When Can You Apply for NROTC?

lizadventures

5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2013
Messages
21
Hello all,

I talked to a Marine recruiter today who told me that I can start applying for an NROTC scholarship now (I'm a HS Junior) before a deadline in February. I tried to start the application online and it told me I need to wait until next spring. The recruiter said the earlier I submit an application, the more chances I'll have to receive a scholarship. Basically I'm wondering if the recruiter is right and there's a way for me to start applying now or if I should wait till spring like it says online.
 
Hello all,

I talked to a Marine recruiter today who told me that I can start applying for an NROTC scholarship now (I'm a HS Junior) before a deadline in February. I tried to start the application online and it told me I need to wait until next spring. The recruiter said the earlier I submit an application, the more chances I'll have to receive a scholarship. Basically I'm wondering if the recruiter is right and there's a way for me to start applying now or if I should wait till spring like it says online.

Well the recruiter is correct, except he obviously thought you were a senior and not a junior. You should be able to start your application on or about April 1. Look up the Marine PFT online and start to prepare for it. You will need to take it as part of the application process. Get the best grades you possible can while taking the toughest course load you can (while still getting good grades). Keep out of trouble and seek out leadership roles (eg. team captain, lead a funding drive, whatever... as long as it spells leadership). Practice the SAT/ACT tests. If you register at collegeboard.org and you can have them send you a practice question each day. It really helps.

Good luck! :thumb:
 
Thanks!

I'm taking the SAT next month (seemed so far away when I registered) and making an effort to get in better shape. I won't be team captain as I'll only be playing a sport junior and senior year at my current school (transferred in after freshman year, was injured sophomore year), but I'm Spanish National Honor Society Secretary, a Varsity Debate team member, and taking 4 AP classes this year. I'm also planning to apply to USNA, USAFA, and maybe USMA and their summer seminars, so all the applications will start soon enough.
 
:thumb: Good for you. Sounds like you're on the right track.
 
Well the recruiter is correct, except he obviously thought you were a senior and not a junior. You should be able to start your application on or about April 1. Look up the Marine PFT online and start to prepare for it. You will need to take it as part of the application process. Get the best grades you possible can while taking the toughest course load you can (while still getting good grades). Keep out of trouble and seek out leadership roles (eg. team captain, lead a funding drive, whatever... as long as it spells leadership). Practice the SAT/ACT tests. If you register at collegeboard.org and you can have them send you a practice question each day. It really helps.

Good luck! :thumb:

Kinnem is dead on as usual. Your recruiter may be confused or a little fuzzy as they are trained on bringing in enlisted candidates not ROTC. Your application will open in the spring of 2014.

Your recruiter may suggest your sign up for the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) to strengthen your application. This is basically signing an enlisted contract with a delayed starting time which will be nullified if you get a scholarship. But... if you do not get a scholarship you will be obligated to join the Marines as an enlisted recruit. My advice (and the consistent input of others on this forum) is not to do this if you want to go to college and become a Marine Officer. There are multiple ways to do this and none involve the DEP option.

The route to becoming a Marine Officer is by attending the Naval Academy, NROTC, Platoon Leader Course (PLC) while earning an undergraduate degree or Officer Candidate Course (OCC) after graduation

Recruiters can be a wealth of information and serve a valuable role in the pipeline to fill the service with qualified candidates. They can also help guide potential officers through the application process. But remember, their primary goal is to find recruits for the enlisted ranks.

Good luck
 
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