Joining ROTC late

UC1776

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Mar 23, 2015
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So I think I'm in a bit of a unique situation as far as my ability to joining ROTC. I am a second semester sophomore (in a five year program) and I am just now wanting to pull the trigger so to speak on joining my schools ROTC program. I have been talking to NG/SMP recruiters, but I'm pretty fo on going AD when I commission. That being said I know I could do that through the SMP program or normal ROTC, but I have a low GPA. Even if I did really well through my junior year I would still only have a 3.0 which is only midrange for most AD contracts. However, I was told that I could , join the ROTC program while in grad school if I took MSI and II as an undergrad as well as brought up my GPA by the time I would contract. My school's battalion has told me that this is a viable option, however when that time comes, there may not be any slots to even contract me. I know I could apply to other grad schools and hopefully find one with an ROTC program that would accept me, but I am just looking for feedback from people who have gone through this or have any suggestions about what to do.
 
I don't know much about your situation. However, there are people who choose to go into the military without even being in the ROTC, such as the PLC program. Some pick that route simply because they don't want to juggle both ROTC and college. Have you spoken to an OSO?
 
I don't know much about your situation. However, there are people who choose to go into the military without even being in the ROTC, such as the PLC program. Some pick that route simply because they don't want to juggle both ROTC and college. Have you spoken to an OSO?
If I am understanding you, you are suggesting I go through the Platoon leader course post graduation? If so is that for the marines only or other brances as well? The recruiters I was talking suggested possibly going for a warrent officer position (most likely pilot) which doesn't interest me tremendously. I would prefer to stick to a traditional route of doing ROTC to get my training done while in school. However OCS is a viable option for me, I am a little unclear on the time frame for that. Like if I were to graduate undergrad first, go to OCS, serve my contract and then go to grad school or if I would be able to go to OCS and become an OC, go to grad school and then serve.
 
If I am understanding you, you are suggesting I go through the Platoon leader course post graduation? If so is that for the marines only or other brances as well? The recruiters I was talking suggested possibly going for a warrent officer position (most likely pilot) which doesn't interest me tremendously. I would prefer to stick to a traditional route of doing ROTC to get my training done while in school. However OCS is a viable option for me, I am a little unclear on the time frame for that. Like if I were to graduate undergrad first, go to OCS, serve my contract and then go to grad school or if I would be able to go to OCS and become an OC, go to grad school and then serve.

PLC is a program done over 2 summers while you are an undergraduate. Since it happens in the summer it's not the same burden on you with regard to you studies. You attend PLC in Quantico VA for 6 weeks each of the two summers and are paid while you are there. PLC is for Marine Corps only.

OCS occurs after earning you bachelor degree. You attend OCS in Quantico for 12 weeks. You could go to graduate school before attending as long as you stay within the age requirements. Alternatively you could attend graduate school after you serve your commitment.

You must apply to and be accepted to both of these programs, which is not a given.
 
That being said I know I could do that through the SMP program or normal ROTC, but I have a low GPA. Even if I did really well through my junior year I would still only have a 3.0 which is only midrange for most AD contracts. However, I was told that I could , join the ROTC program while in grad school if I took MSI and II as an undergrad as well as brought up my GPA by the time I would contract.

You would definitely want to choose a path that would allow you to bring your GPA up if you wish to compete for Active Duty, if you are not a STEM major then you will want a GPA that is a few points above 3.0 The new OML has new standards, a cadet that is not a STEM major will already be behind, they reduce the points for non STEM by 4 points meaning the max you can have is a 96. A stronger GPA will help offset this deduction.

Army OCS is competitive as well, a 3.0 won't be high enough for most recruiters to even start an application packet. Going the grad school route to improve your GPA will give you the biggest benefit.
 
You would definitely want to choose a path that would allow you to bring your GPA up if you wish to compete for Active Duty, if you are not a STEM major then you will want a GPA that is a few points above 3.0 The new OML has new standards, a cadet that is not a STEM major will already be behind, they reduce the points for non STEM by 4 points meaning the max you can have is a 96. A stronger GPA will help offset this deduction.

Army OCS is competitive as well, a 3.0 won't be high enough for most recruiters to even start an application packet. Going the grad school route to improve your GPA will give you the biggest benefit.
My undergrad is a STEM major, however for grad school I was looking towards an MBA as of now. That being said I have come to understand the value of a STEM degree in the eyes of ROTC as far as need for those types of cadets as well as from a financial stand point for getting a scholarship. This will definitely impact what I decide to study in grad school, but I will do whatever it takes to get me to where I want to be. Whether thats ROTC or OCS.
 
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