Another background question

[chansencc]

Age can be a plus. A 30 yr old is usually more mature and stable than a 21 yr old. And that is a BIG plus.

Very good point. The more I thought about it the more I realized you don't see too many young LEOs (under 25). I will be starting this process soon and may be checking back in here quite a bit. Thanks again to all that responded.

C.

[DeltaV]

As far as my good points go which I didn't go into detail with - I am extremely dedicated to everything I engage in. I have always been a very fair person with the ability to discern without making quick judgments. I am typically very calm and don't fly off the handle or panic when things go wrong or confrontation arises. I am a very bright person, albeit one who has made a few stupid choices. I make absolutely no excuses. Ever. This has actually been a downfall of mine in the past. I think sometimes people would rather hear "it's not my fault because _____" instead of "sorry" or "I'll do better next time". At least that has been my perception. I am confident but not cocky, humble but not weak and I am a caring person who has a genuine compassion for others and a heart to serve.

I'm not saying that your personality (which is basically what you're describing) isn't a good point, however I think the question meant what other solid qualifications you might have.

College degree?
Military experience?
Solid work history showing stable employment for several years?
Foreign language expertise?

Agencies expect that applicants be dedicated, confident, and level-headed. Those who aren't get weeded out in either the application process or the academy, so that's pretty much a given. Still, in order to look past certain background issues you're going to need to have some qualifications that make you stand out over the rest of the applicants. Without tangible qualifications, you probably aren't going to get picked regardless of what your background is like.

[chansencc]

I'm not saying that your personality (which is basically what you're describing) isn't a good point, however I think the question meant what other solid qualifications you might have.

College degree?
Military experience?
Solid work history showing stable employment for several years?
Foreign language expertise?

Hello DeltaV,
Thank you for pointing that out.

Some college - no degree
No Military (Sea Cadets, which is a Navy function, when I was 15-16. Had a two week "boot camp" and all)
Solid work history - very stable employment
No other fluent languages - some Spanish (not from HS, but from coworkers)
Excellent credit rating

I test extremely well and am also well spoken so I believe that this will help me with the written exam and the oral boards. Physically I would say I am in "good" shape. I run about 15-20 miles a week (have been training for my first half-marathon in November) and I have viewed the initial physical test and will not have difficulty passing. Though I don't have the credentials many of you have I will make use of what I can. I certainly see my weaknesses but I am still going to give this my all and pray for a good outcome. Thanks again for the honesty everyone; it is certainly keeping me on my toes.