No one's perfect. What's going to hurt me?

[TwistedDrum5]

So I've been reading a lot, and talking to a lot of people. I'm trying to figure out what is going to be the worst thing about me, and how to combat that in the interview process.

I'll start with the good.
- 6 Years in the Infantry, re-signed for another year.
- Been deployed, as a team leader, now a Sgt (E-5).
- Associates degree (after this semester).
- Worst drug use was underage drinking from 18-19. No weed, or anything else.
- Currently (23) don't drink any alcohol.
- Not looking for "just a job" but I truly want to be an officer.
- Applying in my area, where I've grown up.
- Very phsyically fit. (5'7", 150lbs, bench 200lbs, run 1.5 miles in under 14:30)
- Eat healthy
- Very outgoing, friendly, social, easy going.

The bad
- Failed a few classes in college
- GPA is not that great
- Used my employee discount at Best Buy to get cheap stuff for friends, which isn't aloud.

It's not that I'm dumb, I just didn't study as well as I should've and military has kinda screwed me in the past on the classes I failed.

So that's all I can think of thats bad...

I've taken practice tests online, getting ready for my written test, and oral board.

I'm getting ready to apply, (I'm broke and it costs $25 per app), but I want to get as ready as possible.

The only things I have for myself to work on is to continue to prepare, and my goal is to run the 1.5 mile in under 12:00, hopefully closer to 10:00.

If I do more than the required 25 pushups for I get more points? Or is it just about meeting that goal? Same with the 1.5 mile run?

Anything I should be prepared for that I haven't mentioned.

Thanks for the advice!

[TwistedDrum5]

I couldn't figure out how to edit. :(

Allowed not aloud, lol. I usually don't make mistakes like that, and ironically thats part of the written test. One more thing to work on, proofreading.

[terminal.logic]

If I do more than the required 25 pushups for I get more points? Or is it just about meeting that goal? Same with the 1.5 mile run?
Thanks for the advice!

Typically it is pass/fail only. Continue your education. Practice your interview skills. Be 100% honest throughout the process. Good luck.

[Norm357]

Getting kicked in the nuts hurts pretty badly. So does falling down a flight of stairs.

[TwistedDrum5]

Getting kicked in the nuts hurts pretty badly. So does falling down a flight of stairs.

So watch out for feet, and stairs. Gotcha.

[Cat_Doc]

From what you have presented, I see no major roadblocks.

Good luck in your endeavors toward an honorable career field.

[TwistedDrum5]

From what you have presented, I see no major roadblocks.

Good luck in your endeavors toward an honorable career field.

Thank you. I think the worst still isn't as bad as some people. I'm a pretty honest guy, active in my church, and love serving. Law enforcement is a great job opportunity for me. It just sucks that its so hard to get in. I plan on testing and trying out every test they have until I'm, hired, and hopefully improving every time.


Also I realize that its just a pass/fail thing. But do they pay attention to who finishes in the top 5 in the run? Or not really.

[Cat_Doc]

Also I realize that its just a pass/fail thing. But do they pay attention to who finishes in the top 5 in the run? Or not really.

It depends on individual agencies. Back when I got hired, you got scored on your Physical Agility and this was combined with your written and oral board scores for ranking. They don't do that anymore (at my old agency) only using it to eliminate poor performers. Ranking is now done off written, oral and Command Interview.

Check to see with the agencies you are applying for. If it is simply pass/fail, I see no need to "kill" yourself during the application stage. Save the performance factors for the academy and show 'em what you're made of.

If you are scored higher for better performance, or you learn that the agency leans toward the higher performance factors, then go kick some.

One of the best things you can do during your application process is try and get as much intell on the agency as you can. Get to know what they are all about, what the Command Intent is coming down from the top and what they look for in candidates.

This can be the winning edge.

[mcsap]

My agency is TRULY pass fail on the PT.

It's great if you can do a 4 minute mile but can you TALK to someone ? Being in shape is GREAT but being able to talk to people is GREATER. We need a well rounded person , not someone who has an extra dose of brawn.

Good luck and enjoy the veterans preference points you'll get.

[TwistedDrum5]

My agency is TRULY pass fail on the PT.

It's great if you can do a 4 minute mile but can you TALK to someone ? Being in shape is GREAT but being able to talk to people is GREATER. We need a well rounded person , not someone who has an extra dose of brawn.

Good luck and enjoy the veterans preference points you'll get.

Love to talk to people. I'm a very social person, I've worked retail my whole life and love being able to talk to all the different customers out there. I've also grown a lot since being a self-centered 18 year old and open my eyes to others opinions and beliefs. I'm a strong Christian, and right wing. That being said, I've made good friends with muslims (overseas), and very liberal tree huggers. I think I'm very well rounded.

I will enjoy those points, I feel I've earned them.