit of experience helps. So even if you are applying for OCS now, make sure you are also working or volunteering or doing something constructive with yourself.

GO KNIGHTS!
I'm a ~junior now, but my degree is 5 years (if i stick with it).

Going off what Mr. Knight said about work experience, but on the opposite side;
If I've worked since I was 16, but don't have much documented volunteering hours, would this be equally beneficial?
There have been times when I was working 2 jobs, and in school.

Thanks, and sorry for the thread hijack.

You sound very competitive. But understand OCS is ultra-competititve. I'm in the same boat as you (B.S in Aeronautics; 3.0 GPA, pilot's license; 60hrs T-41A, T-34A, volunteer 2nd LT. Aerospace educator in the Civil Air Patrol, working 40 hours a week as a supervisor, etc..) but was not selected this year. But I enlisted at the same time and planned my bootcamp date right after the results came out. The ball is in your court. Improve yourself for the next board (next year) and keep working hard. For myself, enlisting seemed like a great way to improve. Just like SCDeluxe said, I am going to work very hard to be the top recruit in any situation. What best way to develop leadership skills than the Coast Guard. Like I said, ball is in your court. Do what fits you and work hard to achieve officer status. I know I am.

Ok, I'll bite since I graduated UCF in '09.

Also had a 3.9GPA in International Polisci, was active on campus, volunteered, worked full time, did the internships, belonged to several honor societies, was a member of the Burnett's Honor's College, wrote an undergradate thesis, studied abroad, volunteered in Peru, and didn't make it. So are you competive? Yep. Is OCS really hard to get into? Yep. I am now enlisted, with no future ambitions to apply to OCS. Just isn't for me. I'm actually glad I didn't make it looking back. I'm not telling you this to discourage you by any means. Go for your goals, 110%. You could very well make it. I would just think about a back-up plan. Remember, you can apply to OCS and enlist at the same time (since you said you had no problems enlisting).  Sometimes they only have 1 panel a year - so if you wait, what are going to do in the meantime? You can apply for every OCS panel while you are enlisted too since you will have a bachelor's degree.

Does having a masters degree make you more competitive in terms of being selected for ocs?
I seem to have somewhat of the same qualifications if you folks and am trying to gauge what they are looking for?

F/22
Bachelors in poli science/thesis track (3.3)
varsity athlete in 2 sports, honors society, debate, model un, studied abroad in Israel and participated in an Israeli Army boot camp program
Post grad paralegal degree Boston U. (3.87 gpa)
Starting my Masters of Science in National Security this fall (1 year program)
360 full time sea days-deckhand/engine room attendant work

I guess I feel as thought you folks all seem really competitive so I wasnt sure what makes sets someone apart.

I am new to the Coast Guard forum and am weighing enlistment v. OCS applications. Basically I want to work in the intelligence field, utilize my education, continuring to use my work experience from the ships I was working on. I am meeting with a recruiter Aug 21st so I am looking to do some research before I meet with him!

Does having a masters degree make you more competitive in terms of being selected for ocs?

It's impossible for us to say. Each panel is comprised of Officers from diverse backgrounds, and the standards set for each panel is unique. Your best course of action is to apply if being an Officer is what you really want. The worst they can do is say, "No." Then you can apply for enlistment or take another shot at OCS.

Having additional education obviously can only help you. Anything that differentiates you from other applicants is always a plus, but like that last person said, it's hard for us to tell you what the board is looking for. The Coast Guard, what I have read, is one of the many branches that is downsizing its officer corps. ("Too many officers are staying in past there 5 year commitment."http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/07/1...ability/). So thus a small need for OCS applicants. What I've taken from many CG Commanders is that the trend is turning more towards promoting within. There are plenty of qualified enlisted personnel in the CG, but it all comes down to who wants it more I guess. Either way, weigh out your options. Do what fits your needs and desires.