Meeting with the unit before orientation. NROTC College Program

5socks5

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I am an incoming freshman who wants to do the NRTOC College Program this fall. I have already contacted the freshman adviser at my university, figuring out the classes I have to register for and getting information about orientation this fall. I register for classes in July, and I've asked my the adviser if I could meet with someone from the unit while I'm at the school. I assume it's important to make a good impression on the unit while also asking some questions that I have. What should I keep in mind for this meeting and what kind of questions should I ask? I've already told my father that I'd like to go alone to this meeting. Are there any other things I should be aware of?

(This is at the University of Illinois at Urbana by the way)

Thank you for any help.
 
Welcome to the forums.

It is always good to make a good impression, since the first impression can be the most important.

I am assuming you want to serve after college. So, probably an important question to ask is about the in-school scholarship program at that unit. It'd be best to let the cadre know that you are interested in contracting, to help your chances at a scholarship. For Navy, there are two types of scholarships; there's the Navy ROTC scholarship, and there is the NROTC - Marine Option (scholarship).

A couple other questions you can ask to express your interest include extracurricular activities the program has, average GPA/PFT scores, what to expect as a first year cadet/midshipmen. I'm sure you're curious and have questions of your own - ask them when you go up and visit.

If you are interested in competing for an on campus scholarship, you need to start preparing for the PFT NOW. Start going on daily runs and work out (if you don't already). Don't expect to score a perfect on the test by starting practice 2 weeks before the test.

I will leave kinnem to fill you in on the nity-grity details.

Good luck!
 
You might also ask the number of scholarships awarded to college programmers this past year and avg grades and PFT scores for winners. Ask about weekend training opportunities. Ask about drill team and what meets they might attend. Ask what's expected of you and what you can expect.
 
If its on a scale of 100, aim for 100. If its 300 (i know Marines is 300) aim for that. DS had 300 when he got his in school scholarship. You need to be at or near the max.
 
I agree with kinnem, if you are shooting for a scholarship in college, get as close to the max. High 80's low 90's for AFROTC would not cut it, the avg in his det was close to a 98. That typically means the low ones were around 94 and the highs were 100.

I would def. ask what their avg is in the det.

Always remember it is the best WHOLE cadet/mid they are looking for, not one that is outstanding in one aspect, but okay in anther.
 
And ask about the in school scholarship application process. I've heard they are making changes.
 
:shake:

When aren't they changing/tweaking the process?

I think every yr they tweak/change something or another. For the OP, I would ask that, but don't be surprised if they say something vague because they have yet to be informed of what the final results of the change will be.

Also, don't be shocked if they ask you some questions about you too. I.E. why the Navy, did you apply for a HSSP, have you practiced the PFT?
 
What should I keep in mind for this meeting and what kind of questions should I ask? I've already told my father that I'd like to go alone to this meeting. Are there any other things I should be aware of?

5socks5: "You never get a second chance to make a first impression"

First, I think it is good to meet with them one on one. Your dad can walk over with you and either dismiss himself after introductions or you can volunteer to introduce him after the meeting. If I remember correctly, there are programs for the parents during orientation so it could be assumed that you will have a parent there.

Second, I applaud your search for suggestions. You have gotten some good ones. Even though it is July and it will be hot and muggy, I recommend you consider dressing nicely.

Do some research on the Navy, ROTC and that specific unit. I seem to remember seeing their website come up in various searches I have done.

Good luck!
 
It seems that their office opens at 8:00. Yet I have to check in for orientation at around 8:30. Does that seem like enough time? Or should I just go down to their office personally on a different day?
 
Speaking from personal experience, I'd advise you to go at a different time. When I went up for my initial visit with the cadre, our conversation lasted (I think) about 1.5 hours (for Army) and 1 hour (for AF).

For one, you don't have 30 minutes, because you then have to walk X minutes from the ROTC building to the orientation building; so essentially you really have 30 - X minutes.

And if you go a different time, you won't be rushed to get through things. You'll have plenty of time to ask questions, and for the cadre to sit down and explain the in-school scholarship process (or rather, what they know so far).
 
I agree with Thompson. Plus, you can throw into that equation they maybe on the phone until 8:10. Basically, you now have maybe 10 mins.
 
