Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 7/22/2009

Question
Hello,

I am currently on track to graduate from my college with a Bachelors degree in Information Technology and Security with a 3.9 GPA. I have never failed a class, having taken summer classes, and  carry a course load of 16-20 credit hours per major semester. How ever due to loss of credits in transferring from a community college, it will have taken me 5 1/2 years to complete.

I am interested in the Air Force OTS. Will this count against me in any way?

I do not have any outstanding community service, as I have focused on my education as well as maintaining a near full time job for the duration of college.

In addition to my degree, I have also obtained my CCNA "Cisco Certified Network Administrator", my CompTIA A+ certification, and I am preparing to take my CCNP "Cisco Certified Network Professional" certification. Will these help my chances at acceptance at all?

Thank you for takeing the time to answer my questions

Mike

Answer
Dear Mike --

If you have a bachelors degree from an accredited US university or college, and you meet all other Air Force enlistment criteria for commissioning, then you are eligible for OTS.  The fact that your degree "took longer" than average is irrelevant.

Your certification will not add to your enlistment or OTS credentials, but if you are assigned an IT specialty, they will help you with your job.

I recommend you prepare for your Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) by taking practice tests.  The ASVAB test is fairly unique, and will not be like the tests you took in college.  Your ASVAB scores can strongly influence whether you are eligible for OTS and also the military specialty to which you are assigned.

Good luck to you.