This is a Retired PAge. The Applicant's Forum has been retired.
U.S. Border PAtrol Applicant's Forum
Since 1999, the Applicant's Forum has assisted applicants through the hiring process and launching their careers in the Patrol.
Let's take a moment to clarify how you can contribute to our forum effectively. While we don't have a traditional password system, there are a few important steps and rules to follow to ensure a smooth and professional experience for all.
Getting Started: Firstly, it's crucial to read and understand our forum rules thoroughly. They are in place for good reasons and help maintain the quality of our discussions. Once you're familiar with them, make your initial post using clear and correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. If your post meets our standards, you'll be granted 'voice', allowing your future posts to be published directly on the forum.
Why This Matters: Remember, your journey starts here! This forum is a professional space for Border Patrol applicants, and your communication skills are key. They reflect your personality and professionalism to your peers and potential future colleagues. Casual chat room language is discouraged. Occasional internet slang like 'lol' or 'j/k' is acceptable, but writing in a casual, text-message style won't be taken seriously.
The Rules:
I hope this helps clarify how to engage with our community. Looking forward to your contributions!
Getting Started: Firstly, it's crucial to read and understand our forum rules thoroughly. They are in place for good reasons and help maintain the quality of our discussions. Once you're familiar with them, make your initial post using clear and correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. If your post meets our standards, you'll be granted 'voice', allowing your future posts to be published directly on the forum.
Why This Matters: Remember, your journey starts here! This forum is a professional space for Border Patrol applicants, and your communication skills are key. They reflect your personality and professionalism to your peers and potential future colleagues. Casual chat room language is discouraged. Occasional internet slang like 'lol' or 'j/k' is acceptable, but writing in a casual, text-message style won't be taken seriously.
The Rules:
- Enjoy Yourself: This is the golden rule. Our community is about building friendships and having a good time. If you're not enjoying the experience or can't abide by the rules, this might not be the place for you.
- Stay On Topic: This forum isn't for airing grievances about the Border Patrol or related entities. Our focus is on helping applicants and fostering a supportive environment. Off-topic posts will be removed, and repeat offenders may be banned.
- Valid Email Required: Keep your email address updated. Please refrain from emailing agents directly unless invited – it can overwhelm them and lead to their departure from the forum.
- No Off-Topic Queries: We don't address immigration-related questions or matters unrelated to HonorFirst.
- No Advertising: Absolutely no ads, chain letters, or unrelated content. This includes religious or philosophical posts. Treat this forum as if it were an official government platform.
- Respect Is Key: No name-calling or disrespect. Racial or sexist remarks are strictly forbidden. Disruptive members will be removed.
- Communication Standards: While we're not strict about grammar and spelling, remember that your future colleagues are reading. Avoid ALL CAPS, and use the preview button for better posts.
- No Exam Tips: Don't ask for or share specific information about exams or oral boards. All necessary information is available on our forum and website.
- No Profanity: We have a filter, but circumventing it with thinly veiled language will lead to post deletion. Remember, children of applicants and agents might be reading.
- Common Sense and Courtesy: Treat others as you would your own family.
- Issues with Agents: Let me handle any problems with agents. Disrespecting an agent in the forum is grounds for immediate removal.
- Permanent Lockout: If you're locked out, it's final. No amount of pleading will change this.
- Respect Privacy: Don't solicit personal contact information from hiring center personnel.
- Refer Back to Rule #1!
I hope this helps clarify how to engage with our community. Looking forward to your contributions!
Essential Guide to Common Grammar Pitfalls
We're tackling a topic that's vital for clear and professional communication – common grammar errors. It's a challenging area, and even the smallest slip can lead to misunderstandings. This guide is designed to help you navigate these tricky waters. Here's a rundown of some frequent mix-ups and how to steer clear of them:
1. It's vs. Its
- It's is a contraction for "it is." Use it when "it is" fits in your sentence.
- Its indicates possession and seems to break the usual apostrophe rule.
- Incorrect: Your home and all it's contents...
- Correct: Your home and all its contents...
2. They're/Their/There
- They're equals "they are."
- Their shows possession, similar to "her" or "his."
- There refers to a place or position.
- Incorrect: There going on they're weekly lunch...
- Correct: They're going on their weekly lunch...
3. Effect vs. Affect
- Effect is a noun, referring to a result or outcome.
- Affect is a verb, meaning to influence or impact.
- Incorrect: Gold prices have no affect...
- Correct: Gold prices have no effect...
4. Lay vs. Lie
- Lay requires an object (e.g., You lay something down).
- Lie is used without an object (e.g., You lie down).
- Incorrect: I'm going to lay down for a nap.
- Correct: I'm going to lie down for a nap.
5. You're vs. Your
- You're is short for "you are."
- Your indicates possession.
- Incorrect: Your so smart...
- Correct: You're so smart...
6. Loose vs. Lose
- Loose means not tight or free.
- Lose means to misplace or fail to keep.
- Incorrect: Don't loose that key.
- Correct: Don't lose that key.
7. Then vs. Than
- Then is used in the context of time.
- Than is used for comparisons.
- Incorrect: Joyce is prettier then Sarah.
- Correct: Joyce is prettier than Sarah.
8. Could of/Would of/Should of
- The correct forms are could have, would have, should have.
- Incorrect: I could of gotten into college...
- Correct: I could have gotten into college...
9. Different Than vs. Different From
- Use Different from (or "different to" in British English).
- Incorrect: My computer is different than...
- Correct: My computer is different from...
10. i.e. vs. e.g.
- i.e. means "that is" and is used for clarification.
- e.g. means "for example" and introduces examples.
- Incorrect: Free company goodies (i.e, T-shirts...)
- Correct: Free company goodies (e.g., T-shirts...)
11. Grammar vs. Grammer
- Grammar is the correct spelling for the study of language structure.
- Grammer is a common misspelling, often humorously referring to one's grandmother.
- Tip: Ensure you spell 'grammar' correctly, especially when correcting others!
This guide aims to help you communicate more effectively and avoid common pitfalls. Keep these tips in mind for your next post or conversation!