I also agree about timing. My suggestion is to request an appointment and see what works. They may be on summer hours (starting and leaving earlier in the day) or perhaps they will be very accomodating of your schedule.

But don't try to cram it into that 8:00 timeframe for the reasons given.

Good luck!
 
Welcome to U of I - NROTC! My DD has just completed her freshman year on scholarship at Urbana/Champaign. I don't know anything about the in-school scholarship process so I can't offer any advice on that point.

I would try to set up an appt; when my daughter and I were there in the summer for her campus orientation there were no staff available at the armory. Later in the day she was able to talk to someone over the phone. The campus orientation has some free time built in - you will have to decide if it is more important to do a suggested dorm room tour OR to try to steal some time to visit one of the officers if they are available.

A lot will depend on your major and how much time it takes with your college advisor to set up your schedule for the fall.

She has enjoyed the NROTC group - but as a female she doesn't bond quite as much as the guys do. It is a smallish group - at least I think so compared to what I have learned on this forum. I think there are only 4-5 women among all 4 grade levels - not sure of the size or gender distribution of the incoming freshmen class.

I would be happy to help you with any specific questions if you want to send a private message. I don't know a lot, but I am willing to try!

Also do you know the dorm you will be in? The 6 pack is the closest group of dorms to the Armory. That's very convenient for the 5:45 PT mornings. (The 6 pack is that group that includes Snyder,)
 
I'm actually in ISR, but I don't think getting up will be too difficult for me. I'm an early riser so it shouldn't be much trouble.
 
Also since I'm a bit nervous about this I just decided to try and schedule an appointment later this week with someone at the unit.
 
Do not be nervous at all. The fact is they are accustomed to working with kids that have no military experience, and understand they are young.

Walk in with the same mindset they have regarding ROTC.

You are apart of a team now and will work together to make the det and you the best officer possible.

If you can accept criticism, you will do fine. If you feel the constant need to defend yourself for negative actions, and not accept their criticism, than you start having problems.

Like any interview, don't ask questions just to ask questions if you think that will impress them (eagerness). If they have answered all of your questions, than thank them for their time and call it a day.

Just remember, most of them have teenage kids at home, they get where you are coming from.
 
Also since I'm a bit nervous about this I just decided to try and schedule an appointment later this week with someone at the unit.[/

Find out if the battalion has a gold bar recruiter. This would be a recently commissioned graduate who has a temporary job with the unit while waiting for the Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) to begin.

Gold bar recruiters can be very helpful in answering questions about the battalion, the school, and how they are related, including matters which you might think trivial or embarrassing. They are more accessible and less busy than the PMS or cadre members. They have a more recent feel for what a cadet experiences and may be more candid.
 
EDelahanty,

I know that the Army does this, but does the Navy do this too?

For AFROTC it would be unlikely to find one. AFROTC grads all go AD, and they are typically not given AD assignments until they go to their bases for their careers. If they are given casual status, than they typically go to their base that they will be permanently stationed at for the next few yrs. Saves money from a PCS perspective...no DLA, no TLA, no movers. It is one move.

All of our DS's friends that graduated with him (26 cadets) went home and waited to report to their base. The only ones that I know of that do something like that are AFA grads, and typically if they are not sent casual status at their base, they are working not with AFROTC, but AFA out of COS.

Not trying to divert the thread, just trying to illustrate, not every branch does the same thing, and interested to see if Navy is like AF or are they like Army.

The main reason they don't do this is due to budgetary reasons. The minute they do it, is the minute they are considered AD. 4 months at home, means 4 less months of pay and benefits. I.E. AFROTC commissions @2200 cadets...2200 multiplied by @ 3000 a month is 6,600,000 a month, plus BAH. 4 months and you are looking at @ 25MN. That is before health insurance, or BAH are included.

I wish they did that. My DS worked for 4 months at JCPenney's, FT, $10/hr, no insurance. Had he been allowed a program like that he would have made 4500 a month instead of 1600. He could have also lived in his apt., instead of us paying 3 mos. of rent since the least was until the end of Aug. He would have had a tidy sum before he reported to his base if they did.
 
Another good catch, Pima. I forgot the thread began with an inquiry about NROTC. My suggestion about calling the gold bar recruiter would be valid for AROTC.

One suggestion which applies to a meeting with cadre of any ROTC branch is: turn off your cell phone beforehand.
 
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