New Prospective Student Fontana Roadmaster

First off I'd like to thank the forum from the bottom of my heart. I applied to CR England thinking the veteran tuition was a worthwhile way to grind out my first year with free schooling. I read the forum about CRE experiences and my jaw dropped. Needless to say I applied to the Roadmaster Fontana, CA location today. It's VA approved, I'm using my post 9/11, and things definitely seem brighter. I'm pretty sure I'm a shoe-in, no speeding tickets, no DUI's, I do have a 9 year old parking ticket and a 2 year old fix it ticket for burnt out license plate bulb. Overall I like my chances.
I do have a couple concerns, mainly being the blood pressure test. I'm a smoker, and will try my best to quit with the patches I purchased. I've had tests in the Marines that either flirted close to the cutoff or went over. Some of that might be white coat syndrome. Also I've put on some pounds since getting out of the military. If there's any advice that a similar borderline trucker can provide I'd be grateful. I don't want to go to the VA hospital and start taking medication. I will if I have to, but i don't know if 141/91 is a hard line or if some leniency is involved.
If anyone else is a graduate from that location I'd definitely appreciate the advice. I've been studying CDL manuals and watching YouTube advice for the tests and backing. My goal is to be in the top of the class and I'm wondering if that will open up more lucrative carriers. Any advice is welcome and again I'm so grateful that the forum prevented me from being a debt burdened lease operator stranded in BFE.

 

Thanks DP, I'm not gonna work for CR England though, I decided to apply for Roadmaster school first as my post said. It's good to know I can still get a one year card even if I creep over the BP limits.