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Much appreciated, multi-topic advice...

bornsoldier

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After reading through tons of different threads and gathering some awesome information, I've decided to post my own series of questions.

To preface, I am a 25 year old living in Vancouver, beginning the recruitment process. Score 98th percentile in standardized tests for English/History/Geography, 80th percentile in maths and sciences during 12th grade testing. 3.1 GPA, slacked off grade 11 and 12, no college. Physically fit (rock climber/competitive swimmer/cyclist/gym rat) and striving to improve. Went in and spoke to recruiters this morning. These are my remaining questions:

1. I am interested in Med tech, Met Tech,  and Communications Research Op ( no particular order). Recommendations /cautions/insider info?
Level of current competition/demand?

2. Should I structure my application choices (1,2,3) to reflect the occupations currently in demand? I am relatively even in my desire for each...my main goal is to become a soldier and serve as best I can, however Mayberry-esque that sounds.

3. I have some outstanding debts including a defaulted Canada Student Loan for which I am in dispute with the school. I am trying my damndest to get this cleared up, but how long before applying should I have proof of scheduled payments?

4. I'm considering taking the SATs and/or upgrading high school maths to include physics and advanced maths. Is this useful or necessary?

And lastly

5. Any tips on increasing my running abilities? Bad knees and weak lungs have always been a struggle,  but I'm unwilling to let that stop me.

I apologize in advance for the reiteration of questions and thank everyone for their time and patience. This is really important to me...at this crux in my life, I know it is the right decision and want every possible chance to be accepted.


 
1. Check the forces.ca website.  It says if trades are in demand and if applications are being accepted.

2. Structure your application however you want.  If you are truly feel you would be equally happy doing any of the 3 trades you listed then it probably makes sense to put them in the order of demand.

3. You should call the recruiting centre because I don't know the exact answer but I believe that you should get the debt taken care of before you drop off an application.  I think I recall having to check off that I had no outstanding debts against me on the application.

4. Math is one of the most important things you can learn in school, it isn't a bad idea to upgrade them for just general knowledge.  (Isn't SATs an American test?  GED might be what you're looking for, not sure) If you have your grade 10 math then I think that's all you need to apply. However, that would be the minimum requirement.  You wouldn't be competitive with just grade 10 math.

5. Not a specialist so all I can say is eat healthy, and pace yourself: start by walking, then jogging, then running.  Regarding your lungs, don't smoke and try incorporating swimming into your fitness routine.

Good luck.
 
Thanks for the reply, Animatronic Fireman. A little clarification on my questions:

1. I saw elsewhere on the ssite that some people (recruiters? not sure) had posted actual figures on the amount of applicants versus spaces open in the trade. I was kind of hoping for something like that. Should I contact my recruiter again and ask for these figures? I have watched and read all info on forces.ca and army.ca regarding the occupations.

4. I did actually go to school in the USA so I could be wrong. My Canadian friends tell me the SATs are taken here. Any other input?

Thanks again for the replies!
 
In regards to the oustanding debts, about a year ago I was in the same position.  The recruiting centre had me get my debt management agreement in place and requested they have at least 2 receipts for proof of payments towards the program and a copy of the actual agreement itself to prove I could meet those obligations based on my current situation.  Just my  :2c:, Good Luck!
 
Good luck getting Comm Rsch with outstanding debt.  As mentioned above, you'll need proof of a payment agreement and a decent history of actually paying it on time.  Apply for the trades you want in the order you'd prefer.  Comm Rsch is red so if the debt issue gets cleared up, you'll likely get that trade.  Prepare to wait.
 
1. Well I think the recruiting centre would be the best people to talk to for actual figures on openings.

4. You're friends probably know better than me for this, I wasn't aware we called them SATs here but it makes sense.  I know it is called a GED if you need to get your grade 12, but if you're just upgrading a couple classes then a SAT could be the right test.
 
Thank you again everyone for your speedy replies.

I will give the recruitment office a call and ask for some numbers on the openings per occupation.


Regarding the debts, does anyone know of a good debt repayment service? I'm in BC. One of the loans is a federal student loan.
 
