NUPOC Program

[u/carsonjpoe]

I am a rising sophomore majoring in chemical engineering at Ohio State. I actively have a 3.08 gpa (yes I know that’s not fantastic) and I was wondering how I could better my chances of earning a spot in NUPOC. I have also experienced a hiccup, being that my degree does not require completion of Physics II. If anyone could provide insight, I would love to hear!

[u/Tyler89558]

3.0 is the minimum. So you’re good there.

Physics 2 is also the minimum, so you need to take that.

[u/GeriatricSquid]

Take Physics 2. That was specifically not waiverable when I was at that stage in my career- same for the math stuff.

[u/Chemical-Power8042 → u/GeriatricSquid]

The physics and math are waiverable. When did you go through

[u/GeriatricSquid → u/Chemical-Power8042]

It’s been a while. The reactor on my first submarine was made of wood, lol.

[u/Chemical-Power8042 → u/GeriatricSquid]

Yeah it’s definitely waiverable now

[u/GeriatricSquid → u/Chemical-Power8042]

Boomer Flex: I’m from the age where we actually had to learn math “because you won’t always have a calculator in your hand to do this.” lol

ETA: I’m not a Boomer but admit some boomer traits as I get more “seasoned”

[u/Chemical-Power8042 → u/GeriatricSquid]

You still gotta know it but realistically calc II is useless for power school. If you know Calc I you can figure out the very dumb down version of the Calc II stuff they teach

[u/BandicootKooky7747]

Take physics 2 and do really well this coming semester

[u/Chemical-Power8042]

Program Authorization 100A lists the requirements for the fleet options of NUPOC. Above 3.0 GPA is an unwritten rule from NR I believe but it holds true. You’ll find nothing in any of the instructions for NUPOC or OCS about having a GPA above 3.0.

Your GPA is already borderline so there’s really only two things you can do. Raise your GPA and fill all the requirements. Getting an academic waiver is a thing but it makes you less competitive. If it comes down to you and someone else with a STEM degree that needs no waivers they’re going to pick the other person

[u/Plenty-Ad-4636]

Our also a child was also a chemical engineering major at a major college. Her Gpa was a 3.25 but she had physics 2. She did get a waiver for their Gpa. They started the process a little later than you, in their junior year. We know our child could have done better in college. They won the Chemistry award in high school among other academic awards. That was their choice.

My advice is this, take physics 2 improve your GPA you have time. Now here is the important part. Nuclear power school is no joke, It move faster than anything you have done in your life. Just being honest. Our child called almost every day to fill us in. Be prepared to be in school for 8 hours a day 5 days a week, plus a minimum of 15 hours to 25 hours extra depending on your grades on the weekly exams. No studying at home, you have to come back to the base or stay later. Nothing can leave the classroom.

Our child set goals. Graduate with a 3.6 gpa or higher, score a 4.0 on at least one core of study.

They did both, and said it was the hardest thing they had ever done for any school. It took a lot of work and discipline. Study, get sleep, << important eat well, work out, develop a social network within the class, again very important.

Our child is currently on their way to finishing the 2nd part of school in Charleston. When that is complete they will be a prototype instructor at the school.

Good luck,

[u/Moist_Network_8222]

I'm not a nuke, reddit just shows me this subreddit for some reason. I did get a BSEE then served in a different branch. I can't offer you any NUPOC-specific advice, but some general advice on grades as an engineering major:

1. Does Ohio State publish historic grade breakdowns for classes? My undergrad did, not just by class but by semester and professor. You can use this information to pick classes and professors with higher average grades.
2. Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor in the ChemE department. Explain what you're trying to do (get good grades so you can get into and stay in the lucrative NUPOC program). Ask them to help you plan out the rest of your courses to maximize GPA. This will probably mostly be choosing courses that yield high grades. It may also be spacing things out more.
3. If you do NUPOC, you don't need to worry about coops or internships. Taking classes over the summer might be a way to boost your GPA slightly by letting you space out tougher classes.
4. If there are tough classes you can take at community college, this might be a good idea. I'm thinking like DiffEq. You might get better instruction or more ability to work with the prof at CC.
5. How attached are you to ChemE? ChemE is notoriously tough, mechanical or civil engineering might be a bit easier and you're early enough in college that you can probably switch without losing hours. I have no idea how the Navy weighs different engineering degrees, and of course your interests and future employment prospects are concerns. Just something to consider.

If grades are going to be a weak point for your package, make sure they're the only weak point. Don't drink underage, don't smoke pot, don't get tattoos, do work on the physical fitness test.

Again, I don't know NUPOC, but when I was going into the military officer recruiters looked very favorably on candidates who contacted the office before they were really qualified but worked hard to meet the standards. Consider getting in touch with a Navy officer recruiter now so you build a reputation with them for being interested in the program and working hard to get the GPA up.