AROTC - first or second board

wisbang35

wisbang35
5-Year Member
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Jun 19, 2010
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Now that it's (finally) almost time for DS to start on the application for the AROTC National Scholarship, I am puzzled over some conflicting information. The recruiting officer at one of the school's we visited said the first board is for those cream of the crop kids, with outstanding test scores, so DS should wait and apply by the second board. The idea being to keep taking the ACT, with time to get the scores to Cadet Command before the second board. I've see that posted here as well.

On the other hand, I've also seen here that submitting by the first board gets the application seen one more time (obviously). But then some have said that any updates, like making captain for a fall sport, better test scores or other things added in the fall won't/can't be updated to the file, so best to wait for the second board. I've also seen where the file can be updated.

What do you all think? I'm not sure what is the best plan with all the conflicting info I have seen. DS has an outstanding resume', just lacking in the ACT - 23 twice. Plans to study March2Success and other practice tests before the next test in the fall.
 
Have him do the SAT too. My DS did better on the SAT than the ACT.

Based on how it worked out for my DS with last year's Army ROTC scholarship process, I would recommend you shoot for the 2nd board deadline and work to get the ACT or SAT scores up.

For Army ROTC, once you submit your file and a board reviews your record and generates a score, you can no longer update your file with accomplishments and test scores.
 
Have him do the SAT too. My DS did better on the SAT than the ACT.

Based on how it worked out for my DS with last year's Army ROTC scholarship process, I would recommend you shoot for the 2nd board deadline and work to get the ACT or SAT scores up.

For Army ROTC, once you submit your file and a board reviews your record and generates a score, you can no longer update your file with accomplishments and test scores.
Thanks Falcon A. That's what I wanted to confirm, that he cannot update his file.
 
Some things can be updated, and some things can't. Your file generates a score.

http://goldenknightbattalion.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/the-whole-person-score-what-is-it/

Some of the parts of the score can be raised, but the file isn't going to be relooked by another board, and you aren't going to get a new interview.

Another variable to keep in mind is what schools are on your list. If you are applying to an SMC or an elite school your SAT/ACT scores are going to need to be higher than if you are competing for a scholarship at Clarkson.

Whether you get everything in for the first board or second board you will still be ahead of the applicants that wait until third board.
 

"Make sure you list all your extra curricular activities. You can go back into your application and add to or change your information. Usually it is easy to do this up until your file is seen by a board. Once you are boarded it doesn’t make much sense trying to make changes, since you already have a score and by changing one thing on you application it probably won’t affect your chances."

Thanks for explaining this nuance.
 
Some things can be updated, and some things can't. Your file generates a score.

http://goldenknightbattalion.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/the-whole-person-score-what-is-it/

Some of the parts of the score can be raised, but the file isn't going to be relooked by another board, and you aren't going to get a new interview.

Another variable to keep in mind is what schools are on your list. If you are applying to an SMC or an elite school your SAT/ACT scores are going to need to be higher than if you are competing for a scholarship at Clarkson.

Whether you get everything in for the first board or second board you will still be ahead of the applicants that wait until third board.

Remember, 900 of the estimated 2,000 AROTC scholarships (45%) go out on the 3rd board (see below.) Although I do agree it's best to always try to be boarded ASAP, it is even more important to put your best foot forward. And in some cases candidates need time to add accomplishments to the file before being boarded,

upload_2015-6-2_10-27-24.png
 
Wow, are those #'s fairly accurate? Or just an example? I knew it was competitive but wow. Even more thankful for DS 3year now!
 
Wow! Very happy my DS got a three year! Mine was completed by the first board and awarded on the third. He was very busy with basketball, auto tech, FFA, dual credit classes, etc. He probably should have retaken the SAT but he wanted to focus on his other obligations. He went on to win a state automotive competition, rank in an FFA competition and he will go into college with 30 hours and a 3.8 gpa. Since he's studying nursing, these hours will make his course load lighter and he can do more with ROTC. I guess the answer to the question depends largely on your child's situation.
 
Does anyone else find the script that is below the slide confusing?

What is this about a September and November Board, and where do they get the 300 number from?

It just doesn't seem to add up to what they show on the slide.
 
That script certainly doesn't match the slide, looks like someone made some edits and didn't update the script. The slide looks about right from what I learned from this site and talking with ROOs.
 
