Attn: Sharky, ToneLoc, any other BPA

[molsen]

I have recently passed all written tests (so far) and my oral interview and I feel I have a real good chance of going all the way to the academy, but what I wanted to know was, what should I expect when I get the the academy? Is there anything I should be doing to be getting myself ready for it? What's it like day-to-day? Any info you can give would help alot. I've wanted this for a while and now that I'm this close I want to be as ready as possible. Thanks for the help.

Mike

[ToneLoc3/144]

#1 DO YOU SPEAK SPANISH?

If not you better start. You do four hours a day and it is fast paced at the academy. Attend every remedial the instructors offer. That way they see that you are trying as hard as you can.

#2 PT

Start running, and doing cardio exercises. The mat room sessions are killer. PT is for two hours straight.


Everything else is just law and that is pure memorization. Firearms and driving are pure fun, and designed to give you a break from the stress of the day. But don't blow them off, otherwise you will fail to qualify.

Depending on where you go (Charleston or Glynco) the foods pretty good and the gay bar has plenty of cold beer.

Anything I missed Sharkman?

Tone

[Sharky]

Nope......if you know a little Spanish already, start working on verbs. If not, start working on vocabulary with flashcards. Remember that the Spanish taught at the USBP is not Tu form Spanish. It is a very proper form of Castilian Spanish so that is what you need to be studying. Study some English too. If you dont remember English terms, you will have a hard time as that is what they use to teach.

As far as PT goes, start running now. If you're not in shape they are gonna kill your ass.

Friday night-Sunday morning belongs to you. Get out and go see a movie, drink some beer, go to the beach, whatever. BUT, Sunday morning through Friday evening ain't nothing but business. Form study groups with native speakers so they can help you.

Like Tone said, the law is nothing but memorization, but there is a LOT of memorization. You will be drinking from the firehose of knowledge on law. Make sure you get every study guide you can from senior classes that are there. Make friends with upper classmen and they will help you tremendously.

Work your ass off and you will make it.

[molsen]

Tone, Shark

Thanks for the advice. I've been getting ready for this as much as possible and next month I'll be moving to Albuquerque until it's time to go and I will be concentrating solely on the academy. I won't have a job so I'll have all day, everyday to get ready. I kinda know some spanish, but not enough to matter, so I'll start getting ready for that, and of course, you can never work too much on your running!! I took and passed the test when I first got out of the Marine Corps 3 yrs. ago, but family problems came up and I couldn't continue in the process, and,ironically, I reapplyed this time on Sept. 10, 2001. Again, thanks for the advice and help and hopefully will see you soon out on the frontier!!

Mike

[ToneLoc3/144]

While you are in NM, take a weekend and cruise by the stations in Truth or Consequences, Demming, Las Cruces, Santa Teresa, and if your really adventurous come on in to Hell Paso and we can show you around town. Taking the tour will show you what the entire range of operations are for BP. From the interior stations to the line stations.

Tone