USMA Appointment vs. NROTC

JohnPaulJones

5-Year Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2013
Messages
80
Hello everyone,

I have recently received a full NROTC scholarship to VMI and an appointment to USMA. I have always envisioned myself in the US Navy, but this offer to WP is making me reconsider. First of all, it seems that the academics at WP may be broader and more established than that of VMI. Also, the connections and training that I would receive at WP would be, in my personal opinion, more extensive. PLEASE do not take this post as a school "bashing" thread. I realize that this is a very personal decision for me. Only I can make the final decision based on more factors than just the school (i.e. branch of military). However, I was wondering if anyone else is in a similar situation as I am. If so, what is your thinking process when it comes to this?

Thanks

PS: I am waiting to hear back from USNA.
 
Hello everyone,

I have recently received a full NROTC scholarship to VMI and an appointment to USMA. I have always envisioned myself in the US Navy, but this offer to WP is making me reconsider. First of all, it seems that the academics at WP may be broader and more established than that of VMI. Also, the connections and training that I would receive at WP would be, in my personal opinion, more extensive. PLEASE do not take this post as a school "bashing" thread. I realize that this is a very personal decision for me. Only I can make the final decision based on more factors than just the school (i.e. branch of military). However, I was wondering if anyone else is in a similar situation as I am. If so, what is your thinking process when it comes to this?

Thanks

PS: I am waiting to hear back from USNA.

For most people in this forum, this is a no brainer... take the appointment... that being said... I understand your dilemma, USMA was not your first choice. If USNA does not come through for you, then you have to follow your heart... will you be happy in USMA, or longing for what could have been? Also consider that most ROTC scholarships only cover room and board OR tuition. I am not sure if financial considerations come into your equation. I have also read in these forums that a small percentage of USMA, USNA, and USAFA cadets transfer to "like minded" cadets in other branches during the year... worth looking into. The prestige of West Point vs. any school is no contest. In the end you have to do what is right for you. The good news is you have a lot of great options that most people do not.
 
Plenty of fine officers have come out of NROTC. And going to VMI certainly isn't "the easy path". I'm sure USMA will give you a fine education and excellent military training, but it's not naval training. Chances of transferring from USMA to USNA are virtually nil despite the above post. Chances of re-applying and being accepted to USNA while attending VMI and participating in NROTC are much higher. Id you really want a USNA education you have a much better shot at it from VMI.
 
Hello everyone....

PS: I am waiting to hear back from USNA.

The above posts basically sum it up. From what I have read on these forums, most people would advise you to make a decision based on how you see yourself AFTER graduation. Do you want to be on a ship? Does the army tickle your pickle? Only you can decide that. But, just know that you have options others only dream of. Good luck!
 
For most people in this forum, this is a no brainer... take the appointment....

Yes, this is exactly how I felt and I was disappointed when DD told me she had decided she didn't want to go to an academy. I have now heard from quite a few other parents whose children have turned down appointments to academies to take an ROTC Scholarship. So many of us have the perception that the service academies are the pinnacle for the brightest students and most motivated future officers, and that those who are in ROTC are 2nd class and "couldn't get into an academy." But the reality, that I'm discovering is, that it comes down to personal choice and where the student feels the best fit is for him/her. Go with what feels right to you. I'm even coming to terms that my DD is now preferring <GASP> Navy over the Army (where both myself and her father served). I had thought she wasn't even that interested in Navy and now it's seeming that she is preferring it over Army ROTC.
 
My DD is currently a Plebe at USNA. I was NROTC. All my classmates (SR & JR) from Auburn that stayed active duty have done extremely well. There are plenty of O-6's and a B GEN. Each route offers its own unique experience. Each has its own benefits. But once you are on the job, it is mostly about performance.
 
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