Just so happens my DS is in the process now. He has applied for NROTC MO scholarship but did not receive it during first board. We are waiting on results for second board. He did get a few more rec. letters to add to his package etc. but that is, or has been his plan A. PLC seems to possibly be becoming the new plan A as he has gotten into it. He is also a senior in HS. He met with the OSO right after we received the news he did not get chosen in the first board. The OSO explained the program and gave him a rough application to fill out. It was very similar to the NROTC app. but not quiet as in depth. PLC is also a program you have to be chosen for, (contracted) and is also very competitive. The main difference is that the OSO has much more input into you getting selected. According to the OSO the PFT score is the most crucial of all factors. Not that the others don't matter but PFT is the most weighted. The averages seem to be around 280+ for PLC at Texas Tech. The PLC program has some great advantages over NROTC in our opinion as well. First of all as soon as he graduates high school, he can take the ASTB (flight exam). If he scores well enough, (4/6) he will be guaranteed a flight slot. Not what aircraft he will be flying, but a flight slot. This is the only military program that does this. Especially so early in. Second of all when you go to the first six week session of OCS, (one of two) the summer between your freshman and sophmore year, you start your time of service. You are not paid from that time forward, just time is counted. You are paid E5 pay while at OCS. That means when you graduate college, receive your commission, and finish TBS (school after OCS) you are not only a 2nd LT, but a 2nd LT with 3 to 4 years of service pay scale. That make quiet a difference. The NROTC advantage is obviously having college paid for. In our situation, we have saved for DS's tuition and he may receive some scholarship monies for the other. We won't know that for a few more weeks. One more point. There is no obligation to the PLC program. At any time before commissioning the candidate can drop. Also at any time before commissioning the Marine Corps can drop. The only time I think that happens is if a candidate can't cut OCS. Anyway seems like a great plan B if not a plan A. Do contact your OSO ASAP. With PLC the earlier the better. Also a thank you to Kinnem for your scholarship advice, and driving the point of a plan B, Thanks