Animatronic Fireman said:
4. You're friends probably know better than me for this, I wasn't aware we called them SATs here but it makes sense.  I know it is called a GED if you need to get your grade 12, but if you're just upgrading a couple classes then a SAT could be the right test.

The SAT is a Scholastic Aptitude Test or Scholastic Assessment Test, now called the SAT Reasoning test.  It is required by many, but not all universities in the U.S.  You can take the SAT in Canada (for instance, if you were applying to university in the U.S.), however if you were looking at it to improve your math, it won't.  Basically, the SAT tests you on what you already know.  Much like the CFAT.  Better off taking some Math courses for improvement.

The GED is a completely different ball of wax.  It is a General Education Diploma, General Equivalency Diploma, or Graduate Equivalency Degree.  Definitely not a SAT.

Clear as mud?  ;)
 
Hi all,

Regarding the SAT, I was mainly considering taking it because I am a very good test taker, and it could possibly show my level of aptitude. But if its truly uncommon in Canada and nobody will know what the heck I'm talking about, I'll skip it.
 
LoKe said:
Comm Rsch is red so if the debt issue gets cleared up, you'll likely get that trade.  Prepare to wait.

Sorry to be such a newbie, but does " red" mean understaffed?
 
bornsoldier said:
Hi all,

Regarding the SAT, I was mainly considering taking it because I am a very good test taker, and it could possibly show my level of aptitude. But if its truly uncommon in Canada and nobody will know what the heck I'm talking about, I'll skip it.
Most offices that conduct GED testing will also conduct classes to upgrade specific individual courses, that would probably be more relevant to what you're trying to accomplish.
 
bornsoldier said:
Regarding the SAT, I was mainly considering taking it because I am a very good test taker, and it could possibly show my level of aptitude.

The CF runs an aptitude test of its own. You can take the SATs (or whatever) all you want, you will need to take the CF test and it will be the only one that will matter.
 
update:

So I spoke with a recruiter yesterday who did confirm tthat there are 15 spots open for comm rsch. However she said that because i meet only the basic requirements, and because I will need to have my transcripts converted over by ICES ( I went to high school in the states), that it would be a good idea to upgrade some maths and sciences, get my paperwork (and debt) in order, and be a good candidate for the April selections.

As much as I'd love the instant gratification, I'm taking her advice and upgrading math 11 and 12 and taking some sciences.


any ideas on what sciences would be the most beneficial to take?

And does anyone have experience wwith ICES or getting their transcripts from another country converted for the forces?



Thanks again folks.
 
bornsoldier said:
And does anyone have experience wwith ICES or getting their transcripts from another country converted for the forces?[/b]

Are you sure it is not ICAS?

http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/85309/post-832179.html#msg832179
http://www.icascanada.ca/
 
bornsoldier said:
update:

So I spoke with a recruiter yesterday who did confirm tthat there are 15 spots open for comm rsch. However she said that because i meet only the basic requirements, and because I will need to have my transcripts converted over by ICES ( I went to high school in the states), that it would be a good idea to upgrade some maths and sciences, get my paperwork (and debt) in order, and be a good candidate for the April selections.

As much as I'd love the instant gratification, I'm taking her advice and upgrading math 11 and 12 and taking some sciences.


any ideas on what sciences would be the most beneficial to take?

And does anyone have experience wwith ICES or getting their transcripts from another country converted for the forces?



Thanks again folks.
It might be a good idea for anyone to take additional math courses, but in this case it's not required.  You may need grade 11 math. I'm not sure.  What I do know is you don't need grade 12 nor do you need additional science courses.
 
LoKe said:
It might be a good idea for anyone to take additional math courses, but in this case it's not required.  You may need grade 11 math. I'm not sure.  What I do know is you don't need grade 12 nor do you need additional science courses.

Loke,

The minimum requirement is math 10, but it seems all of the recruiters are pushing me to make myself the best applicant (which I can understand). Do they know s)omething i dont? I understand its very competitive but it seems to me that with comm rsch being understaffed and me having all the requirements, I should already be a decent candidate. What am I not understanding?

 
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