Hello,

Im a 16 year old in high school going onto my third year, and I'm really interested in the Clandestine Services, specifically becoming an Operating Officer.

But as you know, its very very hard work. I currently, do not get the best of grades, but if I had the motivation as becoming a part of the CIA I know i could get a straight 4.0, because I've done it at one point. 

But my question is simply, what would be the best things to do from now, until im out of college to make sure I get this job?

I plan on becoming a real estate agent either way, just as a side job while I'm in college, and to help pay for college.

As for college I figured going to school for:
-International affairs and getting a Bachelors
- Minoring in some sort of foreign language or Engineering 
- Doing the Student course, or applying for the student course
- Not doing drugs.

I have a serious issues though. My record is clean, but I use drugs, occasionally, mainly weed, but I used to do Ecstasy alot. Now I'm worried that, since I want to try acid, that if I do in fact try acid, they will not let me in. So I'm wondering if anyone knows what they do about LSD, if its even a concern, asked about, or anything of that sort.


So, I ask all you, what would be the best way to get the job? What would I go to college for? What language do I become fluent in? What countries do I visit (I know they talk about being abroad, but I'm not sure what abroad means, visiting? Living? Working?) And finally, what should I NOT do that is an instant disqualifier?

Thank you so much I really want this job, and if its in my reach I will do everything I can for it, but I don't want to spend 4 years in college for something that can't help me later in life.

dum dum is right. If you want to get any type of security clearance I would strongly advice against using any illegal drugs whatsoever, especially hard drugs such as the ones you mentioned. i know you said your still in high school, but either way its pretty immature on your part to be even considering to continue your use of drugs and persue a career in intelligence...or any government agency for that matter. unless of course you decide to run for president and in that case it apparently dosen't matter if you've done drugs, been buddies with terrorists, and embraced communism.

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International Studies is good, as are Poly Sci and History (which I have, but I was brought on mainly for my Masters in Library Science.)  Arabic and Chinese are good languages, but unfortunately are getting overused; I know a few Arabic speakers / coworkers that aren't Linguists because of an overabundance, but they can use their skills in their jobs otherwise.  If possible, try and find somewhere where you can learn Dari or Pashto (Afghanistan) or Baluchi or Punjabi (Pakistan.)  Especially if you want to be in ops.

Don't even THINK about drugs.  While they'll overlook some "youthful indiscretions," if you appear like you were any sort of regular user kiss your prospects goodbye.  Also be careful WHERE you study abroad; Egypt is good but not Russia or China.  Also be aware of who you meet and befriend there; agencies get touchy about most "close ties of obligation and / or affection" etc. because of the risk of coercion / compromise.  Also, don't do anything that someone could use in the future to blackmail or coerce you into potentially becoming another Aldrich Ames, John Walker etc.