Thanks everyone. My son will go to University of North Georgia, even if he doesn't get the scholarship. The tuition is reasonable, but the scholarship would be great! We're from Ohio, but visited there last June and he attended National Leadership Challenge this past April. He absolutely loves it there.

As I mentioned, he has an outstanding resume, just low ACT score. Eagle Scout, other scouting awards, VP of National Honor Society, won two outstanding academic awards this year, 4 year varsity starter of soccer team, team captain, first team all league and district soccer, leading scorer of high school and club soccer. 3.8 GPA, honors and AP courses, 30 hours dual-enrollment credits. Church member and holds summer jobs, 100+ hours of community service. Also rec'd an award from Ohio Senator Keith Faber for academics and soccer.

When I first became a member of this forum, my son was 12. Now, we're only 10 days away from starting the AROTC scholarship process, and I'm so excited!
 
Based on his GPA and that he has taken honors & AP courses, it seems like his ACT score should be much higher. Does he have any issues taking long tests? I would recommend ACT tutoring or classes that will give tips on how to take the test. I did that for my son, even though he had no issues taking long tests, and he said that it helped.
 
Your son's resume is very much like my son's. Mine was 600M and 530C on the SAT. He had a great resume otherwise. My DS was pursuing nursing, however. I don't think the standardized test has to be as high as for a STEM major. My DS also had decent pft scores. My son was competitive for his school choice. He is not a great standardized test taker but he rocks the college classes. :)
 
With everyone's advice and comments, I'm right back to the initial question. I'm not necessarily asking it again, just thinking out loud. If he takes the ACT again in Sept., it will be too late for the first board. And, chances are good his score doesn't improve much. I have been on him about studying for it on March2Success and other sites. But...then if he doesn't submit the app until the second board, his ACT score may not be any better, and he missed a third opportunity to be reviewed by the board. Other than the possibility of a higher test score, there won't be anything else to be added to improve his resume' between the first and second board.
 
Your son's resume is very much like my son's. Mine was 600M and 530C on the SAT. He had a great resume otherwise. My DS was pursuing nursing, however. I don't think the standardized test has to be as high as for a STEM major. My DS also had decent pft scores. My son was competitive for his school choice. He is not a great standardized test taker but he rocks the college classes. :)

Did your son get a scholarship?
 
With everyone's advice and comments, I'm right back to the initial question. I'm not necessarily asking it again, just thinking out loud. If he takes the ACT again in Sept., it will be too late for the first board. And, chances are good his score doesn't improve much. I have been on him about studying for it on March2Success and other sites. But...then if he doesn't submit the app until the second board, his ACT score may not be any better, and he missed a third opportunity to be reviewed by the board. Other than the possibility of a higher test score, there won't be anything else to be added to improve his resume' between the first and second board.
You're absolutely right. So you need to impress upon him that he has to get those scores up as soon as possible, whether it be ACT or SAT.
 
Wisbang

Obviously your call...but IMHO, the chances of getting a 4yr scholarship off of the first AROTC board without a high SAT or ACT are low. It happens, but it appears to be rare.
 
Thanks Falcon A, I have heard that as well. I'm leaning towards trying for the higher score, and submitting for second board.
Wisbang

Obviously your call...but IMHO, the chances of getting a 4yr scholarship off of the first AROTC board without a high SAT or ACT are low. It happens, but it appears to be rare.
 
One potential issue to scholarship on 1st Board is 30 days to accept and choose your college. Unless went early admission they may not be admitted at the time 1st Board results are released-November, early December. Because 1st Board winners are high achievers they most likely have a high probability of acceptance at most of their colleges. But all the colleges you listed for AROTC see your final choice. Posters have indicated that changing school selections is very often granted but not a guarantee. Son got AROTC on 2nd Board results circa February. By that time he had already applied to his main college choices and been accepted to most. Had no pressure on whether accepted or not. Quite honestly having not gone early admission he would not have been ready by 1st board results. Again, most colleges probably glad to accept the quality candidates from the 1st Board.
 
Given that there is a chance to improve on one of the biggest parts of your total score I would wait for the second board.

As mentioned as well is the college acceptance portion. By allowing him to wait until the second board to submit his application, he can focus on his college apps earlier on and have answers to accept his (hopefully) scholarship.
 
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