How hard is it to get into the FBI program at Quantico Va?

Question

I am in high school now and I am interested in criminal profiling and being a special agent for the FBI. Is it difficult to get into the program? If I was a special agent who specialized in criminal profiling for the FBI what kind of cases would I do for them or what would they have me do?

Answer 1

You'll need to be very physically fit and you'll need a college degree. It used to be that degrees in accounting or a JD in law was the preferred way to get in. Check with the FBI to see if it's still the same.

Your application will be stronger if you speak a foreign language. Pick one and take as many classes as you can all through high school and college.

Answer 2

Here's the thing. Don't worry about satisfying some perfect checklist of prerequisites to becoming an FBI Special Agent. The Bureau is an ever changing entity and they hire people with backgrounds to meet their needs at that time. You'll hear people tell you accounting is the way to go. Then the next person will say no, military training is the best way to get in. Someone else will say study Arabic. Just realize that by the time you are eligible to enter the FBI at age 23, there needs may be very different than what their needs are today.

Here's the low down at the requirements to get in the FBI:

1. You must be a U.S. Citizen
2. You must be between the ages of 23 and 37 years old.
3. You need a 4 year college degree.

That's it! Everything else is negotiable and variable. Keep in mind that you'll have a REALLY difficult time making yourself competitive if you have a criminal history, financial problems, no work history, etc...

So, my advice to you is to pick a field that is interesting to you and is something that you would enjoy doing if you weren't in the FBI. A foreign language is nice to have, but learn one if you are really interested in learning it. Just because Farsi and Arabic are tops of the list today doesn't mean anything. tomorrow it could be Chinese, Russian, or something else. By picking something that you enjoy learning about, you will improve your chances of being successful at it. And remember, you have until you are 23 until you can apply to the FBI. You'll have to do something between the time you graduate at when you apply. Might as well be in a field that you enjoy. The FBI looks for people that are well rounded and well adjusted. If you try and force yourself into a mold you think they want, you might miss out.

You asked about specializing as a criminal profiler. Profilers in the FBI work at the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crimes (NCAVC) at Quantico, VA. Its pretty competitive for Special Agent's to get assigned there. But if you do, you would basically be support to case agents in the field or doing general research. You would be doing things like review crime scene photos, interviews and reports, and other evidence of of a case in order to discovered who the subect (bad guy) is. It is very interesting work, but you'd miss out on the regular case agent type stuff like breaking down doors for searches and arrests.

Answer 3

Not like it's easy, but end up getting an actuarial degree (tax accounting) because forensic accounting is one of the biggest needs for them. In addition, look to minor in Arabic in college, and you'll probably be a shoe-in.

If you look at aspects such as criminal justice or political sciences, they'll have no room for you.

Probably after the CIA, it's probably one of the toughest programs to enter. When you get closer to entering the program, you'll need to do mind-body exercises. For example, when I was in training for the CIA entrance program, I would run 6 miles on a treadmill at a rate of 7 miles an hour, then I would try to perform the New York Times Crossword puzzle in 45 minutes or so. They'll need to see capabilities to think "under fire" and that's a good way to put yourself in those situations.

Frankly, this reply has sounded pretty bizarre, but you'll come to find the average G-man is no ordinary citizen.

After looking at this question again, if you're speaking about the program as featured in "Silence of the Lambs". That'll require a medical degree with a specialty in psychology. After the 7 years and potential you could be earning $200k with your own practice, the $60k you start out will make you think you're the crazy one.

Answer 4

Very. Your best option when you go to university is to either get a degree in accounting or get a law degree. While in college, I suggest you apply for the Honor's Internship Program. It's highly competetive, but that is a great way to make things easier getting in permanently. Also, find out the closest FBI office to you and meet the agents there. They will give you guidence and direction.

Answer 5

I don't know but Quantico is a fabulous place... you will enjoy your time there...so work hard and e mail the program to find out the info you want to know. Don't waste your time on this sight, go straight yo the source...Have fun and one tip for you, mind your p's and q's...there back ground check is very detailed and always tell the truth and no fudging cuz they can see right thru that......Good luck with your future hon.

Answer 6

First - you don't say if you want to get on the base or if you want to be employed for a specific gov't agency. There are private business on Quantico too. Private business on base, you may be okay. Gov't work on base - are your records sealed due to being a minor? I have a friend that works on Quantico. I'll see if I can ask her and generate a second answer to let you know.